Power Rangers: Soul Quest

[bushwacka666]

bushwacka666 here. Presenting the thread for Soul Quest!

This is in fact an old fic of mine. It was the first "proper" PR fic I did, written around the time when Wild Force came to an end. Still experimenting at the time, this fic was never going to turn out quite as good as my later fics (Primal Fury and Fury Of The Zodiac), but even this one has some strengths, I feel.

However, although I had begun posting Soul Quest on here long ago, I ended up abandoning it about half way through - it never actually reached the end. (That is: I had written the entire fic, but just gave up posting the rest of it). But thanks to some renewed interest, and the kind support of a new generation of fic readers (and writers!), I'm bringing it back, and this time I'm going to see it through.

***

So what do you need to know?

- This fic sees the creation of the Combat Rangers: a new team made up of old Rangers, with the task to stop a new evil. Their powers are essentially quite basic, but their main strength will come in the form of their "partners": living spectral beings able to change into a variety of objects and shapes.

- The team for this fic were actually chosen via an old RB poll I put up, back when the PRC forums were still up on ezBoard. So if any of these characters aren't your favourites, remember I didn't choose them - the fandom did!

- The suits for the main 5 Rangers are taken from the Sentai Dairanger. Being the first fic I worked on, these suits were perhaps the obvious ones to use. If you need to refresh on the look, the Time Capsule is your friend. (http://www.supersentai.com/database/1993_dairanger/heroes.html)

- There are a couple of more suits I'm reusing, but these will be revealed as we go. Everything else is my creation, apart from (obviously) the various guest starts that will crop up in the fic.

- The great logo was created, as ever, by Phoenix Ranger.

***

Chapter Guide:

1) Arrangement
2) Coincidence Or Destiny
3) Let Combat Begin
4) Soul Search
5) Dinner Time
6) Pinkie's Promise (Part 1)
7) Pinkie's Promise (Part 2)
8) Shields And Lasers
9) Why Every Ranger Should Have A Soul (Part 1)
10) Why Every Ranger Should Have A Soul (Part 2)
11) Crying A Deep Blue River
12) A Lesson Learnt
13) Fatal Attraction
14) Unmatched Evil (Part 1)
15) Unmatched Evil (Part 2)
16) Unmatched Evil (Part 3)
17) Unmatched Evil (Part 4)
18) Love Conquers All
19) Treydon's Final Stand
20) United Forces (Part 1: A Glimmer Of Hope)
21) United Forces (Part 2: Memory Morph)
22) United Forces (Part 3: A Silver Lining)
23) Dreams Of Reality
24) Brother In Arms
25) Silver Spirit (Part 1)
26) Silver Spirit (Part 2)
27) The Soul Of A Ranger
28) Save Our Souls (Part 1)
29) Save Our Souls (Part 2)
30) Save Our Souls (Part 3)

***

Well, what else is there to say, other than this will all kick off soon. I'm hoping you'll join me :) , and I'm hoping you'll enjoy...

http://home.ripway.com/2004-1/57528/Power%20Rangers/soul-quest.jpg

[dairy ranger]

Sounding good! Brothers in Arms looks like NS beat you to that one!

[bushwacka666]

Sounding good! Brothers in Arms looks like NS beat you to that one!

Actually no. Remember I said this was wrote around the time WF finished - so in fact I beat NS to it! :P ;)

[BlueFireStorm]

This fic has a very intriguing plot and interesting chapter titles, I'm just sorry I wasn't around when this was on ezboard to read. I can't wait to start reading it when it's posted here on Ranger Board.

[bushwacka666]

Thanks BlueFireStorm, I appreciate your interest. :) I'd say that some of the fic's best stuff is Chapters 14-17 - the "Unmatched Evil" 4-parter. If there's just one bit of Soul Quest to look forward to, that would be it! ;)

[wildranger]

not bad at all

[BlueFireStorm]

Then I look forward to reading Soul Crest, but especially to reading the 4-parter "Unmatched Evil". :=)

[bushwacka666]

Well, Chapter 1 is right here. You guys should know that actual morphed action won't start until Chapter 3, but hopefully you can be a little patient! ;) Chapter 1 is shorter than most, serving as a little intro to the characters that were chosen. I hope you like. :)

[bushwacka666]

It was a city, a big city. All the cities that evil forces have dwelled in before – Angel Grove, Mariner Bay, Silver Hills and Turtle Cove – none have been quite on the same scale as this one. It boasted huge skyscrapers, which created a towering forest of building structures throughout. It was constantly filled with a countless number of people, many of who were more than comfortable with just going about their normal; everyday lives. It even contained a few famous tourist spots and other modern marvels, which attracted hundreds; perhaps even thousands of awe-inspired visitors every day.

Its name, was New York.

*

A school bus parked outside a museum, its brakes loudly squeaking as it grinded to a halt. The class of young children filed out, accompanied by three teachers – a male and two females. One of these females had short; brown hair, the other had long; blonde hair.

“Ok then class,” said the female teacher with the brown hair, “we all hope you enjoy this visit, but remember that we’re having it so that you can learn, ok?”

“Right” agreed the male teacher. “Now, you all know which teacher you’re going with. Please stay with your teacher and group at all times. It is quite a big museum, and we don’t want any of you getting lost”.

The children then went into their groups, and the class began their day visit.

*

“Ok kids,” the blonde haired teacher spoke to her group (about an hour later), “this is a good room for a lot of interesting African art and artefacts. Feel free to look around at whatever you want, and I’d like it if you all got some notes down on some of them. But be careful and please don’t touch anything – I don’t want you to get into any trouble, ok?”

“Yes, Miss Hillard” replied the young group.

“Good. Ok, go ahead. Take a look around”.

Katherine Hillard sighed wearily as her group went off to look around the room. She was pretty worn out already, and it had only been an hour! Maybe it was the bus ride to the museum. Maybe it was because she had been walking around non-stop for an hour. Maybe it was her group that she was looking after – she loved being with these kids, (she wouldn’t have become a teacher if she didn’t), but it did get a little tiring sometimes.

Katherine – or Kat, as she was commonly known – began to take a look herself at some of the items on display. Nothing better to do right now, so why not? She began to browse a shelf of small statue-like objects, scanning from left to right. In fact, she overlooked one at first, but then she caught herself and took another look.

She stared; blinked; and stared again at the blue; mask-styled idol on the shelf. Could it be? Surely not – what would he be doing here? Jason set him free…but it looks just like him. It even has a hole in the front, as if for a key…

Suddenly, Kat heard a familiar voice, not out loud, but in her own mind: ‘Katherine. Katherine, can you hear me?’

She leaned in closer towards the idol on the shelf. “Auric?” she whispered to it.

‘Yes Katherine, it is I’.

“What are you doing here?” Kat asked, being careful to keep her voice down.

‘I am afraid there is no time to explain now,’ came the reply in her mind, ‘but I will need to talk with you’.

“Er, well I’m kind of busy now, Auric”.

‘Can you return later?’

“Not today. At the weekend, Saturday”.

‘Very well’.

Kat began to speak again, but was interrupted by a call from one of her class: “Miss Hillard, come and have a look at this”.

Kat took one last look at Auric’s idol form on the shelf, before joining her class.

*

“Wow, that was a great movie” exclaimed Adam Park, as he walked out of the cinema.

“Yeah it was,” replied Tanya Sloan, “I liked it. What did you think Billy?”

“Wasn’t too sure about the beginning of it, but the rest of it was pretty good. The actual cinema itself was impressive too – New York has a lot to offer”.

Tanya and Adam were actually surprised. William Cranston – Billy to his friends – hadn’t really said a whole lot since he came back from Aquitar a few months ago. Both Tanya and Adam had the feeling that something had happened on the water planet that made Billy want to leave, but anything that may have happened, he kept to himself. His friends were a bit worried about him, but if Billy didn’t want to talk about it, they weren’t exactly going to try and force the truth out of him.

The three friends decided to take a back alley, and avoid all the congestion in the streets. However, they soon realised that they had taken a wrong turn, when they reached a brick wall.

“Huh, dead end” said Tanya. “This city’s such a big place, you can get lost pretty easily”.

They turned around to walk back to the main street, but found that their path was blocked – by a gang of street thugs who had walked up behind them.

‘Must be about 10 of them’ thought Adam as he tried to count the figures in the darkness. The gang took a few steps closer to them.

“Alright,” spoke one of the gang members, “this is one of those old-fashioned muggings ok? Hand over your wallets, loose change, credit cards, and anything else of value”.

“And what if we don’t?” Adam demanded.

“Look,” the gang member said again, “you give us what we want, and we’ll give you what you want”.

“What’s that?” asked Billy. It was at that point when some of the gang members revealed a few knives, and even a couple of chains with some heavy-looking padlocks attached on the end. The gang leader answered Billy’s question: “The chance to walk out of here alive”.

The gang started to advance further towards the friends, but stopped dead when something suddenly appeared between them. Tanya; Adam and Billy couldn’t make out what it was in the black of the night, but it looked like the gang had a clear view.

“What the…” began the leader. He threw a hard-looking punch at the figure before him, which caused a loud metallic clang to ring through the air. The gang leader clutched his hand in pain. Another member of the gang swung a chain at the figure, causing yet another clang to sound. The figure remained unharmed. He brought up his arms in front of him, and everyone watched in amazement as a large; gold sword suddenly materialised in his hands.

“Leave,” he said to the street gang, “now!” The gang didn’t need to be told twice, and ran away as fast as they could. The sword disappeared again, and the figure turned around. The friends now got a good look at who had scared off the thugs.

“Auric?” said Tanya. “Oh my god, I don’t believe it!”

“Hello Tanya; Adam; Billy. It is a pleasure to see you again”.

“What are you doing here?” Adam asked.

“I am actually here to see you three” replied Auric.

“About what? What do you mean?” asked Billy.

“Unfortunately, there is no time to talk now. Please come to the local museum on Saturday. I will explain all then”. The friends had no time to reply, as Auric promptly disappeared.

*

Meanwhile, elsewhere in New York, a taxi cab pulled up to the side of the road, and a young man stepped out. He paid the driver, and the cab drove away.

This man was here for a reason. He had heard reports of a ‘large man of metal’ lurking about the city lately, and he had come here personally to check it out. His friends had insisted that it was probably nothing, but he had made up his mind to investigate.

Andros took a deep breath. This was a big city, and it was going to take some searching.

[bushwacka666]

Saturday had arrived in New York. The morning sunlight swept throughout the city, sharing its warmth. The citizens went about their daily business: going to work; seeing friends; shopping, whatever they had to do. Everyone went about their lives, entirely unaware of the danger that was on its way forward.

*

At the museum, Kat walked into the same room that she had been in a few day previous, where she had found Auric standing on one of the shelves. She immediately went over to the same shelf, but Auric was no longer there. Looking around, Kat saw that there were a few other people in the room – it was a public place after all! Kat sighed: it looked like she might have to wait a while.

Kat had some time to kill while she waited, so she began to half-browse through some of the artefacts on display. However, her mind was constantly wondering about what Auric had come back for. She guessed that it must be something important, especially if he had risked appearing in a public place in order to see her as soon as possible.

However, there was also another worry on the Australian’s mind. Whatever Auric had returned for, it was clear that he had approached Kat for her help. Did he need her to do something? If so, would she still be able to? She knew that she would be willing to assist in any way that she could, but it had just been a long time since she was involved with anything like this…

*

About 15 minutes passed, and Kat was still pretending to scan through the displays. People had come and gone out of the room, but there had never been a single moment when she had been on her own. While half-reading one of the signs below a rather ugly-looking African mask, Kat saw three more figures enter the room, out of the corner of her eye. She sighed again, doubting if there would ever be an opportunity.

“Oh my god! Kat, is that you?”

Kat looked up at the female voice which had suddenly called out her name. She turned her head, realising that it was one of the three figures who had just walked in a few moments ago. As she faced the trio, she instantly recognised their faces.

“Tanya! Adam! Billy!” Kat went up to her old friends, exchanging greetings and hugs. “It’s so good to see you guys again”.

“It’s good to see you too Kat” Adam agreed. “It’s been a while”.

“What are you doing here?” Tanya asked her best friend.

“Well actually…” Kat took a glance around, making sure that no-one was in earshot as she shuffled closer to her friends and lowered her voice: “I’m here to meet Auric”.

“So are we” replied Billy, in the same hushed tone.

“What do you mean?”

“Auric came to see us a few days ago” said Tanya. “He said he needed to talk to us about something, and asked us to meet him here today”.

“But,” added Adam, “he didn’t tell us what it was all about”.

“Exactly the same thing that he told me then” replied Kat. “I’ve been waiting here for about an hour and a half though, and haven’t seen or heard any sign of him”.

As if by magic, all four of the friends suddenly heard a voice ring in their heads, instantly recognising it as Auric’s. They all jumped slightly at the same time, startled at the sudden mental intrusion. Luckily, nobody else had seemed to notice.

‘My friends,’ began Auric’s voice, ‘I am glad that you have arrived. Please step around the corner to your left. You will be out of sight there, and I can teleport you to me’.

Without any response, and being careful to remain as innocent as possible, the friends walked over to the corner of the room. They stepped behind the wall, blocking them from the sight of the other people. Then, feeling that familiar sense coming over them once more, they disappeared in streaks of light.

*

The four friends now stood in a small and narrow alley, which they guessed was in the back-streets still somewhere in New York. They were the only people in sight, which provided a much more appropriate setting for their meeting with Auric – who now proceeded to arrive before them, walking into view from around the corner.

“Auric!” Tanya exclaimed, as their large blue friend approached them.

“Hello again, all of you” replied Auric in greeting. “Please accept my apologies for any inconveniences that this entire situation may have caused, but there was no other choice. I am afraid that I had to get you all in one place”.

“Why? What’s going on Auric?” Adam asked.

“All will be revealed in good time, Adam. However, all of whom I wish to talk to have not yet arrived”.

“What? Who else did you call?” asked Billy.

“One more person. He should be here any second now…”

As if on cue, a threatening shout was heard. The group turned to see a lone male figure running at full speed towards them. As the man approached them, he leaped into the air, performing a flying kick straight towards Auric.

Auric, in response, calmly raised his hand towards the figure.

“Stop!” Auric commanded.

The figure halted in the middle of his attack, and now remained suspended in midair.

“What the…” began the man. “Put me down, you big blue buffoon!”.

Adam walked closer to the figure, and now recognised who it was: “Andros?”

“Adam!” shouted Andros, glancing below him and realising who it was. “Adam, watch out – get away from that thing!”

“Andros, calm down. This is a friend”.

“If he’s a friend, then why am I hanging here like this?”

“Apologies…” said Auric, who lowered his hand. Andros suddenly fell to the ground, landing hard with a thud. Auric looked down at him: “…but you were about to attack me!”

Adam walked over to Andros and helped him up.

“So who are you?” Andros asked the blue figure.

“Auric the Conqueror, at your service”. Auric bowed his head in greeting, before gesturing to the other three humans standing beside him. “And this is Katherine Hillard; Tanya Sloan and William Cranston”.

“What are you doing here in New York, Andros?” asked Adam.

“I came here to investigate some reports that I had heard, of a ‘large man of metal’ in the city. I figured it could be trouble, and this guy…” Andros pointed at Auric, “…is who I’ve been following around”.

“Andros,” stated Auric, “indeed I am the one that you had heard about, but I have not carried any treacherous acts. As a matter of fact, I am the one who has come here to help stop them”.

“What do you mean?” enquired Andros.

“I have brought you here to enlist your assistance” replied Auric. “The planet is in grave danger, and it needs you to save it!”

“What’s going on?” asked Billy. “What’s the situation?”

“An evil force is approaching the planet, and I have chosen the five of you to act once more in putting an end to this evil threat”.

“You mean, as Rangers?” asked Tanya.

“Precisely” Auric confirmed. Without another word, he summoned his sword in hand, and raised it to the sky. The blade suddenly began to glow, and the entire group disappeared in a flash of golden light.

*

Now, the group stood in an open area. The sky was pitch-black, but no stars shone through. The ground was a rough; dusty and uneven grey rock. This ground stretched for as far as the eye could see. Nothing else was in sight, apart from a small plinth stationed in front of them, which also appeared to be made out of rock. Resting on this plinth was a small wooden box.

“Where are we?” asked Kat.

“Another dimension,” replied Auric, “which very few beings are aware of. I have brought you here in order to bestow the power upon you”.

“Are the powers in that box?” Tanya asked.

“Patience Tanya. First, there are things that you must see”.

Auric stepped to one side, as a holographic projection appeared beside him. The group watched the images that flashed up on the hovering screen.

The first image was a ball of red energy. It seemed to hover above the ground, and glowed brightly. The energy swirled around it hypnotically.

“What’s that?” Adam enquired.

“Not what, Adam, but who” corrected Auric. “This spectral being is known as Dramax, the leading figure of the new evil. I agree that he may not look that menacing to you, but believe that he is extremely powerful! Nobody knows where he came from, nor are they certain of the extent that this evil creature’s power reaches.”

The image changed, and now showed a large figure – what appeared to be a robot of some description. Coloured a dull and rusty grey, and with the odd spray of wires sticking out of joints. The body could have been best described as a more stocky version of C-3PO from classic Earth movie Star Wars. However, the head was a much different sight: a pyramid-shape, with a single; red triangle in the middle.

“This is Treydon,” Auric continued, “general of Dramax’s forces. He is strong, and faster than he appears to be. He is armed with a sword, and is a tough fighter. Thankfully, Treydon rarely enters a battle himself – only when he considers the option necessary”.

The hologram changed again, now showing what was literally a huge green blob of slime, with two smooth; red eyes on what the group assumed was the head. The bulbous ooze was accompanied by about three or four figures. These figures were blue in skin colour, all over. They wore no form of clothing, and had eyes similar to the slime, but black. Thick strands of black; wiry-looking hair sat atop of their heads.

“Yuck, gross!” exclaimed Kat, making a disgusted face as she saw the big slimy blob. “I don’t think I even want to know what that thing is!”

“Her name is Blot. She is the scientific mind behind Dramax’s forces, and is the one that creates all of the monsters that he sends down to attack. The figures surrounding her are known as Trents. These soldiers are quite tough, and some may be armed with short daggers”.

The hologram disappeared, and Auric faced the group.

“Now, you have seen what Earth is up against this time. The most alarming news, however, is the fact that they are on the way to the planet even as we speak”.

“What do they want?” Billy asked. “I mean, what’s their motive for wanting to attack Earth”.

“Dramax’s sole purpose is for conquest and destruction. He has no particular reason for wanting to attack Earth – merely to continue his reign of terror”.

“Well in that case,” spoke up Andros, “I’d better stop him. Take me back to Earth – when he gets here, I’ll be waiting for him!”

“Not so fast, Andros” Auric scolded. “You are not ready. To battle this new threat, you will need access to capable powers”.

“Excuse me,” Andros shot back, “but what the hell do you think this is?” He lifted up his left arm, revealing a device strapped to his wrist. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be!”

“You may think that, but take it from me, you do not realise how wrong you are. Your Astro Morpher has served you well in the past, but it is no match for Dramax’s forces. Andros: you are not prepared to fight even one Trent, let alone Dramax himself!”

Andros fell silent. Auric took this as his cue to point towards the wooden box on the plinth. The lid of the box magically opened, and the group peered inside to see five identical objects laying inside. Quite simple in design, the object was basically a gold circle, carved with various symbols, attached to a wristband. Set in the centre of the circle was a small jewel. Each of the devices had a different coloured jewel: pink; yellow; green; blue; and red.

“These are the Combat Morphers,” stated Auric, “which will provide powers capable of fighting Dramax”.

“I still say I can handle them!” Andros insisted. “My Morpher looks a lot better than those things, and…”

“Looks can be deceiving!” Auric cut him off. “We must act quickly, as time is always of the essence”. Auric walked to the plinth, standing beside it. “Now, everyone form a circle around me, and prepare to receive your new powers”.

*

The five stood around Auric and the box. Auric raised his sword to the sky, and it began to glow. Suddenly, two golden beams of electrical-looking energy emitted from the blade. One of these beams wrapped itself around Kat’s right wrist, and pulled it out in front of her. The other beam touched the Combat Morpher with the pink jewel. It lifted it up, and brought it towards Kat’s wrist, automatically fastening the strap.

“Katherine,” Auric announced, “you will assume the role of the Pink Combat Ranger. May it enlighten your path to beauty and contentment”.

The beam then moved to Tanya’s right wrist, also hoisting it up. The other beam touched the Morpher with the yellow jewel, and brought it over.

“Tanya,” continued Auric, “you will assume the role of the Yellow Combat Ranger. May it enlighten your path to talent and patience”.

The beams then moved to Adam, and the Morpher with the green jewel.

“Adam, you will assume the role of the Green Combat Ranger. May it enlighten your path to discipline and self-realisation”.

The beams moved to Billy and the blue-jewel Morpher.

“Billy, you will assume the role of the Blue Combat Ranger. May it enlighten your path to knowledge and inner courage”.

Finally, the beams moved to Andros and the last remaining Combat Morpher, with the red jewel.

“Andros, you will assume the role of the Red Combat Ranger. May it enlighten your path to leadership and respect”.

*

“You now possess the power,” announced Auric to the team, “and you must use it wisely if you are to succeed against Dramax and his forces”.

“So what kind of things do these new powers give us?” Adam asked Auric.

“You are all equipped with standard sidearm weapons, and Zords”.

“Is that it?” exclaimed Andros, clearly annoyed that he had just accepted powers which supplied so little. “I told you I could already handle this. At least my Space powers pack some heavier artillery!”

“Irrelevant at this point. I am sure that you can cope just fine, at least initially: standard sidearms and Zords were all that the original Power Rangers of Earth had to begin with, were they not?”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Billy confirmed, “and we coped just fine”.

“But Andros does have a point, Auric” stated Tanya. “I mean, won’t we need some extra help as the fight goes on? As I recall, it’s always been needed before!”

“Agreed” Auric acknowledged. “Give me some time. I am attempting something, and if all goes well, then you will have something extra to assist you in your battle”.

“What do you mean?” asked Kat.

“I am sorry Rangers, but time is running out with each passing moment. I must send you back to New York. Be prepared, for when Dramax arrives and attacks, the fate of the world will once again rest in your hands.

[BlueFireStorm]

Chapters One and Two were attention grabbers, Im so hooked into the story. I liked how you brought the original characters into play, along with Auric. I even liked how you had Andros be a little reluctant to receive the new powers and try to rely on his Space Ranger powers. I can't wait for the next Chapter and the rest of the series, it's already looking to be a blast. :=)

[bushwacka666]

Thanks BlueFireStorm. I think that's the best feedback Soul Quest ever received this early on into the fic! ;)

[bushwacka666]

I'll post Chapter 3 now, just to help things along. New posts won't always come this quick, but I feel it's about time the Ranger action hurried up and got here already!

[bushwacka666]

For the remainder of the day, the new team made use of the time to get reacquainted with one another. Andros had gotten to know the new faces that he had never met before, and quickly found himself growing to like them all.

‘Are all Power Rangers this friendly?’ he thought to himself. When he had first met up with his old Space Ranger team, he had found people as equally as kind. As their team continued to fight, he had formed close relationships with all of them. The same thing happened with the other members of the recent Ranger campaign codenamed ‘Forever Red’. Andros had a feeling that he was about to make even more close friends right here and now.

*

Sunday morning, and out in space, a huge spaceship screamed towards the planet Earth. It was shaped like a massive tarantula, with a dull green hull. Its many legs scrambled along, as if the spaceship was literally walking on the vacuum in order to move. Two large red eyes on its head peered at its target.

However, despite the craft’s ominous size, it slipped by completely unnoticed – a cloaking device rendered the craft invisible to anything and everything.

*

Inside the tarantula craft, three beings resided in one of the chambers: a large circular room, with a large double-length door on one wall. In the centre of the room was a thick; transparent tube, which reached from ceiling to floor. Inside this tube hovered Dramax, his mere presence radiating evil. On either side of Dramax’s tube were his subordinates, Treydon and Blot.

“Master,” began Treydon, the red triangle on his head flashing in time with his speech, “we have arrived at the planet known as Earth”.

“Excellent!” came Dramax’s reply. Although the ethereal being was clearly visible in the middle of the room, his deep and growling voice seemed to echo from all around.

“Now is the time,” continued Dramax, “to begin our attack. I will not rest until every last iota of the Universe is within my grasp, and Earth is a perfect place to continue my reign of terror. Treydon, have you chosen an ideal location for the initial strike?”

“Yes Master”.

“Good. Blot, are the Trents ready?”

“Yes Master,” Blot spoke up, her red eyes also flashing along with her speech, “all is prepared. The Trents shall be deployed at your command”.

“Then let the attack begin – and spare no-one!”

*

It was one of those ‘dream’ Sundays in New York City. The sun shined warmly and brightly, clearly visible in the clear blue sky. In a park, several people spent their leisure time accordingly. People sunbathed, couples and families shared picnics, little children played under supervision of their parents. Everyone was having a good time.

The clouds swept in quickly. In fact – too quickly! Within seconds the entire sky was covered with thick; black clouds. The sun could no longer be seen, as the park was sent into darkness. The citizens who saw the clouds prepared to go, expecting the rain to fall any second.

The rain fell – and it was raining Trents!

First rendered motionless in shock, then running for their lives, the citizens began to flee the scene as fast as they could. The Trents advanced towards them as soon as they hit the ground. The clouds disappeared as quickly as they had arrived, but the Trents remained.

The back-haired and blue-skinned figures lashed out at more or less anything that was close enough. Trees; fences; benches – even a innocent dog had strayed too close to one of the evil soldiers, and had experienced the consequence for doing so! Thankfully, the citizens had by now fled the scene. But it wouldn’t take long for the Trents to advance further into the city – unless there was something that could stop them…

*

Just across the road, from around the corner of a nearby building, five figures looked on at the situation before them.

“Those look like the Trents” said Tanya.

“Yeah, it’s them alright” Billy confirmed.

“I think everyone’s out of the way,” observed Kat, “but those things need to be stopped”.

Adam nodded in agreement: “I think it’s time we gave our new powers a test run!”

The group went back around the corner, and glanced around to ensure that nobody else was watching.

“Ok guys,” announced Andros, “let’s do it!”

In sync with one another, the friends raised their right arms in front of them, the Combat Morphers strapped to their wrists. Lifting their left hands to the jewels in the centre, they tapped on them, shouting the call in unison:

“Combat Crash Course!”

*

The Trents walked across the park, still continuing their rampage. However, they suddenly stopped as they saw five figures stand before them. They were clad in similar uniforms: their arms; legs and helmets were each in a different colour. They all had white chests; with a gold strip running down the middle, and an emblem which bore coloured stripes. They wore gold belts, and the helmets also had their own individual gold pattern on them.

Obviously the soldiers had never seen these newcomers before, but recognised them as a Ranger team all the same. Therefore, they assumed a fighting stance, ready to begin battle in the name of their Master.

“Sorry,” declared Andros, “this is as far as you get. Ready guys?”

“Ready!” replied the other four in unison.

“Alright then, let’s go!”

Without any further comment, the Rangers leaped into action.

*

Adam was the first to begin the fight against his group of Trents. The first of the soldiers were met with a fierce roundhouse kick to the side of the head. Adam kicked another in the chest, but failed to see a third grab him from behind. This Trent tugged hard, and sent Adam literally flying through the air, landing with a hard thud on the grass. The Green Ranger was dazed by this, but recovered quickly enough to extend his leg, sweeping the same Trent off its feet as it approached.

Kat cartwheeled into the middle of another Trent group. One after another tried to deliver a punch in, but Kat expertly blocked them all, even getting in her own blow against some. Unfortunately, the Pink Ranger couldn’t keep up with the attacks coming in from all sides, and soon found herself being weakened by the fight. Fighting to find a bit more energy, Kat jumped out of the ring around her. Landing again, she looked on as the Trents turned towards her, all but three of them forming a straight line towards her. She wasn’t sure if she could handle them all.

“Kat!” called a voice from nearby. Kat looked over to see Tanya, fending off two lone Trents. She appeared to have a lot more energy at present.

“Kat, trade places!” Tanya called again. Kat nodded in agreement – she could take care of two by herself, no problem. She started off, jumping into the air, with Tanya doing the same. The two high-fived in midair, and replaced each others’ positions. The Yellow Ranger was able to use momentum to her advantage, with a flying kick striking the Trent at the front of the line, and knocking the others over like dominoes. The two Trents who had not been in the line advanced towards her. One tried to topple her with a leg-sweep, but Tanya effortlessly dodged it. However, when she landed is when the other Trent did the same sweep. Tanya was grounded, and both Trents prepared to bring a kick down. But Tanya wasn’t going to have it that way: using the muscles in both of her legs, she pushed her attackers backwards, before flipping to her feet to continue the fight.

Although he had been one of the original Rangers of Earth; and had learnt a lot from his fellow team-mates, Billy had still never really been a fighter. Therefore, he was thankful that Andros had decided to team up with him for this fight. Billy gave one Trent a solid punch in the jaw, and delivered a side kick to another, but failed to see two more rush him from the other side. Surprised, Billy felt the full charge of the soldiers, and flew back a few feet. Luckily, Andros ran in at that point. Jumping high into the air, he extended both of his legs, making contact with the soldiers on his gravity-forced return. Quick to flip to his feet, Andros traded blows with another, but it dodged him and picked him up, throwing him to the ground beside Billy.

“Man,” Andros exclaimed, “these things just don’t know when to quit!”

“Then I think we should educate them!” declared Billy, as he moved one hand to the holster by his belt. Andros noticed this movement, and did the same.

“Ready?” asked Andros, as he removed the sidearm.

“Ready” came Billy’s reply.

“Combat Blasters – fire!”

The Blue and Red Rangers aimed and squeezed their triggers, sending out energy bolts in their colours. They struck the Trents in the chests, knocking them down to the ground, motionless.

*

“What?” roared Dramax, floating in his tube, angered from what he had just witnessed on the observation screen. “Earth has a Ranger team?”

“It would appear to be so, Master” answered Treydon. “We were not aware that any existed on this planet. But on the positive side, the fight brought some difficulty for them”.

Treydon turned towards Dramax. “Master: I request your permission to fight them myself”.

“No, not yet! Blot?”

“Yes Master?” Blot looked at Dramax, awaiting his orders.

“Choose a monster and send it down to Earth straight away. And make it grown to begin with – we might as well finish this quickly!”

“Right away, Master”.

*

“Alright, good job guys” Andros commended his team as they regrouped.

“I’ve gotta say though,” stated Adam, “those things are tougher than they look”.

“Well I won’t argue with that,” Tanya agreed, “but we handled it pretty well”.

Before anyone else could reply, the ground immediately behind them was struck with three huge laser blasts. The team were caught in the potent blast, and sent hurtling forward. Landing hard, they turned around to see what had fired at them.

A fat and ugly-looking lizard monster, already at giant size. Dark green; scaly skin covered its body, and looked to be slick with slime. Lighter green eyes with black pupils peered down at the Rangers, and jagged yellow teeth could clearly be seen from its mouth.

“Whoa!” cried the Rangers in unison, as they had not expected the sight before them.

“Looks like we annoyed somebody by taking care of his Trents” Billy observed.

“We must have annoyed him a lot then” added Kat. “It’s not often that a monster arrives already at giant size”.

The lizard monster brought up his right foot, before stamping it on the ground. The Rangers rolled to one side with the tremor.

“Auric told us that we had some Zords” said Adam. “I think it’s time we used them!”

“Agreed” replied Andros. “Alright, let’s do it!”

Standing proud, the Rangers reached their hands to the sky, and called as one: “We need Combat Zord power, now!”

Seemingly out of nowhere, came five huge machines – all a light silver in colour, quickly approaching the scene. The Rangers turned as they saw their new Zords arrive.

Two Zords speeded along the ground, trundling on several wheels. These vehicles were mostly a cuboid shape, but had pointed fronts. The windows here clearly showed that these were the cockpits. One of the vehicles had a pink stripe along the side, the other had a yellow stripe.

Two more Zords had the appearance of spaceships, screaming through the air at blinding speed. Shaped sort of like a streamlined trapezium; with another trapezium-shaped cockpit on the top, the two Zords both had thin but sturdy wings stretched out from their sides. One Zord had a green stripe along its side, the other had a blue stripe.

The fifth Zord was a warrior-class, running through the buildings. Its chest had a red stripe down each side, and a gold circle in the middle. Three smaller gold circles lined its lower body. The head had a black V-shaped visor, and a gold mouth-plate.

“Alright!” shouted Andros as he saw the Zords near the scene. “Let’s go guys!”

“Right!” came the unified reply. The Rangers then jumped up, turning into streaks of coloured light as they entered the cockpits.

“Rangers,” called Andros from his cockpit, “sign on”.

“Pink Sun Combat Zord, online!” said Kat.

“Yellow Star Combat Zord, revved and ready!” shouted Tanya.

“Green Nova Combat Zord, engaged!” cried Adam.

“Blue Moon Combat Zord, activated!” called Billy.

“Red Nebula Combat Zord, ready to rock!” Andros completed the line-up. “Ok guys, let’s see what these things can do!”

*

Taking the controls, the Rangers moved their Zords into attack positions.

The monster just roared in reply.

Kat and Tanya were the first to attack, each firing the twin cannons mounted on the front of their Zords. Huge pink and yellow bolts of energy struck the monster, appearing to cause some damage. The cannons were slow to fire, but seemed to pack a punch! Roaring in pain, the monster thrust a foot forward. Kat and Tanya barely had time to swerve out of the way. They avoided the scaly stomper, but now had to re-position themselves in order to continue the attack.

Andros moved in next, finding his footing to engage in combat. Andros and the monster traded blows with each other. The Red Ranger found that his Combat Zord was quite manoeuvrable, and used that to his advantage as he dodged a swipe from the monster before delivering his own punch to its chest, then kicking it in the side to surprise it. However, the monster responded to this by literally shoving the silver robot in the chest, causing it to stumble backwards.

Adam took this as his opportunity to dive in. Although his cannons were weaker compared to Kat and Tanya’s, they fired at a much faster rate. Adam found this compensation adequate as he let out a flurry of green lasers upon the monster. As the huge lizard clawed at Adam’s Zord, he quickly swooped out of the way. Billy, however, was right behind him, and delivered the same blue-laser attack to the monster.

The monster was occupied with trying to land a hit on the two air-fighters, that Andros was free to attack again. He kicked the monster in the back, then fired a red laser blast from the circle on its chest. The monster hit the ground, but was quick to recover. Opening its mouth, the monster shot out several energy bolts, the same which it had fired before. Two of the bolts caused a blast which Kat and Tanya got caught in, while a third struck Andros’ Zord in the chest. The robot stumbled backward, which Adam and Billy had to quickly swerve to avoid.

“Guys,” called Andros over the communication system, “I think it’s time we take it up a notch. Ready?”

“Ready!” replied the others.

“Alright. Begin combining sequence!”

*

The sequence was a simple one, but all the same achieved the same effect as the others before it. Kat and Tanya’s Combat Zords ground to a halt, before the cockpit sections began to lower to the ground. They then pivoted, becoming the legs with the cockpits forming the feet. Kat’s Zord was on the right, Tanya’s on the left. A section at the back of both Zords lowered inside, creating holes at the top of the legs.

Andros’ Red Nebula Zord jumped high into the air, and outstretched its arms, the hands sliding inside. Adam and Billy’s Zords swooped in. The backs of their Zords also lowered to form holes. Adam’s Zord encased the left arm of Andros’ Zord, the arm fitting into the hole. Billy’s Zord repeated the motion on the right arm.

The feet on Andros’ Zord pivoted until they were extensions of the legs, then they too slid inside. The Zord then descended, each leg sliding into one of the holes on Kat and Tanya’s Zords.

Finally, extra components appeared out of thin air. A huge gold chest-plate; with a single black circle in the middle; locked onto the front of the configuration, while black shoulder pads enclosed over the shoulders of Andros’ Zord, and black fists attached to the end of the arms (formed by the Zords of Adam and Billy). A golden helmet was the final addition, with the same shaped mouth-plate and visor as Andros’ Zord (but in silver), and a red jewel on the forehead. The helmet came down, locking itself over the Red Nebula’s head.

The five Rangers emerged in their new cockpit, prepared for battle. Together, they announced the command:

“Combat Megazord, power up!”

*

The Rangers advanced the Combat Megazord towards the monster, instantly trading blows upon reaching it. The Rangers were quick to deliver a solid right punch to the monster’s chest, then tried the same with the left. However, this time the lizard managed to knock the arm away, and thrust a clawed hand at its opponent. The Megazord back-peddled, but stood firm. It kicked the monster with its left foot, then fired a few laser blasts from the jewel on its forehead. The monster roared in pain, but didn’t seem like it was about to give up just yet.

“I say we finish off this overgrown iguana now!” suggested Adam.

“Agreed” replied Billy.

“Ok then, let’s do it” announced Andros. “Combat Sabre!”

The huge golden sword appeared in the Megazord’s right hand.

Instead of being cautious of this new development, the monster seemed to have the opposite intent, charging towards the Megazord. The Rangers acted quickly, swiping the blade of its weapon across the lizard’s chest, then performing another hack on its shoulder. The monster was forced to tumble aside.

“Let’s finish this thing off guys!” declared Andros.

All the Rangers put their hands on the controls, and called out in sync: “Combat Slash!”

The Combat Sabre began to glow, energising with power. The Megazord drew the sword back, then delivered a mighty slash. The energy struck the lizard monster, which stumbled before a few seconds, before crashing to the ground – exploding in a ball of fire.

In the cockpit of the Combat Megazord, the Rangers cheered in victory. The first fight had been won!

[bushwacka666]

The tarantula-shaped spaceship hovered near Earth, still invisible to everything else. On board, Dramax was letting his anger be known – and Blot was receiving the brunt of it.

“Your monster could not even defeat five insignificant humans?” Dramax roared. “What pathetic excuse do you have this time, Blot?”

“Master,” replied Blot, evident fear in her voice, “these are not just any ordinary humans. They are Rangers – they have powers which…”

“Silence!” The fact that Dramax’s voice seemed to come from all directions added to the malice in his tone. “This is by no means the first time we have fought Rangers, and few have ever been able to stand in our way before. These Rangers will be no different than the majority of them. Now pay attention Blot: your monster was insufficient. I demand a much higher standard from you if you wish to remain in my service, or indeed, in anybody else’s! Is that clear?”

“Yes Master, perfectly clear”.

“Good. Now leave my chamber – you should be spending this time on coming up with a monster that actually stands a chance!”

Blot left the room as quickly as she was able to.

*

In an outdoor café, the Rangers sat around having lunch. Already they had seemed to bond as a group – something which had seemed to happen to all who had come before them. It had helped that four of them had known each other from years previous, but even the ‘outsider’ of the group, Andros, was feeling comfortable around them.

“I’ve gotta say,” said Tanya quietly, “I think we did a pretty good job against that monster”.

“Yeah definitely” replied Adam. “The Combat Megazord certainly packs a punch”.

“I’ll say” Kat agreed. “Although I must admit that I think I still prefer our old Zeo Megazord. It always was my favourite”.

“Well, I can’t say I blame you” added Billy. “After all, the Zeo Zords were something that I built!”

The group shared a small laugh, but were cut short when they heard a small electronic tone. They looked down at the ComRings: new communication devices which Billy had built for them, which were gold rings with clear domes on the top. These domes were currently flashing white.

“Over here” said Andros, leading the others to a quiet corner. As the others huddled around him, Andros brought up his hand and tapped the dome on the ComRing.

“Go ahead, Auric” he whispered.

“Rangers,” came Auric’s voice through the ComRing, “you are requested to meet me immediately. I have something to discuss with you. Please prepare for teleportation”.

“Right”. Andros tapped the ComRing again, ending the communication. The group ducked behind some bushes, glancing around to ensure that nobody was watching.

In streaks of coloured light, the Rangers were teleported out of New York.

*

In another alternate dimension, the Rangers met with Auric.

“What’s up, Auric?” asked Kat. “What did you want to talk to us about?”

“Rangers,” Auric began, “your first battle against Dramax’s forces was a success, and you fought bravely. However, as Tanya had previously pointed out, you could always do with some extra help. I told you that I was attempting something, which I have now succeeded in doing”.

“What is it?” enquired Billy.

“I was attempting to locate this dimension, and those temple ruins that you can see just over that ridge”.

The Rangers looked over, and indeed they could see some rubble of what used to be a building of some kind.

“Why?” Andros asked. “What’s so special about this dimension”.

“This dimension,” replied Auric, “contains something which would be a great asset to you in your fights against Dramax. I cannot reveal exactly what lies inside those ruins – that you will have to discover for yourself”.

“Sounds good” Andros exclaimed. “I’ve been waiting for a better arsenal”.

He started walking towards the ruins, but Auric put a hand on his shoulder to stop him.

“Wait Andros, you cannot just go to the ruins and obtain what lies inside. It is not that simple: the objects are guarded by a creature. To obtain the objects, you must defeat the creature. To defeat the creature, you must work together”.

Andros turned towards the others: “You guys ready?” he asked, holding up his Combat Morpher.

“Let’s do it!” replied Adam, as he and the others also raised their Morphers.

“Good luck Rangers,” said Auric, “and may you pass this test successfully”.

Tapping the jewels on the Morphers, the Rangers called together: “Combat Crash Course!”

In a flash of light, they morphed into action: “Combat Rangers!”

“Let’s go guys!” declared Andros, and he led his team towards the ruins.

*

“Any sign of this creature yet?” Tanya asked the others.

“Negative” came Billy’s reply. “I haven’t seen anything”.

The creature took that as its cue to leap out from the other side of the ruins. The Rangers all spotted it at once: a human-shaped figure with smooth white skin all over. Its head had a large red eye in the middle.

“Doesn’t look that threatening…” Kat began.

The creature must have heard her, as it suddenly became a white energy ball; like a comet, and screamed towards the Rangers. It tore through the middle of the coloured heroes, and knocked them aside. It suddenly stopped on the other side, and reformed itself.

“You were saying?” Adam teased Kat, as the creature turned around and began to run towards the Rangers.

“Guys,” Andros commanded his team, “let’s do this!”

The creature began by executing a fast flying kick which was aimed straight for Adam. Luckily, Adam managed to jump out of the way just in time, and barely missed the attack.

“Watch out guys,” he warned the others, “that thing’s fast!”

Kat and Tanya both approached the creature. Fighting together, they attempted to deliver several hits on it. However, it managed to block them all, before jumping and kicking both girls in the chests, then landing on its feet again.

Billy snuck up behind the creature, and managed to grab it in a headlock. Adam came up and executed three hard kicks to the creature’s midsection. The creature appeared to make no noise of any kind, but it did appear to be hurt from Adam’s attacks.

Suddenly, the creature became its speeding comet form again, and launched out from Billy’s grasp, scraping and hitting both him and Adam in the process. As the creature reformed and landed, it thrust out its hands towards its opponents. White beams of energy emitted from its hands, striking the Rangers. They were grounded, but did not appear to be seriously hurt. It was at this point when Andros spotted some of the rubble towering just above the creature.

“Guys,” he called, “that rubble up there – loosen it!”

The others did as he said, drawing out their Combat Blasters. They fired at the rubble, breaking apart the top section. Seeing his chance, Andros stretched out his hand. Using his natural telekinetic abilities, he sent the rubble toppling over. It landed straight on top of the creature, crushing it underneath.

The Rangers watched as the one red eye on the creature’s head slid open. From the hole rose a small rod, with what looked like a crystal attached to the end.

Somehow, Andros knew exactly what to do with that crystal! Pulling out his own Combat Blaster, he fired at the crystal, destroying it. A few seconds later, the creature simply faded away. The rubble, which was once pinning the creature down, now dropped a few more inches to the ground.

“Looks like we got him” Andros observed. “Good job guys”.

Suddenly, a bright glow began to shine out from the middle of the rubble.

“What’s that?” asked Kat.

“I don’t know” replied Billy. “Let’s check it out”.

*

The Rangers reached the centre of the ruins, and stopped as they saw five small pillars in front of them. These pillars were curved at the top, forming cup shapes.

Hovering just above these cups, as if held in place, were the objects that had been causing the glow: five small spheres of colour. There was not even really any shape to them. They were like small lights, merely hovering in stasis. Each one matched a colour of each Ranger – pink; yellow; green; blue; and red.

“Are these what we were sent here to get?” Tanya asked the team.

“That is correct, Yellow Ranger” a male voice was suddenly heard.

“Who said that?” asked Kat. She looked around, but could see no-one.

“I did” came the voice again. This time, the Rangers were able to pinpoint the voice’s origin – from one of the lights hovering before them. They were able to realise that it was the red light that had spoke, as it seemed to pulsate in sync with the speech.

“Who, or what are you?” Andros asked these new entities.

“We are known as the BattleSouls,” the red light spoke again, “and you have passed the test in obtaining us”.

“What do you mean?” enquired Adam.

“It is simple, Green Ranger” a female voice was now heard, as the pink BattleSoul began to speak. “We are aware that you require some extra help with your powers and your duties. It is why you have fought and defeated the creature to reach us”.

“Hold on,” spoke up Billy, “you mean you can help us?”

“That is correct” the red BattleSoul spoke again. “We can use our own power to assist you in your battles. We would fight alongside you, in a sense”.

“Indeed,” spoke the female-voiced yellow BattleSoul, “you could call us your partners”.

“We offer you our assistance, Rangers” spoke the green BattleSoul in a male voice.

“Yes” the male blue BattleSoul agreed. “Our power will help you to fight the evil that threatens your world, and together we can bring an end to their tyranny”.

“Well then, in that case,” said Andros, “we would be honoured to join forces with you”.

“As we would with you, Rangers” replied the red BattleSoul. “We can sense that you are pure of heart, and all fine examples of goodness in this Universe. We know that you will serve your planet well”.

“Thankyou” said Tanya. “We’ll do whatever it takes to protect out home”.

“We know exactly how you feel” agreed the red BattleSoul. “However, I think that we would be better off having formal introductions, don’t you?”

“Of course” replied Andros. “I’m Andros, Red Ranger and leader of the Combat Rangers. This is Kat the Pink Ranger; Tanya the Yellow Ranger; Adam the Green Ranger; and Billy the Blue Ranger”.

“I am known as Blade,” announced the red light, “head of the BattleSouls”.

“My name is Artemis” said the pink BattleSoul.

“I am called Storm” spoke the yellow BattleSoul.

“My name is Apollo ” the green BattleSoul added.

“I am Shadow” finished the blue BattleSoul.

Without another word, each BattleSoul suddenly shot out a beam, which wrapped around the left upper-arm of each Ranger. When the beams disappeared, each Ranger now had a silver metal plate built into the sleeve of their suit. These plates had a small curved dip in the middle.

All of a sudden, the five BattleSouls rose up, leaving their cups and hovering towards the Rangers. Each BattleSoul moved to their respective coloured Ranger, and set down into the slot on the arm-plate. They were now seen as a small coloured dome on each plate.

“Whoa, that is totally awesome” exclaimed Adam.

“Alright, this is great” said Tanya in agreement.

“Now Rangers,” spoke Blade; now flashing in Andros’ arm-plate, “I think that it is time to return to Auric. We wish to greet him”.

*

“Congratulations, Rangers” commended Auric as the team returned. “You have obtained the BattleSouls”.

“Greetings Auric,” Blade spoke up from his place on Andros’ arm, “it has been far too long”.

“That it has, my friends” replied Auric. “That it has! I am pleased to see you all again”.

“So these BattleSouls can really help up out, Auric?” asked Kat

“Do not fear, Katherine. They will serve you well”.

“Indeed” added Artemis (Kat’s BattleSoul). “We will help in any way that we can in order to restore peace and prosperity to your world”.

“Well in that case,” announced Andros, “we better get back to it. When Dramax attack again, we need to be ready for him!”

“Very well” said Auric, who summoned his sword, and raised it to the sky. “Farewell for now, Rangers and BattleSouls. I will remain vigilant over New York City”.

Auric’s sword glowed, and teleported the Rangers back to Earth.

[Zord_Crazy]

Good stuff, BW. One question: are the BattleSouls in any way connected to the Lights of Orion from PR: LG? Just wondering.

[bushwacka666]

Thanks Z_C, as ever you support is much appreciated. In answer to your question: no the BattleSouls aren't related to the Lights of Orion in any way. In fact, I was partially inspired by Bob's arm device Glitch from Reboot, of all things!

I'm aware that Soul Quest isn't quite at the same standard as my other fics that came later - especially in the beginning. But it does get better, I promise you! :)

[bushwacka666]

Sitting around having lunch, the Rangers relaxed in Kat’s apartment.

“This is a pretty nice place you’ve got here, Kat” exclaimed Andros.

“Thanks Andros.” replied Kat. “It’s not anything special though. Sometimes I work flat out just to keep the place in order”.

“So how do you like teaching the kids?” Billy asked her. “Is it hard work?”

“Oh it can be, but that’s one of the main things that you’ve got to expect when you decide to get into teaching”.

Billy smiled gently, before sipping on his juice.

“But then again,” Kat continued, “that doesn’t really matter. It might be hard work, but it’s so worth it! I love those kids, and teaching them really makes me feel as if I’m making a difference to their future”.

Billy’s face suddenly saddened. Tanya was sitting directly opposite Billy, and noticed his sadness.

“Are you alright, Billy?” she asked.

Billy remained silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up from his juice: “Huh?”

“What’s wrong?” Tanya asked him.

“Nothing,” Billy insisted, “I’m fine. Excuse me”.

Billy got up and went into the bathroom.

“Did I say something wrong?” Kat asked the others.

“No, I don’t think it was you” replied Adam. “It’s just that Billy’s been feeling pretty down lately”.

“Why?”

“We don’t know” Tanya answered her best friend. “He came back from Aquitar all of a sudden, but ever since then I can tell that something’s bothering him”.

“Something happened on Aquitar that made him come back?” Andros guessed.

“Possibly,” said Adam, “but if something did happen, he isn’t sharing it with us. We’ve tried to talk to him about it, but he says that he just wanted to come back, and insists that everything’s alright”.

“Which we know it isn’t” added Tanya. “But if Billy doesn’t want to talk about whatever happened, then we can’t exactly try and force it out of him”.

“Listen,” Adam told Kat and Andros, “don’t mention any of this to him. I think that the last thing he needs is added pressure. Just let him take his time”.

Everyone nodded their agreements, when the ComRings suddenly beeped, flashing white. Andros tapped on his.

“Go ahead Auric” he spoke into the ComRing.

“Rangers,” replied Auric’s voice, “Dramax’s general Treydon has appeared with some Trents down in the city. Needless to say, citizens are not wishing to stay in the area!”

“We’re on our way Auric” said Andros. He tapped his ComRing again to end the communication.

“Billy!” Adam called out. “We’ve gotta go – duty calls!”

“Coming” Billy replied, a few seconds before he came out of the bathroom and rejoined the others.

Together, they held up their Combat Morphers: “Combat Crash Course!”

*

In the city, people were running as fast as they could, away from the creatures that had suddenly appeared amongst them. There were a couple of people who had recognised the blue creatures from the park a few days ago, so they weren’t going to stick around this time!

As the Trents ran around the area, trashing anything and everything that they could find, Treydon aimed his sword towards a parked car. A red laser fired from the blade, causing the car to explode in fire. Treydon laughed as he saw the panic that his presence was causing.

“Hey, Treydon!” a voice suddenly called out. Treydon turned around to see the Combat Rangers standing a few feet away.

“If you want this city,” declared Billy, “you’re gonna have to go through us first!”

“That won’t be a problem, Rangers!” replied Treydon. “I have been looking forward to fighting you”.

“Well now you get your chance!” Andros announced.

“Trents – attack!” shouted the general, pointing his sword towards the Rangers. The Trents immediately charged towards the heroes, who responded in retaliation.

Adam leaped into action, trading blows with several Trents. He grabbed the leg of one Trent who tried to kick him. Picking the Trent up by this leg, Adam managed swing it round and slam it into two others.

Kat and Tanya teamed up. Standing back to back, they each took care of one Trent. Kat then saw another come close towards her, and another approaching from farther back.

“Tanya,” she called to her friend, “Flip Flyer!”

“Right!” Tanya agreed.

Reaching behind her, Tanya put a hand on each of Kat’s shoulders. She then lifted herself up, pivoting on her friend’s shoulders to flip over her head. As she came down the other side, Tanya’s leg made contact with one of the Trents, knocking it backward. Immediately on landing, Tanya knelt down and held out her hands for Kat’s foot. Tanya gave Kat a boost, propelling her through the air, allowing her to slam her extended leg into the chest of the other Trent. The entire routine was done in one fluid motion.

Billy blocked the punches of one Trent, before delivering his own combo. The soldier was sent reeling backward, only to be replaced by another. A quick hitch-kick took care of this one.

The Blue Ranger suddenly heard a voice call: “Billy, behind you!”

Quick to react, Billy whirled around, pulled out his Combat Blaster, and fired off a few shots. The two advancing Trents were grounded.

Looking at the plate on his arm, Billy realised who had shouted the warning.

“Thanks Shadow” said Billy.

“Anytime Billy” replied the Ranger’s BattleSoul, flashing blue in time with his speech.

While the rest of his team were taking care of the Trents, Andros had decided to handle Treydon. He managed to get a couple of solid kicks in, but so did Treydon. However, the evil robot seemed to have the upper hand due to his sword. Swiping sideways, Treydon managed to graze Andros’ chest with his sword. This caused the Red Ranger to take a few steps back, but the hit was only minor. As Treydon tried again with his sword, Andros jumped up and over his head to avoid. Unfortunately, Treydon was quick to turn around. As soon as Andros landed, Treydon struck with his sword again. This time, the hit was much more effective, and Andros was knocked back.

“You are a good fighter, Andros,” conceded Treydon, “but you are no match for me”.

“We’ll see about that” retorted Andros as he got to his feet.

“Andros!” called Blade; his BattleSoul; from his arm-plate. “Let me help you”.

Suddenly, Blade left his arm-plate, and began to alter in shape – in fact, separating into two halves. Both Andros and Treydon watched in amazement, as the red swirls of energy wrapped around Andros’ fists, reshaping themselves and transforming into a solid; metal substance.

“Whoa!” Andros exclaimed, as he examined the new sword that he held in his right hand, and the new shield that he wore on the left.

“Now,” came Blade’s voice from the sword, “let’s take care of business!”

“Right with you, Blade” agreed Andros.

“An interesting trick, Ranger,” said Treydon, “but it will help you not!”

Treydon fired a energy bolt from his sword, but Andros was quick to react.

“Combat Shield!” he shouted. Holding up the shield in front of him, Andros successfully blocked the laser.

“Ok Treydon, now we’re even” Andros declared. “Combat Sword!”

Readying his sword, Andros charged towards Treydon. The two began to clash blades, Andros employing the skills that his had used with his old Spiral Sabre. Andros rolled to one side and brought down his Combat Sword, striking Treydon and knocking him backwards. He then charged again, jumping up and soaring towards the evil general. Treydon brought his sword up, but Andros blocked it with the Combat Shield, before using it to slam into the enemy.

As Treydon recovered, he saw the other Rangers join Andros at his side.

“I’ll let you live for now, Rangers” exclaimed Treydon. “But I won’t be so forgiving next time!”

Dark clouds suddenly swept over the sky. Treydon jumped up high into the clouds, which then dispersed just as swiftly. The evil general was nowhere to be seen.

“Looks like we had him on the run” said Billy.

“Some impressive hardware you’ve got there, Andros” observed Adam, eyeing the sword and shield in the leader’s hands.

“I guess this is what the BattleSouls meant when they said they could help us out” replied Andros. “Thanks Blade, that was great!”

“Glad to help, Andros” said the sword and shield form of Blade.

“It doesn’t hurt you, does it?” Tanya asked Blade. “When you’re a shield and something strikes you?”

“No, of course not” replied Blade.

“We are energy” added Tanya’s own BattleSoul; Storm. “We can’t be physically harmed”.

*

“Treydon, you failed!”

“I’m sorry, Master. I was not expecting the Red Ranger to produce those weapons”.

“And you think that I consider that an acceptable excuse?”

“No Master, of course not. I…”

“Silence! Leave my chamber Treydon. I do not wish to put up with your grovelling now!”

“Yes Master”. Treydon humbly bowed, and left the room.

“Blot,” said Dramax, “send down a monster to destroy those Rangers”.

“Right away, Master”.

*

Back in New York, the sky above the Rangers suddenly clouded over again.

“Looks like Dramax is sending something down” observed Billy.

“Must be Treydon coming back for another try” Adam added.

However, it wasn’t Treydon who descended down from the clouds, but a monster of some kind: a blue and hairy gorilla-looking creature, with a large set of teeth. The sky cleared as the monster hit the ground.

“What’s that?” said Kat.

“Rangers,” spoke the monster, “I am PrimAte. On behalf of my Master Dramax, I hereby issue you with your destruction!”

“Oh yeah? We’d love to see you try!” Tanya challenged.

“Be careful what you choose from my menu, Yellow Ranger” replied PrimAte. “You might bite off more than you can chew!”

With that, PrimAte ran towards the Rangers, who took up defensive stances. Drawing out claws from his hands, PrimAte slashed the chest of Billy, knocking him backwards. He then managed the same attack with Kat; Tanya and Adam. Andros, however, still had Blade’s weapon form in his hands. Using his Combat Shield, Andros managed to block the gorilla’s claws, then managed to land his own hit with his Combat Sword. PrimAte was knocked away, but quickly scrambled to his feet.

“BattleSouls,” Andros said to the partners of his team, “can you do what Blade’s done?”

The reply did not come in words, but in action, as the other BattleSouls left their arm-plates and changed their shapes. Now, all five Rangers were armed with a Combat Sword and Combat Shield.

“Alright,” exclaimed Adam, “let’s take care of this overgrown monkey!”

“Try me if you dare, Rangers” replied PrimAte. “I’m gonna chew you up and spit you out!”

The Rangers resumed their battle. The Combat Swords now allowed for more effective weaponry when fighting, and the Combat Shields gave them an extra defensive advantage which they had not had before. Kat and Billy rolled parallel to each other, aiming their Combat Swords at PrimAte, firing pink and blue beams of energy from them. PrimAte staggered backwards from the blast.

“I say we finish this guy!” declared Andros, as the team regrouped.

“And we know just how to do it” said Blade.

Suddenly, all of the BattleSouls shifted their shapes again. They appeared to all be merging together. When the energy mixture solidified, the Rangers found themselves holding a sparkling silver cannon.

“Amazing!” exclaimed Kat.

“What’s that thing?” said PrimAte, clearly spooked.

“Let’s show ya!” replied Andros. The Rangers took aim with their new weapon, and called together:

“Combat Taser – fire!”

The cannon fired a continuous white taser beam from its barrel. It struck PrimAte, and bore into his chest. After a few seconds, the beam stopped. PrimAte staggered, fell, and exploded.

The Rangers cheered in celebration.

“Alright! That was great!” said Tanya.

The Combat Taser became an energy mass again, turning back into the five BattleSouls, which returned to their holding places on their respective Rangers.

“Nice going, guys!” Andros commended the BattleSouls.

“Thanks Andros” replied Blade. “Felt good to take care of that thing!”

“Be informed though, Rangers” added Apollo. “If you ever need the Combat Taser again, all five of us will be required to create it”.

“Noted. Thanks again” said Andros.

It was then that another cloud suddenly swept in over the sky. This time, however, the whole sky was not covered. This cloud was a small; single cloud, but it was still clear that Dramax was behind it.

“What’s happening now?” asked Adam.

“I’ve no idea” replied Billy.

All of a sudden, from the cloud dropped dozens of small blobs of thick green slime. They all began to land on top of the defeated PrimAte, and began to stack up on top of each other.

“Slime” observed Billy. “Looks like Blot is doing this”.

The slime kept pouring down from the cloud, and in no time at all, there was literally a mountain of slime in front of the Rangers. The cloud quickly removed itself from the area.

“Why is that…” Andros began, but was cut off as the slime mountain suddenly blew apart.

The Rangers turned away with the shock, but when they looked back, they then saw the purpose of the slime mountain – something had broken out from inside.

Where the slime had been, there now stood PrimAte – resurrected and in giant size.

“I seem to have gotten my appetite back, Rangers!” PrimAte shouted.

“Looks like our problems just got bigger!” said Tanya.

“Rangers,” Artemis called out from Kat’s arm, “can you carry on this fight?”

“You bet we can!” replied Andros. “Let’s do it guys!”

The Rangers raised their hands, and called together: “We need Combat Zord power, now!”

The five Combat Zords arrived on the scene, and the Rangers beamed into the cockpits. Each Ranger signed on as they took the controls of their Zord.

“Pink Sun!” said Kat.

“Yellow Star!” cried Tanya.

“Green Nova!” called Adam.

“Blue Moon!” added Billy.

“Red Nebula!” finished Andros. “Alright guys, begin combining sequence!”

The five Zords began the process of combining together. The extra components teleported in and locked on, and the Rangers were transported to their shared cockpit.

“Combat Megazord, power up!” came the unified call.

*

“Wow” said PrimAte. “Looks like the main course has arrived! Good, I’m more hungry then ever!” With that, he began to charge his opponent.

“Let’s do this guys!” Andros told his team. Together, they began to advance.

Straight away, PrimAte tucked into the meal in front of him: as the Megazord tried to swing a punch, PrimAte clamped his teeth over the fist. This caused some minor damage to the Megazord.

“Man, he’s got a hold on us” cried Adam.

“Billy,” ordered Andros, “get him off!”

“Right!” replied Billy. Using the Megazord’s other arm (his Zord), he slammed into the side of PrimAte’s head, forcing him to let go of the fist.

“Hey!” shouted PrimAte. “My food’s not supposed to bite back!”

“Yeah well,” Tanya shot back, “our brand comes with an extra ‘twang’ to it!”

The Megazord fired a laser blast from its helmet, striking the gorilla monster.

“Let’s finish this!” said Andros. “Combat Sabre!”

PrimAte barely had time to blink, as the Megazord summoned its weapon.

“Time you got your just desserts, pal!” Andros declared.

“Err actually,” replied PrimAte, “I think I’m full up now”.

The Rangers ignored him, and made the call as one: “Combat Slash!”

The Megazord delivered its energised attack, and PrimAte stood no chance. The Rangers cheered their victory.

“We’ll leave you to pick up the tab!” laughed Andros

*

In the alternate dimension, Auric congratulated the Rangers. They were still morphed, but had removed their helmets.

“Another job well done, Rangers” said Auric. “And the BattleSouls as well, of course”.

“Yeah” agreed Andros. “Thanks BattleSouls – you guys are great!”

“You’re not so bad yourself, Rangers” replied Storm.

“The Combat Taser was really impressive” added Billy. “Packs quite a punch”.

“I think you’ll find that the BattleSouls will have many more tricks up their sleeves,” stated Auric, “of which I’m sure that they will reveal when necessary”.

“We’ll look forward to it!” said Andros.

[Zord_Crazy]

Cool stuff, BW. But I wonder what's wrong with Billy-boy?

[Bionic Red]

Cool stuff, BW. But I wonder what's wrong with Billy-boy?
Yeah, what he said.

What makes you think that this story would not be as good as your Fury line? You've started with good characters that were well described, developed characters with surprises and an incomplete arsenal that improves gradually.

Keep it up!

[HurricaneNinja]

Oh bush the return of my personal fav fic of yours.As you remember back during are little rivalrey on other board you won fair in square with this fic.Its actually inspiring me to write again.

[bushwacka666]

Z_C: Billy's secret will be revealed later on - Chapter 11 to be exact. But strangely, it's never resolved...

Bionic Red: Oh you know me by now - I love to be modest and am an expert at putting myself down! I don't know, I was just never as satisfied with the overall result of "Soul Quest" as I was with the two "Fury" fics. I think that SQ definitely has a few more poor chapters in it - after all, I was only beginning to develop my writing at this point. But on the other hand, that doesn't mean I'm not proud of certain aspects of SQ. Just wait till the "Unmatched Evil" 4-parter. HurricaneNinja knows what I'm talking about... ;)

And HurricaneNinja m8: Oh come on, I wouldn't say I beat you. Hell I wouldn't even call it a rivalry. I'd say we were (how did Qui-Gon Jinn put it?) "living together for mutual advantage" - we were even, ok? :D

[bushwacka666]

“And so that’s how you read a map” said Kat. She was at the school where she worked, teaching her last class of the day.

Suddenly, the bell rang, indicating the end of the school day.

“Alright class,” Kat continued, “you can go. Great work today, and remember I want that homework from all of you in two days, alright?”

The children gave their agreements as they began to leave the classroom.

“Bobby,” Kat called to one of the children, “could you stay here for a minute please? I’d like to talk to you”.

When all of the other children had left, Bobby sat down in a chair which Kat offered to him. Kat sat down in another chair facing the young boy.

“Bobby, I wanted to talk to you about your geography work”.

“Why?” came Bobby’s reply, although he could already guess what the reason was going to be.

“Well, to be honest, I know that you’re having trouble with it. Everyone else seems to be coping fine, but you’re really falling behind”.

Bobby looked down at the floor, and Kat realised what he was thinking.

“Bobby, I’m not angry with you,” she said, “but I do think that we need to sort this out. Are you having trouble doing the work? Is it too hard for you?”

“I get the point of it,” replied Bobby, “but I don’t understand it”.

Kat wasn’t quite sure what he meant by this, but nodded anyway.

“Listen Bobby, why don’t you come back after school tomorrow? I’ll sit down with you and help you to understand the work”.

“But I’ve tried to understand it, but I can’t. I give up”.

“Bobby, don’t talk like that. You’ve got to believe in yourself. I won’t give up on you. Now, will you come back tomorrow after school?”

Bobby paused for a moment, obviously thinking about something.

“But,” he began, looking dejected, “you’re not even here tomorrow. It’s your day off”.

“I know, but I’ll come in after school specially”.

“You’d do that? Just for me?”

“Just for you” Kat confirmed. “I’d like you to do well Bobby, and I’ll help you as much as I can! So, will you come?”

“Yeah, ok. Thanks Miss Hillard”.

“You’re welcome, Bobby”.

Kat and Bobby stood up.

“You promise you’ll show up?” he asked Kat.

Kat locked her little finger with Bobby’s and shook gently.

“I pinkie-promise”.

*

On board his tarantula craft, Dramax and his minions observed Kat’s conversation with her pupil on a screen.

“Kindness; consideration; devotion…” stated Dramax. “Ugh, it all just makes me feel ill”.

“But Master,” replied Blot. “You are energy. You cannot become ill…”

“You fool” interrupted Treydon. “It was a figure of speech!”

“Enough of your bickering!” roared Dramax. “If these displays of affection actually could make me ill, then clearly the only way to cure the illness would be to get rid of these feelings. Which is what we must do”.

“What is your desire, Master?” asked Treydon.

“Treydon,” ordered Dramax, “tomorrow, you will take some Trents and go down to the city. Find the Pink Ranger and capture her. She will miss her meeting, and the little brat will feel betrayed and angered”.

“An excellent plan, Master” Treydon exclaimed. “I would be happy to make a little child cry”.

“One more thing, Treydon” Dramax added. “When you go down to capture her, do not allow her to morph. We must not give her the advantage!”

*

The next day, Andros sat in Tanya and Adam’s apartment (where he was staying), on the phone to his friends back in Angel Grove.

“I miss you loads” came the voice of his girlfriend Ashley.

“I miss you too, Ash” Andros replied.

“Do you even know long you’re going to have to stay in New York?”

“I guess until Dramax and his goons have been taken care of, but when that will be is anyone’s guess”.

“You just be careful, ok?”

“I will”.

“I love you”.

“I love you too Ashley”.

There was a short pause on Andros’ end, as Ashley passed the phone to someone else – the only one that he had left to talk to.

“Hey Andros” came a male voice over the phone.

“Hi Zhane, how’s it going?”

“Yeah I’m good, everything’s fine” replied Zhane. “More importantly though: how’s it going for you?”

“We’re coping. These new powers aren’t too bad. Only thing is that I don’t know how long I’m going to have to stick around this city. I don’t know – I think I might be getting a bit homesick”.

“Homesick of Angel Grove, or KO-35?”

“Both!” laughed Andros. “New York is pretty cool though, and the other Rangers are here, so that makes it a bit easier”.

“Other Rangers” Zhane chuckled. “That sounds so weird when you’re not talking about us!”

“Yeah tell me about it. I guess I’m part of two teams now”.

“You sure you don’t want some extra help over there?”

“No, I think we can cope. Besides, it’s like Auric told me: the Space powers just wouldn’t be capable”.

“Alright man” said Zhane. “But if you do ever need some backup, let me know, and I’ll be there before you know it!”

*

Kat walked through a small park, on her way to do some minor shopping. She seemed to be the only one in this park, and was actually kind of thankful to have some time alone.

She didn’t see the newcomers descend from the dark clouds behind her – it was only when she felt a pair of arms grab her shoulders that she noticed them. She tried to wriggle free as her attacker tightened his grip. Glancing down at the blue hands on her shoulders, Kat realised that she was being grabbed by a Trent. She managed to wrestle free, then turned around and kicked the Trent away. Kat now saw that this soldier was accompanied by several others, and Treydon.

“Ah, Katherine,” said Treydon, “what a coincidence for us to bump into each other like this”.

“What do you want, Treydon?” demanded Kat.

“My Master has plans for you. I have orders to bring him to you at once”.

“I don’t think so”.

Kat brought up her Combat Morpher. However, she was not given any chance to morph, as two Trents charged towards her:

“Combat Cra…ugh!” Kat was charged by the soldiers, and knocked to the ground. Fortunately she was quick to return to her feet, and began to fight the Trents. She managed to kick one away, and jump over the sweeping leg of another. She felt another Trent try to grab her again, but she was able to flip this one over her shoulder. However, what Kat was not expecting, was the metallic hand to deliver a hard chop to the back of her neck. Kat fell to the ground, unconscious, as Treydon looked down on her.

“Trents, take her!” he ordered. “Master Dramax will be pleased”.

The Trents lifted Kat’s limp form up, as dark clouds began to cover the sky. Treydon and the Trents jumped high into the clouds, taking Kat with them.

*

Kat woke up, although she had no idea how long she had been knocked out for. As she came to, she glanced around. She was in a small square room with metal walls. On one wall was a large rectangular hole. Nothing more!

Groaning slightly as she slowly got to her feet, Kat rubbed the back of her neck; still sore from where Treydon had hit her. She stood still for a few seconds, using a wall for support, as she allowed her balance to return. Then, walking over to the doorway in the wall, she slowly tried to walk through.

“BZZ!” a loud buzzing sound was heard as Kat hit the energy shield covering the doorway, repelling her backwards. She wasn’t hurt by the shield, but it didn’t look as if she was going anywhere! She reached out a hand, and tried again to pass through. Again her hand bounced off, a wall of white energy sweeping over the doorway, then disappearing. Kat couldn’t see the shield unless she touched it.

It was then that Kat noticed something on the wrist of the hand she had touched the shield with: she was still wearing her Combat Morpher!

‘Wow,’ though Kat to herself, clearly surprised, ‘I thought they would’ve taken this!’

“Welcome, Pink Ranger!” a deep voice suddenly boomed, sounding as if it was coming from everywhere at once. Kat looked to the doorway, and saw a large red ball of swirling energy float into view.

“Dramax!” shouted Kat. “Where am I? Let me out of here!”

“And why would I want to do that?” asked Dramax.

“Because you’ll regret it if you don’t!”

“I think not. However, I can tell you who would regret it: a child – the one you call Bobby”.

“What the…” Kat said, more to herself than to the evil entity in front of her. Then she remembered how she was meant to see Bobby today after school.

“Oh no!” Dramax taunted. “How heartbroken young Bobby will be when his favourite teacher lets him down. Why, it’ll almost be as if she doesn’t even care…”

“How dare you!” shouted Kat, her anger rising. “I care a great deal about every one of those kids that I teach – are you really that heartless, that you can stoop to levels so low?”

“I am energy, Ranger”. replied Dramax, in a ‘matter of fact’ voice. “I have no heart”.

“You have nothing better to do than to upset a little boy. I pity you, Dramax!”

“No my dear, I pity you! All alone, trapped inside your cage – like common vermin!”

“That’s enough!” declared Kat, as she brung her Combat Morpher up.

“Combat Crash Course!” she cried, morphing into the Pink Combat Ranger.

Trying to punch or kick through the energy shield over the doorway, Kat; in her anger; unleashed a flurry of moves. All of them were rendered ineffective, as the shield remained. Dramax just laughed in response.

Kat withdrew her Combat Blaster from its holster, and opened fire on the shield. However, her shots bounced off, and only at the last second was she able to avoid the rebounded lasers.

“Let me go, Dramax!” she called again.

“You can threaten me as much as you want to, Katherine. It will do you no good. I saw no reason to confiscate your Morpher, as I am fully aware that you cannot escape this prison cell – powers or no powers! I will allow little Bobby to shed his tears. Then, it should prove interesting as to how much longer I can keep you as my prisoner!”

Dramax suddenly faded away, simply disappearing into thin air.

Kat sighed, as she put away her Combat Blaster – clearly useless in this situation. All of a sudden, she had an idea, and looked down at her ComRing.

‘Worth a shot’ she thought. She tapped the ComRing, and called into it.

“Rangers, this is Kat. Do you read me?”

No answer.

“Guys, come in. Tanya; Andros; Adam; Billy. Can anyone hear me?”.

Still no reply.

“Auric, do you read me? This is Kat. Please help!”

Silence.

Kat tapped her ComRing again – nobody could hear her. She was alone.

[Sasuke Uchiha]

I love the series man,It's really good.I love the way you write the discription as well.It cool to see and hear from all the old rangers,specially Zhane.I can't wait to read the next one man,Keep it up.

[HurricaneNinja]

Oh yes Unmacthed Evil....One of the best MutiParters i had ever seen.You guys will be shocked and amazed once you see it.And yes bush were even But i must say you have put a spark in my system once again.

[Zord_Crazy]

Tension abounds here, BW! KIU.

[bushwacka666]

“Hey guys” said Tanya, waving to the others as she met them for lunch in the park.

“Hi Tanya.” replied Adam, shifting up the bench to give Tanya room to sit down.

“Kat not here yet?” she asked.

“No” Andros answered her. “She should’ve been here by now though. She’s probably just running a bit late”.

“Oh ok. So,” spoke Tanya again, “what’s going on?”

As if on cue, the ComRings beeped. The group sighed.

“I guess we’re about to find out” Billy exclaimed, as the group huddled round to give themselves privacy.

“Go ahead, Auric” Andros talked into the ComRing.

“Rangers,” replied Auric, “another monster is loose in the city. You must stop it immediately”.

“Right. We’re on our way…but Kat isn’t with us”.

“I will contact her separately, and have her meet you there”.

*

In the city, the Yellow; Green; Blue and Red Rangers all arrived on the scene, ready to face the new monster: a green figure with dark grey spikes all over his body, and two large grey horns on his head.

“Rangers,” announced the monster, “I’ve been waiting for you to show up”.

“Well wait no more, pal!” replied Andros. “Now let’s do this!”

The spiked creature charged the Rangers, who weren’t ready for the attack. The monster slammed his shoulders into their chests, the hardened spikes knocking them over with ease. Andros was the first to return to his feet.

“Blade.” he called to his BattleSoul. “Combat Sword and Shield, now!”

“Coming right up, Andros” came Blade’s reply, as he left his arm-plate and changed his shape into the Ranger’s weapons.

Andros ran towards the monster, beginning to strike with the Combat Sword, and block any attacks towards him with the Combat Shield. He managed to deflect one punch, but was not quick enough for the other arm, which struck him squarely in the chest. Andros was grounded, but not seriously injured.

“Andros,” said Billy, as he and the others ran to his side, “are you ok?”

“Yeah, fine” replied Andros. “Looks like we’ll need our weapons for this guy!”

Hearing Andros’ words, Storm; Apollo and Shadow all transformed into their Combat Sword and Shield forms, each arming their respective Ranger.

*

“Are you alright, Katherine?” Artemis asked her owner.

“Not really, Artemis” replied Kat. “How can Dramax be so cruel?”

“It is in his nature”.

“That’s hardly an excuse though, is it? I mean, I told Bobby I’d be there to help him. I promised him! But I can’t get out of this place, nor can I contact the others. They probably don’t even know I’m here”.

“If you were to inadvertently miss your meeting with Bobby, surely he would not hate you, as you fear he might”.

Kat sighed: “You don’t understand, Artemis. Bobby sometimes finds it hard to socialise with others. He doesn’t have a lot of friends – nobody to count on. He really needs someone to be there for him, and I gave him my word that that someone would be me. The last thing he needs is me betraying him!”

“Katherine, don’t talk like that” Artemis scolded. “You are not betraying him, and you know that! Dramax is the one to blame here, not you”.

“Yeah, I guess…”

*

The monster stretched his arms towards the Rangers, another shower of spikes launching from his fists (he had already performed this attack a few times). The Rangers managed to deflect some with their Combat Shields, but there were just too many spikes for them to handle, and they fell to the ground again.

“We’ve gotta take care of this guy!” stated Adam.

“We need the Combat Taser!” added Tanya.

“But to make that, we need Artemis here” observed Billy. “And for Artemis to be here, we need Kat”.

“Auric, come in” Andros called into his ComRing.

“Go ahead, Andros” replied Auric.

“Auric, we need Kat. Where is she?”

“I cannot reach her ComRing, nor can I seem to locate her”.

“You mean she’s missing?” asked Tanya.

“Yes” Auric confirmed. “Fear not, Rangers. I shall keep trying”.

The conversation was left at that.

“Where is she?” asked Tanya. “I hope nothing’s happened to her”

*

“Katherine,” spoke Artemis, “go to the doorway. Try to break through the energy wall again”.

“Why?” asked Kat. “I’ve already tried. Not even my Combat Blaster can shoot through it”.

“Please, just try it again”.

Kat did as she was asked, and threw a punch towards the doorway. The buzzing was heard again, as her fist bounced off of the shield.

“Like I said, I’m trapped”.

“Katherine, I can pass through the shield”.

“You can?”

“Yes. It is energy, but so am I. I should have no trouble at all”.

“It’s worth a shot, Artemis. Go for it!”

Artemis rose up out of Kat’s arm-plate, and floated towards the doorway. The shield became visible as the pink entity touched it, but she was able to pass through it with ease – as if it had not even been there.

“Alright Artemis,” cheered Kat, “you’re through”.

“Katherine,” said Artemis, “I must find the other Rangers”.

“I’d appreciate that! But are you sure you know where they are?”

“I can detect the locations of my fellow BattleSouls. I will get help”.

Artemis suddenly began to change her shape, and she turned into a small bird made of energy. Kat thought she looked like a pink dove.

“I’ll be back, Katherine” Artemis assured her partner. “I’ll get you free”.

“Don’t be long” Kat replied, only half-jokingly, as Artemis flapped her wings and few out of sight.

*

More spikes launched, more sparks flew. The Rangers were grounded yet again.

“I expected you to be much better opponents, Rangers” said the monster. “But it looks like my expectations were greatly exaggerated”.

“Don’t count on it” replied Adam, as he and the others struggled to their feet. “We might just surprise you!”

“Guys,” called Billy, pointing towards the sky, “what’s that?”

The others looked to where he was pointing, and saw a small; dark cloud rapidly sweep into the area.

“It’s one of Dramax’s clouds” observed Andros. “What’s he sending down now?”

Suddenly, a small pink bird emerged from the cloud, soaring down towards the Rangers.

“What’s that?” Andros asked.

“Artemis?” called Apollo. “Artemis, is that you?”

“Rangers!” Artemis shouted as she neared the group, perching herself on Andros’ shoulder. “Rangers, it’s Kat. She needs help”.

“What’s wrong?” Billy asked.

“Dramax has got her”.

“What?” Billy asked again. “Is she ok?”

“She’s fine for now, but she’s trapped in a prison cell somewhere. Who knows what will happen, or when! She needs your assistance. Come quickly!”

“But what about that monster?” Adam asked.

“Tanya,” said Andros, “go with Artemis, and rescue Kat. The rest of us will keep this monster occupied”.

“Right!” said Tanya.

“Quickly Tanya” said Artemis. “We have to get there by passing through that cloud, and I don’t think it will stay open for much longer”.

Tanya peered up at the cloud: “I don’t think I’m going to be able to get up there, Artemis”.

“Don’t worry Tanya,” Storm chimed in, “I’ll soon fix that”.

With that, Storm changed out of her Sword and Shield form, and began to move around behind Tanya. In an instant, Tanya found that her back now included the addition of a pair of translucent yellow wings.

“Wow!” exclaimed Tanya. “Thanks Storm!”

Artemis flapped her wings again, taking off towards the cloud. Tanya followed just behind her, Storm’s wing form enabling flight. The trio of female heroes passed through the cloud, just seconds before it hurried away.

“Well hey,” laughed the monster, “less Rangers mean more ease for me!”

The monster charged again, and the male Rangers prepared themselves.

*

“Artemis!” shouted Kat as she saw her BattleSoul fly back towards her.

“Hi Katherine,” replied Artemis, “I brought some help”.

“Tanya!” Kat exclaimed, happy to see her best friend arrive on the scene. “Boy am I glad to see you!”

“Likewise Kat, we didn’t know where you’d got to! Are you alright?”

“Yeah, I’m fine. I could do with getting out of here though! Where did the wings come from?”

“Oh that’s Storm”.

“Hi Katherine” Storm chimed in.

Kat smiled as she shifted her glance between Storm’s wing form, and Artemis’ bird form.

“Is there anything you BattleSouls can’t do?” she laughed.

“Ok Kat,” said Tanya, removing a metal plate from the wall, “I think I’ve found power cables for the energy shield. Stand back, just in case”.

Kat stepped back from the doorway as Tanya withdrew her Combat Blaster. Taking aim, Tanya fired a few shots straight into the cables. Kat saw the white shield over the door flash once, then fade from view again.

“Alright Kat,” spoke up Storm, “try now”.

Kat approached the doorway and tried to move her arm through – which she did. Kat stepped through the doorway and rejoined her friends on the other side.

“Thanks guys,” she breathed a sigh of relief.

“No problem” replied Tanya. “Look, the others are fighting a monster in the city, and they could do with some help. Let’s go!”

“Right behind you” said Kat. “Artemis, can you change into the same winged form as Storm?”

“Of course!”

*

“Come on Rangers, I thought you’d be better than this!”

Sending another shower of spikes towards his targets, the monster laughed in triumph. The Rangers were improving slightly at deflecting the spikes with their Combat Shields, but generally they were still coming under heavy fire.

“I don’t know how much more of this I can take!” cried Adam.

“Don’t worry Adam,” a voice suddenly called out, “you won’t have to find out!”

Looking up, the male Rangers breathed sighs of relief, as their female team-mates emerged from a dark cloud, soaring through the air on pink and yellow pairs of energised wings. Tanya landed by the others. Kat, on the other hand, headed straight for the monster, descending feet first, and slammed her legs into the monster’s chest. Caught off guard by this attack, the monster tumbled backwards, as Kat landed behind him.

“Here Katherine” called Artemis, as she changed shape yet again. The pink BattleSoul transformed into a machine gun-style weapon, landing in Kat’s hands.

“Let her rip!” Artemis’ voice spoke from the gun.

“Gladly!” Kat declared. Squeezing Artemis’ trigger, she fired a barrage of pink laser blasts, firing at a rapid rate. All of the lasers struck their target, and the monster fell to the ground, severely weakened.

“Nice move Kat!” exclaimed Billy, as the others joined her side.

“Thanks. Now what do guys say we finish this?”

“Right!” the others replied in unison. Getting into position, the five BattleSouls merged together, forming the silver cannon weapon.

“Combat Taser – fire!” shouted all five Rangers together.

The continuous taser stream struck the monster, and he was defeated.

“Guys,” said Kat, as the BattleSouls returned to their arm-plates, “I’ve got to go and meet Bobby at school. I’m already late – I can’t let him down!”

“Go for it Kat” said Andros. “Hope you get there in time”.

*

Kat practically ran into the school building, heading for her classroom as fast as she could. Glancing down at her watch, she realised that she was fifteen minutes late. She just hoped that she hadn’t missed Bobby.

Reaching her door, she breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that Bobby was still there, although he looked like he was about to leave.

“Bobby!” called Kat, as she walked into the room.

“Miss Hillard” replied Bobby. “I was waiting here for a long time…I thought you weren’t gonna show up”.

“I know I’m late, Bobby, and I’m really sorry about that”.

“I was wondering if you forgot about me”.

“Oh no, don’t think that! It’s just that something pretty important came up, and I had to deal with it. But that doesn’t mean that you’re any less important! Now what do you say we get down to this work, ok?”

“Ok”.

Kat and Bobby each took a chair at their desks, as Bobby got out his books.

“Sorry Miss Hillard” spoke Bobby suddenly. “I didn’t mean to think that you’d forget about me”.

“Oh Bobby, there’s no need to be sorry” replied Kat. “It was my fault, because I was late. But I’d never forget about you”.

“Well, I guess you did promise me that you’d show up”.

“I didn’t just promise…”

Kat took Bobby’s little finger and locked it with her own:

“I pinkie-promised!”

[Zord_Crazy]

Aaaww, "pinkie swear"! That rocked, man! And how Kat interacts with her class is also VERY well written. Kudos, buddy.

[Sasuke Uchiha]

That was very good,I can't wait to read the next one.

[dairy ranger]

I'v caught up at last! and Bushwacka666 i congratulate you. not as good as PF and FOTZ but you explained that before the whole thing began. oh and good choice of rangers! :023:

[bushwacka666]

Z_C and Drago: thanks again. Your support is, as ever, much appreciated.

dairy: thanks for taking the time to get through what's there. Wasn't me who chose the Rangers though, remember? They were just who came out on top of the poll I ran way back when.

By a sheer coincidence though, the Rangers who were chosen had all been a colour before that matches up exactly with the Dairanger suits used for the fic. So they use different powers, but they all keep familiar colours. Couldn't have planned it better myself! ;)

[bushwacka666]

In the alternate dimension, the un-morphed Rangers met with Auric. The team had started to use the dark and dusty area as their base of operations. Not exactly the best scenery, and didn’t contain any advanced equipment like the Command Centre or Power Chamber had, but for all intents and purposes, it would suffice.

“Are you sure you couldn’t tell where it is?” Billy asked Kat.

“No” the Australian replied. “It was definitely Dramax’s base – it had to be, but those transportation clouds are created by a machine up there. It’s almost like teleporting”.

“You were definitely being held onboard Dramax’s spaceship, Katherine,” added Auric, “but you are correct – the craft could be absolutely anywhere”.

“Can’t you do something to find it?” asked Adam.

“Not possible” said Auric. “The craft is shielded by a cloaking device of some kind, making it invisible to anyone”.

“But surely that’s only a visual block” Billy suggested. “Can’t you sense it? Telepathically or something?”

“Again, not possible. I am not sure why – some other device onboard, or maybe Dramax is blocking all signals himself. In any case, however, the ship is completely undetectable”.

“Man,” sighed Andros, “I just wish we knew what they were planning up there right now”.

*

“What do you have this time, Blot?” Dramax demanded of his servant.

“Master,” replied Blot, “allow me to introduce Shieldon”.

A silver; robotic monster walked into Dramax’s chamber. It sported a stocky rounded body, with a large cuboid-shaped head. This head had a red visor on its front, which looked rather like a solar panel on a calculator. A small; bendy aerial protruded from the top of the head.

“Shieldon has the ability to create energy force-fields to trap people inside. He can capture the Rangers, and they will be of no bother to you again”.

“Interesting idea, Blot,” Treydon chimed in, “but what about when the Pink Ranger escaped from our shielded prison? Wouldn’t the same thing happen here?”

“I am 99% sure that Shieldon’s force-fields are unbreakable” Blot insisted.

“Well we will soon put that estimation to the test” announced Dramax. “I have been wanting to see if we can defeat the Rangers by first eliminating their leader. Blot, send this monster down to trap all except the Red Ranger. Without the other Rangers to help him, he will have no hope by himself”.

*

Kat; Tanya; Adam and Billy walked through the park, just enjoying the sunshine. Andros was at the apartment that he shared with Tanya and Adam, taking a shower. He told the others that he would catch would catch up with them later.

“It’s a pretty nice day today” Tanya commented.

“Yeah, I know” replied Kat. “I hope that Dramax doesn’t decide to spoil it”.

“Yeah me too” Adam agreed, before glancing over at Billy, who was glancing up towards the sky. He seemed to be staring at something in particular, but there was nothing in sight.

“Billy, are you ok?” asked Adam. Billy didn’t say anything.

“Billy?” Adam tried again, this time clicking his fingers in front of his friend’s face. “Earth to Billy. Come in, Billy”.

Billy suddenly snapped out of his trance: “Huh? What was that?”

“Are you alright, Billy?” asked Tanya. “You kinda zoned-out there for a while”.

“Oh, did I?” replied Billy, his voice sounding a bit dazed. “Sorry guys, I was just somewhere else entirely”.

The conversation was left at that, as the group continued walking through the busy park.

‘Perhaps I should just tell them’ Billy thought to himself. ‘They might understand…no, they wouldn’t. They’d be angry at me, because they would never do what I did – just leaving without saying a word. No, I’d be better off keeping my reasons to myself!’

Billy looked back up to the sky. He knew that there wasn’t anything up there to see, but he also knew that he was gazing in the exact direction of the planet Aquitar. He just couldn’t let the others know that! However, as he looked up again, he frowned as a dark cloud was moving in to block his view. It took him a few seconds to realise what was going on.

“Guys,” he shouted, “trouble!”

The group watched as a monster descended from the cloud, landing a few feet away from them. Panic followed, as people began to scream and flee the scene. The four Rangers, however, stood their ground.

“Well,” began the monster, “I seemed to have more or less cleared the area. You, however…” he pointed at the group, “…didn’t run. So you must be the Rangers that I was sent to take care of. I am Shieldon”.

“I don’t care who you are, pal” replied Adam. “We’re the ones who are going to take care of you!”

With that, the four brought up their Morphers and shouted the call: “Combat Crash Course!”

The four morphed Rangers surrounded Shieldon, with the BattleSouls immediately forming the Combat Swords and Shields. Shieldon reacted by summoning a sword of his own.

“Let the fight begin” Shieldon announced.

“You asked for it!” replied Adam, who then charged towards Shieldon. As he approached, Adam swiped with his Combat Sword. However, Shieldon was quick to react, bringing up his own sword to block the hit. Unfortunately, Adam could not display the same speed, as Shieldon moved his sword forward, slamming into Adam’s chest.

“Hold on Adam” called Tanya, as she; Kat and Billy all charged together. This time, the three were too much for Shieldon to handle at once. The three Rangers jumped together, bringing their Combat Swords down onto the monster, who was knocked back with the blast. He was given no time to recover, as Adam attacked again, firing a laser blast from his Combat Sword.

“Your firepower doesn’t compare to mine, Rangers” announced Shieldon, who fired a beam of energy from his visor. The Rangers were grounded by the blast.

Adam tapped his ComRing: “Andros, come in”.

*

Andros had just left the apartment, on his way towards the park to meet the others, when his ComRing beeped, the dome flashing green. Glancing around to make sure it was safe, Andros answered the call.

“I read you, Adam. What’s up?”

“Andros,” came Adam’s reply, “monster at the park. We need your help!”

“I’m on my way!”

Andros ended the communication, but suddenly noticed several figures descending from the sky, landing in front of him: a group of Trents, with Treydon present in the middle.

“Treydon” cried Andros as his attackers arrived. “Now’s not the time!”

“I disagree, Andros” replied Treydon. “Now’s the perfect time”.

The general summoned his sword, “Shall we?”

“Combat Crash Course!” shouted Andros, morphing into the Red Combat Ranger. He then had to quickly duck and roll out of the way of Treydon’s slashing sword.

“Blade,” shouted Andros, “arm me up!”

The red BattleSoul shifted to the Combat Sword and Shield form, and Andros then began to take care of the Trents.

*

Tanya and Billy duelled with Shieldon, whose sword skills seemed to be a match for the two of them. In one swipe across the chests, the robotic creature sent both Rangers to the floor. He then quickly whirled around and used his visor laser to blast Kat, who he knew was approaching him from behind.

“Hey, Green Ranger,” Shieldon called over to Adam, “you’re next!”

As Shieldon fired another laser, Adam brought up his Combat Shield in defence. The blast struck the Shield directly, but Adam was sent flying backwards with the force. Shieldon fired again, and this time the Shield was knocked from Adam’s grip. Yet another blast, and Adam was sent reeling once more. Shieldon took a few steps towards the fallen Ranger, preparing to release one more shot. Adam saw this, but was too dazed to do anything about it.

“Adam, watch out!” called Apollo.

Realising that he had to do something, Apollo disengaged from his weapon form. The Combat Shield lying on the ground suddenly turned to energy, which then flew up to meet the also shape-changing Combat Sword.

Moving down in front of Adam, Apollo changed into a floating wall of transparent green energy. Shieldon’s blast struck Apollo, who successfully deflected the attack.

“Wow, thanks Apollo” said Adam, as he managed to climb to his feet. “I owe you one!”

“Anytime, partner” came the BattleSoul’s reply.

*

Andros slammed his Combat Sword into the last remaining Trent, then turned towards Treydon.

“You still here?” asked Andros in mock surprise.

“I’ll stay however long it takes” replied Treydon. With that, he charged.

The blades of Andros and Treydon’s swords clashed noisily as they fought each other. Andros had to think fast in order to bat away Treydon’s sword from above, then from below, then above again. Treydon, however, managed to force away Andros’ sword with his own, then slamming his foot hard into his chest. Andros stumbled backwards, but managed to stay on his feet.

Readying his Combat Sword again, Andros moved in for another attempt. Treydon was ready for him, and used his own sword to effortlessly block the Ranger’s attacks. As Andros seemed to be abandoning the use of his Combat Shield, Treydon found ease in delivering another blow to his chest.

“You cannot defeat me alone” Treydon mocked his opponent.

“We’ll just see about that” retorted Andros, once again getting to his feet.

*

Kat; Tanya; Adam and Billy landed hard, as Shieldon’s visor laser struck them again.

“This guy needs to be taken care of” said Billy. “Permanently!”

“Where’s Andros?” asked Adam. “He should’ve been here by now”.

“Rangers,” announced Shieldon, “it appears as if the shields that you hold are not standing up to my attacks. What you need is a shield that absolutely nothing has a chance of getting through. Allow me to be the provider of such!”

Suddenly, the aerial on Shieldon’s head began to glow red, before emitting a constant beam of red energy straight at the Rangers. The team had no time to react, as the beam split and stretched around them.

They now found themselves trapped inside a transparent red cube.

“What the…” Tanya started. Her and the others tried several times to break the energy walls, in any way they could, but with no success.

Shieldon laughed: “Now you cannot stand in my way, Rangers”.

“Let us out – now!” Adam demanded.

“Oh don’t worry,” replied Shieldon, “you can still feel my wrath!”

Shieldon fired his visor laser yet again, straight at the cube shield. The laser passed straight through the walls and struck the Rangers.

“Now, I think that’s much better” announced Shieldon again. “I always find myself better against non-moving targets. Although, I was winning anyway…”

“You’re not going to get away with this, Shieldon!” Kat declared.

Shieldon’s only reply was another laser.

*

Andros let out a determined cry, as he leaped into the air. Twisting around in mid flight, he extended his leg as gravity reclaimed him, slamming his foot into Treydon’s back. The evil general stumbled forward.

As Treydon turned back around, Andros was there. Treydon thrust his sword forward, but this time Andros remembered his Combat Shield. The Red Ranger batted the blade away, before swiping his Combat Sword down onto Treydon’s shoulder. Treydon was knocked back again, hitting the ground.

“Is that more of what you were hoping for, Treydon?” asked Andros.

“A fluke, Ranger,” replied Treydon, “that’s all it was. Next time, you will not be so lucky”.

“Next time? You mean we’re not gonna finish this now?”

“I have diverted you for long enough. But trust me, we shall meet again!”

As fast as could possibly be, a dark cloud arrived in the sky and received Treydon. The cloud swept away as quickly as it had arrived.

“Diverted me?” Andros asked to himself. “What does he mean?”

He thought for a second, then remembered.

“Oh no, the guys are in trouble”.

“Andros,” spoke up Blade, “we must get to the park immediately”.

“You’re right, Blade. Teleporting now”.

*

As Andros and Blade arrived at the park, they immediately understood the situation: Treydon and the Trents had attacked them, in order to keep them out of the way whilst the others were captured by the monster – who was currently blasting the hell out of them!

But they were trapped inside the cube, and couldn’t do anything about it.

“Guys!” Andros shouted to the others. “Are you ok?”

“Andros!” came Adam’s reply. “Yeah we’re fine, but we could use a hand here!”

Shieldon turned his attention towards Andros: “Your friends can not help you, Red Ranger” he taunted. “You must fight me alone”.

“Actually,” replied Andros, “I already had a one-on-one fight today, so maybe we could just forget about all this?”

“I don’t think so. It’s you versus me”.

“Not quite, pal. It’s actually you versus me and Blade”.

Andros raised his Combat Sword and Shield.

“Very well” announced Shieldon, before charging towards Andros.

Andros found himself engaged in another sword fight, as he and Shieldon duelled with each other. Andros had the advantage of a shield, and after failing to use it effectively against Treydon only minutes earlier, he wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice! This time, Andros had his Combat Shield ready at all times. Unfortunately, he was concentrating so much on