Fire Sentai Islandranger vs. Gekisou Sentai Carranger: Curse of the Key

[GreenNinja]

No movie will be posted until tomorrow, but this first post is to set up the thread and for me to tell two things that my readers may be wondering.
1. Why the Carranger? and
2. What does "Curse of the Key" have to do with an island-themed series?

1. Why not the Carranger? I've always wanted to do a team-up with an official Sentai team, and they are one of my favorites. I love comedy and parodies, and as Sentai's foremost comedy team, the Carranger were to be used. I also love the design of the suits, mecha, weapons and so on, in addition to the music. Also, they don't have Justin.

2. On Survivor, one of the most major influences for this series (along with Indiana Jones, Lost, and Tomb Raider, among others, with other little things being nodded to here and there), has this running thing. On every season, there is a Reward Challenge played for a car. Whoever wins the car never ends up winning the million-dollar-prize of the show. This has held true for 10 seasons, and as the show continues into its 11th it may hold up still.

In Episode 17 Lara recieved a key from Professor Brody at NYU. That is what will set the movie in motion. This movie, involving a comedy team, will be like Power Rangers Ancient Warriors was for me awhile back, a largely comical movie. Expect jokes aplenty.

Be here for the opening prologue tomorrow...Fire Sentai Islandranger vs. Gekisou Sentai Carranger: Curse of the Key. I hope you enjoy it.

[DEKA1]

Pretty cool dude

[GreenNinja]

DEKA1, if you want to do yourself a favor, refrain from commentary here. I want things to stay relatively on-topic. With that said...
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Okay, at last my movie begins! Here goes nothing...
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Prologue: My Other Battle Machine is a Zekta

I am Hawk, the protector of the Pyro Island Chain. Look into my eyes and see the past, for what was often has an effect on what will be. Now, look upon the image of days gone by!

Pyro Island Chain
Solstice Island

It was a dark, cold night on the Pyro Island Chain’s best kept secret, Solstice Island. Gloom Island had yet to come into existence, and Ouritsu Island was well-known, but only available to the elite. At this time two men from the central isle of Ignus Island were present. They were, like all Pyro Islanders, tanned with brownish-black hair. One was muscular and pulling something behind his back and the other was a thin man wearing a navy ovular pendant with silver rimming. The muscular man had a red cross pendant around his neck also with silver rimming. Both were also dressed in the usual clothes of Pyro Islanders, which is to say, not much.

“It was tough lugging this all the way here,” said the muscular man, “Why’d we have to do it?”
“I told you, Chevy,” answered the thin man, “The Zekta is a dangerous device. I didn’t know what were doing when we created it! Such a device is ahead of its time.”
“Just remember, Ford, it was your idea,” replied Chevy, “Okay, we’ve got the Zekta here, but what are we going to do with it?”

The Zekta was constructed of some sort of stone-wood hybrid and had a rubbery material making its wheels. A triangle symbol with a flame in it was inscribed in its hood, and it resembled, of all things, a car. While the concept for cars had yet to exist in any part of the world, these two fools had somehow created one. Now that the Zekta was safely on Solstice Island they had to lock it away so that it couldn’t release its evil power upon mankind.

“I’ve got an idea,” said Ford as he took out a staff topped off with a palm leaf, “We can store it in a fortress,” he picked up several stone slabs and arranged them into a crude garage, “and use this to lock it away.” Ford conjured something that was equal parts gold, silver, and copper and resembled a car key, “Good thing it’s also the Zekta’s power source. No one will be able to access this thing.”

“We should send it to the ends of the Earth,” said Chevy, “I don’t care where; we just have to get rid of it.” He took the palm staff and zapped the key. It vanished from his hand in a burst of light and reappeared somewhere else in the world. These two personally didn’t know or want to know where it had gone.

Ford picked up the last stone slab and locked the entrance to the garage/fortress. He turned to his partner and asked him a question. He had mixed feelings of joy, relief, and anger and wasn’t sure exactly what it was saying. Of course, it was also late at night, so that may have been a factor as well.

“If anybody and I mean anybody, discovers the Zekta,” he said, “Then the world is doomed. We have to hide Solstice Island!”
“It’s already hidden,” said Chevy, “Remember that whole ‘when the moon is new’ nonsense that people spoke of in the village?”
“You’re right,” Ford said as his head darted back and forth, “but we’d best leave the code to the key somewhere as well; the spell to activate the Zekta.”
“I thought we were getting rid of it!”
“We are, but a man must not dismantle his creations completely.” Ford took three medium sized rocks and enchanted the spell into them. He left the rocks lying near the entrance to the fortress, and immediately departed with Chevy.

As the two men dashed away from the island Chevy asked his partner a question.
“Do you seriously think anybody will find the Zekta again?”
“Given what we’ve done with it? No, but there’s always a slim chance…”
“Slim?”
“Right, ‘slim’ as in ‘almost never.’ We’re completely safe!”

They had absolutely no clue if they were right or not.

What was the meaning of this vision? We now return to the present. When my talents are next needed our paths shall cross once more. From here, reader, I leave the story to you. This is tale of...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Gattai-5/Misc/FireSentaiIslandRangerLogo2.png
VS.
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CURSE OF THE KEY

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http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Gattai-5/Carranger/RedRacer.gifhttp://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Gattai-5/Carranger/Red2.gif

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Gattai-5/Carranger/Blue1.gifhttp://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Gattai-5/Carranger/BlueNaoki.gif
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http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Gattai-5/Carranger/Pink1.gifhttp://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Gattai-5/Carranger/PinkYoko.gif
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[Dr. Norris]

Looks promising... where did you get those great photos?

[GreenNinja]

Looks promising... where did you get those great photos?
I used FX Frame Capture (provided by Merlin of this very board) and my videos of the openings, captured the pictures, and saved them. The Islandranger logo I made myself though.

[Dr. Norris]

Yeah... the Islandranger logo is very cool... I like the "Survivor" theme for a sentai.

[GreenNinja]

With this act, we're off and running. Islandranger and Carranger characters meet immediately, and who those two Car characters are...well, it's not any of the Rangers themselves, I'll say that much. On with the show!
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Act 1: Successful Failure

Skull Mountain
Somewhere Over the Pacific Ocean

“Wasn’t Skull Mountain in New York City last time?” Lodi asked as the mountain flew on its magically-enhanced wings over the crashing waves below, “Why would we suddenly be somewhere else?”

“Do not question Lord Voodun!” shouted the master shaman, “We came here because it is crucial to our plans! There lays a certain thing spoken of in Pyro Island legends that I wish to uncover, and only the power of the great beast Rokorox can lead us to that goal! Now, are you ready for the incantation?”

“Yes, sir!” saluted Lodi and Draugh; a pair of bongo drums was quickly enchanted and served as a metronome for the ensuing chant. A spell never used by any of the three sounded through the empty corridors of Skull Mountain, and then the summoning they had been waiting for began to take place.

Energy drew itself into the shape of a circle on the floor, and a mass of dark energy began to rise up. It started to take on the form of a menacing creature that would send most men trembling in fear. For once things were going successfully for the Shaman Noir – but it wasn’t going to stay that way for long.

The chant continued, but when it entered into the third verse Voodun accidentally mis-chanted a syllable and in effect messed up the entire spell. Rather than the expected flare of dramatic music and lighting, smoke and howling roars the Shaman Noir heard rather different sounds.

The dark mass of energy split into the shape of two human girls. One was slightly taller and curvier than the other. An explosion rang out in the center of the circle and knocked Lodi and Draugh back against the wall. Voodun stopped the chant and decided to see who the spell had summoned for them.

“Are you the voodoo battle god Rokorox?” he asked hopefully, “Please let it be you, please let it be you….”
“Excuse me, but where are we?” asked the older girl.
“I don’t think we’re home anymore,” said the second girl. Her voice was younger and more innocent. Voodun looked up confusedly and decided to examine the two girls as closely as possible.

They had long, black silky hair and copper eyes that spoke of ambition; they were also very Japanese in appearance. They were dressed in primarily white fancy dresses. What looked like light blue shoulder pads were on the younger girl’s dress; a silver belt accentuated her outfit. The older girl had gold spikes across the shoulders of her dress, and both of them were wearing beautiful crowns. Skull Mountain fell silent.
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y91/Gattai-5/Super%20Sentai/Vanity_Radietta_Fanbelt.jpg

“Ravioli, kishimen, linguini!” said the older girl with a snap of her fingers.
“Tiramisu, konnyaku, mille-feuille!” exclaimed the younger girl. There was a quick puff of smoke, and when Voodun looked up he saw that the two girls had changed their outfits entirely.

The older of the two was now in red boots, a purple leather dress, and purple armbands. Her crown had stayed. She announced herself as “Zonette!”
The younger girl was now in white boots, a white headband, a white dress with a yellow square patch on the chest, and white armbands. She declared herself to be “Gekisou shoujou! White Racer!”

“I’m thinking we messed up on this one,” Draugh whispered, “This doesn’t look like a voodoo warlord to me.”
“Okay,” Lodi declared forcefully, “Who are you two and what are you doing in our ship? We were supposed to have summoned Rokorox!”

“I don’t know who this Rokorox is that you’re talking about, but I can certainly do you in,” said the older girl, “Then again, you don’t seem so tough. Ravioli, kishimen, linguini.” She reverted to her previous form. “Of course, you’re going to be tried by the royal court for kidnapping Vanity Mirror Fanbelt of the Fanbelt planet.”

“…and her younger sister,” said the White Racer as she powered-down to the royal girl she was before, “Radietta!”
“Come to think of it, while we’re on Earth we may as well visit Kyosouke,” added Vanity, “You know, see how he’s doing.”
“Who’s Kyosuke?” asked Voodun in a vexed voice, “Some friend of yours?”

“He’s not just a friend,” Vanity said proudly. She began walking around Skull Mountain parading herself while describing the person in question, “he’s just my boyfriend. He saved me and Earth from the Bowzock years ago...”

“He’s also the Red Racer,” chimed in Radietta, “The leader of the…” she and Vanity struck a hitchhiking-like pose and spoke something together.
“Gekisou Sentai Carrrr-ranger!”

“Sentai?” Voodun exclaimed, “Like the Islandranger!”
“The who?” said a now-vexed Vanity.
“Never mind that,” Voodun said abruptly, “The generals and I have to talk. You girls entertain yourselves. Just don’t touch anything…some of it may cursed.” Voodun walked over to a corner of Skull Mountain and discussed the recent turn of events with Lodi and Draugh. The generals were still rubbing their heads after being slammed into the wall.

“Well, Rokorox didn’t work,” Voodun said, “but these girls seem…how do I put it…easy?”
“You’re a centuries-old shaman, I highly doubt they’d want you,” Lodi grumbled.
“I don’t think he means it like that,” Draugh whispered sarcastically.
“I meant easy to control! To manipulate! To make evil!” Voodun shouted, “What if we were to control them and use the Carranger to our advantage? We can easily coax the location out of them and from there it’s all about luring the Islandranger here. We can destroy them both with what I plan to go through with!”

“Didn’t you need Rokorox for your plan before?” Lodi questioned.
Voodun answered, “This is a very versatile plan. It has more than one way to go through with it.”

He walked up behind Vanity and Radietta. In the calmest voice he could gather he spoke to the girls. “Excuse me, my princesses?” he asked, “Sorry about my hostility towards you earlier. If you’d just look into my staff for one moment, I’ll send you right home.”

“Okay,” said Radietta. She pulled her older sister’s arm, “Hai! Send us home!”
“Very well,” Voodun answered. He held his large skull staff’s eyes in front of the girls and muttered a quick chant. Purplish-black light emanated from the skull-head’s eyes and washed over Radietta and Vanity. The girls’ eyes gave a brief flash of purple, and when Voodun asked them their next question they responded as perky as ever, but with evil undertones running in their voice.

“Hail Lord Voodun!” exclaimed Radietta. Her dress had changed to black, but that was really the only major change she had undergone.
“What can we do to please you, my lord?” asked Vanity. Her dress was also black.
“Tell me where the Carranger reside and I’ll let you finish them off,” Voodun offered, “It’s as simple as that.”
“Tokyo!” shouted Radietta happily, “They’re in Tokyo, Japan. Nihon, you know.”
“Ah, perfect!” said Voodun. He laughed maniacally, but with his two newest members present and obeying his every order he didn’t care that they were in on his evil plans, “Where do they work in Tokyo, exactly?”

“At the Pegasus Garage,” Vanity added, “They’re always fixing up cars or something. Oh, and watch out for Dappu. He’s the pipsqueak alien from the planet Hazard that controls their abilities.”

“Got it,” Draugh said with a thumbs-up, “Lodi, this sounds like your kind of mission. Think you can come up with a suitable disguise?”
“Of course, you’re talking to a master of it,” Lodi replied confidently, “Watch.” She crossed her arms. A curtain of purple smoke covered her body, and when it faded someone who looked not at all like Lodi was standing in her place.

She was wearing a dark purple business suit with a skirt and golden-heeled shoes. She had short black hair with amber eyes and a pair of glasses. A clipboard was in one hand and a pencil in the other; when she spoke her voice had a distinctly Japanese tone to it. This meant that the disguise had been a complete success.

“This should work perfectly!” Voodun exclaimed, “We can defeat the Islandranger and the Carranger at the same time! Huzzah!”

[GreenNinja]

We now go into Act 2, and introduce the Carranger themselves in a way that proves they're a comedy team (and also proves I'm willing to break the rules of fanfiction for a time being). The 4th wall is no longer a barrier, and nor is Lodi's trickery in this latest chapter...enough rambling. It begins!
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Act 2: A Car Saleswoman Named Christine

Tokyo, Japan
Pegasus Garage

The Pegasus Garage appeared to be a normal auto-repair garage, because the fact of the matter was it is. The place was owned by the Tenma family, yet at this moment, Mr. Souichirou Tenma, his wife Yoshie and their son Ichitarou were on vacation. They had left the place to their five most outstanding employees and said they could do whatever as long as the place wasn’t blown up when they returned.

At that moment four of the employees decided that “doing whatever they want” meant a round of karaoke played on the garage’s sound system. There was no one to stop them. From his control panel the small elfish creature called Dappu was inserting a CD into the computer.

Dappu himself was a rather unique creature. He was short in stature and elfish in bodily appearance, but the way he dressed would make you wonder how no one had noticed him not blending in on Earth, or it would let you commend him on how well he did blend in.

Dappu’s wardrobe consisted of a red basketball jersey, a backwards blue baseball cap, a white scarf, and a pair of white pants with tennis shoes. He was the mentor of the Carranger, believe it or not, in addition to being one of the last survivors of the planet Hazard. He had been the one to provide the Carranger with their powers, and now stayed at the Pegasus Garage to assist them. The Bowzock had been defeated long ago, but he knew the place too well to want to leave.

“Okay, let’s hit it!” Dappu said to the gathered group of four with microphones in their hand. They were in front of a red sports car and a blue 4x4 truck that had made their stay in the garage, and a series of multicolored lights flashed above their heads. An upbeat, fast-paced tune began to blare out of the Pegasus Garage’s speakers, and a man stepped up to sing the first verse.

He was wearing a white shirt with dark blue sleeves and a pair of blue jeans. He, like everyone else, was Japanese in appearance, and a strange device was around his left wrist. His name was Naoki Domon. At 17, he was the youngest member of this eclectic group. When he walked forward with his microphone in hand the garage echoed with his voice.

Mune ni ai wo daite
Kuruma wo tobashitara
Anna Konna Donna
Kaabu mo heccharasa
Dadada Didada Dudada

The next man was a little different. He was in a business suit with a yellow tie and blue undershirt, and his hair was combed back. He also had one of those devices around his left wrist. This man seemed to be perpetually clueless in his appearance, but that’s truthfully how he was. He was Makoto Uesugi. He was 24 years of age, and the oldest of the Carranger.

Unaru enjin de
Namida nanka bucchigire
Booi, akiramenai de, shinjite goranyo
Yume miru kimi ga, toki meku kimi ga, ashita no hiiro!

Dappu slid into the center of the group, microphone in hand, and continued the song. Makoto, Naoki and the two girls standing off to the side began to sing in unison the refrain.

Let’s Go!
Carranger! Carranger!
Kimi mo mirai e hashire
Yuuki no akuseru fukashite!
Go! Go!
Carranger! Carranger!
Yume wo oikoshita toki
Bokura wa hikari ni narunosa
Gekisou Sentai Carranger!

The next was a 19-year old Japanese girl with short blackish-brown hair dressed in a red mechanic’s outfit and a red backwards baseball cap. She went by the name of Natsumi Shinohara, and was about to jettison the song into its second verse. Like everyone else she had one of those devices – an Axle Changer – on her left wrist. Natsumi began to sing.

Kirari Kirara Hoshi ga
Michibiku sadame nara
Anna Konna Donna
Pinchi mo ku ji kenai
Baruru Biruru Bururu

The song was passed off to a girl in a white skirt with a pink jacket and light pink undershirt. Her hair went down to her shoulders, and she had an innocent and cheerful demeanor. Her name was Yoko Yagami; she 19 years of age and the secretary at the Pegasus Garage. She looked forward to singing her part.

Tama ni bibiru kedo
Ai ga areba daijoubu
Booi, kidotte bakari, itatte dame dayo
Jibun ni mo aru, yowa sa wo shireba, honto no hiiro!

Dappu and the four Carrangers swung into the refrain yet again to wrap up their song. They were captured by the melody at this point and were unable to stop their singing.

Let’s Go!
Carranger! Carranger!
Atsuii haato de hashire, genki no enajii tagirase!
Go! Go!
Carranger! Carranger!
Kimi ga hohoen da toki, chikyuu ni heiwa ga modorusa!
Gekisou Sentai Carranger!

The song pulled into its conclusion with the most powerful tune being carried through all four. This song, celebrating their team, drew to a screeching halt with its final words being sung together.

Let’s Go!
Carranger! Carranger!
Kimi mo mirai e hashire
Yuuki no akuseru fukashite!
Go! Go!
Carranger! Carranger!
Yume wo oikoshita toki
Bokura wa hikari ni narunosa
Gekisou Sentai Carranger!

The lights stopped flashing and the song closed with a final beat. Dappu walked up to the four Carrangers and commended them on a great performance of their signature song, Gekisou Sentai Carranger. Just as they were about to resume their daily routines someone burst into the central room screaming at the top of his lungs. Like the others he had an Axle Brace. He was also wearing black pants and a red shirt. He had short black hair and an eager expression on his face as he began warbling to the empty garage.

We’ll get some overhead lifters and four barrel quads, oh yeah!
Fuel injection cut off and chrome-plated rods, oh yeah!
With a four-speed on the floor…

“Kyosuke!” shouted Makoto and Naoki.
“Kyosuke!” yelled Yoko and Natsumi.
“Did you hear them?” Dappu sighed, “KYOSUKE!”
“What?” the 23-year old Kyosuke Jinnai replied with a dumbfounded look on his face. He stopped singing on the spot. Dappu walked up to him and gave him a thwack on his head before offering a stern warning.
“The karaoke’s over!” Dappu said.
“And you weren’t even singing the right song,” added Natsumi.
“Well, it’s not my fault I was late!” Kyosuke replied.
“Then who’s fault was it?” asked Yoko inquiringly.
“Signalman!” shouted the Red Racer.
“He gets like that,” added Makoto.
“Always enforcing the rules of traffic upon us,” Naoki commented, “He’s a fanatic.”

The conversation would’ve continued if it weren’t for everyone stopping to catch sight of the beautiful young lady stepping into their midst. She was wearing a purple business suit, gold shoes, carrying a clipboard, and had a captivating air about her. All the Carrangers and Dappu turned around and asked who she was with a call of “Nani?”

“You can call me Christine,” the girl said with a laugh, “I’ve heard of you. The Gekisou Sentai Carranger, correct?”
“How’d you know that?” asked a skeptical Kyosuke, “Have you been reading our files?”
“No, but I did hear you guys singing your theme song before I got here.”
“We have a theme song?” Kyosuke asked in a befuddled tone.
“Never mind that,” answered Christine, “I’m Christine Yamaguchi, and I’m willing to make you a deal. See, I work for Honda, but I know of this awesome car that I’m sure all of you would love, if you’re willing to make a journey.”

“What kind of journey?” asked Dappu.
“What kind of car?” questioned Naoki.
“Oh, it’s a good car,” Christine said as she leaned up against Naoki, “The details on it are perfect. That’s what makes it an antique, yet it’s as modern as the vehicles you drive.”
“How much is it worth?” said Makoto inquisitively.
“A bundle,” Christine noted, “If you sold it you could probably own this dimwitted little garage instead of doing the menial labor and working for it.”
“How fast does it go?” Natsumi asked.
“Why, its greased lightning,” said Christine, “Wouldn’t you love to get inside it and see how it works? Check out the rods and the pistons and the pumps and all that.”
“Sounds amazing,” said Natsumi.
“It sounds like anyone who owns it…” Yoko began.
“Would get the admiration of everyone,” Christine added, “I’m sure if you drove it you’d have the men flocking to your side in an instant. It’s like an aphrodisiac of vehicles.”
“I must own it!” shouted Yoko excitedly.

“How sure are we can trust you?” Kyosuke asked as he neared the girl, “And what about your name being ‘Christine,’ and you working with cars? How sure are we that isn’t a clever reference to the Stephen King novel of the same name and is therefore a hint that you are evil?”
“Where the heck did you get that from?” Christine shot back, “I’m not evil at all. Just looking to help out some down-and-out mechanics who want to get ahead in the world; you deserve it.”

“We do deserve it!” shouted Naoki, “We’ll take the mission!”
“We’ll make the journey!” added Natsumi.
“For the car! For the men! For the money!” Yoko proclaimed with a burning passion.
“We set off now!” Makoto added, “To Dragon Cruiser and Pegasus Thunder!”
“Wait just one second!” Kyosuke interrupted, “We really have a theme song?”
“Shut up, Kyosuke,” said Natsumi, “Now, in we go!”

Yoko climbed into the passenger’s side of the red sports car known as Pegasus Thunder, and Kyosuke reluctantly took to the steering it. Dappu agreed to sit in the back seat on this one. Naoki was to drive Dragon Cruiser with Natsumi alongside him. Makoto was relegated to the back. The five asked Christine where they were going, and when asked she replied with but one phrase.

“Solstice Island.”

The two cars took off, and Christine left the Pegasus Garage in a puff of purple smoke. She had set off what was sure to be the greatest battle the Shaman Noir would ever do – at least until they were confronted with something else. Either way she had done something right for once, and was thus redeemed in the eyes of Lord Voodun. As they sped away Lodi looked down at herself and thought one thing.

“That Kyosuke kid is pretty good, for a numbskull.” She was lucky that no one had believed the numbskull, or her cover would’ve been blown. Now it was all about trusting the Islandranger to follow their natural adventuring instincts and also travel to Solstice Island.

That was where it would all take place.

[GreenNinja]

It wouldn't be an Islandranger movie without the Islandranger now, wouldn't it? Tyson, Lara, Ian, Shii and Roy factor into the story at about this point, more backstory is given, and things are about to get much more interesting. Enjoy.
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Act 3: New Moon Over Solstice Island

Pyro Island Chain
Aka Island

“The key did say it was here,” Ian remarked as he rested on a soft bed of grass located on the now dormant volcanic island, “but where, exactly, is Solstice Island?”
“It should be just north of Aka,” Shii commented, “but we have to wait until tonight. When the new moon rises, so the island will appear; it’s what was inscribed on the key.”
“Did anyone remember to bring the key?” Tyson asked as he readied a canoe found by island, “I think that thing will be important.”
“Yes, I brought it,” Lara sighed, “now where did I put it again?” She pondered that question for a few seconds before racing off to a secluded area surrounded by foliage. Roy seemed annoyed that he had been swept away from New York so suddenly and now had to be in the tropics once more. Mariano wasn’t going to be too pleased with that.

“Why is Solstice Island such a big deal?” Roy asked, “We’ve been to just about every other islet in this place!”
“Solstice Island is said to be nothing more than superstition, a myth,” Shii began, “Supposedly a weapon of great power is locked up there. No one knows exactly what it is or how powerful it is, and those who did aren’t alive to tell the tale.”
“So it’s a myth we’re chasing after,” sighed Roy, “Great.”

“Found it!” exclaimed Lara from the bushes. She walked out with her right hand rummaging through her green tank top. Ian didn’t know what to say, and Shii was just confused. With a slight groan Lara yanked the key out from within her shirt. It was just as pristine as ever and still held its composition of equal parts gold, silver and bronze. “Should’ve known I’d keep it somewhere well-protected…” she laughed, but Tyson just placed his hand on his head and sighed.

“So, how many hours until night hits?”
“Sunset ends at eight,” Roy said casually, “and by all the luck in the world, tonight’s a new moon. I guess we set off for this Solstice Island place around then.”
“So…what do we do until then exactly?” asked Ian.
“I could pass the time by telling you one of the Pyro Island Chain’s greatest stories,” Shii said, “It’s a rousing tale that I’m sure you’d all love to hear.”
“Why not?” Lara said as she sat down by the islander.
“I’m in,” Tyson commented.
“Take it away!” Ian exclaimed.
“Yawn,” Roy scoffed, “If any of youse needs me, I’ll be sleeping in the airplane.”
“You do that,” Shii said in a peeved tone of voice, “Now, here’s how the story goes.”

“Long, long ago, when the world was young, this stretch of ocean was nothing more than that. Ocean. There was a boy from the lands to the west who was seeking a companion, and he found her. She was floating among the ocean – covered in saltwater and seaweed, but otherwise she was alright. The boy saved her, and she introduced herself as Becka.

‘Where did you come from?’ the boy questioned.
‘I come from below,’ Becka replied, ‘Where the gemstones shine and the Earth is hot. I move freely as I desire and seek my goals no matter what.’
‘Then you are who I am looking for,’ said the boy. He took her to his home. That was the world that today came to be known as Japan. Becka and the boy settled into a hotel located near the coast that night. Becka was given hospitality for the first time in her life, and when she was cleaned up the boy was captivated by her beauty more so than before.

That night the skies were darker than ever, and a ghostly wind was heading in the direction of the two’s house. They embraced close together to hide from the storm, and as they held close the Earth began to tremble. Land was created where there once was sea, and in an instant a large island appeared just off the coast.

Becka and the boy traveled out to this new location and found it teeming with life. They decided that this is where they would make their home. In the center they came across a magnificent torch that shone as bright as their relationship did, and they decided that this place would be known as Ignus Island.

“…and that’s the legend of how Ignus Island came to be, at least what I can remember of it,” Shii said, “Some details may have changed here and there it may not be entirely accurate, but that’s my story.”

“Good,” Tyson said, “The sunset is almost done with. Within minutes we should see the moon rising, and then we get in the canoe and head out to Solstice Island. Someone be sure to wake Roy, though. I think he’s still resting in the plane.”

“I’ll do it,” Lara volunteered. She walked into the airplane and found Roy resting on the metal floor. She shook his shoulder and found him startled at his sudden awakening.
“What, what is it?” Roy asked impatiently, “Finally headin’ out?”
“Yes, and we’ll need you to come with,” Lara replied, “now get on out and grab your oar. It’s going to be one of those nights.”
“Alright,” Roy sighed, “This better be worth it.”

The five gathered into the canoe just as sunset was finishing. The skies were especially clear and starry tonight, and the new moon slowly rose over the horizon. It was nothing more than a silver outline of the great celestial body, and showed the way to a new island just off in the distance.

The group paddled their oars against the waves and continued onward towards the legendary, almost lost, Solstice Island. Partway through the journey Lara struck up an interesting point of conversation that drew in all except for Roy. The others wondered why they hadn’t noticed it earlier.

“The Shaman Noir follow us wherever we go,” Lara began, “and whatever’s on Solstice is supposed to be an unbelievable weapon of great power. How come the Shaman Noir hasn’t attacked us yet? We’re easy targets, floating here in the middle of the ocean. They could at least…”
“Don’t say that, Lara,” Tyson replied, “We’re close enough to Solstice Island as it is. If you finish that statement I’m sure they’ll attack.”
“We’ve got our Braces and Fire Gems with us,” Shii commented, “I see no problem. Besides, we’ve taken on worse before. In fact, we can boast we’ve braved the Noirflora Spell twice!”
“Lara, you meant to ask why they didn’t at least send down some Skullmen, right?” Ian questioned.
“Yes, that’s what I was about to say,” Lara answered.
“I believe they already have,” responded Ian.

Ian was completely right. Skullmen were hovering above the water’s surface with a faint purple aura surrounding them. They slowly hovered over the water and thrust their spears out randomly in an attempt to hit the rowing team. Ian knew that a water battle was his territory, and immediately took action.

He leapt out of the canoe and held his Island Brace to the sky. With a cry of “Fires of the Island Ignite!” he was surrounded by a pillar of blue flame. When Ian splashed down in the water his Fire Axe was drawn and he was ready to fight. Ian hurled the axe across the air and watched it cut the Skullmen off at their torsos. When the path was open the canoe paddled through, but Ian was swarmed by Skullmen once more.

“So, you want to play that game, do you?” he said, “Then try this! Ocean Wave Cutter!” He swung the blade around in a whirlwind-like motion that swirled the waters below him into a whirlpool. With a jump into the air Ian watched the skeletal grunts swirl into the vortex, and in order to finish them off once and for all he threw his Fire Axe into the center of the whirlpool. A beam of blue light shot out as Ian grabbed his Fire Axe and landed safely in the now-calm waters.

“That’s done with,” he whispered. Ian held his hand up and was surrounded by another pillar of blue flame. He returned to the canoe and powered down. He grabbed his oar from where it had been lying down in the boat and began to paddle once more. No one even thought of questioning him as to what had gone down. “It was only a quick fight anyhow,” Ian commented.

After about ten more minutes of rowing the canoe reached its destination. The part of the chain known as Solstice Island was truly a sight to behold, even from a distance. Shii gasped when the island came within range and instructed the five to move faster.

Solstice Island’s front side was pointed and a silver rock was seen resting upon its beach. The dim light of the new moon left the isle shadowed and gave it a mysterious feel. The shoreline wasn’t even visible, but the Islandranger pressed forward. When the boat slammed into a rock against the shore the group knew that it was their time to depart. They climbed from the boat and took their prized possessions in hand so they wouldn’t get stolen.

Roy had his machete, Lara her camera, and Tyson his ever-watching will. Shii checked that all five Fire Gems were still present, and Ian took out a compass from his pocket.

“Okay, here’s the key,” Lara said as she pulled the implement out from her shirt once more, “Now where do we go?”
“I know,” Ian said, “we use it as we always have.” He placed the key on top of his compass and watched it spin around rapidly for seconds before landing on north. Ian pointed his finger in that direction and stated to the team, “We go that way.”

The Islandranger began to set off through the jungle. They didn’t know that they weren’t the only ones on this island, but they were sure of one thing. In the background of the jungle they heard the rhythmic beating sounds…of bongo drums.

[GreenNinja]

The time for expositiony, backstoryish stuff is over. At last, the two teams meet. And I start reaching into Carranger's adapted counterpart for some surprising material - this includes the title of the act. Enjoy.
-----------------------------------------------
Act 4: The Bongo Drum Song of Confusion

Solstice Island

Dragon Cruiser and Pegasus Thunder parked on the nearly non-existent shoreline of Solstice Island. The five Carrangers and Dappu disembarked from their vehicles and set off against the grassy ground in search of the mysterious vehicle that Christine was leading them to. Kyosuke led the way, slowly creeping through the jungle, and Yoko seemed frightened beyond belief.

“I kinda wish we hadn’t taken Christine’s advice now,” Yoko whispered, “This place is dark, and creepy, and…does anyone else hear bongo drums?”
“Yeah, I hear them too,” Natsumi commented, “Why would someone be playing bongo drums at this time of night?”
“Stop worrying about that, we’re here for the car!” Makoto urged, “We just have to follow a trail of some sort…if there is one.”
“Stay strong,” Dappu added.
“We will, Dappu, we will,” Naoki said, “just that this whole thing seems a little strange.”
“When has anything we’ve done not seemed strange?” Kyosuke questioned. The others responded with a unanimous “Right…” and the Carranger trudged on forward.

Unknown to anyone the pseudo-garage set up by Ford and Chevy centuries ago still stood. It hadn’t weathered or aged thanks to the spells placed upon it, and thanks to extensive research only the members of the Shaman Noir knew its location. They knew that the best way to prolong their search for the way to open the fortress was to distract the two hero teams that were visiting.

At the moment, on top of the garage, Draugh was blowing into a wooden flute, Lodi was playing a pair of bongo drums, and Radietta and Zonette were singing a song across the islands. Its only lyric appeared to be “Confusion,” and that was the name of the song itself. Zonette had mentioned something about the Fanbelt planet picking up transmissions of the song no more than a year after the Bowzock were defeated, and Voodun figured it was good enough to use. Then he just needed the sheet music for it.

After a lengthy copyrighting issue Voodun finally had the sheet music to the song in his clutches and sent off Zonette, Radietta, Lodi and Draugh to Solstice Island for their grand performance. The song he had assigned them was said to cause confusion in people, and that was EXACTLY what the voodoo overlord wanted. He confided in this plan and its effectiveness, and that confidence was about to be tested.

In the middle of a dense jungle glade the two Ranger teams approached each other in shadow. The shape of a small elfish creature could be made out by the Islandranger, and the Carranger were unsure of who they were facing. The five Islandrangers flicked their wrists and set their Fire Gems glowing with a bright orange-red light. They now had illumination and could clearly make out the Carranger in the darkness.

“A’right,” Roy growled, “Who goes there?”
“We’re the Gekisou Sentai Carranger!” said Natsumi, “And who would YOU be?”
“We’re the Fire Sentai Islandranger,” Shii replied, “You’re in the Pyro Island Chain. My home; tell us, what would your reason be for coming here?”
“We’re seeking a legendary car!” said Makoto, “Can’t wait for it!”
“Car?” questioned Tyson, “What…car?”
“There’s no car here,” Lara said back, “Just a weapon of great power used long ago in Pyro Island folklore. We have this!” she took out the key.

“Is that a key?” Naoki questioned, “It’s gotta be a car!”
“What makes you so sure, wiseguy?” Roy snapped back.
“Trust me, I know a key,” Dappu said, “and that’s definitely a key.”
“It looks like a key,” Ian said, “but how sure are you it’s a key?”
“Don’t talk down to me!” shouted Dappu, “I am the one who leads them!”
“So the Carranger are led by Dobby the House Elf?” Ian questioned.
“Yes, they’re led by Dobby the…HEY!” responded Dappu angrily.

“Are you trying to start something?” Kyosuke said as he approached Tyson. The music was starting to take over his mind, “We know it’s a car, and who’s to say otherwise?”
“A college professor with years of experience beyond you, grease monkey!” Tyson answered.
“He is right,” Lara said, “No one invited you anyway.”
“We were invited,” Natsumi responded, “we know we were!”
“Get off of my island!” Shii shouted, “You’re trespassing on my homeland!”
“We aren’t trespassing anything!” Yoko yelled at the Pyro Island girl.
“Who have you faced down that we haven’t?” Naoki questioned.
“Well, there is the Shaman Noir,” Ian said, “but we have yet to beat them…”

“Ha!” said Makoto proudly, “We’ve beaten Lord Exhaus, Ritchihiker, Zelmonda, Gynamo, Grotch…”
Ian was stifling laughter and whispering to himself, “Hee…Grotch…”
“IAN!” shouted Shii as she slapped him on the side of his head.
“So are we going to fight or not?” Roy said impatiently while tapping his foot off to the side, “I’m not gonna waste my time on this bickering if nothing comes of it!”

“You want to play it that way?” Kyosuke said, “We can play it that way. Mina! Iku ze!”
“Uh, right…” Tyson said, “Let’s go!”

The Islandranger went through their usual motions and sounded their call of “Fires of the Island Ignite!”

The Carranger took out five black objects from their pockets. They had the words “Carranger” written across them and a golden circle at the end with the triangular Carranger insignia inside. A silver key was flipped out from each of the objects. Kyosuke, Naoki, Makoto, Natsumi and Yoko made the motions as though they were steering a steering wheel left, then right, and finished by slamming the key into the slot on their Axle Bracelets and shouted “Gekisou! Accelchanger!”

The sound of screeching tires was heard and fire flared up around the five, and when it faded they were in distinct Ranger suits. The Carranger “C” was on their right arm patch and a number from 1-5 was on their left. Their helmets were designed to different cars, and headlights were placed atop them. Their belts also resembled the headlights of a car. The two groups struck their final poses.

“Fire represents life; we have spoken! Fire Sentai Islandranger!”
“We’re auto-mechanics but we’re also Gekisou Sentai Carrrrrr-ranger!”

They stared down for a good minute or so before Kyosuke asked a question.
“I know we’re all staring at each other, but isn’t there supposed to be a fight going on or something?”
“Yeah, thanks for reminding me!” Tyson answered.

The group of ten split into five fighting duets, and Dappu was left alone in the center of the glade. The Carranger’s Axle Keys and Lara’s own key that had slipped from her hands. He couldn’t have been in a worse situation at the moment, because the song of confusion was bound to take its effects on everyone in the vicinity.

The first fight was already taking place along the shoreline. Ian and Naoki had drawn their weapons and were engaged in the fight. Naoki had his Auto Punisher out and Ian was ready to fight with his Fire Baton. The two steadily stepped along the shoreline waiting to see who would attack first.

“Don’t move, I’m packing power in this thing,” Naoki said with his Auto Punisher aimed at Ian, “Don’t want to hurt you.”
“Ha!” Ian scoffed, “You fight like a twelve-year old!” He spun his Fire Baton around and launched it like a burning blue discus in Naoki’s direction. The Blue Racer ducked out of the way and sent a large bolt of energy in Ian’s direction. Ian called for the Fire Axe and swiped his weapon to the side.

Naoki was knocked onto the sand by an unexpected wave. He looked up at Blue Island and backed his foot across the sand. Ian was righting himself from the battle when he saw something bright and blinding passing his way. A cry of “Passing Flash!” was heard and Ian shielded his eyes. Naoki managed to land a punch to Ian’s head and left him on the sands.

“Fight like a twelve-year old, do I?” he retorted.
“Okay, okay, you win this round!” said a struggling Ian.
Naoki responded with a simple “Thank you very much.”

Makoto and Roy were fighting in a rocky valley located near the backside of Solstice Island. The Green Racer had his Viblade drawn and Roy his Fire Sword. The two weapons clashed as the combatants jumped from rock to rock. When they met on the two tallest rocks, which, by convenience, were right beside each other, they locked swords and exchanged their zings and quips with each other.

“Kind of a rocky situation you’re in isn’t it?” said the Green Racer.
“Don’t take me for granite,” Black Island quipped back, “It wouldn’t be gneiss if I were to trip you now, you know. Be careful…”
“Well, of quartz I am,” said Makoto, “but can your sword do this?” He pulled down on the handle of the Viblade and charged it to full power. With a single swing Roy was tossed off his perch and immediately confronted by Makoto holding his Auto Blaster out.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you,” Roy said cautiously.
“Why? Is this one of your tricks?”
“No.”
“AUTO BLASTER!” a pulse of energy shot from the red, car-shaped gun and struck a rock formation above Roy’s head. He rolled out of the way as one side of the formation was weakened, and a large slab of stone thwacked the Green Racer on his helmet. “Okay, I get it! Now I know why I wasn’t supposed to shoot!”

Lara, Shii, Yoko and Natsumi were still lost in the dark and confusing jungles of Solstice Island. Bongos continued to play in the background, and the two Islandranger girls were slowly backing up into the glade when they felt something hit them in the back. They turned around and screamed only to realize that it was nothing to be frightened of at all.

“Lara!” Shii exclaimed, “It’s just you.”
“Glad to see you too, Shii,” Lara answered, “for a second I thought it was…” Her sentence was interrupted by a burst of energy that hit Lara directly on her chest and sent her skidding across the grass. She looked up and saw the Yellow and Pink Racers standing with some white device.

“Knew the Carnavic would find them,” Yoko said proudly, “It’s never wrong.”
“Try and beat my intuition, will you?” Lara growled as she stood up, “Fire Daggers!”
“Side Knuckles!” said Natsumi. She took out two objects resembling the sides of a car and raced for Lara. Lara and Natsumi exchanged stabs with their weapons before they struck each other simultaneously and were sent flying to the ground.

“Don’t hit me in my breasts!” Natsumi said.
“You don’t either,” Lara said angrily, “What did we ever do to you anyway?”

Yoko was using the Navic Shot Gun with great effectiveness. The weapon could launch homing blasts, so no matter what tactic Shii attempted with her Fire Staff she always got hit. After she had been struck with three shots in a row the Pink Island Ranger got an idea.

“Hey, Yoko?” Shii asked.
“Yes?” the Pink Racer responded.
“Jungle Root Slam!” Shii pounded her Fire Staff against the earth and sent a pink shockwave of energy in Yoko’s direction. Yoko tumbled to the ground, but she scooped up the Carnavic and drew her Auto Blaster. The Auto Blaster was changed to the Auto Punisher and sent Shii to the ground as well.

“It’s only fair that you see what I can do as well,” Yoko replied, “Navic Blaster!” She placed the Navic Shot Gun on top of the Auto Punisher and sent a massive burst of energy in Shii’s direction. Shii was sent flying across the air and slammed into a tree behind her.
“Lucky shot…” she muttered.

As things always go in these kinds of the stories the two leaders had met in combat. Kyosuke was using his Auto Punisher and Tyson was taking advantage of the situation by having his Fire Whip ready to go. Tyson snapped his Fire Whip to the ground for a Volcano Magma Snap, and a stream of lava poured out of the earth and right for Kyosuke.

“Auto Punisher!” said Kyosuke forcefully. A red beam of energy knocked Tyson’s weapons from his hands, but just as it did Kyosuke was knocked aside by the magma. Kyosuke drew his Fender Sword and raced for Tyson with all his strength. Tyson noticed something on the ground near him and took advantage of the situation.

He shoved a rock into Kyosuke’s path and watched as the Red Racer tripped. The Fender Sword landed in the earth a few feet away from the battle. Both Reds stared at each other menacingly. The song of confusion was working to full effect now, and all across Solstice Island the heroes were falling. Things couldn’t get worse.

Of course, this means that they will get worse, and it will likely be next paragraph.

On top of the garage, Lodi stopped beating her drums and rested. She breathed heavily from exhaustion and turned to the others. Draugh was no longer playing the flute, and Radietta and Zonette had also stopped their music-making. They had played the Song of Confusion for long enough.

“So, what next?” asked Radietta perkily, “What next?”
“Quiet, you,” said an annoyed Lodi, “We need a distraction.”
“I could always pickpocket Dappu and take the keys,” said Draugh, “One of the six he has is bound to open this garage…like…fortress…place.”
“What do we do?” Zonette said in a peeved voice, “Are we just here to be eye candy for your evil campaign?”
“Yes,” Draugh shot back, “Uh…I mean, we need some monsters….make them big.”
“That, I can handle,” Zonette said, “The BB Saloon’s been down for years, but who’s to say we can’t revive a few of them? Your voodoo junk can do that, right?”
Lodi sighed, “Of course it can. Who do you want?”
“AA Abanba, the Bowzock’s best shaman,” said Zonette.
“Best shaman?” Draugh scoffed, “He’s nowhere near as good as us!”
“Do you want to defeat the Carranger or not?” shouted the evil Radietta.
“FINE!” Draugh said, “And a little something of my own…” He took out a cauldron and quickly prepared a monster. Lodi uttered a spell that both revived AA Abanba and grew Draugh’s monster to maximum size.

AA Abanba was a strange creature. His robes were primarily white with red, green and yellow over them. He had a green head covering and was dancing around at his revived giant-ness with pride. The Shaman Noir’s monster appeared beside him.

Biker Skull was who Draugh had quickly created. He was an iron skeleton dressed in biker gear, and his primary weapons were a pair of twin guns. A helmet with the Shaman Noir’s skull logo was on his head, and he was about the same size as AA Abanba. The two monsters laughed maniacally.

Down below, in the jungles, Dappu woke up from his nap to see that all the keys he once had were swiped. He then looked up at the midnight horizon and saw AA Abanba and Biker Skull towering over Solstice Island. Dappu shivered and shook in fear.

“This isn’t good,” he thought, “Where are the Carranger? And the Islandranger? We could use all of them at this point!”

He was right. However, getting the teams to take down the monsters, as opposed to each other, would take some time. All of it can be blamed on a pair of bongo drums heard beating atop the garage on this night. It’s a confusing thing, really.

[nickraman]

This is awesome! Good work!

[GreenNinja]

This next act has, explains and questions several things: 1 - Just how long does it take to complete a super robot formation? and 2 - At least I didn't use "NOOOO!!!" in here (you'll see why). Enjoy.
------------------------------------------
Act 5: Wherein the Carranger and Islandranger Finally Team Up

All the Rangers looked up at the two monsters towering over the island. Tyson and Kyosuke called for their teams to regroup, and for a brief moment all grudges were put aside. The other four Islandranger and the other four Carranger dashed from wherever they were to the stretch of land where the leaders had been engaging in their sparring match. Dappu was taken into the arms of Natsumi as she raced by.

“We’re here!” Ian said, “What’s the problem?”
“Look,” Roy pointed, “It’s them.”
“CARRANGER!” Dappu exclaimed, “We’ve got trouble!”
“The monster, we can tell,” Makoto answered.
“Not that!” Dappu said, “Well….yes, that! But I also lost your keys!”
“What about mine?” Lara said hastily, “Is that lost too?”
“I found it before your battle, and it wasn’t there when I woke up,” said the elfish creature from Hazard, “All of them are gone.”
“Don’t know why that would happen,” said Shii, “but for now, the monster.”
“Right,” said Natsumi, “We’ll beat them before you do.”
“It’s on, then,” Tyson answered.

“Victrailer!”
“Defenders of the Island Ignite!”

The Islandranger called for their personal mecha and entered inside. At the same time, a large trailer-like mecha pulled up onto the island (how, we’ll never know). A booming voice sounded out from it. The Carranger immediately recognized it as that of Victrailer’s pilot, VRV Master.

“Dappu,” it boomed, “I am your father.”
“Dad, that’s great, but can we just give them the VRV Machines and get this battle started?” Dappu answered.
“Have it your way,” answered VRV Master, “Okay, take ‘em!”

The Carranger jumped inside their personal vehicles – themed to a fire truck, a police car, a dump truck, a roadster, and an ambulance – and announced their names The Islandranger were still waiting for their enemies to begin the battle. This may have explained why AA Abanba and Biker Skull were exchanging jokes and why Ian was singing a random ditty to himself inside Ocean Defender.

“V-Fire!”
“V-Police!”
“V-Dump!”
“V-Dozer!”
“V-Rescue!”

The five vehicles rolled out of Victrailer as booming music played in the background. It gave the impression that Victrailer was the evil to end all evils, when it truth it was nothing more than a device used to transport the rather cumbersome VRV Machines from place to place.

“So…we battling anytime soon?” Roy asked.
“YES!” replied the Carranger. They activated buttons in their control panels and sent the VRV Machines transforming first into humanoid states and then into the obligatory giant robot that every Sentai team must own.
“Victory Gattai! Engines are good, VRV Robo!”

“Now it’s our turn!” said Lara, “About time!”
“NOW!” declared Shii.
“Fire Gattai! Island King!”

The five Defenders combined as usual to create Island King. Island King didn’t draw the Blazing Sword as usual. This time the fight was with its own bare hands….and any additional non-sword weapons. They were going to prove that the VRV Robo was nothing more than an over-hyped piece of metal. However, the Islandranger would give credit to the VRV Robo for one thing – it had a great theme song.

Island King started the battle with a blazing punch from one of its gorilla-fists to the side of AA Abanba’s head. The shaman-based Bowzock immediately vanished and left the battlefield one monster down. Ian was about to celebrate their victory, but Roy informed him it wasn’t over yet.

“We didn’t beat him,” Roy said, “He just disappeared. Became invisible…”
“So what do we do now?” asked Lara.
“We hit him as soon as we see him again,” Tyson answered, “That’s what.”

VRV Robo was fending against Biker Skull as best it could. Flurries of punches were exchanged between the two, but the monster’s tough build and even tougher weapons left the Carranger in a predicament they had only encountered….about once a week before this fight. Still, it was a problem.

Biker Skull sent a round of gunfire at VRV Robo, but the robot ducked out of the way. It sent its own burst of lasers from the guns V-Fire had attached. Those, while powerful, weren’t enough to take down the biker-based Shaman Noir monster. Kyosuke called for Victrailer’s arms/cannons to be sent over, and as soon as VRV Master got the word they automatically were.

The first cannon, more of a gattling gun, sent out a storm of energy bullets at Biker Skull and began to break down his weapons and his skeletal frame. The second, a larger, fireball-like burst of energy, missed Biker Skull and streaked across the sky, but it did hit something.

Smoke and sparks issued out from a random spot in the air and revealed that AA Abanba had been sneaking around deciding who to hit. The second the monster became visible Shii decided to send a message to the Carranger. While nobody was expecting the Carranger to help them they were happy about it nonetheless.

“How did you do that?” Shii asked happily.
“Do what?” replied Yoko over the communication systems.
“Make AA-Whatever visible again! We can beat him now!”
“Who can do what to me with what?” asked the confused AA Abanba.
“He goes invisible,” said Natsumi, “We needed the Carnavic to beat him the first time!”
“So that explains it…” said Lara, “Listen, all Shaman Noir monsters are weak to fire. It comes with them being ‘skull’ based. Probably not the best choice when making their monsters.”
“Thanks for the tip,” said Kyosuke, “Uh….I guess you guys aren’t so bad after all?”
“Same to you,” said Tyson, “Now, how about finishing these pests off?”
“Let’s go!” said Naoki.
“Sure,” Ian answered.
“About time,” Roy sighed.
“Ready!” said Makoto from VRV Robo’s cockpit.

The two robots stood side by side. VRV Robo charged up Victrailer’s arms/cannons and Island King took out the dolphin’s fins from the side of its arms. The humming and whirring of the charging energy left the monsters frozen in the anticipation of their eventual defeat.

“Ready?” asked Kyosuke.
“Ready!” responded Tyson.
“FIRE!”
“Island Surge Slash!”

Island King charged ahead with the dolphin’s fins out and cut AA Abanba off at his torso. At the same time, VRV Robo launched two massive waves of energy from the cannons Victrailer had provided. AA Abanba and Biker Skull both exploded in massive bursts of fire and smoke while the robots struck their victory poses.

The teams disembarked and returned to the ground. The issue of finding the car/weapon was still on their mind, and after a brief discussion they agreed to go it together. Victrailer departed from Solstice Island, and both groups began to wander through the dense jungles in search of the keys and the car/weapon.

They were about to run into another problematic duo, only this time the problem would be on a much more personal level. Kyosuke would end up being glad he went on this trip.

[Plumed Serpent]

So is that the big Zord battle out of the way already, or is there another on the horizon? *Eagerly awaits the obligatory (OBLIGATORY, I say) ten-way morph / henshin*.

[GreenNinja]

So is that the big Zord battle out of the way already, or is there another on the horizon? *Eagerly awaits the obligatory (OBLIGATORY, I say) ten-way morph / henshin*.
I've got another Zord battle coming up - and a ten-way morph/henshin along with it. Glad you're enjoying this.

[Plumed Serpent]

Cool. Interesting choice in the Carrangers - although I know nothing whatsoever about them. The 'Dobby the House Elf' line was worth this story alone.

And why'd you tell Deka1 to refrain from commentary? All he said was 'pretty cool' (before the story even began, maybe, but still.)

[GreenNinja]

Cool. Interesting choice in the Carrangers - although I know nothing whatsoever about them. The 'Dobby the House Elf' line was worth this story alone.

And why'd you tell Deka1 to refrain from commentary? All he said was 'pretty cool' (before the story even began, maybe, but still.)
That's because Deka1...well...his posts tend to be...strange. Uses a lot of quotation marks, makes obvious and/or wrong statements, and tends to talk about his cosplaying even when it doesn't relate to the thread. Check his posts, and...yeah.

Next act goes up tomorrow. On that note, I hope you stick around for the remaining episodes of Islandranger - just taking a break for the movie now, but when it's over, I have even more to come.

[GreenNinja]

This act is...well, it's different. I establish a joke that will run through the rest of the movie, the Carranger mimic their Turbo counterparts (except for Dappu - he mimics someone else), and Ian comments on Kyosuke's situation. Enjoy.
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Act 6: Trouble with the Fanbelt

The two teams had been slowly creeping towards the center of Solstice Island’s jungle for several minutes. Whatever problems there may have once been between the teams had now faded, and they were aligned in the search for their keys. The Carranger’s Axle Keys were essential to their transformation, and Lara’s key was an object of archaeological importance. Both needed to be found.

“I hear something up ahead,” Roy said quietly, “Sounds like…footsteps.”
“Footsteps?” asked Makoto, “What kind?”
“Well, I can say for sure that they’re human.”
“This isn’t the first time Makoto’s lost his Axle Key,” Dappu said as he rode atop Natsumi’s shoulders, “One time he was practicing his henshin poses and had it…”
“Dappu…” Makoto said under his breath, “Don’t bring that up.”

“What about the time the Giga Booster was sent to the wrong address?” said Yoko, “Not one of his prouder moments either.”
“Stop bringing things up!” shouted Makoto, “It was an accident, okay?!”
“You should hear about the Bonfire Festival,” Ian began, “We…”
“Ian, stop bringing up the fact that we’re technically exiles,” Shii grunted.
“Exiles?” asked Naoki, “What happened?”
“Long story, really,” Lara said, “Lodi, member of the Shaman Noir, master of disguise. She tricked all of us.”

“What about Christine?” questioned Natsumi as she trudged along with Dappu on her back, “Where is she?”
“Who’s Christine?” asked Tyson.
“A car saleswoman,” said Yoko, “She told us to come here.”
“How would someone from Japan know of Solstice Island?” Shii pondered, “It has to be Lodi. I know it.”
“Don’t be so skeptical,” Kyosuke said, “Maybe she got lucky.”

When they approached an area of the jungle within range of the garage (although they didn’t know it), two feminine figures became visible just ahead. They were silhouetted in the moonlight, and Kyosuke felt a sudden urge to run up to them when he heard the voice of the taller.

“Hello, Kyosuke. So surprised to see you here; now what’s the Red Racer doing without spending some time with his lady?”
“Zonette? Vanity?” Kyosuke asked, “Is that you?”
“You betcha,” responded the girl.
“Who’s she?” Lara asked sharply.
Natsumi sighed and said, “His girlfriend. She once worked for the Bowzock, but she’s good now.”
“His girlfriend is named VANITY?” Ian asked in shock. He turned to his professor and whispered, “However this guy got his social life, remind me not to get it.”

Kyosuke raced up to who he thought was Vanity Mirror Fanbelt and was immediately confronted by her alter-ego Zonette. This didn’t faze him in the slightest since Zonette still loved him regardless. Kyosuke embraced the girl, but was shoved aside.

“Ha!” laughed Zonette, “You fell for that one but good!”
“Sure did,” said Radietta evilly, “What a numbskull.”
“What’s with the black, Radietta?” asked Yoko, “Did the Infershia become the Fanbelt planet’s fashion designers or something?”
“No, we’re working for the Shaman Noir,” said Radietta sprightly, yet evilly, “they’re much better than you chumps ever were.”
“I suppose you’re looking for these?” Zonette said as she took out a custom-made Bowzock key chain with three of the Axle Keys hanging from it.
“Yeah, looking for these?” Radietta added. Her keychain was less frightening with a cute cat’s head on it, but it still had two Axle Keys and Lara’s key dangling off it.

“How’d you get those?” Roy asked.
“Draugh picked them from Dappu’s hand while he was napping and you were battling,” said a voice from behind the two. A girl in a familiar business suit walked out. The Carranger recognized her immediately, and Shii became furious the second the businesswoman walked out onto the island.

“Christine?” Naoki questioned, “What are you doing here?”
“Just coming to say that these two will be the end of you, along with the Zekta when we unlock it,” said Christine, “Oh, Shii…it’s you. Perhaps it’s time for these nitwits to know what you figured out not long ago.” Christine crossed her arms and had purple smoke surround her body. When it faded Lodi stood in her place.

“Nuts!” shouted Kyosuke.
“Rats!” said Naoki.
“Drat!” shouted Makoto.
“Curses!” said Natsumi.
“Phooey!” exclaimed Yoko.
“Fiddlesticks,” said Dappu, “We’ve been hoodwinked!”

“I’ll take those, ladies, if you don’t mind,” Lodi said as she scooped up the keys, “now, enjoy fighting these girls. Oh, and how bad it must be to be you, Gekisou Sentai. You can’t even henshin. Ta.”

Lodi vanished as quickly as she had arrived and left the group of ten alone with Zonette and Radietta. In an instant Radietta snapped her fingers and spoke a phrase familiar to the auto-mechanics gathered here. “Tiramisu, konnyaku, mille-feuille!”

When the black smoke faded Radietta had transformed into her usual White Racer outfit, only now it was black with silver stripes instead of white with black stripes. The two girls announced themselves to the unmorphed group.

“Lady Zonette!”
“Aku no Gekisou Shoujou, Black Racer!”

“B-b-b-black Racer?” Makoto stuttered, “Why, oh, why did it have to be her?!”
“So…both his girlfriend and his girlfriend’s kid sister have gone evil?” Ian questioned, “Wow, I would hate to be him.”
“It’s our problem too, Ian!” Shii said, “Lodi took the keys!”
“So what do we do?” Natsumi asked.
“RUN!” shouted Yoko.
“No, we fight,” Tyson said, “It will be tough without our powers, but we’ll handle it.”
“Why aren’t we using our powers?” Roy asked impatiently, “They work fine.”
“You think I want to hurt a girl, especially one who’s innocent?” Tyson replied.
“Pay attention!” Lara said.

“So, Rangers…” said the Black Racer venomously, “The fight’s about to begin!”
“Bring it,” Zonette added. The fight was on at the second that sentence ended.

Radietta drew a spherical object from apparently out of nowhere and tossed it at the Rangers. It was a black bomb with a large silver question mark drawn on it. Radietta explained what it was she had just done.

“A Riddle Bomb,” she said, “If you can’t answer the question, it blows up.”
“What question are you going to pull out of your bum now?” asked Lara, “It’s not like you can trick us. You’re dealing with intelligent people here.”
“Very well then,” the evil girl said, “Here’s your question.” Zonette smirked as her kid sister prepared to defeat the Rangers in one fell swoop. Her power had increased since she had become evil. Isn’t that always what happens?

“If it takes a million dollar budget to make one Super Sentai series that contains seven Rangers and five super robots and Disney decides to adapt it for America, how much money will be spent on digitally replacing minor and/or insignificant things while simultaneously replacing other things?

“You have two minutes.”

Ian took out a notepad, as did Makoto, and the two began scribbling down various pieces of information that Radietta had just asked. Ian looked like he was computing numbers in his head, and Makoto was fumbling to get his eraser straight while everyone else looked on in embarrassment and amusement. When one minute had passed Makoto raised his hand.

“How big of a stickler is Disney for censoring?”
“Very big,” answered Radietta almost seductively. Ian raised his hand as well.
“Yes?” Radietta asked.
“What happens if we don’t answer the question?”
“You’ll see in…five seconds,” said the Black Racer. Five seconds later the bomb she had thrown went off and sent Ian and Makoto flying into the tress. The two jumped back down onto the ground and saw Radietta laughing as hard as she could. For her it was a victory assured.

“You’re not much better off with me, either,” said Zonette, “Ha!” She fired a round of blackish-purple lasers from her finger. Yoko and Natsumi ducked while Lara lifted a large rock to block the attack with.

“Do we have ANY idea how to free these two?” Roy asked impatiently, “This is a waste of my time, and I’m sure it is of yours.”
“We usually have to remind someone of who we are with the love in us,” Natsumi swooned before dodging a laser.
“Mune no kokoro,” said Naoki, “That’s what drives us. And our friendship with Dappu.”
“Your powers depend on that little elfish thing?” asked Roy, “Man, I can’t believe you guys. This is ridiculous.”
“Kyosuke, you’re the closest with…ugh…Vanity. Go see what you can do.” Lara stated.
“Listen to Lara,” Tyson said, “She may know what she’s doing.”

Nervously the once-Red Racer approached Zonette. He dodged a round of laser fire before shakily moving up alongside her. Zonette glared at her former/current/undecided boyfriend and said nothing. There was a moment of awkward silence while Radietta and the Rangers watched Kyosuke decide what move he should make to either convince Zonette to return to being good, or to ultimately get so scared he’d run away from battle.

Ian had the irresistible urge to shout suggestions, and Roy remained unbiased throughout. Kyosuke finally made his move after at least three minutes of thinking through every possible option. His hand, trembling, neared Zonette’s breast. She never looked down, and, in a risky move, the Red Racer did something he had secretly always longed to do, but never did.

He grabbed Zonette’s right breast. The villainous girl let out a scream and immediately smacked Kyosuke into a nearby mess of vines. Seconds after Kyo had been sent flying a thin purple aura appeared around Zonette’s body. The aura dissipated as Zonette, who was now back in her white regal dress as Vanity Mirror Fanbelt, looked around. She saw the damaged Kyosuke and rushed over to him.

“Are you okay?” she asked, “Kyosuke, what happened?”
“I, uh….,” he held out his hand towards her chest and mimicked the motion, “…yeah, that.”
“Pervert!” yelled Vanity as she once more hit Kyosuke on his side with her glove. She sat down in a corner of the jungle before commenting to the others, “What’s with my sister?”
“Oh, Radietta?” Ian commented, “She’s gone evil. By the influence of the Shaman Noir; we don’t know all the details.”

Radietta was holding another Riddle Bomb in her hand, and Zonette was clueless to the fact that Kyosuke’s feel had freed her from the spell. The only one to comment on this surprising development was Roy, who, in his usual calculated way, had been paying attention to the little details of the operation.

“It’s obvious what we need to do, ain’t it?” he asked, “Someone grabs the girl and we’re good to go find this doohickey we’ve all been searching for. We are outside international boundary lines, correct? Someone get it over with!”
“You go, Naoki,” ushered Natsumi, “You’re the youngest!”
“Why me?” asked the befuddled Blue Racer.
“You’re only 17,” said Yoko in a frustrated voice, “Go ahead.”

“Fine,” Naoki sighed, “but only so I can save her, right?”
“I guess it should work,” Lara said, “Rather unusual way to break the spell though.”
“We don’t question their methods, we stop them,” Tyson interjected.
“The Shaman Noir always have been an odd sort,” said Shii, “Go, go!”

Radietta had her Riddle Bomb punched from her hand by Naoki; she looked up in surprise and questioned what he was doing. Naoki never hesitated for a second, and extended his hand right for Radietta’s chest. He squeezed down and watched as Radietta lost her purple aura.

Within an instant her “Black Racer” outfit returned to its usual white with black stripes, and when the girl regained her free will and sense of goodness she looked up at Naoki and gave a self-satisfied grin. Naoki was now trembling in fear of being hurled into the shrubbery populating the island, but he got a rather different response.

“Never knew you were into me like that, Domon,” she said contentedly, “I’m looking great, aren’t I?” Radietta freed her chest from the boy’s grip and jumped up into the air to embrace him. Naoki was now feeling levels of embarrassment that would be difficult to surpass.

“Wait…it’s coming back to me,” Vanity said as she stood up from where she once sat, “We were atop what looked like a garage…something about a legendary weapon…shamans…it was over that way!” Vanity pointed in the direction of what appeared to be a bush, but Shii walked up to it and pushed it aside. She saw a long dirt road behind it that led up to the location of the pseudo-garage.

“That’s the way we go,” Shii said, “I can still see the footprints…and I can feel it.”
“On it,” said Radietta, “Radiacar!” A compact car with a distinctive cat-head in front of it pulled up, and the young girl climbed in and honked the horn. Vanity also called for her personal car. It was a pink convertible that she appeared to love as much as life itself.

“Pegasus Thunder!”
“Dragon Cruiser!”

The two vehicles the Carranger had used to get here rolled up alongside them, and they filed in as always. Kyosuke and Yoko took the red one, and Naoki, Natsumi and Makoto the blue one. The cars sped off into the bush and down the road, but just as they left Shii turned to the other Islandranger in frustration.

“I’m guessing we can’t use the biplanes?” she asked.
“Nope,” said Ian with a sigh.
“And they have cars?” asked Shii.
“Seems so,” answered Lara.
“And it must be a sizable distance to this fortress-garage?”
“Yes,” Tyson replied.
“So we’re going to have to FOOT IT?” yelled the islander girl.
“Yup,” said Roy casually as he set off down the path.
“Fine, I’ll go,” Shii said as she began to walk down the path, “This better be worth it.”

[GreenNinja]

If you are to take one thing away from this act, let it be this - how to defeat a massive amount of grunts in five seconds.
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Act 7: Evil in Automobile Form! ZZ Zekta-Skull!

By the time Shii, Lara, Tyson, Ian and Roy had made it down the dirt road the Carranger’s vehicles were already parked. What all had stopped to notice in front of them was the large and primitive garage-like structure formed from stone slabs. Two rocks rested off to the side with words written across them – the spell Ford and Chevy had inscribed long ago. Lodi was at the front of the garage trying every key she could in the lock, but none of them fit. Draugh watched from the top.

“What’s she doing?” asked Radietta.
“I’m not gonna ask,” said a surprised Ian.
“At least we know where our keys went,” commented Natsumi.
“Mine as well,” said a relieved Lara, “At last. Hand it over, Lodi.”

Lodi didn’t hear the Green Ranger girl’s request, and if she had, it’s not like she would’ve cared. The Axle Keys all fit into the lock but gave no sign that they worked with it. Thus Lodi had tossed them aside and scrambled them on the ground. The Carranger retrieved the five Axle Keys as they were tossed back, but yet one still remained – the key that Lara had received from Professor Jeff Brody a while back.

“This should be the one,” Lodi seethed, “just stick it in here and…” she inserted the key into the lock on the side of the stone garage. It fit perfectly. The purple-skinned girl turned the key a quarter to the side and attempted to rotate it back to complete the unlocking. It was stuck. “What do I have to now?” she asked.

Lodi peered to the side of her and noticed the rocks. She took out her staff and waved it across their smooth surfaces. Two words consisting of three syllables each appeared in the two rocks. A successful smirk crossed Lodi’s face. She held her staff to the front of the garage and spoke the words as clearly and loudly as she could.

“FO-MO-CO! FO-NO-GO!”

That was all there was to the spell. The very second Lodi completed it the key turned itself backwards and ejected from the lock. Lodi slid it out and watched as the door of the garage-fortress opened up. Two golden lights shot out from within and blinded the group of thirteen gathered there. Lodi stood in the light and announced what has just happened.

“Thank you for providing adequate distractions, Vanity and Radietta. That key, the one in the presence of the Islandranger, was just what we needed to complete our plan. Years ago, in the early days of the Pyro Island Chain, a weapon of great power was created. We, the Shaman Noir, sought to unlock that power. I present to you…”

Out from within the garage rolled a dark stone-colored car-like vehicle. Miniature candles made its headlights and bamboo formed its axles. The wheels were made of a basic rubber and the windshield of glass. The car’s “grill” resembled a tiki’s mouth, and the headlights shone with a red flame as the car announced its name.

“The Bowzock’s best demon car and the vehicular warrior of the Shaman Noir, ZZ Zekta-Skull!” the voice was deep and imposing, but the name left just about everyone confused.

“The Bowzock had a demon car?” Vanity asked skeptically.
“We never created you!” spat Lodi. She put her palm to her face and muttered, “I guess the Song of Confusion had more effects than we think.”

“I am the evil in automobile form, the one who will be your end, and the final bringer of the end of the Carranger and Islandranger!” ranted the Zekta, “Go, attack them, my troops!” It honked its horn and a crowd of Skullmen and Wampers appeared. Wampers were unusual creatures in pastel-colored clothes that were the foot soldiers of the Bowzock. Kyosuke and the rest knew them to not be a problem.

“Shut up, you piece of junk!” Lodi said, “I have the key, which means I control YOU.” She jumped into the front seat of the car and inserted the key into the slot present for it. It slid in nicely and clicked, but the second it did Lodi felt her hand magnetized to the ignition. Blackish-red energy surged through her body. She screamed from the effects of the magic.

“What’s…going…on?” the shaman girl strained.
“You know not of the Curse of the Key?” laughed the Zekta, “It is a tale as old as the Pyro Island Chain itself, but it is the forgotten part of my legend!” The Zekta appeared to be as egotistical as anybody, and ranted while the grunts remained at standstill waiting for attack.

“The Curse of the Key is as follows!” shouted the car. Lara took notes so she could present this later to Professor Brody, “Whoever uses it shall temporarily gain fame, fortune and all they desire – in the form of me! Then they shall meet their doom – also in the form of me! No one who has the key has ever survived to the end of their ownership with me, because those fools Ford and Chevy made me something that man himself could never comprehend!”

The car ejected Lodi and the key before going into a round of maniacal laughter. The key soared across the sky and landed in Lara’s shirt once more. Lara quickly searched for it and tossed it onto the ground. The key dissolved into nothingness, and the Zekta remained living – as living as a demon car-like battle machine could be,.

“So, what do we do now? Lodi’s down, the car’s up and we’ve got everything we need,” commented Kyosuke, “Shall we fight?”
“What else do heroes do?” Roy asked as he turned his hat.
“Ready,” said Ian. The others responded with a nod. Kyosuke stepped forward as the Carranger turned the silver key out from their Axle Key.

“Mina! Iku ze!” shouted Kyosuke.
“Hai!” answered all the rest. Even Radietta and Vanity were willing to fight.
“What he said!” Tyson pointed.
“What’s going on?” questioned the Zekta, “You cannot defeat ZZ Zekta-Skull!”

The Rangers went through their usual motions together. Gems glowed and the sound of screeching tires were heard as everyone present, save for Dappu, transformed into their hero or heroine form.

“Fires of the Island Ignite!”
“Gekisou! Accelchanger!”
“Tiramisu, konnyaku, mille-feuille!”
“Ravioli, kishimen, linguini!”

When the light faded the twelve heroes performed their roll call. While they were doing this the Skullmen and Wampers attempted to launch a sneak attack from behind, but little did they know a secret of the hero trade – while doing their roll call, heroes are invincible. It’s a known fact!

“The fire that burns with volcano’s heat, Red Island!”
“The fire that burns with ocean’s power, Blue Island!”
“The fire that burns with stone’s strength, Black Island!”
“The fire that burns with sky’s expanse, Green Island!”
“The fire that burns with jungle’s beauty, Pink Island!”
“Fire represents life; we have spoken! Fire Sentai Islandranger!”

“Red Racer!”
“Blue Racer!”
“Green Racer!”
“Yellow Racer!”
“Pink Racer!”
“Gekisou Shoujou, White Racer!”
“Lady Zonette!”
“We’re auto-mechanics…”
“…and princesses…” said Zonette and the White Racer with a wink.
“…but we’re also Gekisou Sentai Carrrrrr-ranger!”

Kyosuke stepped forward and spoke something in Japanese. “Ore-tachi yuuki no akuseru fukashite!”
Tyson, not having a clue what his partner in battle just said, finished that up with a confused, “…uh…and knowing is half the battle!”
The two groups of Rangers struck a united pose and called out across the moonlit island. “SUPER SENTAI!”

The grunts that had been sneaking up behind them were caught in the sudden explosion that occurred. All of them were defeated in less than a second. Many were tossed up into the air as multicolored smoke and flame rose behind the group of twelve. On the other hand, this narrowed the problem of who they were going to fight down to just the Zekta.

“So you defeated my grunts with an Action Pose…” commented the Zekta, “It’s time for a drive-by…where I drive by your defeated forms!”
“How do we handle him now?” asked Natsumi.
“Split into three groups of four,” instructed Roy, “It keeps our power strong, but at the same time allows us to take the divide-and-conquer strategy towards the battle.”
“Thanks for the advice,” said Tyson, “Now, split up!”

Tyson and Kyosuke dove into the jungle, but Zonette’s fanaticism towards the Red Racer left her no choice but to follow behind. Lara decided to trail behind Tyson just in case. Radietta’s connection towards Naoki from their earlier experience let her decide to follow Naoki, Ian and Makoto out to the shore. This left Roy, by default, with Natsumi, Yoko and Shii. He couldn’t believe who he had been partnered with, but figured it would only be temporary.

When the area in front of the Zekta was empty the car looked around. It honked its horn menacingly. The Zekta was at a crossroads and figured it would go after the girls first. This meant one thing for the demon car in particular – it had underestimated Roy.

[GreenNinja]

The act of this title is entirely correct, especially in Naoki's case. However, I think that it should be an enjoyable read. In that case, enjoy.
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Act 8: Unorthodox Tactics Against the Zekta

Natsumi, Shii and Yoko were waiting in the middle of the forest glade once more. The Side Knuckles, Bumper Bow and Fire Staff were out and ready. Silence and anticipation filled the air until Shii asked a question that she really wondered why no one had asked it earlier.

“Roy said three groups of four. So where’s our fourth?” Her question was answered as Roy slowly backed into the glade with his Fire Sword shining in the moonlight. He turned around to see his battle partners and whispered something under his breath.

“Show no mercy with the car. Don’t be afraid to use any tactic necessary.”
“Understood,” said Yoko. With a snap of her fingers she and Natsumi returned to their civilian state. Roy looked like he was about to explode from the stupidity of what they had just done, but within seconds he could see what the girls were planning.

Yoko and Natsumi had their hands on their collars, and with one swift pull they were suddenly wearing bikinis. Yoko’s was pink and Natsumi’s yellow with red racing stripes. Shii did likewise and was suddenly in nothing more than a purple loincloth. Roy hung his head in disappointment.

“You do what you wish,” he said, “I’m doing this mano-a-vehicle.” Lights glared and horns honked as the Zetka raced into the glade. It saw the girls in their bikinis and questioned them with as much skepticism as Roy had. When he wondered what the deal was Natsumi and Yoko walked up with soapy sponges in hand.

“Welcome to the Pegasus Car Wash!” exclaimed Yoko, “We have a special for demon cars today? Would you like to take it?”
“We’ll clean your rods and make sure that all attention is given where you want it to be,” said Natsumi, “at the low price of nothing!”
“So, when do we begin?” said Shii with a small pink towel in hand.
“Soap me up and call me Ferrari!” said the Zekta happily, “Get to it!”

The stone was tough to scrub, but Shii and Yoko made sure that the Zekta was kept suitably distracted. Just as the Pink Racer began lathering up his windshield and Shii was making sure that his headlights had a plain view of her the two girls gave the thumbs-up to Roy and Natsumi.

“Let’s get to work,” Natsumi whispered as she exchanged for sponge for a wrench Where she had been keeping the wrench Roy didn’t want to know. She set off to work on the car. While there was nothing under its hood to mess around with she could at least loosen whatever held the axles of the car together. Natsumi slid under the ancient vehicle, and Roy was amazed at her limberness.

Within seconds she slid back from under the car and gave a thumbs-up. Roy raced ahead with his Fire Sword and began pounding on the trunk. Shii and Yoko morphed again. The former slammed the front of the car with her Fire Staff and the latter released a round of arrows from her Bumper Bow. Natsumi jumped at one of the doors with her Side Knuckles armed and activated the car’s magically-based alarm system. A blaring sound spread across the jungle, but when it stopped all the four Rangers could see were tire tracks disjointedly moving through the jungle.

“Not bad, ladies,” Roy commented, “Guess you did what you had to.”
“Just following your advice,” Shii said.
“Hai!” exclaimed Yoko, “We won!”
“It’s not done yet,” said Natsumi, “The others will have to face it too.”

The shoreline was now populated by the Blue, Green and White Racers plus Ian. Radietta was hanging close to Naoki and Makoto was just confused at the whole ordeal. The group hung close and removed their weapons from wherever they were stored. Naoki had two large double guns, Makoto a cannon, and Ian his familiar Fire Axe. Radietta took out another Riddle Bomb, only now it was white with a black question mark.

The Zekta pulled onto the beach with its wheels rattling and its chassis dented. The Rangers drew their weapons and prepared to battle the automotive menace. Zekta began with a pair of laser beams from its headlights that all members of the team easily dodged. Naoki took out the candles in the headlights with his Muffler Guns. Ian complimented him on his aim.

“Not bad,” he said, “Sorry about the twelve-year old thing.”
“It’s no problem,” Naoki answered, “Go get him!”
“OCEAN WAVE CUTTER!” yelled Ian as he charged ahead with his Fire Axe. The chassis began to erode from the onslaught of water that it was forced to take. Yet the Zekta was relatively unharmed. Magical enchantments can do that to just about anything.

“Am I the only one who notices that if you rearrange ‘Zekta’ you can get ‘Aztek’?” Ian questioned when his attack had finished, “Kinda strange isn’t it.”
“That’s one bad car,” whispered Radietta.
“The Aztek or the Zekta?” questioned Makoto.
“You mean it makes a difference?” said Naoki.
“Bah, stupid Pontiac,” said Radietta, “Try this!”

She tossed her Riddle Bomb into the front seat of the Zekta and asked her question. The question was as follows: “You are driving a car race in an attempt to claim world domination and become better than the Bowzock and Shaman Noir ever were. You archrival, the great Bowzock leader Gynamo, is in second place. Using your devious trickery you manage to pass him. What position are you in now?”

“I’m in first place, you nitwitted girl!” screamed the Zekta.
“No,” Radietta winked, “Gynamo was in SECOND. You passed him. You took his place. Lord Voodun is still ahead of you, and that means you are only in SECOND. BOOM!”
“What?” said a perplexed Zekta, “I’m WHAT in this theoretical race?!”

The Riddle Bomb in his front seat exploded and blew most of his systems. While the demon car struggled to repair its systems Naoki and Makoto unloaded fire from the Muffler Guns and Engine Cannon. The Zekta continued to repair itself, and Radietta whispered something in the Blue Racer’s ear (or into the side of his helmet). To finish off the battle Naoki, still the Blue Racer, walked up to the Zekta and spoke one line that he didn’t want to say, but knew it had to be done for the good of the world. Radietta had given him the suggestion.

“Do I have to do this?” he sighed before speaking, “Isn’t there some other way?”
“No,” Ian answered, “This is the only way.”
“It’ll only take a second,” said Radietta happily, “Go ahead Naoki-chan. I’ll let you touch me again if you say it!”
“Are you sure he wants to do that?” Makoto asked.
“Fine!” shouted the Blue Racer, “I’ll say it!

“Hey, guys! I’m the new Blue Ranger! Is that cool or what?”

An awkward silence fell across the island once more. The Zekta had steam hiss from its front compartment before it finally let out a massive honk of its horn and raced off to combat the final team. Naoki was confused as to why that had worked, but it had.

“So, I’m ready for ya!” Radietta exclaimed. She motioned to her chest and smiled proudly.
“Not now,” Naoki muttered, “I cannot believe I just said that.”

A blank stretch of land was the Zekta’s final battle location. Tyson, Lara, Kyosuke and Zonette were lined up in a row, and all but the Fanbelt princess had their weapons drawn. They announced the names of their armaments as the weary Zekta machine pulled up.

“Fire Whip!”
“Fire Daggers!”
“Fender Sword!”

The Zekta opened up its hood and revealed what could only be revealed as a sparkling magical disco ball that was pulsing with dark energy. What had possessed Ford and Chevy to install that in the Zekta shall remain a mystery for a long time to come. The Omniscient Narrator will make sure to add it to the list of mysteries present here.

The glowing disco ball of darkness and doom radiated its shadowlike energy across the midnight sky. Tyson reared his arm back and pounded the Fire Whip against the ground. With a call of “Volcano Fire Snap!” he sent a stream of magma pounding against the underside of the Zekta. The demon car sped out of the way and found Lara on its hood. She held out her Daggers and gave her message to the car.

“So long, you piece of junk.”
“Are you doing a carwash for me too?” asked the Zekta expectanly.
“NO,” said Lara flatly. She pierced her Daggers through the Zekta’s control panel and let Kyosuke do a running dash with the Fender Sword. The car’s tires were pierced and it was left with four flats on the jungle road. Zonette unloaded a round of laser fire before Tyson and Kyosuke called for their respective teams to regroup at their location.

The Islandranger used their teleportation, and the Carranger arrived by the means of the Radiacar and Dragon Cruiser. Yoko and Dappu had caught a ride with Radietta just to make sure they would get there in time. When all the members had gathered they figured it was time to do what they did best.

“Combine weapons!” Tyson and Kyosuke said in unison.
The Fire Whip, Daggers, Staff, Axe and Sword united into the “ISLAND SWORD!”
The Fender Sword, Muffler Guns, Engine Cannon, Side Knuckles and Bumper Bow also rearranged their parts to create a large weapon stated as the “NOVA CANNON!”
“FIRE!” commanded both teams.

Two streaks of energy, one thin and blade-like, the other a fireball, hit the Zekta at its core. The grill began to spark and the tailpipe began to sizzle until the Zekta exploded into a mass of flame that went several feet high into the air. Then it exploded again, and again, and again. Someone apparently made the decision to replay the exploding footage several times over for the “cool” effect.

Then there was a swirling mist of purple smoke courtesy of Lord Voodun and the Skullmen. The Zekta had rearranged its parts to create a weird sort of “Warrior Mode” that it was going to use to fight the Rangers. Both teams knew what they had to do. The Islandranger lifted their Island Braces into the air while Kyosuke tapped into his communicator helmet to call for something all the way from the Pegasus Garage. If Victrailer could make it, so could they.

“Defenders of the Island Ignite!”
“Ranger Vehicles!”

[GreenNinja]

It's just one more act to go after this, and as usual, I go all out. Don't let the title fool you - considering most of the titles in this movie have been far from usual. Enjoy this lead-in to the epilouge - because it contains one of the longest rants commited to digital paper. Enjoy. Also, references to Gaoranger vs. Super Sentai and Hurricanger are in here.
--------------------------------------------
Act 9: A Copout Ending

The five humanoid warriors known as the Island Defenders landed on Solstice before their pilots sounded out the familiar call of “Fire Gattai! Island King!” Within seconds Island King was standing over the ground with its Blazing Sword in hand.

From elsewhere five vehicles raced to the island. A red race car, a blue 4x4 pickup, a green minivan, a yellow SUV, and a white compact sports car with a pink stripe across it, landed safely on the shore. Their method of getting to Solstice Island is unknown, but as long as they arrived, the Carranger didn’t care.

“Your dream car is a minivan?” Roy questioned to Makoto from his seat safe in Stone Defender.
“I want a family, a mansion, money!” shouted Makoto, “I’m not questioning why your mecha is a snake!”
“If you did, you wouldn’t be the first to…” Roy finished.

“Gekisou Gattai!” said the Carranger in unison as the vehicles merged. Green and Yellow formed the legs, Blue the main body, Pink the arms and Red the upper chest and head. When the formation was complete the Carranger once more spoke their command as one. “Engines are good! RV Robo!”

The RV Sword was summoned, and both super robots stood ready to face down the giant Zekta. The battle begun with a round of lasers and projectiles that were made of a crudely-formed metal; Island King thrust its fists forward and melted the metal projectiles into a gooey material on the ground and drew its Blazing Sword once more.

The Zekta, now with hands, clashed with both swords. The headlights on the RV Robo’s chest shone brightly and released beams of light at the back of the Zekta. Some of its body began to crumble away from the sheer impact of the shot. Island King extended out the dolphin’s fins and did an Island Surge Slash to the same effect.

“Okay, what now?” Kyosuke asked of his battle partner as Island King and the RV Robo stood side-by-side, “Have any more strategies?”
“I’ve got one,” Tyson replied, “Can your lasers handle around round of fire?”
“Of course they can,” Naoki said, “The Blue Vehicle’s running at full power.”
“Good to know,” Ian answered, “Lara, take it away.”
“Then we’re sky-bound!” pronounced Lara as she activated her Fire Baton. Green flame filled Island King’s cockpit as the Sky Defender’s wings spread across its back. The island robot dashed across the land and scooped the Zekta up into its mighty fists.

Island King soared high into the air as the Zekta honked its horn loudly. When Island King reached the peak of its flight it disappeared into the new moon behind it. Fire ignited around its fists, and the robot immediately turned back for a crash-return-course to earth. It landed down on the ground with fists aflame and damaged the Zekta to a great degree. Island King righted itself, and Kyosuke suggested that their teams launch a double attack with their swords.

“Got it,” Tyson answered, “Here goes…”
“FIRE ELIMINATION CUT!”

The Blazing Sword slashed across where the Zekta’s hood now located itself and did a good amount of damage. Island King backed away as RV Robo came in with its RV Sword out and its body sent into rapid tornado-like motion. The five Carranger called the name of their attack from inside the rapidly rotating gestalt.

“Dashing Violent Tornado Cut!”

The attack was too fast for even the legendary Zekta to comprehend. Dents, scratches, cuts and various damages now covered its chassis, but the Zekta was still alive. Somehow or other, it was alive. The glowing sparkling disco ball of darkness and doom was brought out once more. Roy remembered that the last time this had been used the team was almost done in for if not for some quick thinking.

“Any way out of this now?” asked Shii.
“Don’t worry about it,” Yoko answered.
“We have a way to win,” said Natsumi.
“We do?” questioned Makoto.
“Of course we do,” said Kyosuke, “We have a copout.”

The teams dodged the Zekta’s attacks for a few more minutes until they heard something over the horizon. It was the sound of a whistle, the blaring of a siren, and the voice of a stern yet compassionate policeman. None other than Signalman had made his way to Solstice Island to combat the Zekta. A giant police car drove across the islands as Signalman stated his purpose.

“Sirender! Stand up!” the police car transformed into a large robot not unlike Island King and the RV Robo. Sirender stepped between RV Robo and the Zekta. It appeared that Signalman was denying Island King’s existence outright. A large red shield with Signalman’s insignia appeared from Sirender’s hand to fend off the Zekta’s attacks as the intergalactic policeman delivered a stern warning to the racing team.

“CARRANGER!” shouted Signalman, “Do you have ANY idea how many people I’ve had to ask and how much time it’s taken me to find you on this legendary, mythological, possibly non-existent island? It’s not easy, I’ll tell you that much! And you know what else?”

“What?” Kyosuke sighed as he rested his head on his arm within RV Robo’s cockpit.

“I had to leave Mrs. Ichijouji’s son, Ken, to watch the Pegasus Garage while you were around gallivanting with ancient demonic car-like battle machines!” The Zekta attempted to fire two lasers at Sirender, but the lasers reflected off of his shield and burned out the demon car’s headlights.

“I came here to tell you that you’re breaking the laws of traffic, physics, the laws of sanity, and the fourth wall! Do you know how much I’ll have to fine you for this?” Sirender had a knife extend from one of its hands and began to rapidly cut through the material that made up the car. Signalman continued his rant.

“…and not just that! You know how much trouble it is to deal with evil, while it’s the Bowzock or otherwise. Remember what happened when you teamed up the Ohranger? That rigorous training? Should I call the commander and suggest you put through that again so you finally learn your lesson?

“Or what about that time with the Megaranger? Remember that? What happened? I remember – you suddenly got evil clones! I’ve tried to tell you this countless times, teaming up with another group of Rangers leads to nothing but trouble. This wouldn’t be the first time that any of you have been a problem, either. Jinnai and Domon, I’m looking at you!”

“What’s he rambling on about?” asked Ian.
“I know as much as you do,” Naoki sighed, “Here he goes.”
“You should brace yourselves for this one,” Kyosuke added.
“Who is this guy?” shouted the Zekta, “He’s taking away from my killing time!”

“Jinnai, you were called to join with the other Red Rangers for that Super Sentai Tamashii thing, right? I can tell you this – GaoRed was a weakling as it is, and 23 fighters aiding him is just as darn good as 24! You disobeyed my direct orders on that one the next year as well! You too, Domon!

“Don’t think I didn’t know about this! The two of you were wandering around Japan claiming to be someone named ‘Shurikenger,’ and then actually henshined into him! I can cite you with identity theft and possession of another’s property on that count! Sometimes I wonder why I choose to ally myself with you five when all you do is get into nothing but trouble.

“SIREN VULCAN!”

The last attack, shot from his gun, was aimed at the Zekta behind him. The flare of energy traveled into the Zekta’s main systems and caused its power cells to choke up. Sirender turned and did an action pose as the Zekta exploded in a burst of purplish fire. It could only be said that the ancient battle machine had been defeated for good. The two robos glanced at each other in confusion, and Kyosuke delivered another message to Tyson.

“I told you we had a cop-out.”

The Islandranger didn’t know whether to celebrate their victory or sigh at the corniness of the pun. Either way, they’d won.

[GreenNinja]

Today, the movie draws to a close. It's been the longest of my movies, but also one of my most enjoyable. On Thursday Islandranger episodes resume with the entry of my necessary Sixth, and from there on out, it's going to be wild. And now, this story concludes.
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Epilogue: Singing the Paradise Samba

For some reason or other, everyone had dressed in Hawaiian shirts as they sat around the deserted garage-fortress where the Zekta once lay.

“Ready?” asked Shii. She was now holding a wooden flute, most likely bamboo, in her hands.
“Ready!” answered Lara. She was sitting on the ground with a pair of bongo drums stationed in her lap.
“I cannot believe this is how we end our journey,” said a disappointed Roy with a triangle in his hand, “with karaoke.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Ian said cheerfully as he stood near a pair of steel drums, “this will be exciting. I hear karaoke is all the rage in Japan. What song are we singing again?”
“I have no clue,” replied Tyson. The professor was holding a tambourine in his hand and looked rather hesitant to play it.

“You guys get the easy instruments,” said Makoto. He was holding a ukulele in his hands and a page of sheet music before him. From what it looked like he was confused by the concept of guitar tabs.

“I know I’m looking forward to this,” said Yoko. She and Natsumi were holding umbrellas in their hands; they were also dressed in bikinis. They were going to be the ones to dance at this impromptu island celebration. Dappu honked the horn of Pegasus Thunder and motioned to the four singers from the car.

“Remember, this is our ending theme song!” said Dappu, “It shouldn’t be a problem. You hear it every Sunday morning at 7:30 just before the Bandai advertisements come on. Then it gets to the next show preview. Do you all understand what I’m talking about?”

“Yes!” said Radietta and Vanity with a wink and a giggle. She and her sister had changed into coconut bras and grass skirts. Dragon Cruiser, the Radiacar, Zonette’s convertible and the five biplanes were all close by to ensure that all present could leave at any time they wanted, and Signalman’s Polispeeder cycle was parked near the garage. He was now filing a list of crimes against the Zekta. That was something he had forgotten to do while he was ranting at the Rangers.

“Paradise Samba, got it,” said Kyosuke.
“Let’s get this over with,” Naoki sighed in a very Roy-like fashion, “Radietta’s giving me looks again.”
“Then we start,” said Dappu, “In 1…2….1-2-3-now!”

The instruments played to a tropical beat and the singers swayed in unison. Radietta kept eyeing Naoki and Zonette likewise with Kyosuke. The song still gave a calming feeling to the once-battlefield known as Solstice Island. A serene wind blew through the palm fronds and waves crashed against the shore.

The Islandranger knew they would have to part back to New York in time, but their meeting with the Carranger was one they would be remembering. Shii had met with a legend of her island culture and discovered a hidden islet, and the Carranger had gone on a death-defying quest involving just about everything they could’ve thought would happen (and some stuff they didn’t). Although Naoki would be wary of Radietta from now on.

Skull Mountain
On the Way to Somewhere Else

“This should do the trick,” Draugh said as he handed Lodi a vial with a shining golden potion in it. “I was lucky enough to figure out what the Zekta did to you. Nothing more than a basic energy-draining spell; had it been any more your transformation abilities may have been seriously modified.”

“Thanks,” Lodi said weakly. She popped the top of the vial and downed it within seconds. The reddish-black aura that had been pulsing around her body for hours faded, and her form perked up to its usual vigor. To prove that she was back up to speed Lodi crossed her arms and instantly assumed several identities one after the other.

First she was the stunning Pyro Islander girl called Sun. Next she was New Yorker Colleen, and finally her body was back to its most recent disguise of the car saleswoman Christine. With one last puff of smoke she turned back into Lodi. Lord Voodun entered the room and summoned the purple disc of energy he used to view all proceedings.

“Let them enjoy their Samba Paradiso,” he said, “for we are on a journey towards a new destination!” The purple disc showed an image of a mariachi band, “Well, that’s part of where we’re going, but not our plan,” the image switched to ancient temples somewhere within Mexico, “A new power shall awaken there, or so the spirits have told me.

“Because when this is done with, we’ll be singing the Paradise Samba. The Goddess waits for us in Mexico, and when we find her, and then all shall come as planned. A source of energy so great will be on our side that we shall be unbeatable! In time…”

NEXT TIME on Fire Sentai Islandranger
With the movie done and seriousness returning to the series we immediately jet off for Mexico at Professor Brody’s urging. There, readers, you shall meet the thoughtful girl and student Chantelle’s Tico, the unsealed Aztec Warrior Heidik, and witness the arrival of the long-awaited sixth member. When the battle goes south of the border “The Warrior of the Light Comes Forth”!

[bjlovel]

Great movie