Suihei Sentai Strataman

[GreenNinja]

It's been awhile since I did an orginal series (the last one was DekaRail...kind of), so here's another one, coming soon.
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Horizon Sentai Strataman
Suihei Sentai Sutorataman
(水平戦隊ストラターマン)

The peaceful city of Stone Summit, New York, has always been home to many things. Then, one day, while Channel 4 intern Courtney Cloud and her cameraman friend, Louis Franklin, are out reporting the day's news, something breaks free from beneath the ground. They, along with model airplane enthusiast Tyler Apollo and ice-skater Crystal Prisma, are swept away by a cloud to a place high above Mt. Summit, the city's most prized landmark. There they meet Sora, a sky goddess who tells them the Arnsak have risen again. They are granted permission to use the Horizon station as their base to stay safe, but in return they must take on the power of the Horizon Sentai Strataman. Will they accept?

Tyler Apollo
StrataRed
The Summer's Sun, the Northern Wind
Arsenal: Sattelite Sword, Radar Gun, Solablade, Strata Brace
Sky Mech: SkyJet
A model airplane enthusiast with a passion for life, Tyler is chosen to lead the Strataman. He seeks to some day fly an actual plane and discover the world like his idol, Tyson Jones. As StrataRed he weilds the Solablade, a sun that can control rays of sunlight to his command.

Courtney Cloud
StrataGreen
The Spring's Rain, the Eastern Wind
Arsneal: Sattelite Sword, Radar Gun, Parainsol, Strata Brace
Sky Mech: SkyVan
Channel 4 intern Courtney Cloud aspires to be a weather woman in charge - but she's a far cry off from that. For now, though, she fights as StrataGreen and hopes Louis can use her adventures to boost them ahead. She commands the rain and rebirth of life.

Louis Franklin
StrataYellow
The Autumn's Gale, the Western Wind
Arsenal: Sattelite Sword, Radar Gun, Gustbranch, Strata Brace
Sky Mech: SkyCopter
Louis is calm, cool, and collected. He's an amateur filmmaker looking for the PERFECT thing to capitalize on. He controls the winds and the season of autumn.

Crystal Prisma
StrataBlue
The Winter's Snow, the Southern Wind
Arsenal: Sattelite Sword, Radar Gun, Stalatice, Strata Brace
Sky Mech: SkyCruiser
An ice skater and newcomer to town, Crystal is the heart and soul of the team. She has a calm exterior that hides a coldly serious fighting spirit. Has command over snow, ice and other forms of cold.

Sora
StrataGaia
Mother Earth, The Fertile Ground, the Wind of Life
Arsenal: GeoBrace, Gaia Striker
Mecha: GeoTank -> Great Atlas
Sora, StrataGaia, is a sky goddess who selected the four to become the Strataman. She aids them in both the usage of their devices and controlling their elemental powers, but couldn't stand to Nyx's Shadow Creatures. Her husband, Herakles, has been scouting the universe for ages, and has yet to return. Sora has just as much to discover about herself as she does about her proteges.

Eloi
StrataChronos
Father Time, The Eternal Cycle, the Wind of Change
Arsenal: Dial Watch, Sandblaster, Chrono Lance
Mecha: TimeOwl -> Clock Knight
Eloi, formerly the owner of the clock shop in Stone Summit, had been in contact with Sora and Crystal for some time. When Nyx's Shadow Creatures attacked, he had to take his prized poesseion and reveal himself as StrataChronos. Now aboard the Satellite Horizon, Eloi serves to discover more about Sora's past and helping her get her powers back.

Herakles
StrataUranus
Father Sky, The Sky's Fury, the Wind of Expansion
Arsenal: Thor's Hammer
Mecha: GodWinger -> StrataGod
Herakles, Sora's husband, returns when she sends a distress call after the Arnsak become especially intense. He weilds Thor's Hammer and transforms into StrataUranus, a powerful hero who can right all wrongs.


Arsenal

StrataBrace
The henshin brace of the core four. When the command "Satellite Uplink!" is called, the brace connects to Horizon and sends them their powers. Also function as a watch and communication device. They have radar that can scan the area and tell the current weather forecast.

Radar Gun
Small gun that fires pulses of sonic energy at monsters. Stored around the belt of the Rangers.

Satellite Sword
A radar dish-shaped grip and a long silver blade make up this second sidearm of the Strataman.

Forecaster
Combined weapon made from the Radar Gun and Satellite Sword. Launches massive blasts of elemental energy corresponding to each Ranger.

Mach Flyers
Jets that provide means of transport.

Solablade
Sun-themed sword. Attacks with "Four-Ray Cut"

Parainsol
Doubles as a protective shield and high-powered rifle. Attacks with "Raindrop Downpour".

Gustbranch
A magic wand of sorts made from the branch of a tree. Attacks with "Last Wind"

Stalactice
Ice pickaxe. Attacks with "Avalance Point Strike"

GeoBrace and Gaia Striker
Sora's personal weapons. The Gaia Striker has a wide range of attacks corresponding to Sora's powers.

Dial Watch
A stone sundial watch Eloi uses to transform. Can stop time and transport him. "Chronos Advance!" is the henshin phrase.

Sandblaster
An hourglass gun that can create a veil of sand around the area.

Chrono Lance
The staff of Father Time himself. Finisher is "Vortex Beatdown", where time is stopped so Eloi can deliver the final blow.

Thor's Hammer
The hammer of the Norse God himself. Attacks with "Star Smash".

Villians

Terra
The only female soldier of the Arnsak, she gathers the special clay used in creation of the monsters. She weilds a drill that can pierce through almost any object.

Mason
Sculptor who brings the monsters to form and gives them life. His hammer, pickaxe and trowel are deadly in combat.

Aval
Wizard who controls the magma that transforms the monsters to giant size. Has control over all forms of fire and rock.

Nyx
A mistress who stalks in the shadows. Close to Aval, and has command over a unique brand of "Shadow Creatures" that Mason feels his must constantly outdo. The only other female besides Terra, and thus close with her.

The Core
A glowing ball of liquid rock with the soul of an ancient warrior inside. The leader of the Arnsak.

Molemen
Grunts armed with dangerously sharp claws. Can burrow up from under the ground at any time.

General Digger
Head of the Moleman troops. Fiercely loyal to The Core, fierce with his claws, and dead serious in combat. Though no one tells him, the least competent of the Arnsak generals.

Allies

Janet Prisma
Crystal's older sister, an insectologist, who finds her sister's fascination with the environment much more interesting as of late. Keeps a collection of insects in the jungle she calls her room. Janet will later go on to become MushiPink.

Diane Apollo
Tyler's sister. Doubtful of the heroes in town, it's only when Tyler saves her she comes to realize the gravity of the situation.

Mecha

SkyJet, SkyVan, SkyCruiser, SkyCopter
Four vehicles launched from Horizon's air bay. They have radar that can scan the sky for miles around, and are armed with various ways of dispersing bad weather and trouble.

StrataBomber
"Bomber Uplink! StrataBomber!" First formation. A fast, heavy plane that uses the Warp Hurricane to blow away targets.

StrataRobo
"Giant Uplink! StrataRobo!" Armed with the Four Sword and Cycle Shield, it defends against giant beasts. Uses the finishing attacks "Strata Guster" and "Strata Wing Punch"

GeoTank -> Great Atlas
"Geo Uplink! GeoTank! Earth Uplink, Great Atlas!" Gaia's personal armed humvee that trasnforms into Great Atlas, which attacks with the Earth Rollout. Can combine with StrataRobo to form StrataLancer

TimeOwl -> Clock Knight
Piloted by Eloi, the TimeOwl is a futuristic ship that attacks with Wing Cutter and Distortion Beam. When "Royal Advance!" is called, it transforms into Clock Knight, which is armed with the Eien Saber and can finish with "Lightning Blitz". Can combine with StrataRobo to form StrataKnight.

GodWinger -> StrataGod
Piloed by Herakles, this spacecraft transforms into a fighting metal god that attacks with Deus Kick. Combines with StrataRobo to form the sky's demigod, StrataDeus.

StrataJupiter
Formed form GodWinger, GeoTank and TimeOwl, StrataJupiter is the strongest mecha of the Strataman. Can launch lightning bolts from its hands for the finishing attack "Zeus Bolt Storm".

Episodes
1. Forecast, Part 1: The Sky Breaks Open - Courtney and Louis meet with the Molemen one fine day.
2. Forecast, Part 2: Sattelite Uplink - Sora gathers the four and brings them to Horizon.
3. Forecast, Part 3: Stormy Skies - Courtney gets a spot on the 11:00 news after their first major battle.
4. StrataRobo Uplink! - StrataRobo debuts when Great Atlas can't get the job done against General Digger's Claw Mole.
5. The Four Winds - Mason sends out a monster to block signals from Horizon while Sora is training the four in the ways of their elemental powers.
6. Call of the Wild Blue Yonder - Tyler uncovers the Mach Flyers, jets meant to be used by the Strataman.
7. Shadow Creatures - Nyx sends out a Shadow Creature in the dead of night. Sora goes to investigate.
8. Sora's Loss - Nyx drains Sora of her powers.
9. Core, Part 1 - The Strataman leap down into the depths of the Earth to reclaim Sora's powers.
10. Core, Part 2 - Aval introduces the Rangers to The Core, a fearsome living entity that rules the Arnsak.
11. April Showers and May Flowers - Janet is intrigued by the appearance of these heroes.
12. As Different as Night and Day - Tyler's sister Diane catches on to his new abilities, and wonders about telling the town.
13. First Turn - Courtney passes her reign of "leader" over to Tyler as spring turns to summer.
14. Tunnel Vision and Pipe Dreams - Mason carves out a tunnel that will collapse the surface world. Louis dives underground to stop him, with Cooper's trust in them at stake.
15. River Nyx - Nyx poisons the river running through Stone Summit, forcing Crystal and Tyler to solve the problem.
16. Molemen Unleashed - General Digger, getting a once-in-a-lifetime chance, lets loose Molemen and more Molemen. Against the odds, can the invasion be stopped?
17. Earth's Gift - The unconcious Sora grants a lead towards Eloi, and files are uncovered in the jeweler's that lead to revalations beyond belief.
18. Dog Days of Summer, Part 1 - Star Sirius, the Galaxy Dog, attacks during a peaceful night on the beach.
19. Dog Days of Summer, Part 2 - It'll take the miracle return of StrataLancer to solve the dogging problem the Rangers are facing.
20. Solstice the First - On the longest day of the year, Tyler's power is overflowing. He runs in to challenge a time-space bending monster sent by Nyx, and severely affects the whole team.
21. Father Time's Power! Eternal Hero, StrataChronos! - Eliot reveals himself as Eloi, old comrade of Sora. As StrataChronos, he defeats the monster, but Nyx revives it by fusing herself into its being.
22. TimeOwl Soars From the Future - Eloi warps time to bring the Rangers back to normal, but ends up making them older than they were before. Now Nyx wants them even more.
23. Go! Clock Knight - The fight goes to the future AND the past as Eloi fights to return things to normal.
24. Wizard's Duel - Aval challenges Father Time to a wizard's duel. Tyler tries to hold him back, but the laws of battle state he must accept.
25. Friendly Competition - While Aval is away, Mason and Nyx find a rare moment of agreement and create a Shadow Statue named Darkstone, who rushes into battle against the Strataman.
26. An Unbeatable Creature? - Darkstone challenges the Rangers, and Louis finds a sudden burst of power in himself that solves the problem.
27. Second Turn - Tyler gives leadership to Louis as summer changes into fall.
28. The Woods of the Eternal Cycle, Part 1 - Eloi takes the Rangers to the Woods of the Eternal Cycle to train. Crystal finds the Glade of Seasons, Courtney and Louis train, and Tyler questions Eloi about the past.
29. The Woods of the Eternal Cycle, Part 2 - Everyone tries to reunite for the final part of their training, but the woods are vast and mysterious.
30. Chaos, Part 1: The Morlock Butterfly - Janet's butterfly has transformed into Lepidoptera chronologica, the Morlock Butterfly. Eloi is mysteriously affected during a battle.
31. Chaos, Part 2: Eloi's Grim Future - Janet, Crystal and Louis travel through Eloi's self-contained time field and find themselves at the ends of the Earth. Janet has gone missing.
32. Chaos, Part 3: Janet and the Crystalis - MushiPink, really Janet herself, appears and defeats the butterfly once and for all.
33. A Sudden Appearance! StrataUranus! - Herakles returns from space with Thor's Hammer in hand to defeat a particuarly tough enemy sent by Mason and infused by The Core.
34. The Darkness of Space - StrataGod reveals itself when the Arnsak begin hollowing out the moon.
35. Girls' Team - Sora wakes up to find her husband returned and immediately begins formulating a plan to reclaim her power from the core of The Core once and for all.
36. Sora's Gambit - Sora finds Terra willing to negotiate for her power, but how far will she go? At the same time, Digger and Aval release a group attack on the remaining Rangers. StrataDeus debuts.
37. Mother Earth - Sora's power returns at last to triumphant fanfare, and Digger meets his end in battle.
38. Ultimate Uplink! StrataJupiter! - GeoTank, GodWinger and TimeOwl unite as one to form the protector of Heaven, Earth and Time - STRATAJUPITER! The Arnsak, clearly down and out, start to focus on their ultimate agenda.
39. Third Turn - Crystal takes her position as leader and starts investigating Sora's past in greater detail.
40. Solstice the Second - The shortest day of the year leads to a nighttime battle for the past, present and future.
41. On Thin Ice - Aval thins the ice on the lake, but Mason will be the one who takes the fall in battle.
42. Winter Wonderland, Part 1 - The Rangers are trapped in a Christmas town full of wonder and merriment...cooked up by Aval. Will they ever wake up?
43. Winter Wonderland, Part 2 - Crystal shatters the illusion and returns the team home. Terra plays a part in this as well.
44. The Pomegrante of Persephone - Terra is revealed to be Persephone, the lost daughter of Aval and Sora. Aval and Nyx are all that remain.
45. Undermining, Part 1 - Nyx tries to sway Persephone back to the side of the Arnsak in a deep underground mine.
46. Undermining, Part 2 - Aval, fed up with Nyx being better than him at everything, kills her in a stunning display of fire magic.
47. Pluto Lives Again - The Core absorbs the last traces of Aval's power to take on his true form - Pluto.
48. Heaven and Earth, Part 1 - Pluto turns the Earth upside down, reversing sky and ground. He is now above when before he was below.
49. Heaven and Earth, Part 2 - StrataJupiter and StrataRobo go head-to-head with Pluto himself to end this trickery once and for all.
50. Heaven and Earth, Part 3 - All things draw to a close as the Arnsak are finished at last.

[ElementMaster149]

sounds really good i'll have my eye on this

[crimson_inferno]

finnaly, some new material. cant wait!

[rangermaster]

Sounds awesome. Can't wait to read.

[GreenNinja]

Episode 1: Forecast, Part 1: The Sky Breaks Open

The life of a raindrop is a fairly uneventful one. Water vapors that have evaporated off the Earth gather in the clouds hovering in the blue sky and form into a mass of water that’s small in size. The droplet, being pulled by the gravity of the ground below, begins to descend. It picks up at an ever-quickening pace until it assumes its familiar droplet shape. Then, with a final splash, the droplet lands on its target. In the case of one particular droplet, it had just made contact with the silky brown-blonde hair of a woman standing in the park.

The woman, who had azure eyes and pale skin, ran her hands through her hair to ensure it was still dry. She was dressed in a navy-blue suit and skirt with white shoes. Her hair extended down to her shoulders and accentuated her appearance. On her suit’s right pocket was a lapel pin with the Channel 4 logo. This girl, aged 18, went by the name of Courtney Cloud. Courtney checked the microphone, also with the Channel 4 logo on it, in her hands and turned to her cameraman.

“Are we ready to go, Louis?” Louis Franklin, the cameraman, gave a thumbs-up. Louis had been a student of film and theater since his earliest days in freshman year with Courtney, and looked the part. He had a yellow T-shirt, black jacket and black pants on along with a pair of extravagantly bright yellow shoes. He wore glasses, had scraggly black hair and had a look on his face that spoke of constant, pensive thought. Louis elevated the camera on the tripod and gave a thumbs-up to Courtney.

“Can’t believe they let an intern like you do the weather report,” he chuckled.
“Can’t believe they let an amateur cameraman like you film it,” Courtney replied, “Our time at Channel 4 has been short, yes, but we’re making progress. Now, let’s get this thing rolling.”
“Action!”

“Hello, Stone Summit! I’m Courtney Cloud, reporting to you from Channel 4 weather. As you can see above me, the clouds are slowly turning dark over Mount Summit, so we can expect winds up to 40 miles per hour and a 60 percent chance of rain. Keep those umbrellas and ponchos handy. And now back to our anchors at the newdesk. See you next time.”

“Cut! That was great, Courtney. You’ll get a pay raise from that. Or a promotion, at least.”
“Thanks, Louis,” Courtney blushed, “I try.”

The clouds above, true to Courtney’s broadcast, broke open but seconds after she had wrapped filming. Louis packed his camera away posthaste, and the two ran for the shelter of a natural rock cave not too far off from them. The cave was damp and humid, but its warmth was exactly what they had been looking for. Courtney couldn’t be less pleased by this turn of events.

“My suit!” she said in a high-pitched squeal, “I got this for today…and it’s WET!” Louis reassured her they’d make it out alive, but Courtney’s glare caused him retreat and think otherwise. He walked to the back of the cave and pulled a lighter from his pocket. “May as well see in here,” he thought, “the storm will pass in time.” As he tried to spark the lighter he heard a chattering sound coming from further inward. Time to investigate.

The dark skies outside left visibility at a low, but it was bright enough for Louis to make out what was going on. He saw something human-like crouched over in the back of the cave. The lighter, after several attempts, finally flicked on and allowed Louis to see what it was that had been confusing him all this time.

The creature had three-sharp claws protruding from each arm, dingy brown fur coated in dirt, and two beady, black eyes. It resembled a mutated gopher and, with its razor-sharp buck teeth, glared at Louis in a way that sent a chill down his spine. Louis screamed and raced back to Courtney. He placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eyes.

“COURTNEY!” he yelled, “We have to get out of here!”
“Not in this weather.”
“But…but…”
“Not until I’m dry.”
“What if I said there was a DERANGED GOPHER about to chew us to bits with his gopher-teeth? What would you say then, huh?”
“I’d say you’ve been editing your movies too late.”
“That’s true…but so is the gopher.”

The creature’s demented screech filled the cave as Courtney hugged Louis tight and fled from the cave. The two ran as fast as their legs could carry them back to the Channel 4 news station. When they were gone from the park a figure, feminine in look, jumped down from atop the cave and took out something spherical from the pocket of her green dress. Her emerald eyes narrowed and she whispered something in a deadly serious voice.

“So…it’s you. The time has come.”
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Hours later, the sun had come out and cleared the sky and earth to a state where the citizens of Stone Summit, New York, could go outside and enjoy themselves without mud or random puddles interrupting their day. One of those out and about was a young man with a double-joystick remote control in his hands. A miniature plane was by his side.

“The wind is right; the air is right…prepared for takeoff.” This aviation enthusiast, Tyler Apollo, was wearing a red t-shirt and khaki shorts along with a pair of goggles. Tyler had brown hair and red eyes that told of dreams to fly among the clouds. He stepped back and flipped the “on” switch on his controls. The miniature plane’s propeller began to spin. Its ascent was smooth, and within time the plane was flying some feet above Tyler’s head.

“A thing of beauty,” Tyler remarked under his breath. He admitted his miniature plane flying about in the sky. Then he was knocked aside with a shove. Someone, or something, had crossed his path unexpectedly. When Tyler had regained his senses he saw that the one who’d toppled him was none other than Courtney Cloud. Louis was trailing behind her with his camera bag in hand.

“Courtney, you really oughta watch where you’re going,” he said, “Sorry about her doin’ that, man. She can’t really run in those shoes of hers.”
“My plane’s still flying, so it’s no biggie,” said Tyler, “Who would you two be?”
“I’m Louis, and that’s Courtney,” said the cameraman, “you?”
“Tyler Apollo. Call me Ty if you want. Where were you two off to in a rush like that?”

“Molemen,” Louis remarked.
“…seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“…and Molemen have what to do with what?”
“We have to tell Mr. Cooper at Channel 4. This is breaking news. Who thought MOLEMEN could be here in Stone Summit? It’s unthinkable.”
“I can’t even think of it now.”
“Exactly.”
“Well, Courtney…Louis…go and spread your story.”
“Thanks. Later, Ty.”

When Courtney and Louis had left, Tyler was scratching his head. “Molemen?” he glanced back to the sky to check on his plane. It was still flying. From somewhere behind a tree, a pair of green eyes looked at him. His meeting with Courtney and Louis was only the beginning.
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Miles away from where the chance meeting had occurred, two sisters walked through the streets of Stone Summit. The younger had blonde hair; the older one’s was dark brown. The older of the two had a pair of glasses on and was carrying a box in her hand. A green caterpillar was crawling about in the box. The younger sister turned to her elder sibling and gave an odd glance.

“You care too much for that thing,” remarked the younger, who had a transparent azure crystal hanging around her neck.
“More like not enough,” her older sibling said, “This thing’s going to become a butterfly someday. I need to give it all the care I can.”
“Whatever you say,” the younger sighed.

These sisters, Crystal (the younger) and Janet (the older) Prisma had been in Stone Summit for only a short time. Moving here had been going smoothly so far, and they hoped it would continue to do so. A new town, a new life, new people to meet…all the things they hoped for. Crystal saw a jeweler’s down the corner and turned to Janet.

“I’m going to see if they have anything there,” she called, “See you later!” Crystal clutched the gem on her necklace in her fist and ran ahead. The jeweler’s wasn’t far, and she may even be able to pick up a new bracelet or the like by the time she got out. Crystal would never get that far. When she reached the crosswalk on the street, a rumbling sound was heard beneath her feet.

The ground rendered itself in two. A stone platform, constructed entirely of sandstone, rose from the depths of the earth. Atop it was a girl, but she was like no girl Crystal had ever seen before in her life. Her skin was dull gray, like the color of an everyday rock, yet it was covered in mud. Her hair, black and dirty, flew in every direction. Her copper eyes had a glare that pierced through Crystal. A crowd of Molemen surrounded her, and a burlap sack full of something was in her right hand.

She wore a brassiere that was silver and sharp-pointed, as if there were two drills attached to her chest. Bronze armor covered her legs, shoulders and arms. The rest of her was left exposed. She glanced around; Crystal was the first thing her eyes caught. Her voice was smooth, yet slightly deeper than most women’s.

“What do you know? A surface-dweller. About the last thing I was expecting to see when I came up here. Tell me your name…” she reached into her armor and took out a bronze-and-silver drill weapon; the armament quickly shifted to become aimed at Crystal’s neck. “…or face immediate punishment.”

“C-c-crystal. Crystal Prisma. Wh-who are you?”
“Me? Why, I am Terra Sedi of the Arnsak Warriors. It is fitting you know my name, for when you reach the pearly gates, you may as well tell them who it was that ended your life. Prepare for the drill…” The drill began to spin blindingly fast. Crystal saw it near her body. She bent down the ground in fear, only to find something knocking away the drill from Terra’s hand.

“Do not harm her!” a voice called.
“Who dares to challenge me?” Terra snapped, “WHO?!”

A figure walked over the horizon. When she came into view, Crystal got a clear look at her savior. It was a female. Her body was covered in a skin-tight spandex suit, so as to disguise her identity. The suit was primarily blue with green patches on the legs, chest and helmet. The black visor was shaped like something between an oval and a circle; her belt was circular with a design like that of the Earth’s surface on it. She had white gloves and boots that appeared like the clouds above this blue world in contrast with the rest of her outfit. She struck a pose and announced herself.

“The Mother Earth! Spreading the seeds of green across the fields! I am…STRATAGAIA!” StrataGaia stretched her right arm outward and clenched her hand as if making a fist. In her hand appeared a weapon. It was a short stick – about the size of a police baton – with a miniature globe atop it. Around the globe’s equator was a gold ring with four gems interspaced evenly around it in green, red, yellow and blue. At the tip of the globe was a small golden radar dish rotating under its own power. StrataGaia announced it as the “Gaia Striker!”

“Ugh, Sora,” groaned Terra, “I thought we were done with you.”
“Not quite,” StrataGaia replied, “Gaia Striker – Equinox Rotation!”

The radar dish atop the globe’s North Pole shot a greenish-blue beam towards Terra. Terra spun around quicker and quicker, becoming dizzier and dizzier, until she lifted into the air and came down with a crash. The drills on her chest stuck into the ground and left her unable to move. Terra struggled to break free, but it was to no avail. Sora pointed the Gaia Striker at Terra again and spoke another command.

“Equator Bind!” A golden ring of energy wrapped itself around Terra’s arms and lower chest. Sora swung the Gaia Striker downward and sent Terra, tunneling by the force of her worn weapons, into the earth. The street returned to normal with a final sweep of the weapon. StrataGaia powered down to reveal her true form. Crystal was in for another surprise.

“You…you saved me,” Crystal spoke in shock.
“Yes, I did,” replied Sora, “as Terra spoke, you can call me Sora. I already know of your name.”

Sora was a woman of statuesque beauty. She had skin that was light – not tan, but not ghostly-white either. Her hair was brown and flowed down to the middle of her back; her eyes were the refreshing green of a newly-sprouted leaf. She was dressed in blue and green clothes patterned like the Earth itself. White armbands were on her wrists and ankles; they reminded Crystal of clouds.

“Who ARE you?” Crystal asked.
“I am a sky goddess,” Sora explained, “I’ve monitored Earth ever since the first signs of life appeared to make sure it remains safe. That is no longer the case. Crystal, if willing, will you come with me?”
“But what about Janet?”
“We can invent an alibi at a later time.”

Crystal, hesitatingly, followed the sky goddess down the streets. She didn’t know what for or where they were going, but if it had anything to do with the mad woman that had attacked her moments before, it was probably for the best.
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“I’m telling you, Cooper, it was Molemen!” Louis pounded his fist on the desk of Mr. Wallace “Wolf” Cooper, head of Channel 4. “I swear by my DS!”
“Then if it’s so ‘true’, Franklin, why not show me the video footage?” replied Cooper, a middle-aged man with a cold look of determination on his face.
“I…can’t, sir,” Louis shrugged, “The cam wasn’t on then.”
“Then why should I take the word of two interns on it?”

Louis and Courtney, faced with an argument they couldn’t beat, walked out of Cooper’s office. Courtney, still holding a clear memory of the attack, placed her arm around the shoulder of her friend. “Don’t worry about it,” Courtney said cheerily, “If it ever happens again…” she shuddered at the thought of what she’d just said, “we can film it then. We both know it’s true.”

“It’s a lie to those who are actually important,” Louis replied.
“Are you saying we aren’t important?”
“Kinda…maybe…yeah.”

Louis’ round of pouting was interrupted when a voice came over the PA system. “Interns Franklin and Cloud, please report to the main lobby. You have someone here to see you.” Courtney shrugged. She had no idea who it could be, but decided they may as well see.

When Courtney and Louis reached the front lobby they saw a woman standing there – Sora. Courtney shook hands with the woman and introduced herself Louis did the same. Sora placed her hands on their shoulders and looked into their eyes. The two Channel 4 interns suddenly felt at ease.

“Are you willing to come with me? The attack you dealt with earlier is but the first in what will be a string of many, increasingly worse attacks to follow. You know the truth, and I trust that you can be of assistance. So, will you follow?”

“Finally, someone who believes!” Louis cheered.
“Told ya,” Courtney winked. “So, what’s your name?”
“Call me Sora. This is Crystal Prisma. She’ll be joining us.” Crystal shook Courtney’s and Louis’ hands. The three walked through Stone Summit, passing across the park, where Tyler was once again flying his plane. The group seemed…strange to him. He’d seen Courtney and Louis before, but not the other two.

Then the ground began to shake yet again. Sora held out her wrist to reveal something strapped to it. The item, primarily blue, was slightly larger than a watch and had one circular screen and three green buttons. A small silver radar dish was on the top. It protruded outward, as if to send and receive signals. “This is the Geo Brace,” Sora explained, “You’ll learn more at a later time…but we still need one more person to join us.”

“You again?” Tyler asked, “Who’s with you?”
“Sora,” the goddess said, “You are one of the ones who knows.”
“Knows?”
“Of the attacks by the Molemen.”
“You mean they’re real?”
“Yes, very much so. This is why I want you to come with myself, Crystal, Courtney and Louis to the satellite Horizon.”
“To the where? For what?”
“As I said, you’ll find out. Do you accept?”
“Uh…I guess so.”
“Good.”

Sora held her right wrist to the heavens and shouted “Horizon Uplink!” A white beam of light shot from a cloud high above and enveloped the five. Tyler looked at his feet and saw himself rising higher and higher. Something damp clouded his vision. The air around him became cold and then, finally, warm once more. The sound of rain lightly hitting against the side of something metal repeated in the background. Tyler had moved somewhere completely different.

“Where…are we?” he asked.
“Welcome…” Sora announced, “to the satellite Horizon, located several hundred feet above your highest point, Mount Summit. You’ll come to know this place very well. More awaits…if you follow me.”

Tyler, Courtney, Louis and Crystal looked at each other warily. All of them had been taken aback by this strange and sudden turn of events. Wherever it went from here…they would have to go through it together. The four slowly, carefully, watching each step, followed after Sora.

To Be Continued...

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

The Strata Braces, four items mixing primeval magic and modern technology, are granted to Tyler, Courtney, Louis and Crystal. For the first time in her life, Courtney is chosen to be the leader, and the Arnsak gather to reveal the first of their Statue Beasts. Satellite Uplink, Go! The wild blue yonder calls you – Suihei Sentai…STRATAMAN!

Forecast, Part 2: Satellite Uplink!

[rangermaster]

Awesome. I'm loving this. Can't wait for the next one.

[GreenNinja]

Episode 2: Forecast, Part 2: Satellite Uplink!

Stone Summit, New York looked like a quiet place to any passerby. Then the Molemen and Terra Sedi began attacking. Sora, known as StrataGaia, found four unlikely people from this quiet town to come aboard the Satellite Horizon with her. They are Channel 4 interns Courtney Cloud and Louis Franklin, model airplane enthusiast Tyler Apollo, and the new girl, Crystal Prisma. The four have been brought aboard Horizon….but for what reason?

The interiors of the satellite were silver and white. The walls were dark blue and covered in star charts and weather forecasts for every part of the planet. Buttons, switches dials and everything else covered the controls. On every screen was an insignia – a thin, wispy “S” with each end coming to a point. The black “S” was imposed over a golden compass-like design split into fourths. Each quarter was colored in a particular color. It went green, red, blue and yellow going clockwise.

The four walked forward. Courtney and Louis stayed close. Tyler kept near Crystal and held his hand to hers. They walked under an archway and found themselves in a completely different room. A large globe was placed in the center. Sora was standing over the globe; she turned to her chosen ones when they entered. “Wise choice you made. Do you know why I have called you here?”

“The Molemen?” Louis asked.
“You believe us?” Courtney added.
“Terra?” questioned Crystal.
“I have no idea,” Tyler remarked.

“Close,” Sora tapped the globe. The projection’s layers began to peel away until the Earth had become nothing more than a flaming ball of magma. She’d removed layers of rock and water until she reached the magma layer. “This Earth you see here is the one Terra and the Molemen want. A blazing inferno rich in minerals and jewels; they’ll do whatever it takes to get it.”

“Some chick and a few mutant gophers can do all THAT?” Louis said skeptically.
“No, they cannot,” Sora reassured, “but the Arnsak, of which Terra and the Molemen are a part of, CAN.”
“Yeah, the Arnsak…” Crystal mused, “What are they?”
“A group of underground warriors with that mission in mind,” Sora said, “They’ve been buried beneath the Earth for centuries, but they must have finally found a way to dig out. This is why I have called you here.”
“To stop the Earth from turning to Hell?” Tyler scoffed, “Please.”
“That’s just it,” Sora spoke, “You are the ones to stop the Arnsak, because you are the only ones that know of them.”
“How can we do that?” Courtney said, “I can barely get dressed on time, let alone stop the invasion of Dante’s groupies!”
“There is a way.”

Sora tapped the globe again. The Earth vanished in a pop and left an actual, physical metal box resting on a podium where the globe had once been. It had been hidden behind the projection. Sora reached for the box and opened the lid. “I give you the Strata Braces.” Each Strata Brace was like Sora’s Geo Brace, except dark blue with white buttons. Hesitantly, each of the four strapped one of the braces to their wrist.

A symbol flashed in the screen when the brace was attached. Tyler’s was a red sun emitting four rays of arrow-shaped light. Crystal’s was a four-pointed snowflake. Louis got a spiral-shaped yellow tornado with four smaller tornados around it. Courtney was still nervous about putting hers on. Sora sensed this, and placed her hand on Courtney’s shoulder.

“Courtney; now is the time I should tell you this…” Courtney silently waited for the news, “We are in the middle of springtime. You, chosen to be StrataGreen…are the leader of the Suihei Sentai Strataman.”
“Me…the leader?”
“Yes.”
“I accept.”

Courtney strapped her Strata Brace to her wrist. A green circle with a raindrop pointing in each cardinal symbol briefly flashed. “Suihei Sentai Strataman?” she asked, “What’s that?”
“You,” Sora said, “In order to combat the Arnsak, I have given you the power of the four seasons, and the weather that comes with them. These Strata Braces allow you to access the power when needed. Courtney, you are StrataGreen of the Eastern Wind. The rain is yours to command. Let it fall and bring new life.

“Tyler, you are StrataRed of the Northern Wind. Let the sun shine down and make life flourish. Louis, you are StrataYellow of the Western Wind. Your breeze signals the beginning of a new life. Finally, Crystal, you are StrataBlue of the Southern Wind. Let evil fall into a silent sleep at the sound of the snow. To access your powers, tap the middle button and call ‘Satellite Uplink!’ The rest will take itself from there.”

“When do we begin?” Louis, readying himself to go, asked.
“When an attack comes,” Sora said, “One will be starting any moment now. We have awoken the Arnsak…now they will stop at nothing to make sure we are destroyed. It’s the beginning of a long, long journey.”
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Terra, being pulled down by the force of gravity and her drill, descended deeper and deeper into the Earth until she landed on solid ground. She lay down in a push-up-like stance and removed her troublesome drills from the stone floor. Around her was a chamber of tan-colored rock; her home. Light from above was nothing more than a pinpoint on the ceiling now.

“Did you get it?” asked a voice behind her, “That’s why we send YOU to the surface.” The voice belonged to a man with short hair and something like a Roman toga on. He was like Terra – pale, but not covered in mud. A pick and hammer were in his hand and a trowel was stored around his belt. This man spoke with a dignified and classy tone; his name was Mason.

“Yeah, I got your stupid clay,” Terra passed the bag to Mason, “biggest haul yet. I almost lost it thanks to stupid Sora. You owe me for this.”
“I appreciate your work, m’lady,” Mason bowed, “Thank you much.”

Mason opened the bag and began to pile handful upon handful of sierra clay one on top of another until the mound was about his height. He then drew the trowel from his belt and began to smooth the clay into a block shape. “Leave me be,” spoke Mason dramatically, “an artist must never be interrupted when he is at work!” Terra rolled her eyes, sighed, and walked into another corner of the Arnsak’s lair.

“Mason’s always been a snob, hasn’t he?” asked a silky-smooth, feminine voice behind Terra, “Thinks his work is better than mine.”
“That’s because it IS, Nyx,” Terra retaliated, “He’s a dedicated man.”
“And here I was, thinking you’d back me up.”

Nyx stepped out from the shadows for a brief second. Her skin was clean, unlike the others, and a pale gray. Her eyes were deep, black and emotionless. She wore very little. It was as if the darkness itself crafted her clothes. She had jet-black hair that went to her shoulders and indigo lips that were about the only thing shining in the darkness. Nyx retreated back into the shadows yet again when the sound of footsteps rumbled behind Terra.

“I don’ know what I’ve been told!” roared the animalistic voice. Chattering sounds echoed in response, sounding vaguely like what had been yelled, but nothing close to it.
“Molemen troops are good as gold!” more chattering sounds answered. The holder of this gruff tone walked out of the tunnel, saw Terra, and saluted. He was noticeably shorter than anyone else in the Arnsak, but his attitude more than made up for it.

He was like a Moleman, but stouter in build and dressed like a military general. Two small pairs of titanium claws were attached to his hands. His eyes were squinty and he had two buck teeth sticking out of his mouth. “General Digga, reportin’, Miss Terra!” he said, “Any word on thin’s from the surface?”
“Sora almost killed me.”
“That’s good, that’s good.”
“Shut up and keep walking, ya rodent.”

General Digger exited from the room and walked onward. Mason was putting the finishing touches on his work when the last of the Arnsak entered. Nyx, Digger, Terra and Mason all turned their heads, for the man in their presence outranked all of them. “Aval,” they spoke as one and bowed down.

Aval was dressed in red and black robes. He had spiked red hair that went down to his neck and fiery red eyes. In his hand was a black staff topped with an orange-red orb that looked as though it had come from the center of the Earth. Aval was a magician of fire whose power outstripped all beneath him. Only one could command him – the one who had sent Aval to get the others.

“He beckons,” spoke Aval in a fiery voice. His words stung like embers when they reached the ears of the generals, “he says the time is drawing nearer. Is your sculpture done with, Mason?”
“It is,” Mason answered, “Do what you will.”

Aval walked to Mason’s statue and tapped twice with his wand. The clay statue surged with red energy and, in a flash, transformed into something living, breathing and moving. It had become one of Mason’s creations – the Statue Beasts. This one, in particular, resembled a large gopher dressed in a plaid vest, white undershirt, and plaid pants. Something like a cross between a golf bag and an ammo supply box was around his back. His primary weapon was a bright red golf club with a fuse on the grip and a black clubbing end.

“Is there a name for this creature?” Aval asked.
“I call him Golpher,” said Mason, “Golpher TNT.”
“Then he’ll go to the surface at once,” Aval chanted, “Rise!”

Dirt, clay and sand swarmed around Golpher and sent him to the surface. When the crazed creature was well out of sight, Mason snubbed his nose at Nyx and whispered under his breath. “It’s been centuries, missy, and the first creature is mine. Let’s see you outdo THAT.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Aboard Horizon, Sora heard the sirens blare. She tapped a button on a nearby control panel and brought up Golpher TNT on the ground below. “It appears to be one of the Arnsak’s Statue Beasts,” Sora explained, “Look at the dirt left where he steps. Clearly it must be dealt with as soon as possible. I trust that you can handle it.”

“But how?” asked Louis, “I know we got these…‘Strata Braces’, but whadda we s’posed to do with ‘em?”
“Transform and fight.”

The four walked back to the room where they had entered, stood on the compass in the center of the floor, and once again felt the rush of transportation as they headed down to Earth. When they had left, Sora held her Geo Brace to her chest and wished. “Please, let them succeed,” she said, “They must.”
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
“FORE!” Golpher took a golf ball made of explosive plastic from his bag and hit it with his TNT Iron. The ball landed in a nearby field of trees and created an explosion. Molemen around him cheered and chattered in devious delight. Golpher laughed a high-pitched, annoying laugh, but was quickly interrupted when four arrived before him.

“STOP!” Courtney said, “Don’t do anything!”
“Who dares to challenge the great Golpher?”
“We do,” Tyler said.
“You tell ‘em, Courtney!” Louis added.
“So, do we begin?” Crystal quietly asked.
“Yes,” Courtney nodded, “NOW!”

The four held their hands to the sky, pressed the center button, and swung both their hands down, holding the Strata Brace close to their hearts. With a united call that echoed across Stone Summit, they called on the power from Horizon and donned the suits of warriors. It began now, with the words…

“SATELLITE UPLINK!”

Courtney stands in the middle of a field with a large tree behind her. Rain begins to fall and a green beam of energy shoots from her Strata Brace into the clouds. The water drips down her body and runs together to create her suit. A raindrop like her symbol lands on her head and spreads out into her helmet. Courtney strikes her final pose as her symbol glows behind her.

“New life blossoms forth! StrataGreen!”

Tyler stands in the middle of a field with a large tree behind him. The sunlight becomes intense, and red energy shoots from his Strata Brace into the clouds. The sunlight glares and takes the shape of his suit. A single ray, shining like his symbol, hits the top of his head and flashes into his helmet. Tyler strikes his final stance as his symbol glows behind him.

“Life in its prime! StrataRed!”

Louis stands in the middle of a field with a large tree behind him. The field and tree are both in shades of red, brown and yellow. A wind starts to blow and a yellow beam of energy shoots from his Strata Brace into the clouds. The wind holds close to his body and melds to form his suit. A smaller wisp winds its way around his head and forms his helmet. Louis strikes his final pose against his glowing yellow symbol.

“A time of change! StrataYellow!”

Crystal stands in a snowfield with a large, dead tree behind her. Snow begins falling and a blue beam of energy launches from her Strata Brace into the heavens. Snowflakes land on her body and form her suit. A single snowflake, shaped like her symbol, ripples outward into her helmet. Crystal strikes her final stance against her insignia.

“Reflecting on what has been! StrataBlue!”

Courtney held her hand outward and proclaimed her team’s saying alongside Tyler, Louis and Crystal. “Answering the call of the wild blue yonder!” Their suits shone in their respective colors as energy exploded forth to reveal the team symbol behind them.

“Suihei Sentai…STRATAMAN!”

“Who?” asked Golpher in extreme confusion and nervousness.
“RADAR GUN!”

From around their belts, the four drew a weapon. It was a dark blue handgun with gold trim. An eyepiece was attached for proper aim and radar scanning. Tyler gripped the trigger of his Radar Gun and let loose a stream of highly concentrated, spiraling navy energy that struck Golpher on his teeth. The rodent reached into his bag, took out four plastic explosive golf balls, and hit them towards the Rangers in rapid succession.

“Break and attack!” Courtney yelled, “Whatever happens, stay alive!” Courtney launched four shots from her Radar Gun in rapid succession, just barely rolling out of the way of Golpher’s explosive projectiles. Louis jumped into the branch of a nearby tree and launched more blasts. Crystal, lacking the confidence to use her gun, reached for her belt. She felt something on the left side of her waist. She reached for the grip, grabbed it, thrust it upwards, and saw something new in her hands.

“SATELLITE SWORD!” The bottom of the sword was like a radar dish, and a long silver blade extended outward. Crystal swooped down on Golpher and sliced his club in two with a cut of blue energy. Golpher swiped at Crystal with his claws, but StrataBlue remained unharmed. The next slash from Crystal left Golpher’s entire right arm encased in a block of ice. Crystal leapt back and regrouped with her team.

“Nice work,” Courtney said. She spoke into her Strata Brace, “Sora, anything else we can do with these things?”
“Combine them into one weapon called the Forecaster,” Sora replied, “That should be enough to defeat the Statue Beast. If any of you need me, just say so.”
“We’re doin’ well for now,” replied StrataGreen, “Courtney Cloud, over and out. Let’s go, guys! Combine to Forecasters!”

The Satellite Swords’ blades were retracted and the eyepieces of the Radar Guns were turned underneath the barrel. The Satellite Sword’s grip was connected to the front of the Radar Gun, and with a final flash of energy, the Forecasters had been created. All four Rangers, Courtney in the center, stood in formation and launched a combined attack.

“Elemental Spiral!” The tips of the Forecasters launched a beam each in the color and element of the four Rangers. Red sunlight, green rain, blue ice and yellow wind collided on Golpher as he exploded once and for all. The Strataman turned around, celebrated, and exchanged high-fives and cheers. They had won their first fight. Sadly, it would be a victory short-lived.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Aval, revive him,” Mason said impatiently, “Stop wasting time – do it!”
“As you please, Master Mason,” Aval bowed. He spun his wand in a circle three times on the ground. Outside, a pillar of dirt and mud rose up. Golpher was back at twice his size with all his weapons intact. He laughed at the Strataman below him and prepared to bat them away with his club.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
“Sora?” Courtney said, “We’ve got a major problem.”
Sora’s reassuring voice came through. “The Sky Machines are ready to go.”

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Sora sends SkyJet, SkyVan, SkyCruiser and SkyCopter to the field of battle against the giant Golpher. Terra goes up for another strike against the Rangers, and Sora reveals her own personal mode of transport – the GeoTank. “Earth Uplink, Great Atlas!”

Forecast, Part 3: Stormy Skies

[rangermaster]

This is so kool. Can't wait for episode 3

[GreenNinja]

Episode 3: Forecast, Part 3: Stormy Skies

When the least unusual thing about your day is the giant gopher dressed in plaid pants towering over your park, then you know your life has changed forever. Courtney, Tyler, Louis and Crystal stood on the ground in their Strataman suits waiting for what Sora, the sky goddess, called the “Sky Machines”. A delay was expected, but with the chance of death looming over them, they had a right to be anxious.

“Sora…” Courtney gritted her teeth, “Where ARE they?”
“They should be arriving now. Look above you,” replied the sky goddess.

Roaring engines echoed across the park. Courtney’s vehicle was the first to arrive. It was a large, navy blue news van complete with tracking dish on top. A green streak and the insignia of StrataGreen ran down both sides. Courtney leapt in and grabbed the steering wheel. She put the pedal to the metal and called out “SkyVan, moving out!”

Crystal received a speedboat, also dark blue, with a streak of lighter blue and her symbol on the side. She entered and grabbed her steering wheel, this one shaped like a ship’s, and took hold. “SkyCruiser, ready!” The ship rolled out a pair of wheels from underneath, had its back propeller rotate, and sped ahead.

Louis’ was like a military transport copter in design. He leapt high into the air, almost inhumanly high, and grabbed the controls of his dark blue aircraft trimmed with yellow. “Courtney, this is Louis, over. The SkyCopter is ready to go. Preparations for battle complete.”

Tyler, lastly, found a navy blue jet with red lines on the wings and his symbol on the tailfin flying towards him. “I can’t believe it,” he exclaimed as he grabbed the steering controls, “a real jet! SkyJet’s ready to rock! Whenever you guys are ready, we’re going into battle!” The SkyJet did a loop-de-loop before flying ahead.

“Sky Machines, full power!” announced the four together. SkyVan turned its dish towards Golpher and released a beam of green energy. Golpher clutched his stomach only to find SkyCruiser rolling up behind him to deliver a blast of freezing cold wind. SkyCopter unleashed fire from its automatic guns. SkyJet swooped by and cut Golpher with its razor-sharp wings.

“These are awesome!” Tyler exclaimed.
“Thanks, Sora,” Courtney replied.
“We haven’t won…” Crystal brought up.
“Can they do anything else?” Louis asked.
“Yes, they can,” Sora’s voice answered, “I’ll speak the command for you this one, but I trust you can do it whenever you need to after.”
“What command?” Tyler asked.

“BOMBER UPLINK!”

All control the Strataman once had over the Sky Machines was taken from them. The vehicles had been moved to autopilot. SkyCopter’s twin propellers folded forward 90 degrees as the copter landed on the ground. The front and back of the copter extended outward and let SkyVan drive in. SkyCruiser attached to the underside of SkyVan, and SkyJet landed on top of the copter’s new wings. Control returned to the four as the united formation lifted into the sky.

“StrataBomber complete,” Sora replied, “Your controls are the same as before, but now you have greater power. Go for it.”
“You heard the woman,” Louis said excitedly, “StrataBomber advance!”

The new jet, mostly dark blue in color, charged forward through the air. It moved within range of Golpher, locked its guns, and released round after round of fire. The gopher’s bag was decimated and his teeth were left with gaping holes. But he remained alive. Golpher swept the air with his claws, narrowly missing the StrataBomber each time.

“Use the Warp Hurricane,” Sora said, “You ARE new to this.”
“Got it,” Tyler replied, “StrataBomber…”
“WARP HURRICANE!” spoke the four together.

StrataBomber rose higher and higher until Golpher was barely visible below. A compartment in the underside of SkyCruiser opened up to reveal a golden bomb with the Strataman insignia on it. The bomb was released from its grip and sailed towards Earth. Faster and faster it went until it landed on Golpher’s hat and exploded. Wind swirled outward, then inward, and squeezed Golpher until he fell to his feet. It may have been because the Rangers were inexperienced, but Golpher just wouldn’t die.

“This is impossible,” Crystal sighed, “Warp Hurricane, from what it sounded like, SHOULD have worked.”
“Then here’s where I come in,” Sora spoke, “Geo Uplink!”

Silence fell over the park. Then Sora, now in her StrataGaia outfit, came riding up in control of something she called the GeoTank. It was like a humvee, mostly blue with patches of green and white, outfitted with a pair of rocket launchers on top. The rockets launched, flew in Golpher’s direction, and terminated him in a final, finishing explosion of rocks, debris and clay. Peace returned to the park once more.

The four Stratamen and StrataGaia departed from their vehicles and held their Braces to the sky. A beam grabbed them and whisked them back to the Satellite Horizon. Sora had much to explain.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nyx slinked out from the darkness. Her shadow, in and of itself, was almost like a second body, and that second form now wound itself around Mason. “There goes your ego,” Nyx proclaimed, “but I guess a golfing gopher just doesn’t work when up against the GeoTank and the StrataBomer. That Sora does present a problem, doesn’t she?”

“We’ll have to do something about her,” Mason said as he stomped his foot on the ground, “but WHAT?”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Courtney and Louis were back at Channel 4 later that day. Louis, his camera hidden in his bag and his beg set aside in the park, had been secretly recording the fight of the Stratamen versus Golpher and the Molemen. Once again he and his friend walked up to Mr. Cooper’s office and tapped on the door.

“Who is it?” asked Cooper.
“Franklin and Cloud.”
“Come in.”

Courtney and Louis walked through the door. Cooper was looking out his window at the grassy fields of Stone Summit below. He turned around when he heard the sound of the two interns sitting on the chairs he placed in front of his desk. Cooper’s nameplate shone in the light of the sunset as he sat down, clasped his hands and looked at the two with unwavering skepticism and seriousness.

“What do you two want now? Is this about the Molemen again?”
“Actually…” Louis said confidently, “It is.”
“I told you before, Franklin, I’m not buying it.”
“Would you if I told you I had proof?”
“Only if you showed it to me.”

Louis opened the miniature screen on his camera, pointed it at Cooper, and replayed the footage he had already rewound. Molemen and Golpher wreaked their havoc on the park in the digital playback, and Cooper’s eyes widened. “Well, I’ll be…” he exclaimed, “there really ARE Molemen here.”
“Did you notice anything else about the video?” Courtney asked.
“What’s there to notice?” their boss replied, “If you two want to do something about this on the news tonight, be my guest. This is a breaking story!”
“Thanks Coop!” Louis firmly shook the executive’s hand, “I appreciate this opportunity.”

Louis and Courtney charged out of the Channel 4 building and embraced as they cheered in delight. They held their Strata Braces towards the clouds and called “Horizon Uplink!” Cooper never noticed two streaks of light in yellow and green move past his office window. Had he noticed, he wouldn’t have cared.

The only thing on his mind was tonight’s Moleman Report and the ratings it would bring in.
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Tyler and Crystal were lounging about on the satellite Horizon looking at the holographic globe. Tyler touched New York and saw the globe unravel into a flat, two-dimensional map shape, now zoomed in on the City that Never Sleeps. “So this can check anywhere in the world?” Tyler asked.

“Yes,” Sora explained, “We use it to check for places for there Arnsak have burrowed or any unusual weather patterns. If connected to one of the computers you see around you, we can predict the weather for the next week or so. Horizon may be the base of operations for the Strataman, but it was a government satellite before that. Horizon was abandoned some years ago, so I took control of it.”

“Cool,” Tyler remarked.
“Someone mention me?” Crystal walked in.

In her hand was a can of Coca-Cola. Crystal gripped her hand tighter and found the can becoming colder by the minute. “Whoa, didn’t know I could do that,” she remarked, “You probably have an explanation for that too, dontcha, Sora?” Sora nodded.

“The powers that you draw from Horizon are ancient in nature, just channeled through modern technology. You have some elemental abilities related to your powers now. They won’t be strong at first, but will increase as time goes on. Now, does anyone know where Courtney and Louis would be? I haven’t seen them since they left here some hours ago.”

Tyler and Crystal shrugged.

The sound of two bodies beaming aboard the satellite was heard from the back. Louis and Courtney, their arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders and their faces grinning with pride, walked into the main room and sat down. “What’s the smiles for?” Tyler asked.

“We’re going to be on the news tonight!” Courtney exclaimed.
“Details at 11:00,” Louis added.
“What are you reporting about?” Crystal questioned; she made her soda slightly colder when she tapped her finger against the metallic edge of the can.
“The Molemen invasion of Stone Summit,” Louis reclined back, “I’m working the camera and the footage, Courtney’s working the desk. Our own five-minute segment on Channel 4 tonight; do you have any idea how awesome this is?”

“It presents a problem,” Sora sat down at the table with them, “what are you going to do if the Strataman are on the video footage? There’s a risk of revealing your identity – and that must not happen.”
“Chill, Sora,” Louis laughed, “We’ve got it under control.”
“If the Strataman show up, I’ll just speak well of them,” Courtney spoke confidently, “Get us some good publicity.”
“Well….okay,” Sora answered, “I trust you. Best of luck.”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Courtney was wearing a dark green suit and light green undershirt that night as she sat at the desk emblazoned with the Channel 4 logo. Louis stood by on camera and gave Courtney a thumbs-up. Both of them had taken great care the disguise their Strata Braces under long sleeves so as not to arouse suspicion. The light with the words “Filming in Progress” blinked red and the opening tune to Channel 4 played in the background. Showtime.

“Good evening, citizens of Stone Summit,” Courtney spoke in a professional voice, “A great threat is upon us. This afternoon, an outbreak of deadly creatures began, and no one knows when the end is in sight.” A graphic stating “Molemen Attack” appeared beside her to those watching at home. As of so far, Courtney had been reading from the teleprompter. In his office, Cooper watched in delight as his viewership increased to a level he hadn’t seen in years.

“These creatures are from the underground, and as such, are called ‘Molemen’. Their claws are sharp and their instinct is untamable, but there is a way to remain protected against them. We have a hope, and its name is…” Cooper’s eyebrow arched. “This isn’t on the prompter!” he thought, “What’s she talking about?”

“The Suihei Sentai Strataman!” Louis changed the image to a graphic of the four heroes stating “Strataman: Our Saviors”. Courtney told the city how these mysterious-suited soldiers were the key. “They fight by putting their life on the line, and with the power of the elements, they may be our key to success. Send them your wishes. Be there when they stand against the attack. They’re fighting for our future. We’re counting on you, Strataman.”

“That was brilliant, Courtney,” Louis said as the “Filming” light shut off. “I liked how we were, y’know,” Courtney looked at the screen in front of her. StrataGreen and StrataYellow were the frontmost two in the graphic. She blushed. Before the two exited the studio, a crashing sound was heard from outside. A crowd of Molemen rushed in.

“Ye gads!” shouted Cooper in his office, “The Molemen ARE real! All employees clear the building immediately!” Editors, cameramen, interns and managers of all sorts ran as fast as their legs could carry them to exits, emergency and otherwise, but the Molemen were waiting at every turn. Courtney and Louis didn’t flee. They had no reason to. Both rolled up their sleeves.

“Molemen troops march on ahead!” sounded a drill sergeant-like voice in militaristic cadence, “Make sure that those two are dead!” Voices echoed his words in unintelligible chatter. The door to the studio was busted down, and in walked General Digger. A machine gun was strapped to his wrist and his long claws were bared for the fight.

“Who are YOU?” Courtney asked.
“Since you asked I’ll say my name!” Digger spoke in the same repeated cadence, “Killing Strataman’s my game! Digger of the Arnsak! After several hundr’d years we’re back! General of Molemen all! Now’s the time…for you to fall!” A grin crossed his rodent-like face. He pointed a claw forward. The Molemen charged on Courtney and Louis.

“Sora!” Courtney yelled into her Strata Brace, “We’ve got an Arnsak general, name of Digger, at the studio. We need the Strataman!”
“Two of them are already here,” Louis said smartly, “Let’s do this.”

“SATELLITE UPLINK!”

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

General Digger and the Molemen fight the Strataman, but Sora is once again needed to save the day. Digger calls on the Claw Mole, a deadly drill mecha that bores up from the bottom of the Earth. When Great Atlas fails, can a new uplink by the Strataman of the Four Seasons save the day? Strata Uplink! Flying formation, StrataRobo is here!

StrataRobo Uplink!

[rangermaster]

This is awesome. Love this.

[Boukenred]

Man, this Fanfiction is awesome, one of the best I've ever read,can't wait for episode 4

[GreenNinja]

Episode 4: StrataRobo Uplink!

Courtney and Louis were surrounded. They were the last two left in the Channel 4 station. General Digger, leader of the Moleman troops, was staring them down; a glare shone in his beady little eyes. Courtney and Louis rolled up their sleeves and called out “Satellite Uplink!” The radar dish on the top of their Strata Braces began to rotate wildly as energy spiraled over their bodies.

Courtney, now clad in green, had a light shower of water falling around her. She held her right hand upward before swinging her arms to her chest. “The Spring’s Rain!” she declared, “StrataGreen!”

Louis sent a gust of wind around him. He extended his arms outward and shifted them to a pose. “The Autumn’s Gale!” he called out. “StrataYellow!” He and Courtney drew their Radar Guns from around their belts, scanned the area for all Molemen present, and unleashed fire.

Shots ricocheted off the walls and into the camera. Molemen leapt at the two Rangers from all directions. Courtney dropped her gun and swung her leg in a roundhouse motion to send the Molemen flying into the wall and desk behind her. Louis held his finger down on the Radar Gun’s trigger and released a massive burst of energy. An entire line of foot soldiers was cleared in under a second.

“Satellite Sword!” Courtney pulled the weapon from her belt and leapt onto the news desk. She wasn’t much higher than the Molemen below, but was high enough so that she could land a solid hit. Courtney pointed the saber up into the air and created a storm cloud that now hovered near the ceiling. Courtney leapt upward and vanished into the cloud.

The Molemen turned their heads and saw a green streak of light dash to the ground. Courtney plunged her Satellite Sword into the floor of the studio and sent ripples of water outward. Molemen were washed away as StrataGreen lifted her blade from the ground and swung it in a circular motion. “Monsoon Spin!” Louis drew his Sword and combined his weapons into the Forecaster.

“Today’s forecast is cloudy with a chance of winds up to 40 miles an hour,” Louis quipped, “You’re the ones caught in the path of the storm. Forecaster, Wind Gust!” The front of the weapon let loose a spiral of yellow energy that cleared through an entire platoon of troops and shattered one of the windows. Ten Molemen and General Digger were all that was left in the wrecked Channel 4 studio.

“Well, you did just dandy, Strataman,” smirked Digger, “you may’ve taken the troops, but you have yet to take the general!” He drew his machine gun and unleashed fire. Screens shattered and bullet holes appeared in the desk. With his claws bared, Digger approached Courtney and held his nails to her neck. Courtney couldn’t fight back, because with the gun in his right hand and his claws extended on the left…she had no way to escape.

“Hurry up!” Louis yelled into his Strata Brace, “Urgent situation! Just…get here!”
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“Digger’s not doing half-bad for a man-gopher,” commented Mason, “but he’s only dealing with two Stratamen. Blue, Red and Sora,” he spoke the last word with utter contempt, “have yet to enter the fight.” Terra, having heard the word of her archnemesis, began to discuss in private with Nyx. The girls of the Arnsak were close in their alliance, and their hatred of Sora was mutual.

“StrataGaia, the Mother Earth,” Terra mocked, “We have to get rid of her. If she lets those four punks onto anymore then they know now, the Arnsak won’t survive to see another day. We have to get her power away from her.”

“Tougher than it sounds,” Nyx mused, “Have you noticed whenever the Strataman henshin their power comes from the sky? Satellite Uplink? There may be something up there we’re ignoring. But we lack the technology to deal with it at the time. Up there is our key to dealing with Sora. Once she’s powerless…or better, dead….we’ll be the ones with the advantage.”

Aval, the firemancer, walked over to the two female generals and interrupted their conversation. “What would we be talking about?” he asked, “It sounds like a difficult task.”
“Stupid Sora,” Terra crossed her arms, sighed, and pouted.
“You said that we lack the power to deal with something,” Aval spoke, “Tell me what it is and I’ll confer with him to see if he approves this plan.”
“We’re not getting him involved!” Nyx snapped.
“And why not?”
“These are secret matters!”
“Not to me…” Aval stroked his chin. “Not to me, dear Nyx…”
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Tyler and Crystal had been watching the news that night, and heard Courtney and Louis’ call for help just after the broadcast had ended. They had hastily slipped on a pair of shoes, grabbed a jacket, and ran out into the cold night air. Only the glow of the streetlamps led them towards the Channel 4 studio where the danger was escalating to ever-greater heights of tension.

“Arnsak?” Crystal asked.
Tyler replied, “What else?”

Their legs became tired from the stress, and Crystal had to stop to catch her breath shortly before they reached a blown-out wall to the studio. To General Digger, still holding Courtney hostage, the two tired humans appeared like shadowed warriors of legend beneath the moonlight. He heard a whirring sound from nearby, and turned around to see the other two Stratamen standing behind him.

“SATELLITE UPLINK!”

Moonlight turned to sunlight as the red-clad hero on the left announced his name. “The Summer’s Sun! StrataRed!”
A chilling wind struck Digger’s back and caused him to shiver. “The Winter’s Snow! StrataBlue!”

Tyler drew his Satellite Sword and Crystal her Radar Gun. Crystal fired at Digger’s wrist. The red-hot blast caused the mole to shriek out in pain and toss his machine gun up into the air. Tyler jumped into the air and sliced the metal weapon in two. When he landed on the ground, his sword and Digger’s claws clashed, one against the other as Courtney rolled out of the way.

“What are you doing here?” Tyler growled, “Why did you attack them?”
“Your friend here was spreading good word about you,” Digger replied, “I’m not a-gonna let that happen. The Strataman will never get a good name around these parts…not as long as I can do something about it.”
“Except for one thing…you won’t.”

Tyler pushed harder and harder with the Satellite Sword, but Digger, who had been holding back his strength, sent Tyler to the ground in one swipe of his claws. He left a gash in the side of each of the four Strataman. The claws on his other hand extended outward. “No one to save you now…” he said, “the general’s won this battle; the Arnsak will win the war.”

Courtney, already weakened, tried to convince the others to fight, but their energy had been drained. The lateness of the night wasn’t working to their advantage, either. Then there came a voice. A beam of turquoise light streaked through the clouds and landed near the edge of the broken wall. In it appeared the sky goddess Sora. Her Geo Brace was strapped around her wrist, and a look of determination was in her eyes.

“Another one of you,” she laughed, brushing off Digger as though he were a minor annoyance, “should be no problem. The skies never sleep. They just change from night to day…and at night, the universe shows its true self. Geo Brace! Gaia Uplink!” Digger could feel the Earth move beneath him as energy swept up around Sora.

Sora stands on the ground and leaps high into the air. As she ascends into the sky, a beam from the Horizon covers her body and forms her suit. Sora goes higher and higher until the Earth is behind her. An image of the blue planet superimposes itself over her face and forms her helmet. The Gaia Striker lands in her hand as Sora strikes her final pose.

“The Fertile Ground! StrataGaia! GAIA STRIKER!” She drew her weapon and spun the miniature radar dish atop it. “Lunar Orbit Dance!” A point of silver light spun faster and faster around the Gaia Striker’s globe until it took the shape of Earth’s moon. The moon launched itself at Digger, slammed into his stomach, and sent him flying through another wall and out of the studio.

“That solves that,” Sora said as she brushed the dust from her shoulders, “I see you four are still learning.”
“Thanks again, Sora,” Crystal congratulated.
“StrataGaia?” asked Courtney.
Louis was holding his Radar Gun at his side and examining the goddess’ suit. “Wait, so you have the GeoTank AND Ranger powers?”
“Yes,” Sora answered.
“Good to know,” Tyler replied, “So, what do you think happened to Digger?”

General Digger had fallen in battle, but he wasn’t dead yet. As he lay in the remains of the destroyed wall, he weakly drew a walkie-talkie from his belt and spoke four words into it. “Send the Claw Mole.” A rumbling sound was heard outside the studio.
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From the ground, something bore its way up to the surface. It was like a large, tan-colored mole with a silver drill attached to its nose. Digger gathered his strength and leapt into the cockpit. The drill assumed a humanoid form (with the drill bit itself on the chest) and stood against the city of Stone Summit. “I call it the Claw Mole!” he laughed, “Come and get me!”

“I can handle this!” Sora said calmly, “Geo Uplink!”

The GeoTank, bearing Sora’s colors and symbol, arrived on the scene. Sora fired missiles from the top of the humvee, but the Claw Mole’s drill bits stopped the attack in its tracks. Tyler, Courtney, Crystal and Louis watched from the destroyed Channel 4, and knew that they had to help. They put their fingers to their Strata Braces, and heard a cry come from the distance.

“ATLAS…UPLINK!” Sora’s voice echoed over the hills and valleys of Stone Summit. The GeoTank shone with a warming light and began to change. Digger backed the Claw Mole up and stared down to the vehicle beneath him.

The GeoTank’s back portion extended outward as the vehicle pulled a 180 on the ground. Feet extended forward from the legs. Compartments on the side opened up as arms slide out and push the new formation to its standing state. The front half folds down and reveals a head shaped like an ancient god. Golden gauntlets appear on the formation’s wrist as an image of the Earth shines behind it.

“GREAT ATLAS!” Sora yelled. Great Atlas lifted its hands above its head and had a blue and green ball of energy shine in its grasp. “Tectonic Rollout!” Sora pulled down on a lever and commanded Great Atlas to throw the Earth-sphere forward. Claw Mole’s drill spun faster and faster and dispelled the blow. The treads on its feet activated and propelled it towards Great Atlas.

Sora tried to block, but she wasn’t ready. A hole had been drilled into Great Atlas’ chest. The formation collapsed. Sora frustratingly punched the controls in an effort to get the formation up and running, but it was to no avail. She spoke into her Geo Brace. “I’m sending you the Sky Machines. It’s up to you to finish him off.”

“But, Sora!” Tyler replied, “If you couldn’t…”
“I attacked him head-on,” Sora sighed, “You have another method. A stealthier one. A better one. The password you need is ‘Giant Uplink!’ Sky Machines arriving…now!”

The four vehicles arrived in the area. One by one the Strataman leapt into the vehicles and confirmed that all systems were operational.
“SkyJet, ready!”
“SkyVan, let’s go!”
“SkyCopter, all systems go!”
“SkyCruiser! It’s time!”
“GIANT UPLINK!”

SkyVan separates itself in two and drives backwards. SkyCopter’s propellers two halves slide aside as the central body disconnects and attaches to the SkyVan legs to form the waist. SkyCruiser attaches to the waist and forms the body as the two sides of SkyCopter attaches to create the shoulders; hands and arms extend forth. SkyJet’s wings split off and become a shield as the pointed front of the vehicle makes a sword. The remainder folds in and creates the head. StrataRobo’s wings extend from the back of SkyCruiser as the formation takes to the sky and poses.

“StrataRobo, combination complete!” spoke the four from within their united cockpit. The cockpit was like a larger version of the individual cockpits with slightly different controls. “Four Sword and Cycle Shield!” the names of the weapons sounded off.

“So it’s another robot,” Digger mused, “I can handle this EASILY!”
“Let’s see about that,” Tyler snapped, “GO!”

StrataRobo took off and held the Cycle Shield outward. Lasers launched from the drill, but the Cycle Shield blocked every hit. The Four Sword hit Cycle Mole’s head and created a crack in the rock armor. StrataRobo placed the weapons behind its back and soared higher and higher into the sky. Digger, frustrated at his loss, punched a button on his control panel and launched the drill itself from the chest of Claw Mole.

“AH…WILL…NAWT…LOSE!” Faster and faster the sharp spiral ascended into the sky, but StrataRobo performed a loop-de-loop and throttled down towards the open chest cavity.
“Finish him!” Louis snapped.
“STRATA WING PUNCH!”

StrataRobo slammed its fists, aglow with the power of the skies, into the open spot left by the drill. It flew through the body of the Claw Mole and shattered it to bits. StrataRobo hovered in the sky and struck a victory pose as the drill exploded into bits. Sora, from her position on the ground, congratulated the Rangers on their victory.

“We will meet again,” Digger seethed. He leapt into the air and burrowed under the ground. “My mission is done.” Terra and Nyx wouldn’t be happy when he retuned. In addition to his mission failing, Sora was about to let her protégés onto another secret. Their powers granted by Horizon. Such strength was a potent force.

Nyx wouldn’t want them to use it. It could mean the loss of everything the Arnsak stood for.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Sora teaches the four to channel their powers through their bodies, but that proves to be too much of a stress. Weapons are the only option. Mason sends up another Statue Beast, this one with the ability to block out all signals. Can the Strataman fight when their powers won’t allow them to morph? …can they gain control?

The Four Winds

[rangermaster]

Awesome. Just awesome. Can't wait for the next episode.

[GreenNinja]

Episode 5: The Four Winds

“Yes, you now have control over basic elemental powers. I should’ve told you this earlier.” Sora spoke to the four Rangers aboard Horizon, “Your powers from Horizon are the gathered essences of the four seasons. In order to integrate the powers onto your bodies, you had to become like the season. As such, you now have these basic abilities, which are why I have gathered you here for training.”

Tyler and Crystal already knew of this, but Courtney and Louis were amazed. Courtney clenched her hand into a fist and saw water began to flow downward. Louis swept his hand across the room and felt wind blow in the direction he had moved his hand. Tyler demonstrated his own ability by pointing a finger at the sky and sending a ray of sunlight out.

“I love it!” Courtney exclaimed.
“You’re the LEADER,” Tyler spoke aside to her, “You should know of these powers.”
“Well forgive me for looking for career advancement.”
“Now’s not the time for pointless bickering,” Sora spoke up, “You should start training. I know just the place where we can do it. Follow me.”

Sora snapped her fingers. All five Braces activated at once and whisked the Rangers away to a cloud some distance away from Horizon. Crystal stomped her foot on the white mass of condensed water, and found it strangely sturdy. “…how can we do this?” Sora nodded and, once again, had the answer to the question her protégés were looking for.

“Your power lies in the sky, and even the clouds answer to your call,” Sora replied, “Training begins…now!” All five activated their Braces and transformed into their respective Ranger forms. Sora pointed her Gaia Striker at the clouds. The white objects, hovering in the sky, moved in front of the sun and turned grayer in color. “Courtney, Crystal, step forward.” StrataGreen and StrataBlue leapt to Sora’s cloud.

“Courtney, you control the rain,” Sora began, “Give it a try.”
“Alright,” Courtney chuckled, still nervous about her belated discovery of her powers, “Let’s see what I can do.” She snapped her fingers and saw the cloud began to split. Drops of condensation were appearing on its underside. Courtney raised her hand into the air and slammed it on the surface of the cloud she stood on. She moved her hand and controlled the path of the droplets.

The rain came down first in a light drizzle, then in an ever-increasing downpour, towards Tyler. She had yet to master control over these powers. Sora saw Tyler wondering what to do, and contacted him over her Geo Brace. “Use your sun control to counter Courtney’s rainstorm.” Tyler nodded and clenched his hand into a fist.

High above, the sun’s rays increased in intensity and dissolved the clouds Courtney had been sending the rain from. Aided by the speed of light itself, the sun’s rays evaporated the curtain of rain before it struck StrataRed. Sora reformed the clouds and asked Crystal to give her abilities a shot. Crystal wanted to, but something had occurred to her.

“C..can I?” she blushed, “I mean…will my powers work in this time of year?”
“Not as strong as in your season, and that time will come,” Sora answered calmly, “but they are accessible. Give it a try.”
“Right,” Crystal gathered her courage, “Snowstorm!”

The grayish hue in the clouds now blocking the sunlight once more turned a lighter shade. Snowflakes, each one different from the one before it, began to fall into Crystal’s palm. Crystal made a fist and opened her hand to see a perfectly rounded snowball lying in her grasp. A thought crossed her mind. She glanced to Louis, now idling around, and threw the snowball in his direction. “CATCH!”

Louis flicked his wrist and created a gust of wind powerful enough to redirect the snowball back at Crystal. Snow splattered against her helmet, but StrataBlue wiped it off and laughed. Everyone gathered back at the large central cloud and powered down. “You’re off to a good start,” Sora remarked, “but there is still much to learn. Try to see if you can focus the powers to a central point. That will be our next lesson. In the meantime, practice, but don’t let anyone know. These are only to be used in times of extreme circumstance.”

“Understood,” Tyler answered.
“Got it,” Louis pointed a finger at Sora and winked.
“Good enough,” Courtney sighed.
“If we must,” Crystal answered.

Hundreds of miles down from where Sora and the Strataman were enjoying themselves, something sinister was brewing. This training session had not gone unwatched. The Arnsak had ways.
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Mason stared at the pile of clay, cylindrically shaped, that stood about as tall as him. One had rested on his chin, and the other one remained on his trowel. “Something lies within this lifeless clay,” he mused, “something is waiting to come out. I just don’t see it yet.” This would’ve continued on for a great deal longer had one of Terra’s drills not poked him in the back.

“TERRA!” Mason called, “What brings you here?”
“News from Aval,” Terra answered, “Y’know the four kids Sora chose? They have powers.”
“I know that,” Mason fumed, “Why did you need to interrupt me to tell me what I already know!”
“Not the Braces, you dense moron,” Terra snapped, “I mean actual POWERS. He can dry out the clay before you can sculpt it, she can wash us away in a mudslide, HE can erode us to nothing, and SHE can freeze us to death. Pick your poison.”
“…surely you jest.”
“No lie.”
“This has inspired me, Terra,” Mason answered, “Back off and let an artiste work.”

Mason slid his trowel’s broad side down the clay and let it take on a blocky human form. With the thin side he cut pieces off until every little detail was etched in. Before he was to call in Aval for the eventual transformation, there was one last step to perform. Mason stuck his fist into the ground and produced a ball of lead. Having lived underground all his life, he was unaffected. The lead ball was inserted where the heart of the monster would go.

“Aval!” Mason called, “Make your presence known!” The cave fell silent. A crack appeared in the ground. There appeared a wall of fire, and out from it walked Aval. The red markings on his robes looked as though they themselves were on fire. Aval pointed his staff at the statue and sensed something of unusual mass inside it. He turned to Mason with his eyes aflame.

“Have you added another material to the clay?” he asked.
“Yes,” Mason said truthfully, “It makes it…sturdier.”
“As long as it does not interfere with my magic,” Aval hissed, “Stand back. GOLEM, BE BORN!” The orb atop his wand lit up, sparked, and sent a whip of fire at the statue.

As if it was in a kiln, the statue became hardened. Color began to appear over its body. Its eyes flashed with life. This Statue Beast had jet-black armor lined with silver trim. The entire top of his head was silver, and his hands shone with energy. Aval, having given the Statue Beast life through fire turned to the sculptor Mason and asked his usual question.

“Do you have a name for this…creation of yours? He is showing some doubt in your abilities after Golpher failed.”
“Golpher was my first, Aval,” Mason replied, “Let’s let…Leadfoil…here, have a bit more of a chance to prove himself, shall we?”
“Very well. To the surface, Leadfoil!”

Aval sent debris, rocks and mud flying around the beast. Leadfoil growled and went to the surface. Mason already had a destination in mind. He was going to attack them at the base of Mt. Summit. The sheer height of the mountain was perfect for intercepting the signals. No signals from Horizon…no Rangers.

Time for the plan to be put into effect.
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“Mount Summit,” Tyler said as he, Courtney, Crystal and Louis approached the peaceful peak, “The highest point in town. There’s a nice sauna halfway up the path if you guys want to recharge. Sora contacted me earlier. Said she hid something up here that could come in handy. Always with the plans and preparations. She really cares about us.”

“She cares a little TOO much,” Courtney remarked, “We should be able to discover some of this stuff on our own. It’s not like she’s our mother.”
“Or is she?” Crystal asked.
“Pardon?” Tyler glanced downward.
“The Mother Earth,” Louis replied, “So, in a way, she’s everyone’s mother. It makes sense she’d care about our safety. Chill, Courtney, chill.”
Crystal put her hand on Courtney’s shoulder and sent a burst of cold air from her palm. Courtney shuddered. Crystal laughed and continued the trek up the mountainous peak.

There were narrow precipices and steep slopes the further up they went, but when the path finally leveled out, the sauna Ty had spoken of came into view. It was a simple, porcelain-white building with a sliding glass doorway leading to several rooms of relaxation. Courtney walked in and placed her hand on the desk to let her group in, but the lady at the desk recognized someone else first.

“Crystal? Crystal Prisma?” she asked in a friendly voice.
“Yes,” Crystal blushed.
“Are you with them?”
“You mean Courtney, Louis and Ty? Yeah.”
“Then go right in.”

“How did she know you?” Courtney asked.
“I don’t know,” Crystal replied, “but my family does have a history in the jewelry business. That’s how I got this necklace.”
“Beautiful…” Courtney eyed the gem.
“Keep moving, ladies,” Louis interrupted, “We don’t have all day.”

The clerk at the desk would’ve had nothing to do for the rest of the day, but when she heard the electric hum of the sliding doors, it was her job to provide service to whoever walked in. Except, this time, it was Leadfoil who had entered into the sauna. “I’m looking for the Suihei Sentai…Strataman,” spoke the Statue Beast in a low growl.

“They’re over…MY GOD,” the woman exclaimed, “Who ARE you?”
“Tell the Strataman that the Arnsak says hello,” laughed the monster. He began to march through the halls. Every step left an indent in the floor, and for someone made of lifeless clay, he could move very fast. Mason’s plan was going off without a hitch.
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“Perfect,” Courtney sighed as she and Crystal exited the steam room, “We’re halfway to Sora’s destination, and I’m rested and ready to go.” Tyler and Louis walked over from the nearby gym. They had been training and were prepared to continue the hike. Crystal held up her finger and was about to speak, but Leadfoil came into view. On instinct the four reached for their Strata Braces.

“Satellite Uplink!”

Courtney began to press her button furiously. “C’mon, uplink! Uplink! UPLINK!” Nothing. “Why can’t we transform?”
“Because of me,” Leadfoil laughed, “My body is blocking the signals from Horizon from reaching you. Nothing can pierce my armored form. Tough luck.”
“We still have our elemental powers, remember?” Tyler whispered.
“But we can barely USE them,” Louis answered, “We’re out of luck.”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t try,” Crystal answered, “Strataman…”
“I’M the leader!” Courtney butted in, “Strataman, GO!”

Courtney ran her hand down her arm and gathered the moisture still left. She sent the water out in a storm of droplets that pounded against Leadfoil’s body like bullets. He wasn’t affected. Crystal, also drawing her power from water, did the same. Crystal blew into her hand and sent an icy wind dancing about Leadfoil’s body. The Statue Beast slammed the ground and knocked Courtney and Crystal off their feet.

Louis knew that such heavy armor would be unable to be affected by his powers. Tyler was doing nothing but standing there. A look of determination was on his face. He was focusing on something. He held out his hand and positioned his fingers as if they were clasped around something. “I can do it…” he thought, “Focus these abilities…raise them to a higher level…I can do it.” A red glow surrounded his body. He walked forward and held his hands to Leadfoil.

“SOLABLADE!” The red glow around his form condensed into his palm and took the shape of a sword. It had five golden rays radiating out from the orange-yellow guard. Two formed the cross guard, two bended down for decoration, and the last one, the longest, formed the wavy golden blade. The grip was bright red, and the pommel was shaped like a miniature sun. Tyler slashed once across Leadfoil’s chest and left a gash in his armor.

“How did you do that?” Louis asked.
“You have to concentrate your power,” Tyler replied, “The key is to focus.” Louis, Courtney, and Crystal held their hands outward as Tyler had done and waited. Faint glows in their respective colors began to form around their bodies.
“I’m fed up with you!” Leadfoil shouted, “Begone!” He launched a dangerous beam of radiation from his hand towards Courtney.
“NO!” Tyler called out.

The beam hit the ground near StrataGreen. Smoke and debris rose…but so did Courtney. “PARAINSOL!” she called. In her hands was something like an umbrella missing its cover. The metal rods stretching the canvas were held close to the central pole, and a trigger was near the cane-shaped handle. Courtney launched a barrage of water bullets into the gash on Leadfoil’s chest.

From a distance away, Louis had finally attained control over his powers and called on the “GUSTBRANCH!” It was a thick, polished stick with four yellowed leaves hanging from its branches. Louis swung the Gustbranch through the hallway and raised Leadfoil into the air. All that remained was Crystal.

Crystal’s body and the gemstone around her neck were shining with the same blue aura. In the hand of StrataBlue appeared something like a pickaxe. Each end was made of translucent, light blue metal and was frosted with white powder. The dark blue handle firmly kept the picks connected. Crystal spoke its name. “STALACTICE!” She leapt into the air.

The hardened point of the Stalactice struck Leadfoil in his chest. It made contact with his core. Blue energy rippled outward as Leadfoil was reduced to nothing more than clay upon the ground. All four stood back and transformed into the Strataman as their signals finally reached their Strata Braces. With their new weapons in hand they stood and triumphantly posed.

“Victory…belongs to us!” Crystal stated.
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“MASON!” bellowed Aval, “You infused your Statue Beast with a lead core! Such a thing interrupts all signals – INCLUDING my magic! Had the Strataman not struck it first he would’ve deteriorated the next time he tried to throw a punch! From now on, leave any modifications you want done to ME! I can do MAGIC! Which means I can do almost ANYTHING! Buffoon!”

Mason went to the corner and sulked. “Stop talking like you’re the Grand Wizard around here,” he muttered under his breath, “An artist can create, too. It’s almost like I’d have to kill myself to be appreciated around here.” General Digger marched the Moleman troops past Mason as Terra joined him at his side.

“Don’t worry,” she said, “Your next one will work.”
“It’s always the next one,” Mason pouted, “Why is it never THIS one?”
“Because,” Terra smirked, “The next one will be able to fly.”

Terra opened her hand and produced a wing badge. “A gift from Nyx to you.”
“Nyx?” asked Mason, “But she and I are…”
“Now, now, let’s not let petty rivalries get in the way,” Terra pleaded, “This is your chance, Mason! Take it!”
“Then I will.” Mason snatched the badge and grabbed his trowel, “We take to the skies!”

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Courtney, Tyler, Louis and Crystal reach the peak of Mount Summit, where, lying in wait, are four Mach Flyers. Tyler’s expertise with planes may come in handy, but the monster Titan Vulture is waiting to launch his attack on the Strataman. Sora muses about days long past, Nyx is planning something of a dastardly sort, and Louis needs to help Courtney come to grips with her leadership role.

Call of the Wild Blue Yonder

[ElementMaster149]

cool episode this is a great series

[rangermaster]

Awesome. I'm loving this more and more

[GreenNinja]

Episode 6: Call of the Wild Blue Yonder

It was quiet aboard Horizon again. Sora looked at the star charts she kept in her room and thought to herself. She needed time to think. The skies near Horizon remained peaceful. When Sora had built the satellite long ago, she had made sure to position it high enough in the sky to ensure all bad weather would be left down below. At this moment, the sky goddess had a multitude of thoughts rushing through her head.

“It’s about time I’d some companionship around here,” Sora thought and sighed, “Ever since he left, things just haven’t been the same. I know it was for the good of all…but, what I wouldn’t give to have him back. Even my StrataGaia powers, useful as they are, mean nothing without someone like me around.” Something sparked in her mind. “I wonder how they’re doing.”

Sora placed her Geo Brace into a port on the control panel and linked with the Strata Braces, hundreds of miles below, without a hitch. Tyler’s voice responded over the communications systems. “Sora? How are things going for you? We’re starting bright and early. If we go fast enough, might make it to the top of Mount Summit by noon.”

“That’s wonderful,” Sora replied, “I entrust to you what you find up there.”
“What IS up there?” Crystal asked.
Sora answered “A way for you to battle in your natural environment – the sky. It’s where you draw your power from, after all. Trust Tyler on this one.”
“I’M the leader! Why not trust me?” Courtney blurted.
“Because, you lack the experience for a mission such as this.”
“But…”
“Follow Tyler, and report back when you’ve found them. I’ll instruct you from there on out.”
“Thanks, Sora,” Louis answered, “Keep in touch.”
“Best of luck.”

Sora once again looked out the window. “I have to return to battle,” She thought, “That’s the only thing that’s keeping me going. I may be involved in a global-scale war…always on the frontlines as StartaGaia…but something’s missing. I’m going to find out what.”
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“NYX!” General Digger roared into the dark hole leading to the Dark Goddess’ secret chambers, “You are needed in the main chamber, pronto!” A beam of darkness shot from the hole and materialized into the form of Nyx herself. She wound the shadows around her body and walked into the chamber. Before meeting with Mason and Terra, whom Digger had called her out for, she ran across the path of Aval, who had teleported to catch her before anyone else did.

“A-a-aval…” Nyx said nervously, “What do you want?”
“What have you been up to down there, Nyx?” Aval asked, “Plotting something without his permission?”
“Keep talking to that arrogant jerk all you want,” Nyx answered, “I am a lady who operates under her OWN rules. Unless, of course, you want in on the deal. A wizard such as you would prove invaluable to my cause.”
“I support no cause but his! Am I right, Digger?”
“Yes, Aval!” Digger hastily saluted.
“Would you be willing to support mine, rodent?” Nyx slunk over to Digger and wrapped her shadowy form around his body.
“Uh…er…eh…” Digger stuttered. He didn’t know what to say.

“NYX, ARE YOU COMING OR NOT?” Terra yelled from a distance.
“Coming, Ter,” Nyx called sweetly. She, Aval, and Digger proceeded to the main chamber.

Mason had already sculpted a birdman out of Terra’s clay supply. Terra herself stood impatiently to the side, tapping her foot. Aval tapped twice on the statue and brought it to life, after which Mason named it “Titan Vulture”. Digger stood by to watch the creature be jettisoned to the surface, but he couldn’t help but to notice Terra and Nyx conversing in secret.

“So, I go up there and break in…” Nyx whispered.
“Yeah, yeah, got it,” Terra added, “Then I’ll give you the signal.”
“Ladies, what are you talking about?” Digger asked quietly.
“NOTHING!” they replied unison.

Aval, who had been going through the motions, teleported Titan Vulture up to the highest point on Mt. Summit his magic would allow him to be placed. With that done, the firemancer walked up the stairs at the end of the chamber and walked towards the glowing depths that he always retreated to. That was where he was. The leader of the Arnsak.

No one but Aval knew what he looked like, and, Aval figured, that was for the better.
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“Sally forth!” Tyler called, “Today’s the day!” Everyone was packed, refreshed, and ready to climb to the top of Mt. Summit, where Sora’s gift still lay in wait. The path from here on up would be steep, dangerous and challenging, but overall, worth it. Before the expedition could begin, a still-tired Courtney pushed Tyler out of the way and began jogging up the path.

“We’re following ME!” she snapped, “Sora said I’m the leader, and her word is…” Courtney caught her breath, “final, you hear?”
“Fine,” Tyler sighed, “Let’s see where you lead us, Ms. Cloud.”
“To our goal,” Courtney smirked.

Crystal, keeping quiet all throughout, had drawn her binoculars to get a better glance at the mountain scenery. A birdlike thing swooped past the clouds. Crystal sketched it in her notepad and turned to the others. “Anytime you’re ready.” This was it. If they couldn’t make it up today, then all had been for naught.

Courtney’s path, already worn in by past explorers, was fairly straightforward. What other way was there to go but upward? Tyler whispered in Courtney’s ear little adjustments like “move left” and “that’s a dead end”, but Courtney ignored his warnings. The higher they went, the colder it got. Crystal remained unfazed, but Courtney was visibly shivering.

“Do you even know where you’re going?” Louis asked as the path was shown to branch in two just ahead, “It feels like we’ve been going in circles. And that was BEFORE we reached the twisting path. According to the map, one of these paths takes us to the top. The other one leads to a narrow cliff. Are you confident enough to know which one’s the right one?”

“Of course!” Courtney boasted, “We go…that way!” she pointed at the left path. Louis, not wanting to let Courtney down, followed along. Crystal volunteered to go with them.
“I don’t think that’s the right way,” Tyler interrupted.
“Fine, fine,” Courtney sighed, “Go the other way if you think you can do it.”
“Okay,” Ty replied calmly, “Hope I meet you at the top.”

The four went their separate ways.
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Courtney’s expert mountaineering had taken them down the path without a single fall. She was lucky. Because she had chosen the wrong path; Louis and Crystal had to inch along with their backs to the wall in order to avoid slipping down hundreds of feet below. When Crystal felt her foot slide into something big, she turned to Courtney. “I think I found something! Maybe it’s a shortcut to the top!”

“Good going, Crystal,” Courtney congratulated, “Let’s go!” The trio walked through the opening in the mountain to find that it was a path through a cave…ending at a cave wall. Crystal, disappointed that she had failed her leader, slid her hand down the rock wall. A pile of snow, which had been gathering for some time at the mountain’s peak, slid in front of the entryway and blocked anything from getting in or out. Crystal didn’t know what to say.

“I…I’m so sorry,” she said, “I forgot about my powers. Didn’t know I would do that. Please, forgive me.”
“Maybe I can get us out of here!” Courtney said, “Time for a typhoo…”
“You can’t,” Louis interjected, “We’re not strong enough. Your water would freeze the second it made contact, and I can’t make a wind that powerful if I tried. We’re stuck here until someone comes to save us.”
“How long?” Crystal asked. She was already huddling against the others for warmth, “How long will we be in here?”
“That’s the thing…” Louis replied, “I…I don’t know.” He spoke into his Strata Brace, “Ty, if you can hear us…we need help.”
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Tyler’s trip had gone smoothly. He’d followed a winding path until he reached the top of Mt. Summit. He brushed aside a bush in his path and saw, hidden under a stone arch on the mountain’s top, four vehicles waiting for him and his friends. He had to get closer and examine. Carefully he advanced in the direction of the four objects and came to notice that they were everything he could have hoped for…and more.

“The Mach Flyers…” he exclaimed, “They’re…perfect.” What the Mach Flyers were four small, dark blue jets with the insignia of each of the four members of the Strataman marked on the tailfin. Tyler noticed each jet had been configured to best suit the different powers of their pilots. His was streamlined and built for speed. Courtney’s was armed to the brim with weaponry. Louis’ was built for stealth, and Crystal’s had been fortified for defense.

Tyler pulled out his Strata Brace and transformed into StrataRed. He prepared to enter into his Mach Flyer, but the sound of a footstep behind forced him to cancel his plans. The fearsome Titan Vulture had flown to the top of the mountain to stop him. He let out a fearful screech and ran for Tyler with his claws bared. There was nothing to do but fight.

“Solablade! Satellite Sword!” The former sword was summoned in a flash of red energy, and the latter was drawn from around his belt. Tyler combated against Titan Vulture, sword-to-claw. The Solablade’s steel was starting to heat up with every swing. Sunlight streaked through the clouds above and hit the pommel. Tyler could feel its power growing. Then there came a message.

“Ty, if you can hear us…we need help.”
“I knew it,” Tyler thought before responding aloud, “I needn’t be wasting my time here! SOLAR CROSS RAY!” Tyler crossed his two swords and released a massive beam of energy in Titan Vulture’s direction. The bird stumbled backwards and fell off the cliff side before launching into the air. Tyler, working quickly, climbed into his Mach Flyer and went off in search of his friends.
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“I…I can’t do it,” Courtney had been sitting on the floor of the cave repeating these words for hours now, “I’m not meant to be the leader. We’re going to die here and it’s my fault. Sora made the wrong choice. I’m sorry.” Her eyes were glazed over, as if she were in a nightmare, but Louis grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her. He refused to see Courtney belittle herself like this.

“SNAP OUT OF IT!” Louis screamed, “Don’t be so down on yourself!”
“But…but…”
“Listen, Courtney, I sent the message to Ty. We’ll be out of here in no time.”
“Even if we do…I can’t lead again.”
“Courtney, get a GRIP!” Louis said sternly, “I’ve known you for years, and never once have you given up the spunk that you always have. You’ve done great things, and, sure, you made mistakes, but you didn’t let them bring you down! Why do it now? I’m sure that wall will break down and we’ll see the light at the end of the cave again! I KNOW it!”

Louis spoke those words, and, as if on cue, Tyler, riding in his Mach Flyer, melted the snow with a beam from his Solablade. The three rushed to the cave exit and looked at StrataRed and his new flying machine.
“What is that?” Louis asked.
“Mach Flyer,” Tyler pressed a button and summoned the other three on autopilot, “You guys have them too.”
“Tyler…I’m…” Courtney meekly began.
“So you let your ego get to you,” Tyler said cheerily, “It happens to us all. Now get in! There’s another Statue Beast after me, and this one isn’t going to be beat easily.”
“Right,” answered Courtney feeling slightly better, “Let’s go. On my command…”
“SATELLITE UPLINK!”

Within seconds the Strataman had entered their Mach Flyers and taken to the skies. Titan Vulture sensed a great power in the nearby vicinity, and swooped into view. He let out a terrible screech and released a beam of energy from his mouth. Louis rolled out of the way before scraping wing-to-wing with the stone birdman. Tyler shouted commands through his intercom to the rest of the team.

“Crystal, move to the front. Courtney, stay with me. We’ll take this guy no problem.”
“Got it, chief!” Crystal replied as she moved her plane in front of the formation.
“Understood,” Louis maintained his position in the back.
“You trust me?” Courtney asked, “Even after I…?”
“Let bygones be bygones,” Tyler answered, “Now, let’s get ‘im!”

Crystal took a barrage of fire from Titan Vulture, but launched back with several ice missiles hidden beneath her armor. Courtney revealed two smaller versions of her Parainsol hidden under her wings and let loose. Tyler performed a loop in the air just as Titan Vulture opened its mouth. The propeller of the plane cut through the bird’s body and reduced him to a pile of rubble on the ground in a magnificent explosion.

“We won!” Tyler exclaimed.
“Not quite,” Louis remarked, “We’re not finished.”

Aval, on the command of the Arnsak leader, had revived Titan Vulture at thrice his size. The giant birdman let out a squawk and darted around the four Mach Flyers. His wingspan alone was longer than all four planes. As if on instinct, the four Strataman spoke into their Strata Braces the command “StrataRobo Uplink!”

At their call the fully-formed StrataRobo, Four Sword and Cycle Shield in hand, rose into the atmosphere. The Strataman exited their Mach Flyers and entered into the combined cockpit. Titan Vulture was ready for battle. StrataRobo spread its wings and dodged a volley of laser blasts. Several more were reflected with its shield.

Titan Vulture held its wings close to its body, screeched, and folded the wings outward once more. Bolts of red electricity sparked across Titan Vulture’s body and shot in the direction of StrataRobo, but the formation held strong. “Initiate final attack,” Courtney grabbed the controls, “Prepare for the Strata Guster!”
“STRATA GUSTER!” spoke the four as one.

StrataRobo ascended into the air and passed through white clouds in its path. The clouds condensed onto the Four Sword until a coating of water had been formed around the steel. Courtney’s symbol shone behind it in a brilliant green. With one slash of the blade, a razor-sharp stream of water launched at Titan Vulture and split his body in two. His body fell to the ground as nothing more than harmless mud.

“Two leaders, working together,” Courtney cheered from the cockpit.
“Lead to victory,” Tyler replied.
“Save it, you two,” Louis joked.
“Again we save the day,” Crystal commented, “and we found the Mach Flyers, too. I’d say we’re making great strides; but with each great advance made, greater danger waits on the horizon.”
“Say what?” Louis asked.
“I can feel it…” Crystal said, almost as if in a trance, “Something bad’s about to happen.”

Crystal’s message went ignored. The Strataman left Mount Summit and returned to the ground and their daily lives. As far as they knew, nothing was brewing. Yet, quite literally below the surface, something was. Not much longer now until it happened. The time was nearing.
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Nyx was lying on the ground some nights later, looking at the stars. One star was the light being reflected from the windows of the satellite Horizon. It was the star she was focusing on the most. The shadow of night had wound itself around Nyx’s body like a shroud, and the dark goddess felt completely at ease with herself. All this time, all this planning; at last it had come to fruition.

“Mother Earth…” Nyx said venomously, “is about to be a victim of matricide. Like a thief in the night, the darkness shall rise, and the Strataman shall fall. I don’t need his permission. I need none but my own! Nothing shall be sacrificed. Nothing shall be lost. All shall go to me. The stars are aligned and the time is right. The sun is setting on the Horizon…”

Nyx’s malicious cackle filled the night sky. None could hear her but the crickets and the flies buzzing about in the dead meadow. It had been alive with luscious green grass before Nyx arrived. Truly, it was a sign of things to come.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Nyx feeds a little bit of herself into three animals and transforms them into Shadow Creatures, her personal servants. Sora, wanting to right past wrongs, charges forth into battle. Nyx shoots to the Horizon and plans to deactivate Sora’s power, but it won’t be as easy as she thought. What about Courtney, Tyler, Crystal and Louis? Will they sleep through the trouble, or must they enter into the fray?

Shadow Creatures

[rangermaster]

Awesome as always.

[GreenNinja]

Everything before now was merely the prolouge. The true season begins here.
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Episode 7: Shadow Creatures

The Goddess of Darkness, Nyx, had been waiting for this night for weeks. Meticulous planning, interminable patience, and preparation for every last possibility had crossed her mind. Her goal was to disable the powers of Sora, StrataGaia, from the satellite Horizon. If she could achieve that, the Strataman would take a major hit. She would become even more valuable than Aval if this worked. Her plan began with a skill prized among the Arnsak – for only she possessed it.

“Awaken,” she whispered under her breath. A wolf, an earthworm, and an owl, each with an appearance that spoke of being trapped beneath the ground for years, came to her side. Nyx embraced her body in a tight self-lock, and, with a wailing moan, opened her arms. Dark energy wound itself away from her body like fabric from a reel. It coated the animals and transformed them into demonic creatures of the night.

The wolf moved to its hind legs and had its teeth grow in sharpness, as did its claws. The tail wound into a pointed spiral, and the snout grew outward as the wolf’s fur became dark gray to the point of being black. “Wolfsan,” Nyx whispered, “the Claw of the Shadows.”

The earthworm engorged in thickness until it was as large as the tail of the wolf. Spikes jutted from its back as its entire upper half became coated in black armor. “Wormwood,” Nyx named it, “the Darkness that eats away at the souls of humanity. I appreciate it.”

The owl’s eyes turned a pure pale gray as its feathers became jet-black. The claws on the ends of its feet sharpened and its wingspan spread outward. The owl itself became massive, and stood alongside its partners in battle. “Night Owl,” spoke Nyx, “the Watcher in the Mist. Perfect. My army of Shadow Creatures is assembled. Now, where is the girl? Without her here, I can do nothing of importance!”

Footsteps were heard in the silence of the night. Out onto the field walked Terra. Her drill weapon was in her hand and her drill-empowered bustier had been switched for a more basic armoring. To Nyx’s surprise, it looked as though Terra had taken the time to clean herself prior to this meeting. A smirk crossed Nyx’s face. Seeing Terra like this only affirmed the Dark Goddess’ importance among the members of the Arnsak.

“You know your mission for tonight?” Nyx asked.
“Couldn’t be clearer,” Terra laughed, “I distract stupid Sora, you run an attack on Horizon. It’s so late at night that I doubt we’ll have to worry about the rest of the stupid Strataman. Besides, you fight best in this kind of environment.”
“Damn straight,” Nyx said proudly, “Initiate the attack.”

Terra bore her drill into the Earth and began to hear a rumbling in the nearby urban part of Stone Summit. Lights flashed on and off, the screams of people sounded, and a car crash was audible in the distance. Terra waited where she was. Nyx vanished into the night. It was only a matter of time now.
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Sora was surrounded by Molemen on all sides. Her Gaia Striker was in the hands of a shadowed menacing figure on the horizon. Patches had been torn from her StrataGaia suit and her Geo Brace was faltering. The skies around her were black with soot; blood-red skies were barely visible beneath. From up above, a silver clock-like design encased her body and froze her still. A sandstorm kicked up and turned the Molemen to dust.

By now, Sora had lost all feeling in her body. Her weary eyes closed. When sensation returned to her body, she was looking at the face of a bespectacled man with a face that was neither old nor young. Grayish-brown hair was near his ears, but the top of his head was entirely bald, and his eyes were calming. Sora caught her breath, and saw that she was in an old-fashioned clock shop somewhere in England.

“Eloi…” she spoke, “What happened?”
“You took heavy damage in battle, Sora,” Eloi explained, “I had to put you into suspended animation if you were to live. The Arnsak will be of no more trouble to us, your Geo Brace has been fixed and your Gaia Striker reclaimed. All will return to normal in time.”
“But…what happened to…?” Sora winced. She nodded. Eloi knew who Sora was asking about.
“He was called away after the last battle,” Eloi said glumly, “Something of importance. He didn’t say what. You’ve been suspended for three months, Sora. It took that long for your body to heal itself to normal.”
“So…where is he now?”
“None of us know.”
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Sora woke up in her room on the Horizon in a cold sweat. She pulled the covers over her body and heard something blaring in the background. “Please tell me this isn’t a dream,” she thought, “PLEASE let it not be.” The klaxons in Horizon were indeed going off. Three monsters of an unknown type and Terra Sedi were all present some feet outside Stone Summit.

Sora raced to her beside table and grabbed her Geo Brace. She wondered “Should I contact Courtney? Crystal? Louis? Tyler?” Her mind darted back and forth on the options. “No, I can’t!” she said, “Not after that dream! I couldn’t stand on my own…but I must prove, to myself and to the world that I can! No one’s going to say otherwise! I am the Mother Earth, and it’s my duty to protect my children!”

Sora was enveloped in a spherical mass of blue-and-green energy and departed from Horizon. As she left, someone else was starting on her way up. The first phase of the plan had gone into action.
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Sora landed on the ground without a sound. She approached the area where Night Owl, Wolfsan and Wormwood waited to attack. When Sora reached that section of the field, she found Terra, drill in hand, waiting to attack her. The three creatures readied their claws, spikes and whatever else Nyx had supplemented their bodies with.

“TERRA!” Sora screamed, “Those…aren’t Statue Beasts.”
“That’s kind of ‘duh!’” Terra mocked, “They’re Shadow Creatures. I’m surprised you didn’t know.”
“Do they work for the Arnsak?”
“Again…DUH!” Terra teased, “Go on and fight me!”
“You asked for it,” Sora growled, “GAIA UPLINK!”

Flowers sprouted around Sora as her suit fitted itself to her body. “The Wind of Life! STRATAGAIA!” She held out her hand and summoned the Gaia Striker immediately. That was Nyx’s cue. Nyx crouched down and leapt into the air. She streaked like a bullet through the sky and pierced through the outer shell of Horizon. Her plan was beginning. Sora’s battle, though, was far from over.

“Shadows, attack!” Terra screamed.

Wolfsan leapt for Sora with his claws bared, but Sora rotated herself out of the way and summoned a small lunar-esque sphere around her body for protection. Wormwood chewed away the Earth beneath her feet until the ground she stood on was nothing more than a patch of grass hovering above a deep pit. Sora tried to throw the lunar orb below her body to plug the hole, but Night Owl zapped it into cosmic energy with a beam from his wide eyes.

Sora, having lost control, fell into a pit in the Earth. Desperately she clawed at the edges of the pit to get out. Terra leaned over and pointed her drill at where the Sky Goddess was reaching for. “Aww, do you want to get out, Sora?” Terra laughed, “Take hold.” Sora reached for the drill, but Terra launched the drill head and drove Sora even further into the Earth. She was at least twenty feet beneath the surface level by now. The whole thing had been a trap.

“Why are you doing this?” Sora pleaded.
“It’s not me you should be worried about, Sora,” said Terra venomously, “Nyx is doing all the REAL work tonight.”
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Nyx was onboard the Horizon. The Power Sector had been pretty easy to find. It gave off a strong energy signal, and was accessed by the means of a single door with a complex lock. Nyx didn’t have to worry about the lock. She slunk through the slot beneath the door like the shadow she was, and when she was in the room, her jaw dropped at the sight held before her.

The room was pitch-black, and the floor appeared to have vanished beneath Nyx’s feet, albeit still being there to hold her up. The only lights in the room came from a glowing mobile suspended in the dead-center of the spherical chamber. Nyx slowly approached. Pinprick points of white light appeared around her, making her feel as though she were walking on the stars.

Then she approached the center. A large, silver clock was suspended above the floor. It had no hands, oddly. Not even the tiny second hand. At each of the four corners – 12, 3, 6, and 9 – lay a small orb of energy. The symbols of the four Strataman shone within. Red was at the north, Blue the south, Yellow the west and Green the east. Inches above the silver clock hovered a small energy orb designed like the Earth, rotating. Above that Earth hung a golden star. Everything moved in perfect harmony. “Shame I’d have to disrupt it,” Nyx deviously whispered, “I’ll let Sora try and fight back….then snatch it away just as she’s about to win. Pulling defeat from the jaws of victory is the way I work.”
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“Tectonic Levitation!” Sora had called on the power of the Gaia Striker and raised a plate of Earth below her to lift herself out of the hole. She released an Elemental Spiral, similar to the combination attack released by the Strataman four, and knocked back Night Owl and Wormwood. Wolfsan, the strongest of the beasts, was still raring, roaring and ready to go.

Wolfsan jumped into the air and swiped his claws at Sora. Sora rolled out of the way and spun her Gaia Striker around in her hand. “Equinox Rotation!” The ground begun to spin beneath Wolfsan’s feet and launched him, spinning, into the air. Sora lifted her Gaia Striker above her head and released a golden beam from the small radar dish. The beam pierced Wolfsan’s body and finished him in an explosion of blackish-purple smoke. When the smoke cleared, Terra was laughing dementedly in the face of the sky goddess.

“Why the good mood?” Sora grumbled, “Your army is down one.”
“Down one in number, yes,” Terra laughed, “but not in strength.”
Sora gasped. “You can’t mean…”

Wolfsan’s remaining power swirled into Night Owl and Wormwood equally. Wormwood lengthened, his spikes sharpened. Night Owl grew larger in size. The bird of prey spun his head around and sounded a hellish hoot. His large, wise eyes fired a double-beam of silvery-black energy at Sora. Sora activated the technique “Lunar Eclipse!” to shield herself with a moon-shaped shield. The shield could only hold for so long. She would have to fight back at some time.

As Sora tried to maintain her protection, she could feel something in her draining. This technique required a massive amount of concentration, but hardly enough to slow her down in battle. It was as though her entire body and mind, her sense of self, her spirit was weakening. Something had to be the source. Her mind thought to only one place. “Horizon,” she whispered, “I’ve fallen for a trap.” Sora stood unmoving at the realization she had just come to.
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Nyx knew that now was the time to carpe diem! She grabbed the Earth-like energy sphere containing Sora’s power and let it go into her shadowed body. As quickly as she had arrived, Nyx left the Horizon and crashed to Earth. Her unexpected presence caused Terra’s shot of the drill to redirect and bore through Wormwood and Night Owl. Nyx could care less. She got what she wanted. “Now to watch Sora suffer” was the only thought on her mind.

Sora, still stone-solid, could feel her state slowly deteriorating. She looked down at her body and saw her suit become transparent. A faint turquoise hue had washed over it, and her eyes blinked on and off rapidly as her visor was over her face one second and gone the next. Her Gaia Striker was already gone, yet Sora continued to grasp the empty air in her palm as though it were still there.

“What have you done?” she gasped, out of breath, “My power’s still nearby….I can feel the signal…but with every passing second….I grow weaker.”
“You haven’t figured it out, have you?” Nyx smoothly laughed, “I caught onto your game the second you handed the powers to those four punks. Everything is stored above in Horizon. If I take you out, then everything becomes easier.”

“It’s too late for that,” Sora struggled, “The Power Sector in Horizon has a built-in alarm system. Courtney…” every breath was becoming increasingly difficult, “Louis, Tyler and Crystal will be here. Whatever the time, day or night, I know they’ll answer the call. But for now…” Sora rose from her knees and charged to Terra and Nyx with the last vestiges of her power, “I fight!”

Sora swung for Terra, but Terra thrust her drill dangerously close to Sora’s face. Sora ducked and dodged with agility never present in her before. It must have been the adrenaline. Sora grabbed Terra’s drill by its conical, spinning extension and tossed it from Terra’s grip. Sora punched Terra in her gut. Terra was left on the ground, clutching her stomach. The underground-dwelling girl turned to Nyx. “Go with the backup plan…” she winced before reporting back underground.

Sora’s next target was Nyx. Sora swung her arm back and prepared to hit Nyx with a cross punch, but Nyx another strategy in mind. As Sora’s fist neared with Nyx’s body, she could see a sapphire light shining in-between the dark goddess’ breasts. It had the appearance of the planet she felt a close connection with. It was her StrataGaia power. So close, and yet so far away.

“Want this?” Nyx teased, “I know you want it.”
“I can snatch it back as easily as you stole it,” Sora sneered, “Give.”
“Look at you,” laughed Nyx, “Begging like a little girl in a toy store. Admit defeat and this can go smoothly.”
“I’ll never admit defeat. I never have.”
“Right. You never ADMITTED defeat. You were, however, put into suspended animation by Chronos and useless for three months, not to mention losing the one person who cared about you above all. Sounds like defeat to me.”

Sora’s jaw dropped. Her pupils contracted to a barely-visible size. Her entire body became tense, and the last traces of her power surrounded her in a shining turquoise aura that penetrated this darkness on this, the night of a new moon. The Gaia Striker temporarily returned to Sora’s hand as she swung it like a sword and sent a beam of energy at Nyx.

“Mother Earth Celestial Crush!” Above Sora’s head appeared an avatar of the planet Earth. It landed on top of Nyx. The ground shook; dust and debris clouded the area. “I won,” Sora said, exhausted, “I’ve fallen for your trap once, Nyx, but never again.” The dust cleared. A shadow with no object casting it lay on the ground. It sprung to life and took a humanoid form. “Nyx,” Sora mouthed.

“Sora, you’re a riot,” Nyx chuckled, “May as well finish you now. Rise from the darkness – Giant Shadow Creature….UMBRA!” The wispy wind spirits of Wolfsan, Night Owl, and Wormwood swirled into one giant mass that, in a very short amount of time, solidified into a gestalt beast known as Umbra. It was truly a terror to behold. Oblivion had jet-black wings spreading across its back, and it stood on two lupine legs. Spikes jutted down its legs and across its arms, and its claws were sharper than the combined claws of the creatures that had formed it. Its head had the eyes of an owl, the mouth of a wolf, and the endless absorption ability of an earthworm. Sora, near-powerless, had very little she could do. She had to think fast.

“Geo Uplink! Atlas Uplink! Holding up the Earth, Great Atlas!” Sora’s personal mecha stood over her and offered protection against Umbra. Yet, even Atlas could only last so long. Sora spoke into her Geo Brace the last message she would ever give her protégés for some time.

“Courtney…Tyler…Louis…Crystal…Great Atlas is waiting. Use…StrataRobo. Your powers are unharmed. Combine with Great Atlas…make…StrataLancer. It’s something I’ve been waiting to tell you if worse came to worse. I’m counting on you four to do it. You have no idea…how much….you mean…to…me.”

Those words spoken, Sora collapsed to the ground unconscious.

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Courtney, Tyler, Louis and Crystal are woken in the middle of the night. An army of Molemen impedes their path to the battle, but the four arrive just to see Sora’s unconscious body. Nyx becomes a part of Umbra and takes the battle to the next level just as Earth Uplink StrataLancer appears. What will become of Sora? Can the Strataman survive without a mentor by the side?

Sora’s Loss

[rangermaster]

WOW WOW WOW!!! That was so freaking amazing. This is so awesome can't wait to see what happens next.

[ZeoFury]

Interesting.

[GreenNinja]

Episode 8: Sora’s Loss

Defeat; defeat and nothing more. That was what it had been. Sora, the sky goddess, the Mother Earth, the mentor of the Strataman, now lay on the ground just outside of Stone Summit. Her body lacked the energy to do much of anything, but her mind was still running at full power, if not more. Sora knew in her mind that Horizon had activated an emergency signal and sent it to the four Strata Braces. All she had to rely on now was Courtney, Tyler, Louis and Crystal receiving the message. It was early in the morning, but they would respond at any time.

She hoped.
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Courtney Cloud was sleeping peacefully in her bed at the moment. Her eyelids were rapidly blinking up and down to show she was in a state of REM. Her dreams were about to be interrupted. Courtney rolled over in her bed and let out a contented sigh. Then she heard the repeated tones of her alarm clock on her bedside. Courtney smashed the clock with her hand and woke up. The pain on her palm jolted her from dreamland. When Courtney awoke, her Strata Brace was beeping repeatedly.

She heard Sora’s message and wasted no time. Courtney bounded out of bed, threw on a green jacket, slipped on her sandals, and charged into the night. “I’m the leader of the Strataman. Sora said so,” she thought as she raced down the roads towards the outskirts of town “Now’s the time to prove it. Please, hear the message. I’m counting on you.”
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Tyler had been camping outside tonight. The moist spring air, the dewy grass, the star-lit sky…it was too much not to take it in. Yet, a true and loyal man to his team, he kept his Strata Brace nearby, and heard it when the signal awoke him from his slumber. He repeated Sora’s last words several times to make sure he understood. “Mach Uplink,” Tyler spoke into his Strata Brace. “Red Mach Flyer, to these coordinates at once.” He waited patiently for several minutes.

The Red Mach Flyer swooped down from the starry heavens. Tyler climbed in, strapped on a pair of goggles, and took the wild dark blue yonder. “Sora…” he thought, “…what’s happened out there? What will do without you?” As confident as he was in his ever-growing abilities, a part of Tyler knew that Sora had been there to guide them along the way. She was truly an inspiration to them all.
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Louis had never fallen asleep. He had been up all night editing and remixing video and audio tracks for one of Courntey’s upcoming segments. The two were a pair in the truest sense of the word. She made sure he had his equipment prepared before every shoot, and he ensured that she would have the best possible video produced in the end. They were near inseparable. Louis’ Strata Brace sounded in synch with the beeps and blips of the computer, but he picked up on their distinct sound soon enough.

“Enhance the audio,” Louis said as he told the computer to do just that, “remove all static, and play back at higher volume.” Sora’s message came through loud and clear. “NO,” Louis thought in his mind, “don’t tell me. Sora can’t be…computer standby!” The dim glow of the computer screen faded as Louis raced across the streets of town with his Strata Brace strapped to his wrist.

“SORA!” he thought, “I’m coming for you! Hold on! Hold on…”
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Crystal Prisma was having the most peaceful of nights tonight. Her azure crystal shone in the moonlight streaming through her window, and her body was at total peace. Then she held the tones of her Strata Brace. On instinct, Crystal pressed the button and heard Sora’s voice in her dreams. It was a minute more, a minute her brain used to process the message, before she awoke. Crystal didn’t react. Rather, she stood from her bed and clenched her fists.

Cold air swirled around her hands as Crystal flew her clothes to her side. “I knew it,” she whispered in a barely-audible voice, “I knew something was bound to happen. Sora said to use StrataLancer. Then that’s what we’ll do.” Crystal exited her room and prepared for a fight she had known was coming for some time. She had sensed it….sensed it in the clouds.
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Tyler leapt from his Mach Flyer. Louis and Courtney ran from one direction and Crystal from the other. Terra was standing there; drill in hand once more, laughing at the sight of the four Rangers. Nyx was now perched high atop Umbra; she was expecting Great Atlas and StrataRobo to go into action anytime soon. “May as well give them a fair fight,” she thought, “it’ll be the last one they ever have.”

Courtney, anger and fury pouring down from her heart like a torrential rainstorm, charged toward Terra. “Parainsol!” Courtney’s weapon appeared in her hand as she leapt into the air. The wind carried her towards Terra. Courtney plunged the metallic tip of the parasol into Terra’s bustier. StrataGreen had grappled herself around Terra’s back. With one hand she held the Parainsol; the other was wrapped around the underworld-dwelling girl’s shoulders. “Get her!”

“Gustbranch!”
“Solablade!”
“Stalactice!”

Louis held the tree branch above his head and spun in a circle. “Last Wind!” he declared. A chilling spiral of yellow gusts swirled towards Terra. Courtney held strong against Louis’ attack and called out to Crystal. “It’s your turn!” Crystal held the Stalactice above her head and saw the two spiky ends shining in the moonlight. Her voice had a coldly serious demeanor as she spoke to Terra.

“The winter months mean the end of all things and the start of life anew,” she declared, “Sora shall be awakened again! AVALANCHE…” the pickaxe shone with pale blue energy, “POINT…” Crystal slammed the end into the earth, “BREAKER!” Dense, white snow wound itself along the ground in a snakelike fashion towards Terra. Terra found herself being hit in the face with a heavy mound of white snow; she clumsily backed along the ground.

Courtney pried Terra’s bustier off with her Parainsol and leapt off the girls’ back. Something fell to the ground with a thump. When Courtney landed alongside her team, she saw a damp, battered, angry Terra, her drill spinning blindingly fast standing before them. “You…” she growled, “do you know the effort I went to preparing myself for tonight’s takeover? I could care less how I look, but this was one of the nights that I did. And now I’m standing here….embarrassed…covered in snow…all…because….of you.”

“Four-Ray Cut!” Tyler held his Solablade above his head and summoned a discus of sunlight that he immediately threw towards Terra. Terra fell onto the ground and clutched her chest. The discus had left a cut on her left breast. “The scars of this battle won’t fade immediately,” Terra growled, “Until we meet again.” Slowly, the ground began to rumble beneath the feet of the four Strataman, Terra, Umbra, and the unconscious StrataGaia.

Terra fell into a tunnel created by the earth and vanished. Umbra slammed his giant foot on the ground. There was no time. The four Strataman reached for their braces and summoned their strength from Horizon. “Satellite Uplink!” The Sky Machines launched and StrataRobo formed with the Four Sword and Cycle Shield in hand. Umbra growled. Nyx, perched atop his shoulder, laughed.

“Great Atlas and StrataRobo,” she laughed, “Why, if this isn’t perfect. I have the chance to destroy Sora and her little protégés completely in the span of one night. It’s…delicious.” Nyx wrapped the night darkness around her like a robe and rested on Umbra’s shoulder. “Let’s get this fight started.”

“I’ve got Great Atlas on autopilot,” Louis spoke, “Initiating Earth Rollout.” Great Atlas, being piloted by nothing more than an electronic signal, rose its arms into the air and summoned a massive, translucent ball of energy shaped like the Earth itself appeared over its head. Great Atlas heaved the energy ball in Umbra’s direction. Umbra took the ball to its chest, but extended the breadth of its wings to parachute itself against the night air.

Nyx yawned, “Got anything else you’d like to try?”
“You betcha,” Courtney said, “FOUR SWORD! STRATA…” Wind, snow, rays of sunlight and drops of rain blew around the Four Sword’s blade as the Cycle Shield spun and glowed in the four colors, “GUSTER!” StrataRobo launched into the heavens. Higher and higher it ascended until Umbra was little more than a speck on the ground. “SKY PARRY MANUVER!”

StrataRobo sped towards Umbra, narrowly avoiding Great Atlas, and drove the Four Sword into the gestalt creature’s chest. Umbra screamed as StrataRobo pulled out and landed alongside Great Atlas. Nyx, still confident, snapped her fingers. Dark energy repaired the wound. Umbra sharpened its claws and prepared for battle once again. Louis got an idea as Umbra readied itself.

“Sora said something in her last words,” he spoke to his team, “Combine Great Atlas with StrataRobo.”
“What power…” Crystal spoke distantly, “It would be amazing.”
“Can we pull something like that off?” Courtney asked, “Sora would probably prepare for such an eventuality, but…”
“Of course we can do it,” Tyler said enthusiastically, “and we will. Strata Braces ready.” The four placed their Braces into StrataRobo’s control panel. “The command is…” he focused for a few seconds, “I hear it…”

“I do too…” Crystal added, “Something within me…”
“Knows what to do…” Louis continued.
“Let’s go,” Courtney spoke confidently, “On my command.”
“ATLAS UPLINK!”

Great Atlas reverted to GeoTank and pulled up alongside the flying formation. The launchers on top detached and refit themselves on StrataRobo’s shoulders. The back half of the vehicle, including the lower set of wheels, detached and fit to StrataRobo’s legs as the frontal half did the same with the arms. A helmet ejected from the cockpit (all that was left) and fit itself on StrataRobo, making it appear as a champion. The cockpit itself connected to the chest. The Four Sword extended and gained an Earth-like pommel. Now it was more of a lance with a spear at the lower end.

“Atlas Formation, StrataLancer!” announced the four together.
“For the Earth!” Louis yelled.
“For Horizon!” called Crystal.
“For the Strataman!” Tyler added.
“FOR SORA!” Courtney cried.
“StrataLancer, go forth!”

StrataLancer took its Atlas Lance in hand and stabbed it into the Earth. The ground shook around it. Umbra folded its wings to its body, but the mecha stabbed the spear end into the wings. Dark blood rolled down the owl feathers; Umbra cried out in pain. Nyx was knocked from her perch atop Umbra’s shoulder. She landed on the ground, brushed herself off, stood up, and decided to relay commands to her precious monster from below.

“Take to the air!” she called, “They’re too heavy to reach there now!” Umbra let out a roar that sounded like a cross between a wolf’s wail and an owl’s hoot. It flapped its broken wings and ascended into the sky. The beast stretched its legs and let the toe-claws shine in the dim light of the stars. StrataLancer, now bulkier with the added armor, was in plain sight. StrataLancer took two steps forward and pounded the Atlas Lance against the ground once more.

Umbra sailed towards the ground like a bird of prey. Courtney, seizing her position as leader, pulled down on a lever and spoke her command into her Strata Brace. “Initiate Heaven and Earth!” A translucent ball of blue-green energy zoomed into the Earth-like pommel of the Atlas Lance. A charge in the same color filled the weapon, and with one mighty blow from the spear, Umbra was sent flying.

Teal energy rippled out and knocked Umbra to the Earth. He exploded in a massive burst of dark blue energy. Where Umbra once was lay the unconscious forms of the wolf, owl and worm Nyx had called to her side. StrataLancer stood victorious, but the time to rest was little. The four Strataman departed from StrataLancer and landed in front of Nyx.

“Give back Sora’s power,” Courtney demanded, “You saw what we did to Terra.”
“What you did to Terra was nothing to me,” Nyx scoffed, “She’s a weakling overall. Anyone who allies themselves with Mason would have to be. Besides, don’t you have Sora to tend to?”

With that, Nyx slunk into the shadows and vanished beneath the ground. Courtney, Tyler, Louis and Crystal powered down and rushed to Sora’s side. She had been unmoved and unharmed by the recent events, but her consciousness wasn’t returned. Crystal placed her hands to Sora’s shoulders. “Sora…” she whispered, “Wake up. Please. Wake up. Can you hear me?”

“I don’t think she can,” replied a somber Louis, “I’m still sensing a heartbeat…and she’s still breathing…but that’s it. The loss of her powers must have been a crushing blow for her.”

“There was more to it than that,” Crystal yelled angrily, “She appeared calm…collected…confident…but that was a LIE. A well-made LIE. Something was troubling her. If Sora was really the woman that led us this far, she would’ve caught on that this is a trap; she wouldn’t have lost her power. She would be here with us…in StrataLancer with us….watching Nyx retreat with us. We have to find out what was on her mind.”

“It’s too late for that,” Tyler placed his hand on Crystal’s shoulder, “She’s out. We should probably take her back to Horizon.”
“Okay,” Crystal cried, “but we have to find out sometime. We MUST.”
“I understand. Horizon Uplink!”
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Sora was placed on her bed in Horizon. Louis placed her upon her unmade sheets and looked down at her body. “She’s clearly a beautiful woman,” he said, “perhaps even more beautiful when still. Wouldn’t surprise me if she served as an inspiration for the great Greek and Roman artists those many centuries ago.”

“Everyone, listen up,” Courtney slammed her fist into the wall of Sora’s room, “Nyx went underneath the Earth with Sora’s powers, right? We’ve known the Arnsak reside down there for some time now. I think it’s time we paid them a visit. Talk to the man in charge. We’re going to reclaim Sora’s powers. Who’s with me?”

The question was a pointless one, for everyone already knew the answer.

TO BE CONTINUED…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

It’s a journey into the depths of the Earth itself to find the Arnsak. Louis poses the group as the “LEP”, and Mason buys into it. When they finally defeat Aval and a host of other generals to reach the chamber where Sora’s power lies…who is the Arnsak’s leader? The shocking secret revealed!

Core, Part 1

[rangermaster]

awesome. can't wait for more.

[jpurchase875]

Random Question: What would you call this in a Power Rangers name?

[GreenNinja]

Episode 9: Core, Part 1

The sun’s rays shining over the hills of Stone Summit spoke of a new day. They spoke of confidence, courage, and chances. That was what today was. Courtney Cloud, Louis Franklin, Tyler Apollo, and Crystal Prisma all stood, ready, outside a stone archway leading into one of the deepest caves in the city. “This is the place,” spoke Tyler, “I don’t know how far down we’ll have to go, but we start here. Do we have a plan?”

“I spent all night working on these,” Louis pulled four badges, cut from plastic, from his belt. Each badge was marked with the letters “LEP” in stylized letters, “if any of those Arnsak goons ask, we’re the LEP. Lower Elements Police. They’ll buy it.”
“Thanks,” Courtney said, “so, when do we begin?”
“We don’t waste time,” Crystal said sternly, “every moment we spend here talking, Sora doesn’t get better. We’re going NOW.” In her eyes was a scorching fire that no one wished to counteract. Coupled with Crystal’s normally cold exterior, it made the normally docile girl appear terrifying for the first time.

“Crystal?” Courtney asked, “Are you feeling alright?”
“Yes, I am,” Crystal returned to herself, “now let’s GO!”

Courtney clenched her hand into a fist and aimed it at the rocky wall that had formed in front of the cave entrance. “A stream of water strong enough to crush the earth itself…” she said under her breath, “time for a flood.” Water droplets swirled around Courtney’s fist until they formed a thin film around her wrist. Courtney thrust her wrist towards the door and broke it down with a powerful crush.

The rocks became coated in water and collapsed into mud. Mud slid down the cave path and formed a slide of sorts. “We’ve got our way in,” Courtney said, “We all know what our powers can do. Now we must be very careful in going do…” Louis had given her a playful shove on the back. Before she knew it, Courtney Cloud was careening headfirst down the muddy slide she herself had created. “LOUIS!” Courtney yelled, “I’ll get you for this when we reach the bottom!”

Louis, then Tyler, than Crystal leapt after Courtney down the muddy slide. Much to Courtney’s surprise, she had created a winding path that dove deeper and deeper into the earth. Mud slipped between her fingers, caked her legs, and temporarily obscured her vision, but that was the least of Courtney’s worries. The path split in three before her. Courtney closed her eyes and took the center path. Next she saw complete darkness.

She closed her eyes. “I’ll know I’m there when I hear the sound,” she thought, “Please let there be no Molemen, please let there be no Molemen.” Courtney felt herself hit the ground with a thud. She stood up and looked down at her body. Very few places on her WEREN’T covered in mud. She looked at the tunnels behind her and saw Louis seconds before he slammed into her back and knocked her onto her chest again.

“This is for before,” she lightly tapped Louis on the shoulder, “Now all we have to do is wait for…” Tyler and Crystal came in seconds after. Everyone was covered in mud, but they couldn’t be happier. They were deep into the Earth, and that was progress as far as reclaiming Sora’s powers went. Courtney was about to spread her powers across her body and cleanse herself of the mud, but that chance would never come. Something was chattering in the shadows.

“Molemen,” Tyler whispered.
“What to do?” Crystal murmured aside.
“We fight them….don’t transform,” Courtney added, “That’ll make us obvious targets to the Arnsak.”
“You’re getting better at this,” Louis said to his partner in battle.
“Thank you,” replied Courtney, “Now…ATTACK!”

The Molemen charged. The mud covering the four’s bodies made them blend in with the walls, but the motion of such “walls” would make their position be inevitably noticed. It was a battle that would put their elemental abilities to the test. Never before had they been used in this sort of situation. Sometimes the only way to find out is to experience it.

A group of Molemen swarmed around Tyler, but Tyler concentrated his solar power and hardened the clay that he’d gathered on his body. He now appeared as a statue before the mindless cannon fodder. “Think fast!” he quipped. Ty thrust his arms outward and sent hardened debris flying from his body. He was still dirty, but now more mobile. Molemen were flung against the wall and rendered motionless. Tyler snapped his fingers in celebration.

Courtney and Crystal were surrounded on all sides. Time was running short, and their powers were still uncontrollable. Courtney drew in a deep breath and, with a single blow, released a stream of water from her mouth. Crystal zapped the waterspout with an icy blast from her fingers, and grabbed the newly-frozen icicle from Courtney’s lips. The icicle was tossed through the chamber and impaled a group of Molemen upon its sharp tip. “Nice teamwork,” Courtney remarked.
“I’m taking no chances,” Crystal said in that same fiercely serious tone.

Louis had a problem with his powers. Wind wasn’t easy to whip up in a confined space, and he had barely enough power to move a rock. Yet, maybe moving a rock would be enough. “This has GOT to work,” he thought. Louis, like Courtney, took a deep breath and blew upward. His breath was enough to erode a rock formation above his head and shatter a stable series of boulders perched on the shelves of the room. An avalanche had begun and a path had opened.

“THIS WAY!” Louis called. He charged ahead, with Courtney, Crystal, and Tyler following afterward. This tunnel, unlike the one on the way down, was lighted, but it was extremely narrow. An archway up ahead bore a glowing, white-hot spherical gem at its center and the words “ARN” on one half of the arch and “SAK” on the other. They were getting close. “We’re here,” Louis said, “keep our alibi up.”
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At the moment, Mason and Aval were standing side-by-side while Digger marched with the Molemen troops that weren’t out on scouting duty. The lavamancer turned to his comrade in the Arnsak and asked a question. “The women seem rather…secretive, lately, don’t they? It’s almost as if they’re hiding something from us…”

“Aval, stop it with your falsehoods,” Mason commented, spinning his trowel in his hand, “I’ve known Terra for years. If she was planning something, she’d tell me. As far as I know, Terra spent a lengthy time last night searching for clay to be used for my Statue Beasts. Nothing more and nothing less. What would make you think otherwise?”

“I heard her conversing with Nyx a short while ago,” Aval said with heated breath, “They were planning something against Sora. Whether this is worthy of praise or damnation is up to you, personally.” Aval felt something sharp prick him in the back. It was General Digger’s claw. The Moleman was anxious. There was someone here he wanted to inform the generals about.

“Misters Aval and Mason, sir!” Digger saluted, “We have four humanish figures in Arnsak proximity claiming to be from the Lower Elements Police Reconnaissance Squad! Should I or should I not allow them entry into our chambers for an in-spection?”
“LEPrecon?” Mason mused, “They’re harmless.”
“Let them through,” Aval sighed, “Stupid underground fairy police.”

Louis flashed his forged badge to Aval, and easily fooled him. Courtney brushed back her hair and began inspecting the walls. “I believe you may be hiding something here,” she faked, “like, perhaps, a stolen energy source? My scanners are picking up trace amounts of radiation in this area.” It was at this moment that Terra walked out from the room where Aval usually resided and descended the stairs. She placed her hand to her chin and looked at the visiting “LEPrecon” squad.

“Mason, you’ve been a friend of mine for years,” Terra said as she walked down the stone stairway with a slow and careful gait, “but in matters like this, you’re a damned moron. The REAL Lower Elements Police would be using higher technology to inspect this area, not looking around like ninnies. Not to mention that they’re as tall as you and me. Elves are shorter than that. Then there’s the matter of the braces around their wrists…”

“Standard-issue LEP communicator?” Louis sheepishly lied.
“You’re no LEP,” Terra sneered, “You’re the STRATAMAN. I congratulate you on making it into the Arnsak’s main chamber. Shame you won’t get any farther.”
“She’s onto us,” Courtney whispered, “NOW!”

“SATELLITE UPLINK!”

The four leapt through the air and transformed into their suits. One by one they performed their roll call and drew their Forecaster. Terra reached into her outfit and pulled out her drill; Mason readied his trowel and hammer for battle, and Aval polished his wand to be at the maximum level for magic conduction. The scene was set. General Digger had left the scene, believing it actually WAS the LEP.

“Giving life anew, StrataGreen!”
“Fortifying life to the max, StrataRed!”
“Clearing away the old, StrataYellow!”
“The cycle restarts anew, StrataBlue!”

Courtney pointed her Forecaster in Terra’s direction. “The skies echo with our cry!”
“Suihei Sentai….STRATAMAN!”

Courtney started the battle with a high-intensity burst of water from her combined weapon. Terra set her drill a-spinning and sent the stream spreading out in all directions. “Crystal and I can handle her. Ty, take the wizard. Louis, handle the sculptor. Do whatever it takes!”
“Yes, ma’am!” everyone saluted. Courtney was finally starting to come into power as a leader.

Mason dug into the earth with his trowel and tossed a mound of clay at Louis. Louis drew his Gustbranch and repelled the attack with a Last Wind. He stabbed the sharp branch into Mason’s shoulder, but Mason simply plucked the weapon from himself and sent StrataYellow flying. Louis took aim with his Forecaster. “I can hit you now,” he said, “just stay steady…”
“You’ll have to first,” Mason quipped. He hit the ground with his hammer and set the earth beneath Louis’ feet shaking. Louis ended up launching his beam towards the ceiling, and in turn, sent a large rock down on his head.
“…I should’ve seen that coming,” thought StrataYellow as he tried to pry the rock off his back, “WHY didn’t I see it coming?”

Tyler had never faced an opponent like Aval before. He had placed his Radar Gun back around his belt and taken out his Satellite Sword and Solablade. Perhaps they would be enough to overcome Aval’s fire magic…..BARELY enough. “Cross Ray!” Tyler crossed the blades and sent a beam of sunlight at Aval. The mage snapped his fingers and teleported away from the burst in a cloud of black soot before reappearing exactly where he was, the ray having already missed its target.

“Foolish StrataRed,” he said, “Your magic cannot contend with mine!” Aval flicked his wand and launched a wad of white-hot magma towards Tyler. The magma stuck at the point where his swords crossed and solidified into a block of obsidian. Tyler could no longer move the swords apart, nor do much of anything else. He drew the Radar Gun on impulse.

“No chance,” Aval whispered, “no chance.” A rope of fire wound itself around Tyler’s chest. He couldn’t move, and his Radar Gun could hardly attain the range needed to blast Aval’s wand from his grip. Tyler could only hope Courtney and Crystal were having a better run of luck than he was. Molemen troops walked by and took the fallen Red and Yellow towards the stairway.

“This is for the other night!” Terra said as she rammed her drill into the Earth, “I hope you fall into the magma and burn to death!” Courtney and Crystal sent an icy-cold rain into the cracks into the ground to prevent scalding-hot steam from rising. It was a ruse they could only keep up for so long. Terra took the drill out from the floor and gripped it. The entire weapon was spinning faster and faster until it became a blur.

“What are we going to do?” Courtney asked.
“Why are you asking me?”
“You volunteered to start this mission!”
“Sora appointed you the leader!”
“Yes, but…”
“Fine, blast the drill. We may be able to slow the friction.”

Crystal held out her hand and summoned the Stalactice. “Avalanche Point Break!” A sheet of ice wound itself across the floor like a snake and lashed out at the drill. The drill bit broke the ice, thin as it was, and sent shards flying back at the girls. Courtney drew her Parainsol and activated the shield. A green shield of energy, shaped like the top of a parasol, blocked her from the ice shards, but it could only last so long. Terra’s drill was gaining momentum every second.

“Gotcha,” Terra quipped as she swung the drill. The cylindrical, edged weapon launched at Courtney and Crystal. Both ducked out of the way and were hit with a mountain of debris. “Molemen, surround the women and bring them with me.” Terra snapped her fingers. General Digger and a crowd of rodent-like grunts appeared. All four Rangers, now powered down and beaten, were placed in manacles and hauled towards the stairs.

“HALT!” said Aval, “Only I have permission to see him.”
“Fine, fine,” Terra sighed, “But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
“Why?” Aval said as a smirk crossed his face, “I’m the one he respects the most. Let me and General Digger carry them to his chambers.”
“I said I don’t care,” Terra stormed angrily away into Mason’s arms. As Aval and Digger walked down the second stairway on the other side of the platform, he could swear he saw a grin like his own appear on Terra’s lips.

The deeper the cave went, the hotter things became. Dark stone on the walls was becoming a light reddish-orange. Mason conjured a protective cloak for himself and told Digger and the Molemen to stay behind. “I am about to show you something that not even the nitwits back there have seen,” Aval hissed, “Behold…the Ruler of the Arnsak himself!”

Tyler cast his gaze upward. He could make out nothing more than an incredibly bright light and source of immense heat. It seemed all this was coming from the same source, and that source took up most of the room. He backed up and saw his suspicions confirmed. A large sphere, its diameter the size of the room’s width, was shooting off lethally-hot flames at random spurts. It spoke with a voice that seared at his ears from the sound.

“So…these are the followers of the Sky Goddess, Sora?” hissed the molten rock ball.
“Yes,” Aval replied, “Strataman, I’d like you to meet….The Core.”

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Aval finds out he’s not as close with The Core as he thought, and a war breaks out in the Arnsak chambers. The Strataman must use this chance to escape, but Aval has sent a new breed of armored Molemen on their tail. Can StrataLancer defeat a giant one of these beasts before the Rangers collapse from the events of the day? It’s a race against time…and life.

Core, Part 2

[rangermaster]

Sweet. can't wait for the second part.

[GreenNinja]

Episode 10: Core, Part 2

The Core was like nothing the Rangers had ever seen before. While it was composed of nothing more than a spherical force field and gallons of white-hot molten rock, it spoke fluently and fiercely. Crystal wasn’t sure, but she could swear she saw a small, pulsating blue-and-green light orbiting around the black core of The Core; it was barely visible.

“So, you are the followers of the Sky Goddess Sora?”
“Yes,” answered Aval on the beaten Rangers’ behalf, “Strataman, I’d like you to meet….The Core.”
“Their powers are vital to our victory,” The Core answered, “but I cannot absorb their bodies into me that easily. Something less tangible can pass through my borders without fail. It is how I already obtained the powers of Sora. Your contribution is worth something to me, Aval, provided we can vacuum their powers from their flesh forms, but Nyx’s gift was of much more value. Take them and leave until you can devise a plan.”

Aval’s face turned stone-dead. His pupils shrunk, his jaw dropped, and his already fiery hair appeared to literally blaze. For a few moments, only the sound of The Core’s flares sounded in the room. Then Aval opened his mouth and let out a frustrated scream. “NYX?!” he bellowed, “NYX?! She’s not even one of us! Why have you turned your favor from me to HER?!”

“Simple. She has provided me with Sora’s powers. You have done nothing.” Aval would’ve let out a string of curses that would go on for minutes, but he was rudely interrupted by the one he loathed when a bodiless shadow on the wall took on human form. It was Nyx herself. She had yet to wrap the darkness around herself, and with the glaring light of The Core, she wouldn’t be able to anyway. A self-satisfied smirk was on her face. She’d heard the whole thing.

“Core, why not let ME take the powers from their bodies? All I’d have to do is reach in,” she slid a slender finger down Courtney’s neck, “and grab them. They’ll henshin on instinct, of course. Easy as a tunneling dwarf.” Courtney, already feeling uncomfortable and battered, did everything she could to NOT activate her Strata Brace. The risks were abundantly clear.

“I can do that!” Aval steamed.
“No, you can’t,” Nyx teased, “you’re of more value to Terra and Mason than you are to me. A world of power is at the tips of my fingers that you can’t even begin to comprehend. Go back to bringing Mason’s little art pieces to life, you lowly imbecile.”
“Lowly…imbecile?” Aval drew his wand and launched miniature fireball at Nyx. She let the ball roll against her chest before revealing to Aval everything she could do.

“A fireball, touchy,” she said, as though it were a playtoy, “but if you take a fire’s oxygen, its very life away,” she tensed her shoulders and absorbed the fireball into her chest, “Then what’s there to use? Got anything else in your firemancer arsenal you’d like to try on me? I can counteract every…single….one.”

Courtney turned to Crystal and whispered “Now.” Crystal, her concentration sharp as ice, focused her body’s power to her wrists. Slowly the manacles became cold to the point they were brittle; all Crystal had to do was thrust her wrists and she was free. She quietly called for her Satellite Sword and freed the others from the bind. All that remained was sneaking out without Nyx, Aval and Digger noticing them. A challenge, to say the least.

“Foolish girl!” Aval screamed, “Trying to overtake my position as the highest-ranking general! This is treachery to our cause!” Aval spun his wand about in the air and sent a barrage of rocks Nyx’s way. The rocks quickly turned into magma, but Nyx went translucent and let the magma flares pass through her body, like a ghost. The Core absorbed the magma and yelled to the dueling generals.

“You FOOLS!” it shouted, “They’re getting away!”
“Who’s getting away?” Aval hissed, “Nyx is right where I want her.”
“The Strataman,” Nyx said drolly.
Aval, not sparing a moment, prepared to charge up the stairway, but Nyx caught him on the back of his heat-resistant robes and promptly delivered a slap across his face.
“What was THAT for?” the wizard growled.
“For not paying attention,” Nyx said slyly, “Now go.”

Courtney had drawn her Parainsol, shields down, and kept it tucked under her shoulder. The other three followed at a nearly equal pace, only stopping once on the charge up to regain breath. Every second was precious, and the remaining three generals still lay in wait on the other end. “I see light!” Tyler exclaimed. He clenched his fist and shone a beacon of sunlight that led them to Digger’s perch on the other side of the stairway.

“THE GLARE!” Digger yelled, “Stop aiming that thing at me!”
“Keep it going!” Louis shouted in retort. The fist of sunlight shone on until the girls were able to get onto the top of the stairway. They had escaped from The Core, but not from Mason and Terra. She had her drill bustier attached again, and he was wielding his hammer and trowel. Both looked ready for battle.

“Great….” Louis sighed, “Trapped between a rock and a hard place.”
“Glad you figured it out,” Mason snickered. “Shall we, Terra?”
“We shall,” Terra smirked, knowing she was allied with Nyx as well.

Mason tossed his hammer into the air. The weapon spun around and landed in Mason’s hand. The sculptor, never one to stand idly, held his arm back and sent the hammer spinning like a discus through the air. Courtney switched her Parainsol to shield mode and redirected the hammer towards the ceiling. Terra swatted the debris in the direction of the four.

“We should MAYBE transform,” Courtney said, “Time’s running out.”
“Good idea,” Tyler added.
“Satellite Uplink!”

Meanwhile, Aval and Nyx were still dueling up the stairway. Digger had since burrowed underground and left a sole Moleman in his place. “You’re not fit to be in the Arnsak!” the wizard shouted, “You’re nothing but a shadow nymph who we took in because we felt pity on you! I knew you were trouble, but NO! The Core approved, and his word is final!”
“So you admit I beat you?” Nyx laughed.
“QUIET!”

Aval cast a spell that would’ve left Nyx bound and chained, but she, once again, dodged. The spell landed on the Moleman and changed him. When the light had faded, the Moleman had silver armor plating on his arms, legs, chest, and head. Nyx and Aval stopped for a second and looked over at the Armored Moleman. Smiles of mutual agreement crossed their lips.

“I like,” Nyx commented slyly.
“As do I…” said Aval, “We’ll continue this later. Mole, after them!”
The Armored Moleman chattered and obeyed his orders.

Terra was fighting hand-to-hand with the Strataman girls. She had a defensive, swift style that made Courtney’s only move blocking. Endless, repeated blocking. Crystal swung her right arm towards the underground girl, but Terra pushed the two female fighters aside and jumped onto a nearby ledge. “Beauty, am I?” she said coyly. Terra thrust her chest forward and sent the drills flying across the room. Courtney and Crystal were knocked down.

Tyler’s Forecaster and Mason’s trowel were facing off. Mason scooped clay off the ground and tossed it at Tyler, who in turn hardened it with a sunbeam from the Forecaster and punched it to bits. Louis had hung back and summoned his Mach Flyer with “Mach Uplink!” The tunnel was wide enough for the stealthy jet to descend into the Earth, when it swooped over Mason’s head with the sound of whirring engines.

Louis jumped into the air and started steering his plane around the corridors. He narrowly cut past the heads of Mason, Terra, Aval and Nyx, scaring them. This allowed the remaining three Mach Flyers to gracefully enter the corridor. Their pilots boarded and the planes took to the skies. Mason, furious, looked to Aval. “They’re getting away!” he said, “Send something after them!”

“For you, my friend, certainly,” Aval answered. With two flicks of his wand the Armored Moleman was sent to the surface and enlarged. He began thrashing about at four fighter planes in the sky. Another battle was about to commence.
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“Machine, Giant Uplink! STRATAROBO!” StrataRobo, champion of the skies, stood proudly with its sword in hand against the giant Armored Moleman. The rodent scratched at StrataRobo and delivered a blow to the systems, but the robot retaliated in turn with a cut from its sword. Metal plating stopped the weapon short. Courtney, holding center position in the cockpit, was rocked by the motion of the mole.

The Armored Moleman leapt into the air and dove down underground. All anyone could see was a large mound of dirt trailing its way along the ground. “We’ve lost track of him,” Courtney said, “It’s all up to luck from here.”
“We won’t lose,” Louis added.
“He’s surfacing!” Crystal shouted.
“Where?” Tyler asked.
StrataBlue responded. “Right behind us.”

The armored mole jumped and dug his claws into the back of StrataRobo. “Flight systems are offline!” Louis said, “We’re done for!”
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“They’re done for,” said Nyx as she and Aval looked through the mage’s fiery-red crystal ball, “This is going over better than expected…even if you had to get in the way.”
“Me?” Aval asked, “I subdued the Rangers! You interrupted these matters!”
“Just go back to Mason and Terra!” Nyx shouted, “I can manipulate Digger easier than I can you simpletons!”
“Fine!” Aval shouted, “Do as you please, Mistress of the Dark!”

It was luck that Aval and Nyx’s argument had broken out, because in the very center of The Core, a beam of turquoise light shot forth, ricchoteed around the Arnsak chambers, and up to the surface. GeoTank had been reactivated. Sora was sending a message to the team that, while she was still in her comatose state, she was there in spirit.
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“It’s the GeoTank!” Tyler exclaimed after the humvee had blasted Armored Moleman off their back. “We know what we have to do.”
“Just as we did before,” Crystal said, “Are you guys ready?”
“Don’t need to ask,” Courtney answered, “On my mark!”
“NOW!” Louis called.

“Atlas Uplink!” GeoTank dissembled itself and fit its heavily-armored parts over StrataRobo. The Four Sword changed into the Atlas Lance, and StrataRobo stomped one foot to the ground. Earth shook beneath its feet. The gestalt struck a final pose as an image of a golden, muscular warrior holding the Earth itself in his grasp shone behind it. If Sora were awake, she would have been proud.

“Atlas Lance online!” Tyler said, “Rising Rollout!” The Atlas Lance was rotated like a conductor’s baton and swayed the Earth itself in a melodic motion. A mound of dirt, grass and gravel protruded from the ground as a fist and slammed Armored Moleman at a weak spot on the underside of his armor. Higher and higher the mole sailed into the air.

“Roaring Seas!” called Courtney. The Atlas Lance’s globe-top spun and sent a torrent of pressurized water towards the Armored Moleman. He landed on the ground battered, but not yet beaten. Louis seized the controls and spoke the command for the final attack.

“Initiate…HEAVEN AND EARTH!”
“Heaven and Earth!” replied the other three in unison.

Energy gathered in the Atlas Lance’s globe-top and channeled to the blade of the Four Sword. With the strength of the four seasons and the Mother Earth, StrataLancer stabbed Armored Moleman and impaled him on the blade. Bit by bit the rodent turned into an explosion which StrataLancer stood proudly against. But this victory was not total. They’d escaped the underground and found out about The Core…but that was all. Sora’s powers were still in the hands of the Arnsak.
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Much later that night, Crystal was visiting Sora on the Horizon. She was the only one doing so. Tyler, Louis and Courtney had all gone home to sleep for the night. Yet, Crystal couldn’t sleep. Not as long as Sora remained comatose. The azure gemstone around her neck gave off a faint blue glow as she placed her hands on Sora’s shoulders and looked into her vacant green eyes.

“Sora, I’m sorry we failed you,” she said, “your power is in The Core, and none of us know anything strong enough to breach it. Forgive us, if it’s in your power to do so. From now until the end, I’ll do everything I can to get it back for you. I just don’t know where to begin.” Tears were welling up in Crystal’s eyes, “PLEASE, SORA!” she said to the empty room, “GIVE ME A SIGN!”

Crystal’s hand, damp from sweat, slipped down Sora’s shoulder and onto her wrist. One of the bracelets she was wearing on her left arm had something dangling from it. A charm bracelet, but one of the charms was shaped like a key. In fact, it WAS a key. A very small key, but a key nonetheless. Crystal unhooked the key from around the bracelet and began looking for a keyhole to place it in somewhere in Sora’s chambers.

By the light of the crystal around her neck, the girl who was StrataBlue came upon something in the wall. It was the size of her pinky’s fingernail and barely visible in the darkness, but it was a keyhole. Crystal slid the key in, turned it to the right, and saw a portion of the wall fall down. This hidden safe contained a single folded piece of paper with something written on it. Sure, it was meant to be private, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Crystal opened the note. It was Sora’s handwriting, indeed. On it were only two words. “Find Eloi.” Crystal left Sora’s room with the note tucked in her pocket. Something of this level of importance was bound to be a clue. But who was Eloi? Was he a companion of Sora’s from past battles with the Arnsak? Was Eloi even a person? And if so, could she find it on a map? The message was so vague it could have referred to anything.

Her search was about to begin.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Crystal goes to the jeweler’s to have her necklace checked for authenticity and finds the jeweler and watchmaker, Eliot, to be a genial and friendly person. Then Flower Dragon attacks and Janet finds out her sister’s secret as Crystal rushes to battle. Can the fearsome floral beast be pruned? Did Courtney bring him about by mistake? It’s up to the sisters now.

April Showers and May Flowers

[GreenNinja]

Episode 11: April Showers and May Flowers

Diamonds, jewels, gemstones and more surrounded Crystal Prisma. She had been searching for the mysterious “Eloi” for a week now, and in that week the month of April had drawn to a close; May had begun. Crystal had returned to the jeweler’s that Terra had stopped her from entering at the start of spring. She wanted to confirm if the azure necklace she always wore was of any value. It was said to have been in her family for generations.

“Is there anybody here?” she called to the walls of glass display cases around her, “Anyone?” She could hear footsteps coming from the backroom. A man stepped out. His head had very little hair on it, and a pair of spectacles covered his eyes. He dressed slightly old-fashioned, but his face had the wisdom of age and exuberance of youth. A glance at his nametag revealed him to be called “Eliot.”

“Hello, Eliot,” Crystal said, “So, do you work here?”
“I do more than work here,” Eliot answered, “I’m the shopkeeper. Handle anything related to precious gems, and I repair watches. If it involves crystals in some way, I can work with it.”
“That’s good to know,” said the girl, “because my name IS Crystal. Crystal Prisma, to be exact.”
“The Prismas. I’ve heard of them.” Eliot said, “One of the oldest and most respectable clans in the business. Why, Harold Prisma, in the days of King Arthur, asked me to confirm if a diamond in his shield was real. I had to take the chance.”
“Asked YOU?”
“Asked my grandfather, I mean,” Eliot answered abruptly, “What do you need, Crystal?”

Crystal reached for her necklace and took it off her neck. She held the jewel hooked on it towards Eliot. The elder man placed a magnifying lens over his eyepiece and looked at the jewel intensely. “Yes, yes,” he said contemplatively, as though saying much while saying nothing at all, “this is not only authentic, it’s worth a fortune. Protect this thing with your life. It’s the Winter Crystal, found only during times when extreme heat and cold meet to cause crystallization. A rare find indeed.”

“Thank you, Eliot,” Crystal said, “I must be going.”
“Such a fine young woman,” mused Eliot as Crystal left the shop, “I really hope she returns to do business with me again.” He checked his watch and went back to work.
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Crystal was walking down the street without a care what time it was. Then she heard her Strata Brace go off. Courtney’s voice came through, “We’ve got a problem downtown in the park. Meet us by the flowerbeds immediately.” Crystal dashed across town and into the park. It wasn’t that far away from the jeweler’s, and her comrades were easy to spot.

“Horizon picked up a Statue Beast right around here,” Courtney said, “We haven’t found it yet, though.”

Not too far from there, Janet Prisma, the older sister of Crystal, was crawling around on her knees in the grass. She was an insect lover, and kept a collection of the bugs she found in her room. Crystal had often called it a “jungle”. Today Janet was by the very flowerbeds reported to be the site of an Arnsak attack. She was looking for honeybees, which need to come to flowers to gather pollen.

“Crystal?” Janet glanced upward. Crystal didn’t notice her. Janet reached into the flowerbed to take a daisy for her room. The flora was so beautiful and would compliment the rest of her décor so well. It didn’t budge. Janet tugged harder. Something began to shake beneath her feet. She was tossed aside as the flowerbed was revealed to be a type of scale along the back of a stone, grass-colored dragon with a brown underbelly like soil that had been hiding beneath the dirt. The Statue Beast had been found.

“We’ve got our target,” Courtney said, “I’ll distract him.” Courtney did a spin and sent water gushing out from her body. Flower Dragon absorbed the liquid in his mouth and had the stems on his back increase in size. She hadn’t hurt him at all. She’d helped. “Transform,” said StrataGreen meekly, “NOW.”

“Satellite Uplink!” Four elements surrounded the bodies of the heroes. Janet was amazed, and saw the one in blue turn around to check if she was okay. Janet recognized the face. Just before StrataBlue’s helmet materialized, Janet mouthed “Crystal…” She couldn’t believe it.

“Today’s forecast is very sunny,” Tyler said, “particularly if you’re a Statue Beast.” The clouds parted and a concentrated ray of sunlight streaked down from the heavens. Flower Dragon placed his back towards the beam and absorbed the energy into his flower-scales. His roar echoed, louder than it had been before. Another attack had failed.

“Crystal, with me!” Louis commanded, “We’ll use the Sky Arsenal.” Wind energy spiraled around in his hand and took the shape of the Gustbranch. A single crystal of ice expanded and grew into the pickaxe called Stalactice. Louis and Crystal posed with their weapons before charging headfirst into battle against the unusual dragon.

“Last Wind!” Louis swept the branch and sent a decaying breeze towards Flower Dragon. Crystal screamed “Avalanche Point Break!” and sent a flurry of snow to aid the wind. Flower Dragon’s back was hit, and he let out a pained yell. Knowing the battle had turned against him; he took his tail and bored into the earth. The Strataman powered down; Courtney and Tyler appeared disappointed and beaten. Janet walked up to Crystal and placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder.

“When were you going to tell me this?”
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
That night, Crystal stood at the entrance to Janet’s room. She knocked twice. Janet opened the door and spoke. “Come in.” Crystal hadn’t been in her sister’s room that much, and was taken aback when she walked in. Foliage of every kind covered the shelves, the walls, the bedside tables and the ceilings. Insects walked around in their containers, and Janet herself rested on her vibrantly-colored bedspread. She had been waiting.

“Crystal, what have you become?” she asked seriously, yet in a friendly manner, “Tell me. Sister-to-sister. I promise not to let anyone else know.” Crystal hesitated for a moment, but replied.

“I’m StrataBlue of the Southern Wind. Of the Suihei Sentai Strataman.”
“I’ve seen them on the news.”
“Yes. Courtney is our official reporter. And our leader.”
“…how long has this been going on?”
“About two months. It began on the first day of spring.”
“So, those days when you slept in?”
“Heavy battles.”
“And the trip to Mount Summit?”
“Mach Flyers.”
“And all those nights ‘studying’?”
“Strategizing at Horizon.”
“Crystal…” Janet’s jaw dropped, “My…my baby sister’s a superhero. Crystal, I want you to know I’ll do whatever it takes to help you defeat that…thing you faced today. Can you give me any details on what it was?”
“Janet, you don’t need to,” Crystal interjected, “the Stratman have it under control…”
“Doesn’t matter. You can never be too sure!” Janet’s voice rung of confidence and a caring heart. Crystal, not wanting to break what she thought was the truth to her sibling, gave a weak “good luck, sis” and left.

Janet knew. Things were changed forever.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Mason stood beside Flower Dragon proudly in the Arnsak lair. “I told you, he’s a powerful creature. I’d reinforce him with Sora’s power and make him even stronger, but a certain SOMEONE won’t let me.” He cast a wary gaze at Terra. She was slouching against the wall and seeing if Nyx would back her up. Nyx was looking to Aval and silently gloating about gaining The Core’s favor over him. General Digger stood in the middle, confused.

“WILL SOMEONE SPEAK UP?!” bellowed the Moleman, “Are we gonna do somethin’ with this Flower Dragon thingy or am I goin’ to hafta send up some Molemen to fill time? ANSWER ME!” Silence, followed by the voice of The Core echoing through the chambers. He was the highest authority, and every general turned in the direction of his voice.

“Flower Dragon cannot be defeated! The wind doesn’t move him. The rain and sun make him stronger. And Miss Prisma is the weakest of them all. She couldn’t defeat him if she put all her life force into it. Send him back to the surface and let him continue his rampage. THE CORE HAS SPOKEN!” As soon as he had, Flower Dragon was throttled to the surface by Aval.

“Next time, I make the monster,” Nyx grinned, “and you will be revealed for the fraud you are, Mason. Sure, I hide in the shadows…but that is where the best of deeds can be planned.”
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“Satellite Uplink!” Flower Dragon was back and worse than ever. Poison darts flew from his mouth and his vine-like tail swung across the city streets. He’d grown in size since their last encounter as well. Louis fired a powerful gust from his Forecaster, but Flower Dragon vaccummed it in through his mouth and blew it back at Louis as a poison mist.

“Out of the way!” Courtney yelled. She had taken a large portion of the mist, but some of the wisps had struck Tyler and Louis as well. All but Crystal powered down. Courtney was clutching her chest and coughing violently. Tyler and Louis were left motionless. Crystal stood still as ice. She couldn’t believe what Courtney had done. She’d lived up to her position as leader and took a hit for her team. Between coughs, StrataGreen turned to her partner in blue and rasped a message. “You can do it. I can trust in you.”

“Alright,” Crystal whispered to herself. “Radar Gun!” She drew her dark blue handgun and fired blasts of energy at Flower Dragon’s eyes. The beast flinched, but didn’t stop. “Satellite Sword! Combine to Forecaster!” When the weapons had locked together, Crystal aimed the Satellite Sword’s grip, the barrel of the cannon, at Flower Dragon’s open mouth.

“This is for you,” she said, “Blizzard Permafrost!” Flower Dragon stood still. His stone exterior became tinted an icy blue. The flowers on his back began to wither. But he was still alive. His foot broke through the ice and he continued to stampede after Crystal. Crystal tried to call for her Mach Flyer, but by the time it got here it would be too late. With no other options, StrataBlue began her retreat down the road.

Crystal kept running. Her legs weren’t moving of her own will, but more under the adrenaline rush and their own power. Her chest heaved and the icy blasts from her Forecaster were becoming weaker. The battle was lost. That is, until Crystal bumped into someone who she didn’t expect to see. Knocked to her bottom, Crystal glanced above her and saw none other than….

“Janet?”
“Yo, Crystal!” Janet said excitedly, “I figured out how to stop the Flower Dragon.”
“You’ve GOT to be kidding me.”
“Would I tease my little sis like that?”

It had just dawned on Crystal that her sister was wearing a long-sleeved, long-legged khaki suit and a pith helmet with a fine mesh net that covered her face. Two insect containers were in her hands, and her fingers were ready to flip the lock open at any moment. A faint buzzing sound could be heard.

“Are those…?” Crystal asked.
“Bees,” Janet replied, “The best of my collection. Y’see, bees are naturally attracted to flowers for their pollen, and the beast you’re running from has more flowers than a florist. If I release the bees, we’ll sap the flowers of their pollen AND have the target, the dragon, and move away from the bees. Bees are very regular creatures, and in defense of their routine being broken…will attack. I leave it up to you to finish him from there.”
“Will that work?” asked Crystal skeptically.
“We won’t know unless we try! RELEASE THE BEES!”

Janet flipped down the gates of the bee boxes and let the black-and-yellow swarm towards Flower Dragon. The dragon dismissed it as nothing, but found his slow trod becoming even slower when the pollen was sapped from his back. He was also surprised when the stinger ends of at least fifty bees, if not more, were hitting him in his eyes in a mass attack of insecticide bombers. Crystal grabbed her Stalactice and leapt into the dragon’s open mouth.

“Best of luck,” Janet saluted as her sibling entered the belly of the beast.

Crystal found the inside of Flower Dragon hollow and easy to navigate. In the center of his body, near where his heart or stomach would be, was a large flower of unidentifiable type. She checked that the ends of her Stalactice were sharp, raised the pickaxe into the air, and swung it down to the dragon’s internal rock body with a crushing blow. Ice, taking on a life of its own, spread through the veins in the rock, in time traveling up the central flower. The central flower lost its petals, then its pollen, and then, finally, the stem of it collapsed upon itself. Flower Dragon let out a mighty roar and fell to the ground, whereupon he broke into millions of pieces of debris and dust. Standing in the middle of it all was a proud, powered-down Crystal with her icy pickaxe in hand.

Janet ran over and embraced her little sister. “You did it!” she exclaimed, ‘That was awesome! You should’ve seen the explosion! I didn’t think I’d be here to congratulate you, but the rush was exhilarating! I’m proud of you, sis!” At that moment, a healed Tyler, Louis and Courtney rushed to the site of the final battle to see Crystal and her sister.

“Who’s this?” Louis asked.
“This is…” Crystal began.
“Janet Prisma’s the name!” said Janet happily, “So you’re the Strataman she’s told me about. Human names, please? Or can I just call you ‘Red’, ‘Green’ and ‘Yellow’?”
“Louis.”
“Courtney Cloud. You can see me on Channel 4.”
“Tyler Apollo. Pleasure to meet you.”
“As it is you guys,” said Janet.

“This day, at least,” said Crystal, “victory is ours. We can count on Janet as an ally from now on. Who knows what the Arnsak will pull off next? Especially since…you know.”
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In the underworld, Nyx had been observing the entire thing. “Yes, little Crystal,” she whispered to herself, “You don’t have your precious Sora to hold your hand through saving the world.” Nyx rummaged through her mind, thinking of all the people the Arnsak had dealt with in the past months. “We have yet to give him a challenge,” she said, “Yes. Another Shadow Creature shall rise forth. It’s vital that we attack him, after all. That time is approaching.”

“That time” was June. The first month of summer. When the seasons change, things shall change with them. Leadership in the Strataman, under the ancient rules of Father Time himself, was one of them.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Diane Apollo, Tyler’s sister, has always thought her older brother was a bit strange. Yet, when she is saved by StrataRed from an attack by Midnight Crow, she begins to almost idolize him. Can the two overcome each other to defeat the crow, or has Nyx chalked up another victory?

As Different as Night and Day

[rangermaster]

Loving this series, can't wait to read more.

[GreenNinja]

Episode 12: As Different as Night and Day

Diane Apollo, raven-haired astronomer, sat in her room, which was conveniently placed on the second floor of the Apollo home. “Artemis” was her nickname, and she felt she’d earned it. In her career, Diane had spotted new stars, discovered an area of black matter or two, and earned all-around recognition from the local science experts. Her older brother, Tyler, had taken up an interest that made her scoff. Model airplanes; as if that would get him anywhere. Space, the final frontier, was where it was at.

On this night, sometime in the middle of May, Diane was in her room/observatory, peering into a telescope and charting the stars. She put her eye to the telescope and saw something with a whirring motor come towards her eye. Diane jerked herself away and spun the telescope around to find one of Tyler’s model airplanes inside the main lens. She folded the telescope, looked down outside, and saw her brother standing there with his remote controller in hand.

“TYLER!” she yelled, “I told you not to fly your planes near my room! What are you doing out at this time of night? It’s almost midnight!”
“I have my hobbies, just as you have yours,” Tyler explained, “What’s your problem?”
“My problem, Tyler,” Diane explained, “is that you keep interrupting me just when I could be on the verge of discovering something new?”
“Have you ever?”
“Not recently.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“Just…just leave me alone.”

Tyler took his model airplane and left for another area of his house. Far beneath the surface, where darkness reigned eternal, Nyx was wandering the tunnels carved by the Molemen (their one truly useful purpose) and thinking about the events happening aboveground. She was more educated than her comrades in the ways of battle….because she’d existed before they had. Much longer.
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“So, Apollo has a sister too,” Nyx mused, “Just as the legends go. And, true to what I remember, they’re as different as night and day. Now, how to punish them both and advance the Arnsak campaign? It’ll take something stronger than one of Mason’s stupid statues, so I’ll have to do all the work myself.” Nyx placed her fingers to her lips and whistled.

A jet-black crow, almost invisible save for its yellow eyes, flew through a hole in the tunnel’s ceiling and landed on Nyx’s shoulder. “You’ll do,” whispered the goddess, “partake of my power.” The crow squawked once and lifted itself off Nyx’s shoulder. It dive-bombed for her chest and vanished into the living shadow that was her body. When the bird flew out her back it had taken on a different appearance altogether; Nyx, while exhausted from the transformation, was pleased.

The crow had grown larger and its beak and claws sharper. It had gained a camouflage ability that allowed it to blend in with the stars and the moon, and from its mouth could shoot a beam of dark gravitational energy. When visible, its feathers were a blue so dark they may as well have been black. “I shall call you Midnight Crow,” said Nyx as she tapped the bird on its beak, “and don’t speak a word of this to the others.”
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Tyler was asleep aboard the Horizon; very unusual for him. Courtney and Louis were scanning weather patterns, and Crystal had the Stone Summit phone book and road maps opened wide on the center table. Tyler felt his body become burning hot (his powers forcing him awake) and jolted from his sleep. He looked to Crystal and inquired what she was doing.

“If you knew,” Crystal answered, “Sora told us to find Eloi. If Eloi’s a person or a place, I don’t know, so I’m using every resource available. I’ve been flipping through the ‘E’ section of the phonebook for hours. No signs.” Tyler looked at the roadmap and randomly traced his finger around. Crystal sighed, stood up and walked around. She placed her hands on Tyler’s shoulders and started rubbing.

“Thanks,” Tyler answered whisperingly, “Must not’ve gotten enough sleep last night. This makes me feel so much… YEOWCH!” Cold had rushed to his shoulders like an avalanche. Crystal had woken him up, but not in the way he’d expected. Courtney and Louis turned towards StrataRed, laughing quietly.

“How much sleep did you get?” Louis asked.
“Threeish hours,” Tyler replied.
“What kept you up?” Courtney winked. “Don’t spare the details.” Tyler sighed.
“Of course,” he thought, “she’s a reporter. Always wants the straight scoop.” He answered out loud. “Fight with Diane. Apparently I’m not supposed to be flying near her room.”
“Sister problems?” replied Crystal, gaining sympathy, “Janet and I didn’t get along in our early years. Talk to me.”

Courtney and Louis joined in; unaware that something was showing up on radar. Tyler talked to the girl in blue before him, ready to tell his story. “Diane’s my younger sister. Only by a year, though. She’s always been interested in the stars, space, and the universe. I’m more of a down-to-earth guy, in more than one sense. When I was learning how to put balsa wood and glue together, she was peering through her binoculars. We’ve never gotten along. Still don’t.”

“Sorry to hear about that,” Crystal answered, “I’ll see if I can talk to her.”
“No time for talk!” shouted Courtney, “the sky is darkening and one of Nyx’s Shadow Beasts is loose. We have to get down there.”
“You heard the girl,” Louis said in a rush, “move out!”
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StrataRed, Blue, Green and Yellow were already transformed when they arrived at the scene of the battle. They saw nothing in the sunset sky, but Courtney could hear the faint flapping of wings in the distance. She drew her Parainsol, set it to Rifle Mode, and locked and loaded at a certain point in the sky. “RAINDROP DOWNPOUR!” She pressed the trigger and felt herself jerked back the force of the weapon. Five watery bullets dashed through the air.

Water pelted against a patch of sky that was revealed to be Midnight Crow. His camouflage dropped, the bird landed on the ground with dampened wings. He shook himself off and took to the sky once more. “Oh, no you don’t!” Louis shouted, “You’re flying THIS way!” Louis reshaped the wind currents to send Midnight Crow in the direction of Crystal, who held out her gloved hands and coated them with ice.

“A bird in the hand…” Crystal blew a gust of wind at Midnight Crow before grappling her hands about his unusually large neck (for a bird), “is worth two for the Sky Machines.” Midnight Crow’s feathers were starting to ice over. His pupils shrunk in size and his cawing ceased. Crystal assumed she’d strangled and frozen the bird, but the sweat of her palms melted the ice and returned the crow to life. He took off into the skies and across the park.

“Tyler, he was headed in your direction!” Courtney commanded, “GO!”
“On it,” replied a weary StrataRed, “Solablade!” He called for his weapon.

Diane Apollo was sitting on the park bench looking at her notes. “Finally, some peace and quiet,” she applied a light coat of bug spray to her arms, “and no Tyler around to pester me.” She looked at the first page of her notes and turned to hear something squawking overhead. Midnight Crow was charging for Diane on a purposeful mission. Nyx was playing the two siblings against each other, exactly as she intended.

Diane let out a terrified scream only to have a laser of pure sunlight streak over her head and knock Midnight Crow out of the sky and into a nearby thorny bush. Midnight Crow exploded in a cloud of dark smoke. Diane turned her head and saw a red-suited hero standing before her with a blade gleaming like sunlight in his hand. She mouthed her words, for she was too relieved to speak them aloud. “Thank you.” Her heart was still audibly pounding in her chest.

Courtney, Louis and Crystal, all in their civilian states, ran up to StrataRed and congratulated him. Tyler tapped his StrataBrace and had his suit fade away from his body in a flash of red light. Diane, still sitting on the bench, looked to see that StrataRed was her brother. “I…I don’t…” she could barely speak, “this is…this is…TYLER!” That wasn’t good. “Tonight, you and I are going to talk about this until you tell me the truth! I KNEW something was up with you recently!”

“Best of luck,” said Crystal, “I don’t think this will go over well.”
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“YOU!” Diane roared, “What have you been doing with those people? Who are they?” She couldn’t have been more furious. Not only was her older brother doing something behind her back, it was something of major importance. He’d been thanked for the save earlier, but that was long in the past.

“They’re Crystal Prisma, Courtney Cloud and Louis Franklin,” Tyler calmly explained, “We’re the Strataman. You know the ones who are helping to save the town. I was flying my plane to see how the Mach Flyer would react in these wind conditions. Spring is fairly calm, weather-wise, but the later months will require greater speed and dexterity. You can understand, right? I’m sure the night sky changes for you with the cycle, doesn’t it?”

“Yes,” said Diane, “however, I at least let you know.”
“You never let me know,” Tyler replied, “Diane, I barely know you, and you’re my sister. Please, tell me something you’ve discovered recently so I can understand you. The Strataman’s mission is important, and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Nyx’s Shadow Creature.”

“Very well,” Diane sighed, “Venus is alignment with Earth and will be causing small winds around the globe tonight. There’s trace amount of radiation in these winds, and very few people know about this. It’s a sunspot effect thing. Been circulating around the scientific community for months now.” As Diane finished her sentence a cawing was heard outside her window. Midnight Crow was back and larger than ever before.

“Thanks, Diane,” Tyler said as he embraced his sister, “If you hear something in a few minutes, that’s good. Love you.” Diane wasn’t sure what to think. What was it she had said that made her suddenly gain her brother’s affection? That didn’t matter. Knowing Tyler appreciated her made her feel…better. She could get used to this.
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“Bomber Uplink!”

Tyler, Crystal, Louis and Courtney situated themselves in the cockpit of the massive bomber jet formed from their Sky Machines. Midnight Crow was flying around the sky, and although they couldn’t see him, they had radar activated. He couldn’t have gone far. “I’ll steer,” Tyler said, “and I’m putting up the shields.”

“Why?” Louis asked, “This thing’s pretty well-protected without ‘em.”
“Diane told me of a sunspot effect in action tonight,” Tyler replied, “I’m risking a lot on this. Our power is limited, but if this works…we’ll win.”
“I don’t get it,” Courtney said as she scratched her head.
“Oh, you’ll see,” Tyler smirked, “You’ll see.”

StrataBomber sailed through the skies at warp speed. Midnight Crow’s location was obvious before he even started pinging on the radar. Around the valley near Stone Summit, trees were being uprooted by an unusually heavy wind. It wasn’t wind, though. It was pure gravitational force, the kind that can only be obtained by people like Nyx. Tyler set course for the mountain.

“Wait for it…” he whispered, “wait for it…” A different wind began to blow. Crystal read the scanners.
“It says here that a solar wind is on Earth tonight. Our radar system is starting to falter. It’s disrupting our transmission with Horizon, too. Why are we even flying this plane if it has the risk of crashing in a moment?”
“Because,” Tyler said with a grin, “We aren’t the only one it’s affecting.”

Above a grouping of trees, the sky began to ripple. Dark feathers lashed out and beady eyes shone in the afternoon’s last light. Midnight Crow, his camouflage negated, darted his head in all directions before looking up to see StrataBomber directly above him. The bomber jet unleashed gunfire in his direction and pinned him to the ground. Tyler turned to the controls.

“We’re stronger than we were last time,” he said, “Sora’s taught us well…as we have ourselves. On my command.”
“Three…” counted Louis.
“Two…” said Courtney.
“One.” added Crystal pensively.

The four spoke in excited unison. “WARP HURRICANE!”

A hatch on the bottom of StrataBomber opened up, and a silvery-blue bombing missile with the Strataman insignia loaded. The missile launched towards the Earth. Midnight Crow opened his beak in surprise and found the weapon stuck in his mouth. It was then that the detonator triggered. Forceful wind spiraled outward, along with a few black feathers. But opening StrataBomber’s hatch for the Warp Hurricane during the sunspot effect meant the problem wasn’t over yet.

“We’re quickly losing power!” Courtney exclaimed, “We have to land safely or the Sky Machines are lost with us in them!”
“Hang on,” spoke a calming voice over the radio, “Just follow my lead.”
Tyler asked in disbelief, “Diane?”
“Yes, it’s me,” replied Diane, “I’ve seen shuttle landings a million times. You’ve got a suitable stretch of land behind Mount Summit. Pilot over there.”
“Understood,” Louis nodded.

The pilot of SkyCopter adjusted the controls and sailed the path of least resistance across Mount Summit. Diane was right; there was a large stretch of ground usable as a landing strip. Following the younger Apollo’s instructions, StrataBomber retracted its wheels and landed on the ground. As it pulled to a halt, the sunspot effect ceased. One by one the Strataman disembarked and powered down.

“Diane, I can’t thank you enough,” Tyler said into his Strata Brace, “You’ve really helped me, sis.”
“We should try this more often,” Diane answered, “…Ty? I’m breaking up. My signal is weakening.”

Tyler and Courtney were receiving a message on their Strata Braces. It was ONLY those two, for that matter. Louis and Crystal got nothing, and agreed it would be better to hang back while they attended to whatever matter it was that only StrataGreen and StrataRed were needed for.

“Shall we see?” Tyler asked.
“Yes,” Courtney replied.
“Horizon Uplink!”

The two teleported away, but they weren’t going to Horizon. They were going to somewhere far away from Stone Summit, a place unknown to most of mankind, save for a god or two. The Woods of the Eternal Cycle.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Tyler and Courtney find themselves in the Woods of the Eternal Cycle, where they find themselves being put to a ritual by the god of the woods. Will Courtney relinquish her powers? Is Tyler ready to become a leader? And is that really Sora hiding among the trees?

First Turn

[GreenNinja]

Let me warn you. This episode gets a bit...odd. But it all makes sense in the end. Also, after this, so begins the Summer Saga of the Stratman.
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Episode 13: First Turn

The Woods of the Eternal Cycle could do with a bit of explaining. As soon as Earth achieved the point where its rotation around the sun created different seasons, the gods that exist in our universe saw it fit to stabilize this through a representation of it. Thus, the Woods were created. They are located in a plane of existence all their own, and contain five main sectors.

Four of the sectors, of course, are the seasons. They are perpetually spring, summer, autumn and winter, respectively. The fifth, center and final sector is a dead land where any of the four outer sectors can be accessed. It is also the largest and most mysterious. Men who are greater than mortals have ventured through the center sector several times and have yet to see it all.

The sky goddess Sora arranged for the holders of the Strataman powers to visit these woods when the seasons were about to change. In this case, Courtney Cloud and Tyler Apollo. These two arrived with a flash of red-and-green light in the center sector facing north and east. A northeastern wind was blowing as the two turned to face each other.

“…Courtney?” Tyler asked.
“…Ty?” she replied.
“Where are we?”

They didn’t know for sure. Their first sign of what to do came in the form of a four-pointed gold crown with gems in green, red, yellow and blue. The crown, spinning about like a globe, landed on Courtney’s head. On the crown, the green gem flashed and sent an aura in the color over Courtney’s body. She lifted into the air and underwent a transformation completely unlike her Ranger one.

Her hair became longer and slicked-down, as though it was made of water. Courtney’s eyes flashed the same green as Sora’s, and her clothes changed. Now they looked to be made out of flower petals in every color, and had taken the form of a skimpy but appropriate dress. When Courtney’s feet touched the ground of the dead center forest, flowers sprouted around her. She landed and looked down at herself.

“The crown…” she stuttered, “the crown…”
“…my how you’ve changed,” Tyler placed his hand to his chin and looked, “When Sora knighted you with the position of leader to the Strataman, she meant it. The crown represents your leadership taking on physical form.”
“Then why have I undergone such a change in body?”
“Your power of springtime is in full bloom, so to speak.”
“How did you figure all that out?”
“Simple deduction. I may not know where we are, but I can guess.”

The discussion would’ve continued, but Courtney darted her head. She saw something out of the corner of her eye. Standing between two of the trees in this gray arbor wasteland was a woman. She was there for the briefest of seconds and then gone. A lithe shadow darted among the trees. Courtney ran off. Tyler, not wanting to lose the only person he was certain of in this strange land, followed her.

“Courtney!” he yelled, “Wait!”

Courtney felt as though she was a different person. Her Strata Brace had vanished from her wrist, and, although she hadn’t noticed yet, Tyler’s had too. There was no need for them in the place where their powers originated. The energy orbs on the Horizon were nothing more than the concentrated essences of these very woods. That shadowed figure Courtney saw was a mystery to her, and she was going to find out what it was.

“This is insane,” Tyler thought “I save Diane; she helps us, and the next thing I know I’m running through a depressing forest chasing after Courtney who may be going after nothing at all. If I ever get out of here, I’m going to make sure I never fall out of contact with anybody ever again.” He was starting to gain a foothold. Around him, the trees were starting to transform. Leaves were appearing and flowers were blooming on the ground. He thought he felt a drop of rain hit his shoulder. The two were running an eastern path, into the Field of Eternal Spring.
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Courtney had stopped here. The Field of Eternal Spring felt so much like home to her. Flowers in every color and species were dotted along the landscape, a calm river led to peaceful lake, and a light, misty rain was pouring down. Despite that, Courtney’s clothes and hair never once drooped from the rain. Tyler caught up behind her. He, too, stopped and looked at the Field of Eternal Spring.

“Do you have an umbrella?” he asked, already soaked from the constant rainstorm.
“Yes,” Courtney said as though it was a common question. She extended her arm and closed her fist, as if grabbing something. Her Parainsol materialized in a quick pitter-patter of green drops of energy in her hand. She activated the circular parasol shield and held it above her head like a real umbrella. Tyler found himself instantly dry.

“What were you running for?” asked StrataRed.
“I saw something,” Courtney’s voice was oddly distant; she had become more in-touch with the world around her. Every little event going on here was being taken in, comprehended, analyzed and understood. It was so unlike Courtney, yet so much the person she could be.
“What did you see?”

The words were spoken with a seriousness never heard before from Miss Cloud.
“…Sora.”
“Courtney,” Tyler said caringly, “I hate to break this to you, but Sora…couldn’t…be here.” He remembered back to the night Nyx had taken her powers. “The last time we saw her she was still in her coma. It must have been a hallucination. We’re still disoriented from our sudden arrival here…or…something.”

“I know what I saw,” Courtney snapped, “It was here.” The girl walked over to the lake and looked in. Reflected was not Courtney Cloud, but rather, StrataGreen. It was then that Courtney snapped back to her normal self. She’d been reminded of her mission to defeat the Arnsak…and the prices she’d paid with it. “You’re right…” Courtney sighed sadly, “Sora’s gone. I’ve come to accept that. But I know I’m not the perfect leader. I got us lost in the mountains…cared more about my report to Cooper than you guys…and springtime is almost over.”

“What are you saying?” Tyler asked.
“I want you to be the leader.”
A woman’s voice, confident and assuring, sounded from the distance. “Just the words I wanted to hear.”

Tyler saw a silhouetted form of a woman for a brief second, and when next he blinked the female had been replaced by an eagle. Tyler grabbed the down Courtney by her arm and dragged her across the forest floor. Through the trees they ran. Around them, the landscape began to change. It was gradual, but very noticeable. The two were still unsure of their reason for being here.

This woman was leading them down the northeastern trail onto the Shore of Eternal Summer.
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In the second glade, the Shore of Eternal Summer, the rain had ceased. A raised, grassy hill overlooked a sandy, expansive shore that seemed to run on forever. The only signs of white in the sky came from the seagulls squawking overhead; not a single cloud was present. Salty smells filled the air, and waves continually crashed against the shore. Courtney’s change was lessening. She was returning to her normal self, although the T-shirt and jeans she’d been wearing prior were starting to shrink to unnatural proportions.

When the two had fully reached the Shore of Eternal Summer, Courtney found herself in a green-and-blue bikini. Tyler looked down to see the Seasonal Crown resting in the sand. He was about to pick it up, but the eagle (was it the woman?) swooped down and grabbed it in his claws. Courtney, incredibly confused and distraught, went to Tyler’s side. “Sorry I lost it.”

“Its okay, Courtney,” he replied, “We don’t need an official leader to make it through. All we need is someone willing to guide us through thick and thin, and I can do that without the crown.” As if the eagle had heard his words, the creature flew down, narrowly hovered above the sand, and landed in a tree, full-blooming in green, on the hillside.

“You are definitely worthy,” spoke the eagle in the woman’s voice, “Good job.”
“Sora?” asked Courtney.
“I’m not Sora,” the eagle replied, “but you must be her protégés. Cloud and Apollo, I assume. You’ve passed the test.”
“What test?”
“The Ritual of the Changing Seasons.”
“The what?” Courtney still didn’t get it.
“Allow me to explain.”

The eagle leapt from its perch, landed on the ground, and changed into a beautiful woman. She had green hair that looked as if it was made of leaves, tanned skin, eyes shining like the sun, and was tall with an athletic build. She donned an outfit constructed of bark, shaped like that of a hunter. When she spoke her name, Courtney and Tyler felt at ease. “Call me Arba.”

“Well…Arba…” Tyler asked, “Why are we here?”
“I am one of the gods that inhabit the Woods of the Eternal Cycle,” said Arba, “the Seasonal Crown is bestowed upon the leader of those fighting on behalf of our skies, our earth, and our planet. In this time of war, the Strataman. But I can’t let just anybody wear the crown. By refusing it and being willing to go ahead regardless, you, Apollo, showed the signs of a true leader.”

“And what of me?” Courtney asked.
“Not too bad for a first-timer,” Arba chuckled, “I’ve been in contact with Sora for years. About time our spring to summer transition occurred. When the next change comes around, though, you may not run into me again. There are others out here in the forest.”
“What’s left to do?” Tyler asked, not missing a beat.
“Put on the crown,” Arba replied, “and then I’ll send you home.”

Tyler picked up the Seasonal Crown and placed it atop his head. The red and green gemstones shone with a bright radiance. Tyler and Courtney looked down to see themselves transforming into their StrataRed and StrataGreen outfits. They struck their poses and sounded the final words of the ritual.

“New life returns to the earth…”
“And continues to live on!”
“StrataGreen!”
“StrataRed!”
The two finished together.
“From these skies, we shall protect the planet’s peace! Suihei Sentai…Strataman!”

With that, they were swept up by their Strata Braces and returned to Earth.
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The Core had summoned Aval and Nyx into the room, but each didn’t know the other was present. The Core had such power that he could converse with each general separately, yet at the same time. Nyx had a rivalry with everybody but Terra, and Aval only sought to have The Core be pleased with him. Such dynamics among his followers would be fun to play around with.

“Mason wishes to expand our tunnels,” Aval spoke, “what should we do about that?”
“Let him try,” said The Core, “he’s powerless without you, after all.”
“Not entirely,” Aval pouted, “Nyx can infuse her darkness into anything. Why did her Shadow Creatures have to be so much more powerful? She’s the monkey wrench being thrown into our plans, I tell you.”

The Core changed voice and tone as he conversed with Nyx.

“Nyx, are you aware of this development?” asked The Core, “Infusing Mason’s statues with your touch! Just think of what we could create with these…Shadow Statues. The possibilities are infinite!”
“Except for one little problem,” Nyx waved her finger at the magma ball, “Mason hates me. You know that. If I laid so much as a hair on his precious statues, he’d have me forced into the sun.”
“You always have been my favorite of the Arnsak, Nyx. With your cunning mind and powers, I’m sure you could find a way to make it happen.”

Again he switched.

“Why is Nyx even with us?” Aval pouted, “What purpose does she serve? We relate to the elements of a roaring volcano! The magma, the rocks, the clay, the deadly, scorching heat within! Digger was the best Moleman for hire, of course, but why NYX? Let her go back to the Underminers. They’ve always been so snotty, with their jewel-encrusted empire and homing canary bombs. What do we have?”

“HUSH, AVAL, AND LISTEN WELL!” roared The Core, “When we found Nyx, her powers were at a bare minimum! She could barely envelope a Moleman’s closet in her shroud! Yet, when we nursed her back to health, she became a vital warrior to our cause! You can take the education your wizard’s school gave you and go back to working for the Magical Clean-Up Department, if it is what you should so desire!”

These words had shook Aval. His presence with The Core had been downgraded yet again. Nyx peeked around the corner and tittered to herself. “Silly little Aval,” she whispered, “This is nothing more than a game to him, in which you are merely a pawn. Ater all…in the underground lurks the darkness. And I AM the darkness!”
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Tyler, Courtney in his arms, landed beside StrataBomber. It was about 1:00 at night now, and Louis, Crystal and Diane were already in dreamland. Tyler slept beside them and figured he’d wait until morning. It had been one of those days that pushed him to the limits.

When he woke up, the first thing he saw was Louis looking at his arms. The man in yellow adjusted his glasses and laughed. “Hey, Ty,” he said, “Getting friendly with Courtney? What were you two doing all night?”

“Coming to grips with things,” Tyler said calmly, “and it’s the summer now. Strataman, I’d like you to meet your new leader. Tyler Apollo, StrataRed!”
“Red is the color of passion and bravery,” said Crystal off to the side, “a traditional color for a leader. No one better could have been chosen.”

Diane was inclined to agree.

NEXT SEASON on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Mason creates Shovel Double, a monster who digs through the Earth to expand Arnsak’s reign. Louis is the first to catch on, and makes it his goal to stop the sculptor mad with power. Perhaps he can get a film out of it too.

Tunnel Vision and Pipe Dreams

[GreenNinja]

Summer begins the way any summer should - with a world-shaking earthquake that will change the way the Arnsak function for some time. It all started when Cooper wanted that report...
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Episode 14: Tunnel Vision and Pipe Dreams

Mason had been trained in the classical arts all his life – painting, weaving, theater, and, most importantly, sculpting. The trowel, hammer and pick around his belt were his first, and would never be traded in for anything. The Arnsak had provided a valuable opportunity for him to earn from his talents, but he was unaware of the “world-domination” part of the deal. He simply took requests and made them, nothing more to it. If Nyx hadn’t joined, he’d be second only to Aval on the Arnsak chain of command. But he couldn’t change her presence, so his rivalry stayed.

“AVAL!” Mason shouted, “Get in here! My Statue Beast is almost done, and he can’t get here if you don’t finish!”
“Fine, fine,” replied the wizard as he ran in, exhausted, “what do you call this one?”
“Shovel Double,” Mason spoke, “with his two shoveling arms he can clear us a tunnel through the underground at rapid speed. We can get as far as the metamorphic layers of the Earth in no time. That is, if he’s around to do the job.”
“Come to life!”

Mason tapped his weapon on the creature’s body and watched as it was infused with the life of a flame. Shovel Double had two large silver shovels on his hands and a body covered in armor. A drill was attached to his forehead and nose, and his feet were streamlined for rapid movement. His armor was mostly brownish-black, to allow him to blend in with the Earth. Shovel Double spoke with a gruff voice that had a metallic timbre to it. Mason had done well.

“Not bad, you’ve still got it in you,” said Terra as she placed her arm around Mason’s shoulder, “now, go show those Strataman what for!”
“Of course,” Mason laughed, “this summer is starting off with their world caving in on them. How fun.”
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The last weeks of spring had faded away into summer without any intrusion from the Arnsak. Crystal had returned to herself, and Janet and Diane were both keeping in regular contact with the members aboard Horizon; both had been brought up to speed on everything that had happened. Today, the issue was Courtney and Louis again getting a story. Cooper wanted news, and he didn’t care how sensationalist he had to be to get it out there.

“We can’t play the Molemen angle again,” Courtney said as she sat on the familiar park bench, a fountain bubbling beside her, “Anything involving the Strataman is easy to get footage of, but we’re straddling the line. Are we going to compose our identity just to do our other job?”
“Courtney, don’t be going soft on me,” Louis chuckled, “there’s always something going on in the world. You just have to look for it.”
“And you couldn’t be more right.” It was the voice of Mason. Louis had faced him only once before, but he recognized it well enough. He and Courtney turned their heads to see the toga-wearing sculptor standing before them with Shovel Double, Digger, and an army of Molemen.

“Mason…” whispered Courtney.
“That’s it, we’re getting you out of the way,” Louis spoke, “Court, let’s go!”
“Satellite Uplink!”

Rain and wind held close their bodies as they transformed into the suits of StrataGreen and StrataYellow. Both drew their Radar Guns and took aim. Courtney’s first round of shots dispersed all the Molemen present. General Digger walked up to the girl in green and extended his claws.

“Platoon A-17 was the best I had, young lady!” roared the mole, much shorter than Courtney, “And you destroyed them! While I may applaud you on your marksmanship,” he leapt up and whacked Courtney on the helmet with his claws, “I have no choice but to kill you. Attack!”
“About time,” Mason sighed, “Shovel Double, go!”

Louis combined his Radar Gun and Satellite Sword to his Forecaster and took aim at Shovel Double. The be-shoveled beast batted away his barrage of windy attacks and knocked him to the ground. Mason took his hammer and pick in hand. He placed the pick in the ground and tapped it lightly with the hammer. The earth began to crack beneath his feet. Louis would fall into the Earth unless he did something.

“C’mon,” he thought to himself, “Rise up!” Golden wind swept around his feet and kicked him up into the air as he fired a tornado from his Forecaster. Mason sent the trowel, its sharp edges gleaming in the summer sun towards Louis in mid-flight. Suddenly, a beam of sunlight zapped away the trowel as it flew around like a boomerang back to Mason’s waist. Louis gained his footing and turned around.

“Courtney, Ty,” he sighed, “about time you showed up.” StrataRed and StrataBlue had already transformed. With the four present, they drew their specialized weapons and performed their roll call, once again changing it as regularly as the winds. Shovel Double, Mason and Digger had no choice but to watch.

Tyler led. “Sun shining bright! StrataRed!”
“Wind’s blustering sound! StrataYellow!”
“Snow falls soft and light! StrataBlue!”
“Rain pattering the ground! StrataGreen!”
“As long as this cycle continues, we shall protect this Earth!”
“Suihei Sentai…STRATAMAN!”

“It’s too late for that,” Mason snapped his fingers, “Shovel Double, start!” The monster held his shovel claws to the air, jumped up, and began to bore down into the soil. “In time, your city will collapse; we will have you right where we want you. Our tunnel system will lead right to your buildings, and all will be the Arnsak’s for the taking. Ciao.” Mason, Digger and Shovel Double vanished in a burst of flame.

Louis turned to Courtney. “Follow me,” he said, “We’re going to see Cooper.”
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Cooper had wondered what was up with his rising stars of news recently. They were dedicated to their work, but it seemed as though they had other things on their mind. Today, when he heard it was “Cloud and Franklin” at his door, his response was simple. “Let them in, please. It’d be my honor.” Louis walked in with a motorcycle helmet in his hand, and Courtney held his other one. The two sat down before the bossman of the now-repaired Channel 4.

“So, what are you two lookin’ to do?”
“I request your permission to do a special field report,” asked Louis, “to study the recent earthquakes around Stone Summit. With my special helmet-cam, I’ll descend into the earth, get the scoop, and come back with breaking headline news. All I need is your permission.”

Cooper tapped his fingers on his desk. Cloud and Franklin weren’t exactly expendable, but they were nowhere near the top-level employees at Channel 4. From the sound of Louis’ voice, this was going to be huge. “Sure, I’ll let you do it,” Cooper spoke, “but no funny business. Last time you two were assigned something, we were attacked by Molemen.” Cooper didn’t like the Molemen. They were the first thing in the news that had truly frightened him. “Still, I trust in you. Now go get me that scoop!”
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Louis stood outside the crater-like hole Shovel Double had left upon his departure. Courtney was by his side. It was the middle of the night, so his report was to be done in private…with good reasons. “Ty, Crystal, this is Louis here,” he spoke into his Strata Brace, “If any of you need to know where I am, just follow the trail of the Molemen and Shovel Double. By morning, I’ll have gotten that report and finished our latest Arnsak problem at the same time. Franklin and Cloud, over and out.”

“Courtney, are you ready?”
“I suppose,” Courtney said nervously, “What are you going to do?”
“I planted a micro camera in my helmet,” Louis explained, “and when I uplink with Horizon, the helm-cam becomes part of my StrataYellow suit. Simple, really.”
“Why am I going with you?” Courtney asked again.
“We’re a team, Courtney,” Louis replied, “and that means we do anything together, no matter how dangerous it is. Now, let’s go!”
“Satellite Uplink!”

The two spoke those words as they leapt into the hole. In a flash of yellow and green, they assumed their Ranger forms. Louis turned on the flashlight he’d brought with him, and saw a trail of mole footprints on the floor. “We go that way.” With nary a word, they were off and hot on the trail of the Arnsak and the scoop.

Courtney held close. The tunnel became more and more labyrinthine the further they went. It was only when the two reached a four-way intersection that trouble began to brew. “We clearly have no choice but to split up,” said Louis, “Remember, go back the way you came if the path leads to nowhere.” Courtney nodded in reply. Courtney took the path immediately to her left, and Louis the one immediately to his right.

The path was much like the others. As Courntey continued her charge, she wasn’t even sure if she was still on the right trail. She saw two sharp objects, silver-colored, glinting in the darkness. “Who goes there?” she asked, “I have a parasol, and I’m not afraid to use it.”
“Like that’ll work on me.”
“TERRA!”

Terra was waiting at the end of the trail. She had her drill drawn and her drill-endowed bustier on her body. The sharp weapon began to spin, but Courtney drew the energy shield of her Parainsol in defense. Drill point and energy barrier clashed, and in the end Courtney prevailed. She switched the Parainsol to Rifle Mode and aimed it at Terra.

“Raindrop Downpour!” Terra was pelted by the raindrops in an unending barrage. Courtney turned around and snapped her fingers, her Parainsol over her shoulder, just as Terra activated her three drills and tunneled back to the Arnsak Lair. It was then that she realized the raindrops had another effect. The cave was collapsing. Courtney ran as fast as she could outward. Time was against her.

Louis’s path had branched into two more paths. That had branched into two more. And that into two more. He’d decided and decided about which to go with, and ultimately went right, left, and right. Perhaps there was nothing down here. Louis turned around. He heard something clanking in the distance. Quickly he retreated to the small room from which he’d selected his path into this tunnel. The wall near him collapsed. Mason and Shovel Double, both laughing proudly, walked through.

“Ah, Franklin,” Mason laughed, “What brings you down here?”
“Mason and Shovel Double,” Louis spoke, for the purposes of his report, “now to see if this reporter can catch the persons responsible for this catastrophe.”
“Reporter? You sound like a detective,” Shovel Double replied.
“I’m neither,” Louis answered, “I’m one of the Strataman. …I’ll have to edit that out. GUSTBRANCH!”

Louis’s wooden wand-like weapon and Satellite Sword materialized in his hands. Mason placed his trowel to the wall and sent a mound of clay flying in Louis’ direction. Louis sent a blast of wind from the branch and reduced it to dust. “Sorry, Mason, but I’m here for my story, and nothing you say or do can stop me. Gustbranch, extend!”

The weapon increased in length and sprouted several sharp, pointy branches. Gustbranch’s leaves went from green to shades of red. Louis swung the branch like a bat and hit Mason across his side. Furiously annoyed, the sculptor retreated and asked Shovel Double to finish the job for him. The monster’s drill began to spin and his shovels pumped pneumatically up and down. Louis was taking some inspiration from his leader on finishing him off.

“Gustbranch! Satellite Sword! Cross Tornado!” The Satellite Sword and Gustbranch were put into an X formation and released a swirling, tempestuous golden wind at Shovel Double. His mechanics sped up to the point where his chassis couldn’t take it anymore, and like that, Shovel Double exploded as Louis turned around and posed. Seconds after his victory, a tired Courtney charged to his side. How she’d figured out where he was a simple combination of her Strata Brace and instinct.

“We have to get out of here!” Courtney panted, “the tunnels are going to collapse any second!”
“Then hold on,” spoke Louis, “HORIZON UPLINK!” He placed his Gustbranch in the ground and sent wave after spiraling wave of yellow energy outward. The walls shook, rocks began to fall to the floor, and clear passageways became sealed off. In a yellowish-green flash of light, Courtney and Louis were gone and safe on the Horizon. The tunnels, however, were not as lucky.
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“This is brilliant,” spoke Cooper to Cloud and Franklin the next day, “I don’t know how you got such good footage…and as the tunnels collapsed, too, but this is going on the air tonight. The people are going to want a reason for why the ground looks a little bumpy, and I have you two to thank for it. If you ever want to do a special report of your own again, just let me know. It would be my pleasure.”
“Thanks, Mr. Cooper,” said Louis, “good to hear the news.”

He and Courtney stood up and left.
“YES!” Louis cheered, “Mason’s gone!”
“Terra’s gone!” Courtney added.
“Sora would be proud,” they spoke together.
They didn’t know just how “gone” their adversaries were, but this battle would be remembered by the Arnsak for months to come.
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“This is unbelievable!” Mason ranted, “Our entire infrastructure collapsed thanks to StrataYellow and his preppy little friend! We’re trapped in our own lair because of him! These stone walls are reinforced…I built them…so we simply can’t tunnel out of here.”

“I can!” Digger raised his paw, “the Molemen can get through anything.”
“Shut up, you!” Mason ranted.
“I can get out too,” Aval teased, holding his wand in front of Mason’s face, “my magic is strong enough to send your monsters…and the person who sends them…to the surface world. How does that feel?”
“Aval, I’ll require your surfaces still,” Mason said snidely, “We’re increasing attacks by 200%.”

“Oh, what fun,” Nyx giggled coyly in the distant shadowed corner of the lair, “everyone can get to the surface but Mason and Terra. It’s positively exhilarating. And to think, I didn’t play a hand in this at all. Mason took himself out of the game by his own stupidity. And of course, his loss is my gain. I love this new development.”

Nyx retreated to the surface, leaving a shadowed trail behind her like a snail. She was going to celebrate this in the way a goddess could. It was more than a celebration – it was her next plot. Now was the time to enact it. All thanks to Mason and little Terra.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Nyx bathes in the river, only to have Tyler and Crystal spot her. Nyx sets out after them, but her body has poisoned the water. Can Ty and Crystal fight the giant Nyx AND purify Stone Summit’s sparkling waters in one day? And what about Mason and Terra?

River Nyx

[GreenNinja]

Episode 15: River Nyx

Nyx was in her natural state – there was no darkness around, so she had nothing to wrap around her body. Not that she needed it now. The dark goddess had situated herself in the mouth of the Rainy River, the swerving stream that ran through the hills and valleys of the outskirts of Stone Summit. She was singing a happy tune, delighting in a victory for her, even though she hadn’t actually won it. Nyx scooped a handful of fresh river water into her grasp and poured it over her body.

“I am free to move around,” she tra-la-la’d in a singsong voice; “Mason is stuck underground.” Her voice sung with genuine delight, “Terra will be forced to dig; I’ll be up here hitting it big. The Core is pleased with my plan, what a sad, sorry little man.” Nyx reclined and stretched her sweat-soaked body across the river. She let out a deep, ecstatic sigh and looked at her reflection. These were the kinds of days she lived for.

“Digger, honey?” she spoke. Her voice took on an echoing quality as she spoke to the underground surface world, “Can you inform The Core that I’ll be spending my day up here? Send Mason and Terra my thanks.” Digger replied with a gruff growl, and Nyx’s mind again fell silent. The sun was starting to become unbearable, and she had cleaned herself off well enough. Nyx stood up and looked down at herself. The Rainy River continued running beneath her.

Her pale gray skin, her jet-black hair and eyes; Nyx pursed her indigo lips and kissed the air before her. Water droplets were still falling off her full-figured body, and she felt as though she’d been reborn. Nyx stepped onto the land and walked into the shadow of a nearby tree. Darkness and shadow wound themselves like thread into a towel around her body. Nyx looked to the river and witnessed the effects of her being in. It started off slowly, but quickly increased.

It was a small point of black liquid spreading in the water; it then rippled outward until it engulfed an entire section of the river. The current’s natural motion carried it further and further downward. “When it approaches Stone Summit,” Nyx thought to herself, recounting the steps of her strategy, “and the citizens ingest this poisoned water, they will become my willing servants. And I know there’s nobody better than me to lead an invasion. It’s flawless. Now onto Phase Two.”

She didn’t know that Tyler and Crystal, out for a harmless walk, had spotted the whole thing.
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“Don’t worry about it, Mason,” said Terra as she sat down beside Mason in the two’s shared room, “We can find a way out. Digger’s a chump. He’ll work for sunflower seeds. We’ll be out of here in no time.” Mason turned away and threw his trusted trowel on the ground. He turned to Terra. Residue from tears was in his eyes. He’d suffered losses at the hands of the Strataman before, but never one as climactic and world-crushing as this.

“You don’t get it, Terra!” Mason screamed, “every last one of our tunnels, save for the Lair, has been collapsed! I spent ages making those perfect. Dead ends, false trails, and an easy-to-remember path for members of the Arnsak! It was my decision to expand the tunnels, and it was my fault we weakened the system to the point it fell by a single blast from StrataYellow. I’m to blame. Go enjoy yourself, Terra. Leave me be.”

“I can’t,” Terra replied, “We’re a pair. I’m not leaving your side until we find a way.” It was then that Terra noticed General Digger walking his troops past the entrance to her room. She reached out and yanked Digger in by his neck collar. The tips of her drilled bustier were aiming at Digger’s eyes. Terra knew how to threaten someone when the situation called for it.

“Listen close, rodent!” she whispered menacingly, “You put your best scouts on the job clearing those tunnels, or I swear I’ll take your stripes…and I’m NOT talking about the ones on your camo!” Digger chattered nervously and walked away. Terra had made her point notably clear. His best troops were going to start re-digging the tunnels now.
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“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Louis laughed, “I mean; you have GOT to be kidding me. Nyx contaminated the river by taking a bath in it? Stone Summit better watch out for soap suds!” Crystal, her cold and shy demeanor briefly turning to one of fire and passion, seized Louis by his arm.

“She’s going to turn people into her slaves. Mindless, unwilling servants that could serve to bring the Arnsak to the surface and defeat us easily,” spoke the girl, “so we have to find a way to stop her. I think the water Courtney produces with her powers is pure enough that if we mix the proper amount of it with Nyx’s contaminant; we may be able to dilute it until it’s useless.”

“I’ll try,” Courtney stood up, “stand back.” Courtney focused her eyes on her practice target – an empty soda can beneath her. Summoning one’s internal powers was a simple matter of focusing on what you wanted to happen. Courtney closed her hand into a fist and turned her fist as though it were a cup. Suddenly, her cheeks ballooned and she spit up a stream of sparkling water. It hit the target, but she’d taken herself off guard.

“We’re going to need to work on that,” Crystal spoke. The Horizon’s alarm sounded. Molemen were walking around downtown Stone Summit waiting for the moment. Louis stood up from the table and flipped the switch on his Strata Brace. Wind swirled around his body and transformed him into StrataYellow.

“I’ll handle the Molemen,” he said, “You guys keep planning on how to defeat Nyx’s rubber duckie.” Courtney sighed. Louis was a good friend…but his skepticism and vain hopes often didn’t mix. This was one of those times.
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Janet Prisma walked into her room and sat down. She’d just had a heavy day of running and bug-catching, often at the same time. Her trusted net rested on her shoulder. She needed a break. Janet walked into the bathroom adjacent to her sleeping quarters and filled a glass with tap water from the sink. The water had taken on a slight grayish tinge, but Janet, without her glasses, neither noticed nor cared. She downed the drink and clutched her stomach. “Not a good idea…” she thought, “I’m sicker than I was before.”

Suddenly, Janet stood still. Her mind was devoid of thoughts, save for “Wait until Nyx arrives.” She didn’t know who Nyx was, but that was the only thing keeping her running. Her mind said no. Her body said yes.
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“Gustbranch! LAST WIND!” Louis held the branch above his head and blew away the crowd of Molemen flocking in front of the convention center. The creatures willingly suffered their damage. They were doing it for the purpose of Lady Nyx, and her presence was not to be denied. Louis continued his wave of purposeful destruction, but came to a stop when he felt his spandex-covered arm sliding through a path of cold, damp air. It had gone through Nyx’s shadow-form body.

“Why, Franklin,” Nyx laughed slyly, “I have to thank you for what you did.”
“What, the Molemen?”
“No, you defeating Shovel Double and caving in the tunnel infrastructure. You just put me, Aval and that rodent above Mason and Terra.”
“And?”
“Anything that gets me power, boy, is a good thing. Now, I think it’s time I finished you off.”

Nyx wrapped her shadow form around Louis’ body and held him tight. StrataYellow could feel his energy draining. Wind was charging around his body; Louis stood up, threw his arms outward, and spread a gale that knocked Nyx up into the sky. When he looked up, panting, Nyx was standing above him…at twice her size. She bent down and held Louis’ helmet beneath her with her pinky.

“Sky Machine…Uplink!” Louis grunted, “SkyCopter, move out!” The chopper came into view as Louis jumped into its cockpit. He scraped the propellers against Nyx’s breasts and narrowly dodged a dark wind being blown by her. “C’mon, guys,” Louis thought, “I can’t form StrataRobo without you. What’s taking you so long?”
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Courtney, Tyler and Crystal had gathered at the mouth of the river, where Nyx had been bathing that morning. Crystal had devised a plan that would purify the water in an instant, but it was a gamble. She began by asking Courtney to create a waterspout. Courtney took in a deep breath and sent a stream of the purest water she could produce flowing out of her mouth. The water drenched her body until she was completely soaked. Green energy gathered around her form as Courtney stepped outside the water and left a shimmering avatar of her constructed entirely of the liquid in her place.

“I think that’s enough mass,” Crystal thought, “my turn.” Crystal clapped her hands together; her palms began to glow blue with icy energy. She ran her hands down the watery Courtney double and froze it. It now resembled a perfectly constructed ice sculpture of her. The summer sun above was already starting the final phase. Tyler, knowing time was against them, stepped in to finish the job.

He focused solar energy to his eyes and blasted a beam of light energy at the ice statue. Water droplets trickled down its surface and into the contaminated river below. With every drop that fell in, Nyx’s influence was diluted. Tyler’s power, combined with his season, made sure that after only five minutes, the statue was completely melted and the river purified. There was one final step remaining. To see if they had truly done their job.

Crystal reached down and took some of the water onto her finger. She placed the digit in her mouth and swallowed it. No ill effects. In fact, she felt even healthier than she had before. Seconds before they could celebrate, Louis’ voice came over the three Strata Braces. “We’ve got Nyx attacking the city. Where ARE you? Does this have to do with the river thing?”

“What river thing?” Courtney laughed, “We’ll be right there.”
“Satellite Uplink!”
“SkyJet!”
“SkyVan!”
“SkyCruiser!”
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SkyVan drove up the streets and blasted Nyx’s legs with concentrated beams. The dark goddess noticed the vehicles below her and roared. Tyler, not wanting to waste any time, commanded the others. “Now’s the time,” he spoke, “Let’s bring them together! GIANT UPLINK!”

SkyJet, SkyVan, SkyCopter and SkyCruiser rearranged themselves until they took the form of the giant fighter of Stone Summit. The golden-gripped Four Sword materialized in the robot’s hand, along with the circular Cycle Shield. The air erupted in glorious color as the four Rangers moved to the cockpit and held the weapon into the air. StrataRobo extended its wings.

“Flying Formation! Protector of the Skies, StrataRobo!”

“Don’t give me any of that,” Nyx scoffed, “I’m stronger than you’d ever believe.” Nyx rubbed her hands together and swept her arms in an arch formation. Something like a rainbow, but constructed entirely of shades of black, white, and gray, appeared over her head. “Betcha you haven’t seen this one before. Darkness Seven Strike!” The dim arch wound itself into a ring shape and launched towards StrataRobo. Its ring-like form wrapped around the Cycle Shield and snapped it in twain.

“Four Sword!” Tyler commanded, “Strata Guster!” Wind, snow, water and rays of solar energy spiraled about the blade and let it shine with a brilliant golden light. StrataRobo launched up into the air, performed a loop, and slashed the blade down the giant Nyx’s stomach. With the weapon stuck in her body, Tyler thought they had won. Nyx only chuckled.

“What? You think that can stop me?” Nyx plucked the sword from her belly as though it were a blade of grass in her hair and tossed StrataRobo to the ground. The systems in StrataRobo were starting to falter. Nyx blew a dark wind in the robot’s direction. Tyler, Courtney, Louis and Crystal struggled to hold on. Then they heard something coming from the distance.

Beams of turquoise energy struck Nyx in her almost-healed gash, opening up old wounds once more. StrataRobo turned its mechanical head and saw Great Atlas standing above it. A faint teal aura surrounded it. Yet, Louis’ scan showed no pilot. Great Atlas raised its hands above its head as a spinning, shining avatar of the Earth appeared. Somewhere in the Strataman’s heads a voice echoed the name of the attack.

“EARTH….ROLLOUT!” Great Atlas sent the ball spinning towards Nyx, a giant boulder of this blue planet. Nyx took the brunt of the hit and landed on the ground, directly in the path of the sun. She could feel her body weakening. When the giant goddess looked down, she saw the river beneath her. “Yes…” Nyx whispered, “Yes!” Nyx scooped a handful of water from the river, creating waves in the current beneath. She took it into her mouth.

Nyx began screaming in agonizing pain. “This water is pure!” she hollered, “I’ve never tasted anything so…clean. Who’s responsible for this? I made myself look beautiful so I could take over your stupid surface world and this is how you repay me? Someday, Strataman, we will meet again!” Nyx returned to normal size and slunk, like a shadow, beneath the surface. All the four could do was stand around aimlessly. When they turned to check, Great Atlas had vanished.
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“Cura,” spoke Aval. Nyx felt the pure water be removed from her body. She breathed another sigh of relief, this one on her healing. “It wouldn’t have killed you, Nyx,” Aval sneered, “at best it would’ve weakened your powers for the next few days.” Nyx stared at the wizard with fury.

“And you think that’s a GOOD thing?”
“Well…” Aval wasn’t sure of what to say.

Meanwhile, Terra was holding her drill to mindless Moleman troops and instructing them to dig through the large, dirt-filled archway. As of now, they’d cleared away half of the first layer of blockage, but there were many more tunnels and much more and tougher dirt to shovel away. She and Mason were making progress…for now. The Core watched from his chambers. The dynamics were just so….interesting. Hopefully such tension could remain. It would be all the better for him.

Digger stood aside and thought one thought to himself. “Wait, so how come nobody’s payin’ attention to little old me? If it wasn’t for me sendin’ up the first wave, the Strataman would never have been born!” Digger walked back to meet The Core. He had some issues he wanted to get sorted out.

Major issues.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Digger gets permission to send up most of the Moleman troops to attack the surface. In four separate locations, they attack, with an Armored Moleman leading the charge. Terra tries to convince her old partner Nyx to help out, but Nyx refuses. Can the Strataman handle the onslaught of mole soliders?

Molemen Unleashed

[GreenNinja]

Episode 16: Molemen Unleashed

Of course Digger was chosen to be the leader of the Molemen. He was the only one that could walk like a human, talk like a human, and command them like a human. This skill had proven invaluable to the Arnsak, as the Molemen were efficient and powerful soldiers to be used in sneak attacks and the like. Recent tensions in the Arnsak, though, had made Digger feel ignored. So he was going to go to The Core and talk about it. Man-to-giant-flaming-ball.

“Yeesh, it’s hot in here,” Digger thought as he walked down the corridor to The Core’s circular chamber, “now I know why only Aval can survive being in here.” He stood in front of The Core, cleared his throat, and looked upwards. “Uh, Core? Sir? Your majesty? I have something I’d like to request.”

“Who are you again?” asked the flaming ball.
He replied, “General Digger. Y’know, the Molemen troop commander.”
“Yes, the rodent,” hissed The Core, “Why do you intrude into my chamber?”
“I, well, see, I have a request.”
“Name it.”
“I want to send all the Molemen to the surface. Well, most of them.”
“For what reason?”
“The Strataman.”
“I approve.”

Digger grinned nervously. He didn’t have to give any further explanation. He was simply allowed to do it. That worked, yes, indeed, that worked.
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“Crystal?” asked Louis, “Are you feeling alright?” Crystal Prisma was sitting at the table, her head on her arms. Her eyes fluttered up and down, and the Winter Crystal gemstone on her neck shone with a flickering blue light. Crystal briefly snapped from this state and turned to Louis. She let out a deep yawn as she extended her arms.

“I’m fine,” Crystal said, “Just sleeping.”
“You have a reason for that?” Louis was perplexed.
“I found no trace for Eloi in the conscious world,” Crystal’s voice echoed, as though she was speaking from another place, “so I was seeing if I could find any clues in the unconscious world.”
“Sure, you go back to doing that,” Louis scratched his head.
Crystal did as such.
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“Digger doesn’t seem to be here today,” Mason commented, “and he pledged his allegiance to us or else. We’ve got part of the main path cleared, but the vast, expansive tunnel system remains blocked.” He turned to Terra, who now had a smirk and a gleam in her eye. She was looking at a dark spot on the rocky wall, which would only be one person. She took her drill from her outfit and rammed it into that spot.

The shadow darted off the wall and materialized into Nyx. Nyx clutched her stomach and looked at the earthen girl in anger. “What was that for, you little wench?” she asked, “I’m still recovering from the blow dealt by Great Atlas, and I don’t need you sticking your drill in places it doesn’t belong.”

“So you can’t leave either?” Terra smirked. Nyx’s anger turned to a frown.
“What do you want?” she sighed, “Tell me now.”
“Help us tunnel out of here, or I’ll force you into doing it.”
“This is just because you helped me in obtaining Sora’s powers, twerp,” the dark goddess snarled, “You and Mason can be all lovey-dovey down here all you want. I don’t need you, and I don’t need anybody.”

Aval teleported himself into the room in a pillar of flame. “My, my, Nyx,” he spoke to himself, “aren’t you the temperamental little shadow? The Core will not be pleased with this.” Aval raised his wand and zapped himself into The Core’s central chamber. Nyx was his rival now, and he would stop at nothing to make her appear less than immortal.
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Digger stood in the dead center of Stone Summit (actually on top of a water fountain, now still) with the largest group of Molemen ever amassed standing before him. He had ten minutes before the sun rose over Stone Summit and the water fountain activated, so he had to make this quick. Digger drew a baton and pointed in the four cardinal directions, using the statues on the fountain as a guide. Instructions had to be clear-cut. This was his most important mission for the Arnsak…ever.

“TROOPS!” bellowed the rodent, “Today is the day we lay siege the world aboveground and claim this land in the name of The Core, his Mighty Burningness. Platoon A, take the northern path and attack the park. Platoon B, take the southern path and attack the suburbs. Platoon C, march down the western path and get the downtown area. Finally, Platoon D, go eastward and destroy the lake. Now, if you, the Moleman in the front, could please step forward.” He pointed to a mole slightly taller than the others. The rodent walked ahead and stepped onto the fountain with Digger.

“You, Cadet Scratch,” Digger announced as he placed a spiked helmet, like that of an old Roman solider, atop his head, “have advanced to the rank of Armored Commander for this day. Now, troops; go forth and make The Core proud! By the time today is done with, Stone Summit will belong…?

“…to the moles.”
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Horizon’s alarm systems sounded on and off with Crystal not noticing them. Courtney cocked her finger as though it were a gun and let loose a steam of water at Crystal’s head. She didn’t stir. Tyler gathered the rest of the team and looked at the radar. “We’ve got a group of Molemen scattered at four different locations across the city,” he stated, “I’ll take the suburbs. Courtney, take the lake. Louis, take the park.” The others nodded in agreement. They stood in formation and performed their transformation together.

“Satellite Uplink!”

Meanwhile, in Crystal’s mind, she was slowly finding herself…and perhaps, the answer to the question of the mysterious Eloi.
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“Crystal?” echoed a voice inside of her mind, “Crystal, can you hear me?” Crystal turned around on the barren blue-and-white landscape to see a shadowed figure standing on the snowy hillside in the dim morning sun. His voice was calming, confident, and intelligent. Crystal took one step into the snow and found herself suddenly in front of the figure.

She couldn’t see him, still. “Yes, I hear you,” Crystal answered, “What do you want?”
“There are things in heaven and earth, my dear, which you do not yet understand.”
“Pardon?”
“Think about it. All the clues are pointing you towards it.”
“Can you stop being so vague?”
“Before you go ahead, you must look behind.”
“Speak clearly!”

“Go talk to Sora about it. She can tell you the story.”
“But Sora’s…”
“Use the Winter Crystal. It is a valuable gem, for more reasons than one.”

That said, Crystal snapped from her trance and woke up.
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Rows of similar-looking houses lined the streets the Molemen troops marched down in single file. Tyler, his two swords in hand, landed on the asphalt and looked at the rodent soldiers, who turned their heads to see him. “Sorry,” he said, “but you’re not going any further. These houses belong to the people. SOLABLADE! SATELLITE SWORD!” The former weapon appeared in his right hand, the latter in his left. He put them together for a crushing blow.

“Cross Ray!” Sunlight hit the point where the blades met and shot outward like a laser. Molemen standing in the way were incinerated, and the few surviving were already chattering their buck teeth in fear of the fate they would meet. Tyler uncrossed his swords and leapt into battle. With graceful slashes he cut them down until the streets were emptied of the Molemen invasion. He then heard footsteps behind him.

“Very nice, Apollo,” clicked General Digger, “but your battle is only….shtarting.”
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A Moleman bit into the tree at the lake, finding it quite a tasty treat. His brethren ran around, causing general havoc at the beautiful body of water. Then the lake’s center began to spiral into a whirlpool. From that whirlpool rose none other than Courtney herself, her Parainsol and Satellite Sword in hand. She flung the sword towards the Moleman at the tree, and in doing so, finished him with a single blow. She leapt from the water, grabbed the sword, and turned towards the troops.

“I’ve been training, you know,” she commented, crossing her weapons, “Cross Typhoon!” Water spiraled in two jets at the Molemen. They could not escape its force, and when the jets converged into one, they were finished. Courtney struck a victorious pose, and heard a voice come over her Strata Brace. It was the last person she would’ve been expecting.

“Don’t worry about the city,” said the voice, “I can handle it.”
“Crystal? Weren’t you…”
“That which was once misty has cleared. I can see my future.”
“Uh…alright.”
“Victory is certain.”
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Crystal walked into the city. She grabbed her Strata Brace, pressed down on the activation key, and spoke her transformation phrase. “Satellite….Uplink!” Despite it being the middle of the summer, snow fell from the clouds and took the shape of her uniform. She, too, summoned her Satellite Sword, along with her frozen pickaxe, the Stalactice. Molemen gathered before her. They’d heard that Crystal was the weakest of the team, and thought she’d be easy pickings.

Molemen, for the record, aren’t the smartest creatures.

Crystal crossed her weapons and unleashed an attack never unleashed before. “Cross…Blizzard!” she declared. A flurry of snow, ice, hail, and freezing cold water shot from the point where her weapons intersected. The Molemen were left solid as ice statues on a hot summer’s day. Crystal raced across the field, her Satellite Sword clinking on the frozen rodents, and struck a pose against the block.

“No one can stop me now,” she declared. By this point, Louis had handled the park quite nicely through means of a Cross Tornado, and had rejoined with the others to meet with Crystal. They thought they had conquered the Molemen invasion, but General Digger and Promoted Cadet Scratch stood on top of a building. Digger handed Scratch a fireball, conjured from Aval’s energy.

“Hello, Strataman,” spoke the mole, “So, you think it’s done with?”
“What do you have left to fight with?” Crystal shouted.
“Scratch here is your next challenge,” Digger snerked, “Get them.”

Scratch clutched the fireball in his fist and leapt down. He grew massive in size, just as the previous Armored Moleman had done. Digger, certain of his victory, tunneled beneath the ground and left this problem up to the Strataman. Within seconds, the Sky Machines had arrived, the Rangers had strapped in, and the tide of battle was about to turn.

“Giant Uplink! StrataRobo!”
“Four Sword!” Tyler announced.
“Not just yet,” Crystal took something from her pocket, “I found a new add-on for our flying formation.”
“Where?” Courtney questioned.
“Sora always keeps things around should we need them,” Crystal spoke, “Tyler, install this.”

She had handed Tyler a key with the Strataman insignia on top. Tyler took the key, inserted it into the control panel, and turned it 90 degrees. Lights lit up in the cockpit. Energy gathered at StrataRobo’s arms as wing-like blades appeared. “Twister Edge, online!” Tyler declared, “These things look sharp.”

“Wish we had these when I was leading…” Courtney spoke, “Our power’s…”
“Our power’s increased greatly,” Louis commented, “To battle!”

The two Twister Edge blades swung across the Armored Moleman’s plating. Cadet Scratch thought himself impenetrable and invincible (he also thought that he could tunnel through the sky), and was surprised when the top of his helmet was lopped off and gashes were made in his armor. The Twister Edges were put into Cross Formation and unleashed a wave of energy that knocked Cadet Scratch to his feet. The final blow was now.

“Initiate…” Tyler spoke into the control panel, “Twister Edge!”
“Elemental Spiral Maximum!” shouted the four at once. StrataRobo reared back its arms and set itself spinning in an unstoppable whirlwind of snow, rain, wind, and flame. The four elements converged into a golden, shining power never seen before. It broke through Cadet Scratch’s armor, and from there on out, finished him as easily as a regular Moleman.

StrataRobo ceased its spinning, turned around with its back to the explosion, and had its pilots celebrate on a combined victory. General Digger wouldn’t receive news of his loss until much later in the day. Lucky for him, The Core had other matters he was being forced to attend to.
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“Will you two shut it up already?” the voice of the magma ball roared through the Arnsak chambers, “Nyx, do something to help her out or I’ll have you both put into Digger’s army? Understood?” The girls sighed in understanding. Nyx was furious. Terra was an ally, but an expendable one. To have to force herself to actually WORK for somebody other than herself was appalling.

Nyx turned into a shadow and slid through the heavy, solid layers of dirt, rock and debris still clogging the paths. An explosion of black smoke and energy cleared away the entire first tunnel. Nyx, slouching, walked past Terra and gave her a disaffected shrug. “Remember this, drill girl,” she said, “Nyx works for nobody but herself. Consider this a favor…but I won’t be so generous next time.”

To Terra, those were fighting words.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Sora speaks for the first time since her defeat, and Crystal believes it to mean something. It takes her back to the jeweler’s (now oddly empty), and files never meant to be uncovered are found. Is someone who was never meant to be aboard Horizon on it? Is Crystal going crazy, and can Tyler make sure she’s still sane before the chase concludes?

Earth’s Gift

[GreenNinja]

Episode 17: Earth’s Gift

She looked so peaceful that way. Sora had been out for a month or two now, and the Strataman had come to accept it. They wished for the days when she was fighting alongside them, but realized those days were long gone. Crystal made the most frequent checks on Sora’s state of conciousness, but as the summer months passed, she was starting to see the truth.

“Nyx and Terra really did a number on her,” Crystal thought, “but I want to know – why is it that she made that mistake? And why was ‘Find Eloi’ her only clue? I’ve found no leads, no additional clues, nothing.” She sat down beside Sora, asleep in her bed as usual, and placed her hand to the skygoddess’ head. “Sora, I know you can still hear us. So please, give me a sign.”

It was 4 o’clock in the morning, and the fatigue of the day was starting to set in Crystal. The Winter Crystal around her neck illuminated the darkness. Sora’s lips began to move. Syllables came slowly and quietly, but they were being spoken nonetheless. “Sum…” she whispered, “Summer.” Crystal leaned in to hear well. “Summer”, that was a start.

“Summerti…” Sora strained to speak in her sleep, “Summertime.”
“Summertime? Is there any more?”
“Summertime.”

Sora’s lips stopped moving. She returned to the state she’d been in before, yet her word still echoed in Crystal’s mind. “Summertime,” she thought, “Summertime. It has to mean something. Perhaps…” a thought sparked, “It’s related to Eloi! I have to go find the others!”
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Crystal found Courtney and Louis in the center of the park on this rainy summer’s day. She was wearing a green bikini while he, dressed in a yellow poncho, filmed a video advertising the fun of summer. The rainy skies weren’t the best option, but they could edit those to be clear and blue at a later time. As raindrops fell in Crystal’s hand, they turned into snowflakes which she dropped on the ground.

“Courtney!” she called, “Louis!”
“Crystal, that you?” Louis took his eye off the camera’s eyepiece, “What’s so important?”
“Eloi!”
“You’ve found him?” Courtney asked.
“No, but I have a clue.”
“Well, say it,” spoke Louis.
“Summertime.”
“Anything else?”
“That’s it. Now what are you up to?”

Louis explained the situation, and decided they could do this film on another day. Courtney pulled a dry T-shirt and shorts over her body and slipped on a green poncho. “Tyler’s visiting the museum today,” Courtney explained, “They’re having an exhibit on the history of flight. We can find him there. I’m sure he knows what to do.”

“Then why are we standing here?” Crystal grabbed Louis and Courtney by the arms, “Let’s GO!”
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The local Air and Space Museum in Stone Summit wasn’t quite as grand as its National cousin, but it satisfied Diane and Tyler enough for today’s visit. Diane was peering into a telescope when she felt something hit her across her back. She looked up to see that it was Louis. “Hey, Di,” he said cheerfully, “How goes thing?” Diane rubbed her eye and looked back to see Courtney, Louis and Crystal there along with her brother.

“Fine, until you made me hit myself in the eye with my telescope,” Diane sighed, “What brings you here? It’s raining a storm out there.”
Crystal leaned to Diane’s ear and whispered, “Sora’s given me a clue. Summertime.”
“Summertime is the clue?”
“Didn’t I just say that?”
Tyler was already deep in thought.

“Summer…the current season, of course. My season. If I remember Sora’s words, summer is associated with the Northern Wind and the sun. Sun…time. How do the two go together?” He finished his pondering and turned to the others. “I think I’ve got it.” Tyler slipped on his raincoat and pointed to outside the museum. Louis, Crystal and Courtney crowded at the window to see where he was directing them to look.

“I get it now…” Crystal gasped, “It makes so much sense.” At no hesitation, the four went out into the rain. Diane told them to hold back, but the mission of the Strataman superseded the mission of staying dry.
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A sundial. That was what Sora was referring to. This sundial had been in Stone Summit since the earliest days of its founding, and was preserved outside the museum for that very reason. Tyler, Crystal, Courtney and Louis each touched a hand to the slippery wet stone. As they did, Crystal repeated a thought in her mind. “Sora, I don’t know what you intend to tell us…but whatever it is, tell us now.”

Lights in the four colors lit up in the twelve grooves of the giant sundial. The dial spun into the air until it was the size of a watch. It landed in Tyler’s hands. He felt it. It was still made of polished stone, but it felt so much more…potent now. A black leather strap materialized beneath the gray rock, and the sundial strapped itself to Tyler’s wrist. He looked to Crystal and wondered what it was.

“I don’t know,” she answered, “but it looks like it’s…glowing.” It was glowing. Tyler pressed down on the triangle-shaped arrow at the edge of the Dial Watch. Much to his surprise, it folded downward until it was invisible amongst the stone. The grooves telling the hours lit up in rapid succession. Raindrops fell slower and slower until one stopped just above Courtney’s head. Louis turned to his girl and looked her in the eye.

“Did you do that?” he queried.
“…no…” Courtney spoke slowly and clearly, “The best I could do is start a small rainfall. But stopping one? It’s beyond my power.”
“Look,” Tyler pointed out.

All around them, people had stopped moving. Time itself had ground to a halt. Birds’ wings weren’t flapping. People weren’t talking. Everything was frozen the way it was, as if some macabre oil painting had replaced the world….except for the four protégés of the Sky Goddess Sora. A beam of light shot into the sky, and Crystal’s azure gemstone on her neck began to sparkle. She nodded, and the others understood. They had to go to where that light was leading them.

It was a straightforward walk, since there were no obstacles in their path. Even the tiniest of things had ceased to move. Tyler looked to his wrist. “This thing feels heavier than it ought to,” he said, “this…Dial Watch, I think it’s called. It’s as though it’s pulling me towards…”

“The jeweler’s.”
“Huh?” Louis scratched his head.
“I tried to go here the day Terra attacked,” Crystal explained, “and I came here when Flower Dragon was attacking. The shopkeeper, Eliot, he’s a nice guy, but I wonder if he’ll notice us.”
“Nobody will notice us,” Courtney said, “We’re the only people in the world right now.”

Hesitatingly the four walked ahead. The door to Eliot’s Fine Jewelry and Watches was already open, but it’s not as though anyone would notice them entering. This was where the beam of light had been coming from. As soon as Tyler set foot inside the store, the Dial Watch freed itself from his wrist and flew behind the counter. Tyler, Courtney, Crystal and Louis leapt the counter, being careful not to break the glass. Eliot was nowhere to be seen.

The Dial Watch flew through the air like a miniature UFO, cruising around corners until it attached itself to a spot on the stone wall in the back. It turned to the left, to the right, and to the left again, clicking incessantly. A hidden safe in the wall swung open, narrowly missing the wall before it. Silently, Crystal approached the safe and looked at the contents within.

A single scroll, made of old-fashioned parchment and tied with a silver string, lay in the wall. “Should we open it?” asked Miss Prisma, “Sora was leading us here….I know it.”
“Crystal…” Tyler said, placing his hand to her shoulder, “I respect you and love you as a friend…but you’re not the kind to read other’s private writings.”
“This was MEANT for us.”
“Crystal!” Courtney shouted, “You can’t be serious.”
“Are you sure Sora even said ‘summertime’?” Louis asked, “We may have been led on a wild goose chase.”
“Then why are we here, with time stopped and all the time in the world to read such a precious scroll?” Crystal said, untying the string, “I’m reading it.” She unraveled the parchment and looked at the clear black ink on the page. Her mouth spoke the words in amazement. Looking to the others around her, she decided to read aloud. “This is important,” she whispered, “so important…”
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“…so important that it’s better if it’s forgotten. The Arnsak, led by the God of the Underworld himself, are threatening to impose their reign on all of humanity unless action is taken immediately. This is why I’ve set a temporary time-stop over the Earth so that we can work matters out. Sadly, the circumstances have forced me into being the de facto leader.

“Sora is well-trained in the ways of Gaia, but she has other matters that must be attended to. Young Persephone is having a normal childhood, with a loving mother and father, although I’m not certain how much longer that will last. Molemen and magic of all sorts are around lately. I fear for the worst. If humanity does weather through this war, know that we tried our hardest to protect you, even if not all of us are still around to tell you that.

“To my comrades in battle – Sora, Herakles, little Persephone and the Sages of the Four Seasons – know that our moment is at hand. To my children of the future, should you find this, I hope you understand.

“From the documents of…
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“…Eloi.”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Courtney exclaimed, “Are you sure that says Eloi?”
“E-L-O-I,” Crystal spelled out, “Can’t be any other name.”
“I never should’ve doubted you,” Louis said, “This…this is unreal.”
“Time’s still stopped, you know,” Tyler answered, “Perhaps we should go check on Sora.”
“But she’s still comatose,” Louis reacted.
“And the world is frozen,” Tyler replied, “I don’t think it makes a difference.”
“HORIZON UPLINK!”
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Tyler led the way through Horizon, running ever-faster in the direction of Sora’s chamber. Since the satellite was not in use, the lights were dimmed. As the four rounded the corner to Sora’s room, they could see someone standing by her bedside. A quick check confirmed that it was clearly none of them. They could hear his voice resounding through the hallways. It was wise, friendly…almost calming, coming from this stranger.

His silhouette suggested a tall, middle-aged man with a rounded nose and domed forehead. Hair was above his ears, and a pair of glasses was in front of his eyes. He kneeled down at Sora’s bed and whispered to her. “You have taught them well, Sora,” he said, “let today be proof of that. No, I do not feel it is time to reveal myself to them yet. The situation is hardly dire enough. I’ve found nothing on him and her yet, so just keep waiting. I’m sure the land you see in your dreams is more peaceful and inviting than the harsh reality we all must encounter. Now, I believe it’s time to set the world back in motion.”

The man stood up and tapped something on his wrist. Down below, the world unfroze. Diane looked outside and noticed that Tyler and his friends were gone. She assumed they’d walked to elsewhere. Earth hadn’t skipped a beat. Tyler set his fist alight with the power of the sun and charged towards the mysterious man. “You!” he said, “What are you doing here? How do you know of this place? I WANT ANSWERS!”

When Tyler ran in, the man was nowhere to be found. Only Sora, her eyes still closed and her body still slowly healing was there. Crystal approached the Sky Goddess and touched her hand to her forehead yet again. “Sora, thank you,” she whispered, “Eloi will be found someday. We, the children of the future you fought for, can promise that. Stay strong.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nyx was outside in the bleak blackness of the stars that night. She laughed to herself and caressed her chest. Sora’s power was still within her body, and had increased her strength by many a fold. She’d heard rumors of a crimefighting hero racing about the stars, and had plans for him. Plans that would make The Core proud of her…well, prouder than he was already.

Nyx gathered a ball of darkness in her hand and projected it into the clouds. It served as a tractor beam to haul an odd-looking spaceship to Earth. A masked figure looked out the dark goddess, his ship’s path suddenly redirected. “Who are you?” barked the hero, “You’re not…”

“Hush,” Nyx whispered, “and look at what I have to give you.”
The masked man fell unconscious.
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Another day and night of digging had taken its toll on Terra and Mason. The two walked into their room and settled. “Mason?” Terra asked, “It feels as though we’ve been together forever now. Can you tell me…again…?”
“That old story?” Mason answered, “Sure. Listen closely.”

“I was coming home from carving a statue for a noble when I saw this girl lying in the middle of a tunnel. She was unconscious. I took her back to my home, here, in the Arnsak, and nursed her to health. When that girl awoke, she had no memory of her name or where she had come from, but it was quite clear she loved the Earth in all of its forms. I took her under my wing, having her find the clay I needed to sculpt with her impeccable sense of direction. Since then, that girl and I have been the best pair anyone could ask for.”

“And what was that girl’s name?”

“Her name…was Terra.”

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

The four Strataman members spend a night at the beach, stargazing and frolicking about in the sand. Then a wolfish creature claiming to be Star Sirius, the Galaxy Dog, attacks. Will this beach party be brought to a halt, or is “Star Sirius” really what he claims to be? A fellow hero? A vicious creature? And why is Nyx as content with herself as she moonbathes from afar?

Dog Days of Summer, Part 1

[GreenNinja]

Ocean Fleet cameos and death by model airplane make up this episode. Enjoy.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Episode 18: Dog Days of Summer, Part 1

The beach was the most picturesque version of a summer’s day you could ask for. Sparkling sandy shores and glimmering waves, blue skies without a cloud in sight, and beachgoers flocking to enjoy these days as far as the eye could see. One particular group of partiers consisted of Louis Franklin, Courtney Cloud, Crystal Prisma, and Tyler Apollo. Their Strata Braces were kept in their beach bags, for today was a today to relax without fear of the Arnsak.

“Can’t wait to dive in,” said Courtney, today wearing a green bikini (the same one she had worn when the Documents of Eloi were uncovered), “it looks so peaceful out there.” She shuffled through her back and pulled out a bottle of SPF 50 sunblock. “Louis, would you help me out?” Courtney lay down a towel and stretched across the sands.

“I was going to make a sandcastle first, but sure,” Louis said. Courtney untied the back of her bikini top and waited. Louis took the bottle, squirted some of the sunscreen into his hands, and began applying it across Courtney’s back. “Ty, Crystal, do whatever you like. That’s why we’re here.”

“Thanks,” Crystal said happily.
“Will do,” Tyler saluted.

Ty and Crystal walked down the beach away from Courtney and Louis. “Check it out,” Tyler commented, “Dr. Magell’s Ocean Treasures exhibit’s here today.”
“Sponsored by Verne Labs,” read Crystal from the sign, “Sounds fun.”
“Hey there, you two,” said a black-haired man in front of them, wearing a gray-colored pair of swim trunks, “Dave’s the name. So, you’re here for the exhibit?”
“Need to pay anything?” Crystal asked.
“It’s free,” said Dave, “come on in.”

Dave took the two into the wooden building where a myriad of priceless finds from the sea had been set up. The central display case contained seven stones in various colors with a plaque reading “Spirit Totems.” A girl walked up beside Dave. She had long, blonde hair and a gem around her neck that vaguely recalled Crystal’s. “Pammy!” Dave exclaimed, “I was wondering when you’d get back.”

“Dave, I was taking a bathroom break,” sighed Pamela Gidget, “Can you let me leave your sight for a second?”
“You never know, Beaumont could be out there plotting his revenge.”
“Who are the new guys?”
“…I never did get your names.”
“Tyler Apollo,” Tyler shook the two’s hands.
“Crystal Prisma,” she did the same.
“Tyler, Crystal,” Pamela said, “Pleasure to meet you. Dr. Magell had to speak at the opening of a new museum back in Windy Peaks, but we’ll tell him he found some new fans.”
“Much appreciated,” Tyler answered, “We’ll look around a little while longer.”

The two saw chests of pirate gold, treasures supposedly from the Neptunian Kingdom and more in the exhibit before heading back to Courtney and Louis. Courtney stood up and retied her top, stretching and turning to Louis. “Okay, you can do whatever you want,” she said, “I have a day at the beach.” Louis took the bottle in hand and tried to squeeze out the last drop of sunscreen. But there was none. Courtney had used it all.

“That’s the breaks,” Tyler laughed.
“I can already tell this will be great,” Crystal laughed.
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Nyx had to hide in the shadows during the daytime. Too long in the sun and her powers would vanish. This is why she had previously been the sub-chief general of the Underminers. The Underminers were led by the great Empress Jewel, but the empire collapsed when an agent from elsewhere infiltrated the barrier and destroyed their power source. Most of the forces were lost, and among the rubble was Nyx. She was the sole survivor, she thought, and while the Arnsak wasn’t her home territory, she could adapt. Her powers could be put to other uses.

Nyx held a black leash, made of the same dark material that her hair had formed from, in her hand. The leash extended into a shadowy portal resting on the ground. Mad barking sounds roared from within. “When the moon is out tonight,” Nyx whispered, “my plan will come to fruition. I didn’t go to all this trouble just to humiliate you. No, I want this to be the victory that makes me the best. But, of course, I have a backup plan in mind.

“No person of my caliber should go without one.”
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Time passed, and the sun began to set on the horizon. The blazing-hot sand had cooled down, and a crisp breeze began to blow through the shores. Tyler reached into his bag and took out a retractable telescope. “Diane leant me this,” he explained, “I just have to return it to her in good condition, and we’re all good.” The lenses were adjusted the eyepiece moved into position. Everyone took turns looking at the marvels of space above them.

“Wow, that one’s really bright,” Courtney said, “What is it?”
“That’s Sirius, the dog star,” Louis answered.
“It shows in the summer skies, usually when things are the hottest,” Tyler said, “the Dog Days of Summer.”
“Very interesting,” Crystal commented, “Any reason the star is heading towards us?”
“It’s WHAT?!” Louis shouted.

A streak of silver light flashed in the night and coursed through the sky, whirring as it hurtled on a collision course towards Earth. By fate and Nyx’s steady hand it landed some distance down on the beach, sending up a cloud of sand. Louis called for a gust of wind to dispel the sand cloud spreading across the beach, and the four decided to investigate.

A spaceship, sleek and silver, with a nose shaped like a wolf’s, was resting in the sands. The last flames died from the engines. Tyler opened the hatch to investigate. Nobody in there. All he could see was pure blackness and little else. Then a pair of yellow eyes shone, and a figure jumped into the moonlight. Tyler created a sphere of light in his hands to better view the creature.

“What are you?” he asked.
“I am…” spoke the figure in a gruff voice, “Star Sirius! The Galaxy Dog!”

Star Sirius’ outfit was primarily a silvery-black, but blue outlines ran along the edges. Five lines crossed on his chest to make a star, and his helmet included a set of dog ears, leaving a space open for his lupine mouth. Star Sirius clenched his black gloves and reached for the air. He pulled a cannon with a wolf’s-head in the front out of nowhere. “You heroes are getting in on my territory,” growled Sirius, “and it ends tonight.”

“This doesn’t make sense,” Courtney interjected, “I may not know you, but the outfit, the posture, everything about you…it seems like you’d be one of the good guys.”
“Well, little girl, appearances can be deceiving. Howling Moon Shot!” He pressed the trigger on his Wolf Cannon and launched a beam of silver energy in Courtney’s direction. Crystal created a veil of ice around her to shield the attack. She looked to Tyler, knowing that he already was prepared.

“Strata Braces!” four transformation devices appeared at their wrists. “Satellite Uplink!” Four rays of light shot from Horizon in the heavens It wrapped around the heroes as they leapt onto the cliff, opposite Star Sirius, and announced their names with Tyler leading the fanfare.

“Blazing heat! StrataRed!”
“Gusting wind! StrataYellow!”
“Chilling snow! StrataBlue!”
“Falling rain! StrataGreen!”
“Four as one, the defenders of the Eternal Cycle!”
“Suihei Sentai…”
“STRATAMAN!”

Star Sirius chuckled. “There are four of you and one of me. In my short life, I’ve already conquered three overlords, saved countless planets, and gained the admiration of the galaxy. You, however, are nothing but miserable little humans still on Earth with nothing to your name. Wolf Cannon….HOWLING MOON SHOT!”

“Parainsol!” Courtney was ready for the attack this time. She extended the umbrella’s protective energy shield and absorbed the Howling Moon Shot with ease. The shield was retracted as Courtney unleashed a “Raindrop Downpour!” in Star Sirius’ direction. The wolf was unharmed by the attack.

“What’s with this guy?” Crystal growled, “Stalatctice!” She unleashed an Avalanche Point Break across the ground, but Star Sirius shrugged it off with no problem. He tapped his finger to his ear, activating a communicator, and spoke to Nyx.

“I’ve got the Strataman within range. When should I initiate the attack?”
“Play with them a little longer,” Nyx answered coyly, “then leave the rest to me.”
“Yes, my mistress.”
-
Nyx, at the moment, wasn’t seeing the battle. She was reclining on a chair, the shadows casting away from her body, moonbathing. Being a goddess of the dark, moonbathing was the only way she could retain the complexion she loved. The silvery rays hit against her skin, giving her a tingling delight. That same mysterious leash was still wrapped around her wrist, leading to a dark portal to nowhere. Something thrashed about inside.

“I told you to stay still!” Nyx growled.
“Must…destroy…kill…render…rip…” the voice within growled.
“When my plan comes to the completion of the first phase, then you can.”
“Fine, but remember, you promised.”
“I know. And Nyx is never one to go back on her promises.”
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Tyler raced to his bag and took out a model airplane and a small drill bit. He painted a thin layer of glue onto the plane’s front propeller and applied the drill. “Louis, over here!” he called out. Louis raced to his side and asked Tyler what he was doing in the middle of a battle.

“If we’re going to pierce Star Sirius’ armor, we’ll have to take him by surprise. Now, this glue needs to quick-dry, so can you give me a wind or two?” Louis waved his hand through the air and summoned a cold, quick breeze. The breeze solidified the drill bit to the front of the airplane. Tyler took out his remote control and turned to his partner. “Run a distraction and leave the rest to me.”

Louis charged ahead. “CROSS TORNADO!” Yellow wind spun outward and rattled Star Sirius’ armor. Courtney and Crystal performed their Cross attacks, further giving him trouble. Star Sirius took his Wolf Cannon and pressed his finger down on the trigger. Energy gathered in the cannon’s front, growing with every second. This could only mean one thing.

“My hissatsu attack,” roared the space dog, “Full Moon Howling Strike!” The consequent release of energy took the shape of a wolf made of energy. It ripped shreds in the suits of the three standing against it and brought them to near the brink of defeat. When the smoke, sand and debris had cleared, Star Sirius looked up to see something flying above him. It was a small, red model airplane heading his way.

“What is this?”
“A T-100 Firebird,” Tyler explained as he walked onto the scene with his remote control in hand, “While we were fighting, I noticed every time you charged an attack, your energy core on your chest started to glow and immediately closed. So if I waited until AFTER an attack…”
“Wh-what are you doing?”
“Bye.”

The model airplane’s drill spun in tune with its propeller and bore through the rather fragile gem on Star Sirius’ chest. The space dog’s suit, now lacking a power source, began to spark. His Wolf Cannon fell from his hands and small explosions rose across his body. With every passing second he was getting weaker until, finally, he turned around, became engulfed by an explosion…

…and when the flames ceased, a wisp of dark energy passed away.
“Did we just kill a space hero?” Courtney gasped, “We’ve become murderers.”
“That wasn’t the real Star Sirius,” Tyler said, “The dark energy reading I got from him was the same as that we’ve seen on someone very familiar.”
“You can’t mean….” Louis said.
“Nyx?” Crystal questioned.
“Exactly.”
“But if that was a fake…” Courtney began.
Louis finished, “Then where’s the real Star Sirius?”

In front of the moon appeared a womanly silhouette which descended to Earth on the rays of silver light. Nyx had planned this spectacular entrance for some time. She landed on the cliff where the fake Star Sirius had once been and yanked the leash still held around her wrist. From the dark portal that she had always kept in close proximity arose something vicious. Something terrifying. The thing she’d been keeping with her this whole time.

The suit was all black, and very much like Star Sirius’. Red outlines were around the edges, and no energy core was present. His helmet was gone, and a leash was around his neck. He had dark gray fur and onyx eyes that sparkled in the darkness. “Logan, my dear,” Nyx said affectionately, “They’re the ones I want you to rip asunder. Now go and carry out my duty!”

“It shall be done,” growled Logan in a gruff voice.
“Is that…?” Louis asked.
“Why, yes, Franklin,” Nyx laughed, “the REAL Star Sirius. Logan. He’s my little pet now. Enjoy your final moments.”

With that, Nyx vanished into the night and left the Rangers alone with the demon dog. All but Tyler were out of breath from the fight with the fake, and didn’t want to strain themselves beyond the point of battle.

But they would be forced to. That was exactly how she wanted it.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Everyone fights to free Logan, but Logan calls upon his personal mecha – the Dog Star. StrataLancer is the only thing with enough power to free it, but can Crystal call on so much as the GeoTank to right the wrong Nyx has performed? And even more so, is Nyx STILL planning something behind the scenes?

Dog Days of Summer, Part 2

[GreenNinja]

Episode 19: Dog Days of Summer, Part 2

Logan, an Anubis-seijin and close contact of Special Police Dekaranger, has been wandering the galaxy for years. With the Dog Star, his personal spacecraft, and his alter-ego of Star Sirius, he seeks to bring justice with his howl of the universe. Logan was en route to the warmongering planet of Spartex when he found his ship being veered off-course by a black hole. Except, the thing is, black holes aren’t particularly common in this part of the universe. Black matter tends to accumulate elsewhere.

Nyx, having expended a great amount of energy, created a portal to earth. She knew of Star Sirius, and the chance to abduct him and turn him to her side would be the most perfect of plots. Hero against hero. It was an age-old tale she couldn’t wait to live. And right now, she was living it.
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“Where justice is on the prowl,
“Let them hear the fury of evil’s howl!
“The night sky is my cloak, my fog!
“For I am Star Sirius, the Galaxy Dog!”

Logan had been wooed by Nyx’s dark wiles, and there was no going back, it seemed. The Galaxy Dog stood up on his hind legs and called for his helmet. His Wolf Cannon, now enshrouded in a dark aura, was aimed directly at the Rangers. Tyler was the only one in any fighting condition, but if what had worked before worked before, odds are it would work again. “Energy core….energy core…” he thought, “Gotta be one.” There was none.

“That was my old model suit,” growled Logan, “the Silver Fang does not power me anymore. I am fueled by Mistress Nyx, and only her. Prepare to meet your end! Eclipse Howling Shot!” The moon moved in front of the sun behind him and shrouded the area in total, complete darkness. Energy gathered at the head of the Wolf Cannon and launched towards the four members of the Strataman.

“Cross Ray!” Tyler created his powerful beam of sunlight at the point where Solablade and Satellite Sword met. Back and forth the bursts of darkness and light faced off against each other in an intense battle neither side was willing to give up. “You’re a hero,” Tyler strained, “like us. Logan, if the real you is in there…look away from Nyx….look towards us…she’s nothing more than a shadow of all you can be.”

“In the darkness, no one can see your next plan,” Star Sirius growled, “and that is why I hide in the blackness of space. The Galaxy Dog knows his strategies better than a group of naïve children from this blue ball called Earth.” Star Sirius pressed the trigger in as far as it could go. The force against Tyler was becoming stronger. His teammates were down, and Logan was fighting at full power. Unless….

“Unless,” said StrataRed, “Unless….”
“Unless what?” Louis asked.
“Lend me your powers,” Tyler replied, “We’ll turn this Cross Attack into a Pentaforce Attack.”
“I think I can do that,” Louis said, “Gustbranch, ready!”
“Parainsol, ready!” Courtney held up the parasol, energy shield down.
“Stalactice is still good,” Crystal managed to speak, “What are we doing?”
“Place them in formation,” Tyler directed, “Around the Satellite Sword. Quickly, we’re running out of time!”

Ty’s Satellite Sword was held upwards as the Solablade and Stalactice were held together at their ends and placed on the silver blade to form the forward slash. The backslash was formed from the Gustbranch and the Parainsol. Energy gathered and firmly held the five weapons in place. Each member grabbed onto their appropriate weapon and aimed the silver blade at Logan.

“Elemental Cycler!” spoke the four as one.
“Four Spiral!” Tyler shouted.

Each part of the Cycler shone alive in its respective color and gathered at the tip of the silver blade of the Satellite Sword. Golden energy spiraled outward and knocked Logan’s Wolf Cannon from his hand. His helmet was knocked off and golden rings of light bound his suit. He was immobile. The Strataman celebrated on their victory….for now.
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Aval walked past Mason and Terra’s chambers, thinking nothing of it. “Nyx is going to lose again; Nyx is going to lose again,” he thought to himself in a singsong voice, “Mason and Terra are trapped, Digger’s a dunce, so I’m finally going to come out on top for once, because the wizards are the greates…” his thought was interrupted by a hand forcefully yanking him from the hallway and into the chambers.

“Mason!” Aval shouted, “For what reason do you call me?”
“Listen, Aval, I know you’re all high and mighty, but I have a proposition to make you,” Mason answered.
“Will it benefit The Core?”
“Get your mind off The Core for a second and focus on yourself, wizard boy.”
“Fine, fine.”
“I want your assistance in breaking down the tunnels that Franklin blocked. Nyx is unwilling to do this, and without you, my Statue Beasts are useless.”
“What’s the point you’re trying to get at?”
“The enemy of your enemy is your friend. Will you help an old friend out?”
“We have ways to convince you otherwise,” Terra stepped out from her closet with her drill in hand, the drill bit already spinning.
“What do I have to do?”
“Magic away the rubble, and we’ll think of a suitable reward from there.”
“Mason, you’ve got yourself a deal.”
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“You’ve won THIS round, Strataman,” Logan said, “but I’ll take Round Two. Dog Star, descend!” The star of Sirius in the distance lit up as a spacecraft zoomed into view. It was different from Logan’s transport craft – much more streamlined, stylized, and intimidating. Logan leapt into the cockpit and initiated its transformation. The wolf’s-head atop the shuttle’s front roared and let out a beam of energy.

“Dog Star, Wolf Henkei!” Logan flipped a control switch. Energy in that same dark aura pulsated around his ship as the spacecraft took on a new form. The nose folded to the chest as the wolf head formed the new head. The rocket boosters repositioned themselves upward as the individual jets turned into arms. Legs folded downward, and the back of the ship folded in any wings that were still extended. Against the moon the new formation stood.

“Dog Sirius, transformation complete!” announced Logan.
“You’re not the only one who can do that,” Tyler said, “Together!”
“Sky Machine Uplink!”

SkyCopter and SkyJet flew alongside each other as SkyVan rolled across the land. SkyCruiser swerved across the ocean and launched an attack at the back of Dog Sirius. The mecha turned and launched more eye-beams, but Tyler and the rest jumped in their cockpits and activated their own transformation. There was not a moment to lose against an enemy so powerful and relentless.

“Giant Uplink!” The four vehicles combined into one giant robot whose name was known from Stone Summit to Windy Peaks. “Flying formation, StrataRobo!” Tyler equipped the Twister Edge to StrataRobo’s arms and began to fight Dog Sirius. Massive crescents of energy swooped across the waves, but Dog Sirius’ constant and powerful aura proved troublesome for the upgraded robot. Nyx had created quite the contender in this dog-man.

“Elemental Spiral Maximum!” A torrential whirlwind of the four elements kicked up around StrataRobo as its motion became ever-faster and blurred. It tookt he shape of a tornado heading towards Dog Sirius. The sharp blades of the Twister Edge shone in the moonlight. This attack had, so far, been unstoppable, besting an Armored Moleman rampaging the streets of Stone Summit.

“Dog Sirius!” Logan howled, “Asteroid Barrage!” From the jet boosters rang a symphony of energy in various shapes and sizes. The Twister Edges absorbed a majority of the hits, but one small, yet deadly asteroid of energy slammed into the mecha’s head, knocking it to the ground. As StrataRobo lay on its back, Dog Sirius stomped beside it, Logan’s voice echoing across the beach.

“That dog star in the sky…” he said, “is my strength. You stand not a chance.”
“Nice work, my pet,” Nyx clapped on the cliff, “I’m proud of you. Now kill them so that mommy may give you the best reward of all.”
“It shall be done.”

Dog Sirius aimed its cannons at StrataRobo.
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“My powers are limited to fire and earthly transformation magic, in addition to the usual wizard’s bag of tricks,” Aval explained to his new employers, “your tunnel system, which extends through Stone Summit and beyond, can’t be cleared in one blow, even by a wizard of my strength.” He tapped his wand against the walls and had thin strings of flame trace his symbol – a stylized “A” resembling a volcano – into the walls.

“Any reason why you just did that?” asked Terra.
“To mark this tunnel as my magic-working territory,” Aval explained, “it’s a rule in my wizard’s guild.”
“So you’re a union worker?” Mason questioned.
“Yes,” Aval said, “and that means you must let certain conditions apply to me or I can refuse to undertake this task.”
“A friend wouldn’t do that,” Mason replied, “so let’s get started.”

Aval poked the tip of the wand into the hardening dirt-and-rock debris wall before him and chanted his one spell word over and over again. “Sedementia! Sedementia! SEDEMENTIA!” Flames shot from cracks that had appeared in the ground and wound themselves around his body. The wall of debris became a solid mass constructed entirely of a red-hot glow. It condensed itself into a mound of wet clay on the ground, with the path to the first intersection opened clear.

“You’re converting the dirt into clay, eh?” Terra clapped, “Very impressive.”
“Turn our problems into our solutions,” Mason mused, “with this I can sculpt an army of beasts to set loose on the surface world once our tunnels are clear.”
“Let me clear them first,” growled Aval through gritted teeth, “if The Core were to find out I was helping you…” his brain interrupted his thoughts and stopped him from finishing that sentence. “No, I mustn’t compromise myself like that,” he thought, “not when I finally have an ally besides myself.”
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“Metal Howling Shot!” Dog Sirius’ mouth opened and unleashed a river of flame towards the downed StrataRobo. The Four Sword was drawn and already gathering energy, but Logan was so much more experienced then they were. His technology, for the most part, overpowered their elemental magic to a great degree. All seemed hopeless. StrataRobo’s systems were faltering by the minute.

“We’re done for,” Tyler gasped.
“I’m sorry this had to happen,” Crystal winced as the flames danced across her protective armor, “we got into a fight we couldn’t win.”
“Who’s going to defeat the Arnsak now?” Louis asked.
“…hold everything,” Courtney drew another breath, “Do you…do you see that?”

A large silver clock outline, the numbers 1-12 shining brightly on its face, descended from the heavens. It enclosed itself around the Strataman, Dog Sirius and Nyx. Silver energy gathered in the center of the clock and transformed into the GeoTank, back once more for battle. It wasn’t on autopilot, nor was Sora in the driver’s seat. The entire area covered by the clock stood still, just as time had the day the Documents of Eloi were found.

“I knew this old thing still worked,” spoke the same friendly voice that had been talking to Sora many nights ago, “GeoTank, become Great Atlas!” GeoTank transformed and stood in its humanoid form, shining like the strongman robot it was in the moonlight. Great Atlas lifted its mighty metallic arms and righted StrataRobo. Great Atlas split apart and fit itself over StrataRobo, breaking it from the time stop that had been imposed over the area.

“I feel…at ease with myself,” Crystal said, “This is weird.”
“We’re still alive? And in StrataLancer?” Tyler asked.
“How is this happening?” Louis questioned.
“And how come we’re the only ones moving?” Courtney queried.

“You’ll find out more in time,” spoke the friendly voice, “but for now, we must free Logan from Nyx’s hold, otherwise the chronological sequence meant to play out can never happen. You are just as crucial as I in the events to come.” The Strataman said nothing, and commanded their gestalt to take the Atlas Lance in hand and deliver the final blow to Dog Sirius.

“Atlas Upholding!” bellowed the voice, announcing an attack they’d never done before. StrataLancer grasped its hands about Dog Sirius’ body and dispelled all traces of Nyx’s influence from it. The energy returned to its source – Nyx herself – but Logan would still be in a fighting mood when the time stop ended. “Initiate…”

“HEAVEN AND EARTH!” The Atlas Lance shot off its ultimate attack in Dog Sirius’ direction, shorting out his systems and waking Logan from his stupor. The silver clock rose back into the sky and stopped the time freeze the unexpected visitor had placed on the area. GeoTank separated itself from StrataRobo, and the visitor vanished. No matter what had just happened, they had won – that was for certain.

Nyx felt a pain in her stomach when she regained her senses. “So…much power,” she thought, “I’ll have to let this out somehow.” She slapped the ground and returned to the Arnsak base. All that was left to do now was send Logan on his way home. The Strataman and Star Sirius disembarked from their respective robots.

“Sorry about the trouble,” said Logan calmly, now that he had returned to his usual look, “I need to learn to not fly so close to back holes from now on.”
“So you really ARE one of us,” Tyler said, “A hero.”
“What made you think I wasn’t?”
“Well….”
“It’s alright, I understand. Well, evil doesn’t sleep, so I’ll be on my way. If you ever need help, just look to the stars and listen for the cry of STAR SIRIUS, THE GALAXY DOG!” he struck a dramatic pose as he said the final words.
“Will do,” Tyler said, “Later, Logan.”

As Logan’s ship shot into the morning sky, Tyler looked to Crystal, Courtney and Louis. “I knew this trip was a good idea. Logan’s on our side now.”
“C’mon, Ty,” Courtney said, “The beach is still here. Why not spend another day enjoying it, no battles?”
“Works for me,” Tyler laughed.

The spirit of the summer was alive and well in them, and as the last traces of the night sky faded, Tyler could swear he saw the star by the name of Sirius sparkle in his direction.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Nyx steals a trinket of Aval’s and puts her excess energy into it. The resulting combination forms a time-space distortion in the downtown area of Stone Summit that the Strataman rush to fight. But can you fight something that’s not so much a monster as it is an anomaly? And even though Tyler claims to be full of power on this day of all days, is it going to work in his favor or Nyx’s?

Solstice the First

[GreenNinja]

Trumpets sound, crowds cheer, and Eloi arrives. Yes, at last, the mystery of Eloi shall be answered.
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Episode 20: Solstice the First

A god’s body can only hold a certain amount of energy related to its strengths. That energy can be released to shape the world to one’s desires, and is immediately replenished by natural means. If there is an overload of energy, though, trouble could happen. This is exactly what had happened to Nyx. While Aval and Digger worked alongside Mason and Terra to clear out the tunnels and sculpt new Statue Beasts, she was feeling sicker than ever.

The sheen was gone from her hair, her eyes were dead, and she hunched over, clutching her stomach, as she walked through the many chambers of the Arnsak lair. “So much dark energy,” she thought, “I’m going to become useless unless I do something.” She passed by what looked to be a normal stone wall, except that there was that symbol engraved into it. Aval’s symbol. Nyx touched the red-hot spot and felt the heat rush to her fingers. Instantly the wall began to crumble.

It had become an archway leading into a room colored every shade of red, orange and yellow imaginable. Magical trinkets Nyx couldn’t even start to fathom lay on every desk and shelf. Aval lived here for certain. When she had stepped onto the entry rug, the wall reformed itself behind her. “So this is where Magicpants lives,” Nyx thought to herself, “if I know mages as well as I think I do, there’s bound to be something here than rid me of this awful ill.”

Nyx reached for a glass vial filled with something orange-hot. She downed it into her system and felt an incredible heat rise in her stomach. Then she screamed. “What kind of fool keeps undiluted magma around here?” Nyx spit out the molten rock, disgusted, “a potion isn’t going to be of any use.” She next walked up to what may have been called a globe, except for the fact that anything indicating water on it was gone.

Nyx spun the globe around once and saw the crust dissolve away to the mantle. She spun it again and again. The Earth globe was now little more than a metallic yellow “core” resting on the axis. Nervously, the dark goddess spun the globe the other way until it had returned to its normal appearance. Something caught her eye near Aval’s bed. “I think I’ve found it.” The answer to her problems.

It was a piece of obsidian, about the size of her fist. Nothing special. Yet, this was something Nyx could channel her excess energy into and relieve herself of the pain. She grasped the rock in her fingers and let the energy flow into it. A faint purple aura shone around the obsidian, and it grew stronger by the minute. As Nyx sapped her energy, she could feel herself getting better. Her clear thinking, agile body, and vigor returned. The rock was now filled to the brim with her power.

“I can do without this anymore,” Nyx made the rock shadowlike and tossed it through the Earth’s crust to the surface. What she didn’t know was that her energy had weakened the obsidian’s once-solid structure, leaving it to shatter into a million pieces, creating a mist of debris, dust and dark energy in downtown Stone Summit. Nyx had just unleashed her most evil of plans and knew nothing of it.
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By contrast, Tyler Apollo awoke feeling better than ever before. Energy and life flowed through his body, and with every touch he could feel the warmth of the sun’s light on him. Diane walked into his room to see him stretching at the window and greeting the day. “Something with you?” she asked, “I’ve never seen you like this.”

“I’ve never felt like this,” Tyler replied, “This is going to be a great day, I can tell.”
“I expect you’ll be at Horizon?”
“Where else?”
“Enjoy yourself.”
“Wait, wait, Diane,” before Tyler left, he gave his sister something he’d been keeping with him. It was given to him by Logan, Star Sirius the Galaxy Dog, not long ago. “I want you to keep this. It’s a Mineral Gem,” the object in question was a small pendant, silvery-blue in color and no bigger than Diane’s pinky, hanging on the end of a string, “Logan said it has some untapped potential that he thinks we can unlock. Investigate this for me.”

“Thanks, Ty,” Diane waved him as he sprinted out the door, “Don’t do anything too drastic today. It’s the June Solstice. The hottest day of the year. I don’t want you to wear yourself down out there.”
“Trust me,” Tyler replied, “I won’t.”
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Horizon in the summer wasn’t all that different from Horizon in the spring. The windows were let open so that fresh air and natural light could pour in, but the same friendly air presided over the satellite hovering about in the stratosphere. Crystal sat at the center table rereading the Documents of Eloi for the fiftieth time. She wouldn’t stop until their contents finally had meaning.

“Herakles, Persephone…I don’t know who these people are,” she sighed, “their names speak of connection to mythology, but what role did they play in that war many years ago? For Sora’s sake, I don’t even know who Eloi is. He’s never going to help us if we can’t find him. He could be anywhere in the world for all we know.” Louis swept his foot across the floor and sent a light breeze up Crystal’s shorts.

“Calm down, Miss Prisma,” he laughed, “You’re like a little kid trying to find her teddy bear.”
“Eloi isn’t a teddy bear, Louis,” Crystal said seriously, “He’s a key to winning this blasted war.”
“I think the document said something about time stops,” Courtney sat down beside Crystal, “didn’t one of those happen against Dog Sirius?”
“No time to chat, ladies and gents!” Tyler interrupted, “We’ve got a problem in downtown Stone Summit, and we need to be there as soon as possible!”

“What’s gotten into you, Captain Macho?” Courtney joked.
“I don’t know myself,” Tyler laughed nervously, “but let’s go!”
“I know,” Crystal whispered to herself, “the Summer Solstice. His powers are the strongest they’ll ever be on this day. I should know. Six months from now, the same thing will happen…to me. Will I be ready then?”
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The four leapt from their Mach Flyers and landed in line on the asphalt pathway below. Tyler stepped to the forefront and flicked his wrist. The Strata Brace started its “ready” tone. “Looks like there’s something heading our way. Man or beast, we’ll stop it! Ready?”

“Ready!” answered Crystal, Louis and Courtney, sounding nowhere near as excited.
“Satellite….Uplink!”

The others transformed as usual, but Tyler leapt and spun headfirst into an incoming beam of sunlight, his suit forming over his body as he did so. Each suit was primarily their Ranger color, with white gloves, boots and belts with silver trim. On the center of each belt was a round gem in their appropriate color. Their chests had a three-circle design shaped like the sun, moon, and earth rotating in unison. Each helmet had their Ranger symbol on their forehead, a different-colored back visor, and a silver mouthpiece. They performed their roll call.

“Catching the sun! StrataRed!”
“Directing the wind! StrataYellow!”
“Contemplating the snow! StrataBlue!”
“Braving the rain! StrataGreen!”
“Our souls shine the year long! Suihei Sentai…”
“Strataman!”

Tyler spun his hands around in formation and created a minisun in his hands. “Our enemy isn’t a Statue Beast or a Shadow Creature at all,” he explained to his comrades, “but rather….that.” That was a cloud of night-black mist and obsidian dust hovering over the city. It moved like a primitive amoeba, warbling about and spreading a deadly sound through the streets. The sound of Nyx’s pain from her excess energy. The following sound was a devious laugh – her joy from releasing it.

“We fight energy with energy,” Tyler answered, “Use your powers. It’s too unstable for our weapons to be of any use.” His speech completed, he released his burst of sunlight towards the mist. The mist absorbed it and shot it back at Tyler, who rolled out of the way as the dark-energy-and-sunlight struck a nearby streetlight. Louis, Courtney and Crystal moved in for the next attack.

Louis and Courtney spun streams of water and gusts of wind into one combined ice spear, which Crystal solidified. The ice spear was launched towards the mist, but, as with Tyler’s solar ray, it had no effect. The Strataman regrouped and conversed to find a plan.

“Wait,” Courtney said, “something like this may be strong on the outside…”
“But weak inside,” Louis added, “Yes, that’s a great idea.”
“And now…” Tyler grabbed Crystal’s left hand and Courtney’s right, “….watch me work.” Crystal and Courtney held Louis’ as well. Tyler’s entire body became enveloped in a red glow as he and the others lifted into the air.

Their elemental powers were boosted to the maximum limit. They spun around, faster and faster, until the group of four had become little more than a spinning ring of light. The light ring penetrated the exterior of the mist. They were now inside and close to the source. Tyler had made the worst, yet the best, move he could’ve made on the battlefield.

Inside the mist, the atmosphere was cold and dusty, with barely any visibility. Tyler summoned his Solablade and gave a bit of light to the dark interior. He couldn’t see if the others were in there, but he was going to break them out. “FOUR-RAY CUT!” Beams of light gathered on the Solablade as Tyler performed four slashes – one vertically, one horizontally, and two diagonally – on the material that had built up around the mist.

A portal opened. With this gash created, the mist couldn’t hold its form for much longer. Tyler found himself falling out and powering down, with the voices of the others not too far behind him. “I think we survived,” he said, noticing a higher pitch in his voice, “but at least that problem’s solved.”

“And we’re in another one,” said Louis, “Look.”

For the first time since their entry into the mist, Tyler looked down at himself. He was shorter. His voice was higher. He was wearing nothing more than blue jean shorts and a basic red shirt. “I have to find a mirror!” he exclaimed. One was, luckily, in range. Tyler gasped in shock. The mist, when combined with his overflowing power, had somehow transformed him into a child.

“I’m six again,” he said, “This is unbelievable.”
“Tell me about it,” Louis said from a distance, “I don’t look anything like myself.” The younger Louis’ black hair was combed back neatly, and his trademark glasses weren’t on his face. “Where’s Courtney? Where’s Crystal? I have to know what happened to them!”

“What happened to you is what happened to us,” Courtney explained as she walked up. Her hair in this age had taken on a lighter shade, and she was wearing a basic green floral-print dress. “I’m a little girl again. This is…this is unreal. Tyler, what did you do to us?”
“I didn’t do anything!” Tyler exclaimed.
“It was your idea to go into the mist,” Crystal replied, “but still…nobody could’ve planned this.” Crystal, at the age of six, had platinum-blonde hair styled in pigtails and a formal blue dress. Very reflective of her nature. “We need help.”

The four young Strataman grouped together and watched the broken mist reform itself into a monster. The monster was a golem made of pitch-black stone with a black-and-purple aura of dark energy pulsating around his body. Mist Monster stomped towards the four; Young Tyler immediately took action.

“C’mon, guys!” he exclaimed, “We may be kids, but we’re not powerless! We’ll just henshin again!”
“Satellite Uplink!”

The kids held their Strata Braces to the air, but nothing happened. Mist monster was continuing his advance. They were done for. Then tere came a divine intervention. A silver clock design traced itself out with a glowing hour hand before them. The clock, when fully complete, shot a massive silver beam that stopped the Mist Monster dead in its tracks. Out from it stepped…

“Eliot?” the kid Crystal asked. It was Eliot in the flesh. His graying hair still hung over his ears as his bald top shone in the sun. His half-moon glasses rested on his nose, and his smiling face had an air of calm to it. “What are you doing here? How did you do that?”

“I’ve always been able to, little Crystal,” Eliot stepped in front of the kids, “I was the one piloting GeoTank that night. I was the one keeping watch on Sora when the Arnsak wanted to cause trouble. I see you’ve read my documents and uncovered my Dial Watch as well. That is because Eliot the jeweler and clockmaker is only my human identity. Time for you to see the real me.”

A smaller silver clock passed over Eliot’s head. The hair around his ears and the back of his dome grew longer. His casual suit transformed into black-and-silver robes with arrow designs, and the Dial Watch, thought to be in his shop, had appeared on his wrist. Eliot’s voice had turned to one deep and powerful. It’s as if he was a different person. “The search is over!” bellowed the new man, “Nyx, for what you have wrought on these children, I shall give you a taste of time itself, for I am ELOI, THE GOD OF TIME!”

“Eloi!” Crystal exclaimed, “You’ve…you’ve…”
“I’ve been watching you all along,” Eloi turned his head to the four, “and you’re doing quite well without Sora, but the Arnsak is only going to get fiercer from here on out. So you’ll need a guide, a mentor, an ally, a person you can trust. I am that person. Stand back and let me work.”

Eloi flicked the wrist with the Dial Watch strapped around it. He pressed down on the “dial” part of the sundial and watched as the incremental etchings representing the hours lit up one by one. He held the Dial Watch to his heart and sounded the words that would change the way of the Strataman forevermore.

“CHRONOS ADVANCE!”

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Eloi fights as StrataChronos, the next warrior of the Strataman. With the Sandblaster and Chrono Lance in hand, he brings the Mist Monster to a quick defeat. Nyx will catch wind of her plan (and its failing), and Eloi will have to re-age the Strata Kids at some point. But for now, let Chronos and the story advance. For a new warrior is here.

Father Time’s Power! Eternal Hero, StrataChronos!

[Arrow]

I just wanted to toss a quick comment in here and tell how highly impressed I am. Unfortunately, I'll have to leave it at that, cause after a month of attempting to read, random crap has been holding me back and I'm only up to Chapter 5. I'll give more detailed opinions once I've caught all the way up.

[GreenNinja]

Episode 21: Father Time’s Power! Eternal Hero, StrataChronos!

Sora’s written message to the Strataman read “Find Eloi”. Many frantic searches later, the documents of this mysterious man were found. Crystal was becoming frustrated at the thought that Eloi would never be found. But when, on the day of June Solstice, Tyler haphazardly got the team reduced to six-year old children, Eloi revealed himself. All along he has been Eliot, manager of the jewelry and clockwork store Crystal has visited more than once. Eloi, the god of time and confidant of Sora, has shown his true face at last.

“CHRONOS ADVANCE!” The Dial Watch shone with silver light. Eloi underwent a transformation similar to Sora and the Strataman four, but his had so much more to it. All of time was coming to his command.

Eloi stands against a pure black background save for the giant ticking clobk behind him. Eloi leaps into the air as sand blows around him and solidifies into a pure black undersuit. Silver boots and gloves, each with arrow designs, attach to his hands and feet as silver chest armor, also emblazoned with an arrow, lands over his chest. A black helmet with silver trim and an arrow design on his forehead forms around Eloi’s head. Eloi breaks through the clock and stands in a time warp where he strikes his final pose.

“The future and past stand in balance,” Eloi said dramatically as he announced himself, standing with his back to Mist Monster, “in order to maintain that balance, I take on this power.” A clock appeared behind Eloi. The minute and hour hands spun rapidly from 12:00 to 12:00 once more, cycling through every moment as he spoke.

“I am Father Time!” Eloi extended his right hand outward, “The Eternal Cycle!” his left arm was raised above his head, “The Wind of Change!” Sand fell slowly behind him. “STRATACHRONOS!” Eloi struck his final pose as the sand and clock faded away to be replaced by a silver-colored explosion of smoke and flame. His presence could be felt in the depths of the Arnsak, the heights of the horizon, and in all of Stone Summit.

In the Power Sector of the satellite, the silver clock design that had been dimly lit beneath the Earth and four seasonal powers now shone with silver light. That golden star and the rotating Earth remained dim, though. With all signs showing that Eloi had arrived, it was time for his debut battle to begin. Every good Ranger needs a weapon. Eloi had two.

“Sandblaster!” Eloi held out his hand and had his weapon appear in a flash of silver light, very much like the Strataman’s own elementally-summoned weapons. The Sandblaster resembled an hourglass placed on its side, with silver sand and black frame holding it in. Grips and a barrel had been added to the opposite sides to make it into something resembling a gun.

“I can beat this guy no problem,” Eloi said confidently, “the Arnsak have thrown worse at me before.” He pressed down on the trigger and sent a wave of silver sand towards Mist Monster. Little of the sand actually hit the beast. That wasn’t what Eloi was going for.

“The Sandblasters chrono particles have an abrasive effect on the timestream in the immediate area,” Eloi said as the sand spread far and wide down the city street, “basically, I’m slowing down time to take this battle on my own terms.” The effect became visible immediately. Mist Monster steps become slower and slower until he had frozen in time and become nothing more than a sculpture. Eloi leapt into the air, his slowed time still in effect, and went to town on the monster.

A kick to the chest, a punch to the head, and a somersault roundhouse are easy to get in when your enemy is completely immobile. Eloi grappled Mist Monster around his neck and weakened the material holding it in place. He did a midair somersault and landed in front of the Strata Kids. “Let me show you how a god can really fight.” Eloi pressed down on the Dial Watch once again. “Chrono Lance!”

A time portal, small in size, opened in the center of the Dial Watch. From it whirled a long, silver rod with a black-and-silver arrow at the end. Just beneath the arrow was a clock. The Chrono Lance was only about the length of Eloi’s arm, but that was all he needed. Eloi stabbed the Chrono Lance at Mist Monster’s chest several times over, creating glowing silver gashes in his black rock body. “And now I finish him…with style,” Eloi commented, “Huddle together kids, you’ve never experienced anything like this before. Vortex, open!”

Eloi spun the Lance about. The landscape appeared to be falling away, but it was, in truth, teleportation. When the entirely of Earth had vanished, all that was left was the street (which had remained beneath them), and a sky…landscape…horizon of sorts that was little more than a pulsating, almost living silver background. Eloi held the Chrono Lance above his head and unleashed the final blow on the Mist Monster once and for all.

“Vortex…” the weapon shone aglow in silver, “BEATDOWN!” Suddenly there were five Elois, each attacking from a different direction. They blended together to create a blurring, attacking wave of power and reunited into one Eloi that, with a slash from the sharpened arrow of the Chrono Lance, cut down Mist Monster’s body vertically. His two halves, for he now was two, slid apart and exploded in a blaze of fire. Eloi turned around and slung his Chrono Lance over his back.

“Vortex close!” The street and buildings reappeared. Eloi powered down and swapped out his robes for the casual human clothes of Eliot. “How do you like THAT, Strataman? Sora taught you well, but until you can fight like that, the battles from here will only be difficult.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The Core had been watching the whole thing. “Eloi…” growled the magma ball in his chamber, “if it weren’t for his intervention, I could’ve killed Sora and prevented this from happening. But she’s out for now, and as long as her power is within me, then I’m one step closer to my ultimate goal. Continue on, my minions. Your lifespan under my reign has increased….for now.”

Outside his chambers, Mason was enjoying himself for the first time in awhile, sculpting a statue not of a Beast to wreak havoc on the surface, but of Terra, the one person down here he was truly close to. Terra stood on a smooth, round stone in a dignified pose, letting Mason carve her every curve into the block of clay before him. Aval had changed shifts with Digger, and the Moleman was now clearing out a long section of the tunnels at rapid speed.

“I’ll have you know, Nyx,” Aval smugly spoke as he approached the dark goddess resting in her shadowed hole in the ground, “that Shadow Creature you sent to the surface without ANYONE’S permission, especially The Core’s, was defeated mere moments ago.”

“What Shadow Creature?” Nyx asked sleepily. She’d rested after relieving herself of the energy overflowing in her body, and Aval’s tapping had woken her up. “I didn’t send any Shadow Creature.”
“No new monsters have been made on my watch, so clearly it’s yours. And by the way, do you know where my obsidian went? Such samples are hard to obtain in this part of the globe, and I need it for this particularly complex spell I’m…you probably don’t care.”
“OBSIDIAN?” Nyx blurted, “I have to get to the surface! Thanks, Aval!”
“What is with that woman?” Aval asked himself, “This is beyond strange.”

He figured he’d look into it. “Oh, Mason, my friend,” Aval turned to the sculptor, “Do you know…?”
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“…what happened all those years ago?” asked the young Courtney of Eloi. The group of five had gone aboard Horizon. “Sora never told us much.”
“She was preoccupied with something,” Crystal said, “Maybe you know that too?”
“I was living the life of a clockmaker, little Crystal,” Eloi answered, “by the time I found out the Arnsak had returned, Sora was already powerless. But if you want to hear the story of what happened years ago, gather round and listen closely. I promise to return you to your proper ages after that.”
“Let’s get started,” Louis said excitedly.
“Can’t wait,” Tyler added.

“Well…” Eloi began, “It was the beginning of the 14th century…”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
“…and I was in the clockmaking profession, even then. Nobody knew I was the God of Time. I lived in Europe at the time with Sora. I know you read about Herakles and Persephone. Sora’s husband and daughter; I still don’t know exactly what became of them, because by that point the war of the Arnsak was about to begin.

“Up from the center of the Earth they rose. Molemen formed the body of the army. These were primitive Molemen compared to the ones you fight today. Their claws were sharper, their bite stronger, and their fur thicker. General Digger wasn’t even in existence yet. The forefront of the army was the God of the Underworld, Pluto. Pluto had a small legion of generals that fought alongside him, but we cleared through.

“Sora, I, the four Elemental Sages, and gods and goddesses from the Woods of the Eternal Time clashed in the all-out battle that ensured. The countryside would’ve been ravaged, so I enacted a time-stop that would continue until I ended it. The Elemental Sages, by the way, were the original holders of your powers. They did quite well with them too.

“Herakles knew we couldn’t win under these circumstances, so he went into the depths of space to find what he described as ‘a great power’. He never returned. Distraught by the loss of her husband, Sora’s strength in battle began to wane. Arba became Persephone’s caretaker for the time being and the war waged on. We defeated Pluto’s generals after a drawn-out battle, and from here it was onto the grim valley where Pluto himself lie in wait.

“Sora had become considerably depressed, but she fought on like a true solider. It was then that Arba informed her that the then six-year-old Persephone had vanished without a trace. This was the chance for Pluto. He and an army of Molemen damaged Sora heavily. I enacted a time-stop within the time-stop to get Sora away from the valley, and sealed the Arnsak under the Earth with the last traces of the Elemental Sages’ powers.

“The Sages became normal humans with no memory of the encounter, but Sora and I continued to live our lives normally, moving to Stone Summit to keep up with the times. But I knew that the seal would be broken someday, and used my expertise in technology along with Sora’s encapsulations of the powers of those who fought to start creating what you know today as the Strataman. We have yet to hear from Persephone and Herakles, but in our hearts, we hope they’re out there, looking to find us.”
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“That was the most touching story I ever heard,” Crystal wiped a tear, as did Courtney, “You did all of that just to make sure we would live to see the world today?”
“And I’d do it again if I had to,” Eloi replied, “but I can’t fight alone, and neither can you. Now stand back.”

The four kids stood in a row as Eloi once again changed into his robes. “Fast-forward these children and let them become the adults they must be!” Eloi bellowed, “ADVANCE!” His hand shot a silver beam that passed over the four’s bodies. One by one they began to age and change. It happened so quickly, but Eloi stopped just when he thought they’d returned to normal.

“Damn,” Louis exclaimed, “Courtney, have I ever told you that you look good?”
“What do you…?” Courtney ran her hand down her body. She ran to a mirror. “I’m not as old as I was…I’m older.” Her legs were longer, her bust had increased, and her height had become a few inches taller. Crystal had undergone a similar transformation.

“I…I find you beautiful like this, Crystal,” Tyler said.
“I’m the older sister now,” Crystal spun around, “Wait until I show Janet.”
“I’m sorry about this,” Eloi apologized, “I haven’t had to age anything in, well, ages. You’re about six years your previous age, by my estimate. I can de-age you, but I want to make sure I’m prepared.”

Louis, who had also become taller (and a little more muscular), approached Eloi, placed his glasses back on his head, and looked the god of time straight in the eye. “Don’t worry ‘bout it, Eloi, it’s all cool. We can take care of ourselves; our powers are back…I doubt anyone’s going to think differently of us than before. We can afford to live like this for a few days.”

“Except someone DOES want you,” Eloi walked nervously around the satellite, “My premature aging has made your powers that many years stronger, although you haven’t exactly honed them. Such strength is wanted by someone who values beauty, aging over time, and patience. That person is the one responsible for this mess in the first place.”

“You can’t mean…?” Crystal asked.
Eloi nodded, “Yes, Nyx.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------
A circular shadow moved along the ground on the street where Eloi’s first battle had taken place. It lifted from the ground and took on a human shape. Nyx had arrived. “So my power and Aval’s rock required the power of a god to be beaten? And it turned the Strataman into children? I never knew that much power existed within me. …perhaps I should bring them together.”

Nyx crouched down and leapt into the air. Obsidian fragments floating in the air collected on her body until Nyx was completely obscured by a cragged circle of pitch-black rock. Purple energy flared outward, and when the light faded, Nyx had fused with her monster to take on a new form.

She was still herself, except for the smooth, black, rocky armor covering her body. Boots, gauntlets, a helmet with her hair flowing out, a breastplate, and a jockstrap had been placed on her body. Her goddess’ form and shadow abilities could absorb the damage on any spot not covered by the obsidian armor. “You’re lookin’ for me,” Nyx blasted a building, turning it into stone, “…c’mon, get me.”

She needn’t have said a word before a powerful beam of sunlight zapped her in the chest. Nyx cupped her breastplate’s damage spot and looked up to see Tyler, Crystal, Eloi, Courtney and Louis standing in formation, ready to attack. Eloi stepped forward. “Nyx, you won’t get any further than that. I’ve heard from the Strataman you’re not that tough. Purified water could beat you.”

“Not now it couldn’t, thanks to my own ingenuity,” said Nyx, strutting about cockily.
“Shut up,” Louis snapped, “Shall we get her, Eloi?”
“For Sora!” Eloi said, “Her protégés and I shall ensure victory. NOW!”
“Satellite Uplink!”
“Chronos Advance!”

An explosion of multicolored light shot down the street. When vision had returned to normal, four armored warriors stood ready for battle. One by one they announced themselves to Nyx, who’d heard this many times before. Except now, they had an ally on their side.

“Sage of Summer, StrataRed!”
“Sage of Autumn, StrataYellow!”
“Sage of Winter, StrataBlue!”
“Sage of Spring, StrataGreen!”
“God of Time, StrataChronos!”
Eloi began the finishing call. “Across all time, eternity’s protectors!”
“Suihei Sentai Strataman!”

“Bring it,” Nyx motioned with her finger, “Let’s see what the famous StrataChronos can do.”

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Nyx engages in a battle with the team of five, but learns to control her energy and increases herself to giant size once more. Eloi introduces them to his futuristic ship, the TimeOwl, which sweeps him and Nyx into a battle that could be happening in any era at any moment! Hyper action begins! The good ship arrives!

TimeOwl Soars from the Future!

[GreenNinja]

Episode 22: TimeOwl Soars from the Future!

“Satellite Uplink!”
“Chronos Advance!”

“Sage of Summer, StrataRed!”
“Sage of Autumn, StrataYellow!”
“Sage of Winter, StrataBlue!”
“Sage of Spring, StrataGreen!”
“God of Time, StrataChronos!”
“Across all time, eternity’s protectors!”
“Suihei Sentai Strataman!”

Downtown Stone Summit was a battlefield once more. Nyx had donned the rocky body of a monster she had unknowingly sent to the surface as armor, and it had increased her abilities fourfold. She could turn anything into hardened obsidian, had near-impenetrable defense, and various other things she hadn’t tapped into yet. Eloi had the power of time on his side.

The battle begun.

“Solablade!”
“Gustbranch!”
“Stalactice!”
“Parainsol!”
“Sandblaster!”

Nyx stomped the street and created a crack that neared the five with increasing frequency. Eloi aimed his Sandblaster downward and released a powerful stream of timestream-abrasive sand across the area. The crack’s momentum slowed down until it eventually decreased to none. Nyx held her palm outward and sent a stream of rocks flying for the four.

“Sorry, but that’s not going to work,” said Crystal, “Ice Shield!” Crystal held her arms out to her side. Plates of ice froze together in formation around her until she was trapped in a geometric, rotating ice shape that absorbed the incoming obsidian barrage. When the attack had ceased, Crystal dropped the shield and resumed her battle stance.
“When could you do THAT?” Courtney asked.
“These extra few years are starting to kick in,” replied StrataBlue, “I feel more powerful.”
“Then let’s see what I can do,” Courtney answered, “Here goes!”

The boots on Courtney’s suit took on a shimmery outer coating until they turned to what can best be described as solid water. This effect ran up her whole body. Courtney looked down at herself and gasped in amazement. “Wow,” she said, “nothing can hurt me. Get ready, Nyx!” Watery Courtney turned herself into a spiral of water and splashed over Nyx’s armor.

“Get off of me, stupid girl!” Nyx growled. A few droplets remained, but Courtney reformed herself on Nyx’s shoulders and looked to Ty. “Hit her, now!” Tyler unleashed a Four-Ray Cut from his Solablade that evaporated all the water from Nyx and made her obsidian armor brittle. Louis came in swinging with the Gustbranch and created several gashes in her armor. Crystal entered into the fray once more.

“You lose,” she quipped as ice from her hands filled in the cracks Louis had created. Nyx’s armor expanded as the ice filled in the gaps, until, in an outburst of black stone, the protection shattered. Nyx was left armorless, on her knees, struggling to get up off the street. She looked up to see Eloi above her with his Chrono Lance in hand. Eloi held the staff to the sky.

“Vortex open!” Nyx and Eloi were teleported into the Vortex, Eloi’s time-slowed world where he made his final strike. “Vortex…” silver light gathered on the staff once more, “BEATDOWN!” First there was one Eloi. Then two. Then three, and four, so on until an infinite number of Elois dashed about the vortex dealing blow after blow to Nyx’s unarmored body with the Chrono Lance. The Elois reconverted into one and gave one final slash down Nyx’s front. “Vortex close!”

Nyx was lying on the ground powerless as the five Rangers struck a victory pose. Obsidian fragments littered the streets, but Eloi thought nothing of it.
“A victory well fought,” he said, “Perhaps I should return you to normal?”
“Why?” Crystal asked, “We’re more powerful this way.”
“Yes, but you shouldn’t rush time,” Eloi worried, “It can have disastrous consequences.”
“Let’s think about this for a second…” Louis argued…

As Louis fought to keep his older self intact, Nyx’s armor was reanimating into a giant version of its previous Mist Monster state. The giant beast wouldn’t live, however, until it had made Nyx herself its consciousness. Mist Nyx began to stomp around the city streets as Armored Nyx had done, causing general havoc.

“Hold on!” Tyler interrupted, “We can handle this. Sky Machine…”
“I can handle it,” Eloi barged in, “Time Advance! TIMEOWL!”
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The year 5010, “Third Earth” as some called it, had just received the signal. In less time than it took Eloi to transform, his ship had been summoned. A vast, grassy landscape pulled itself apart and revealed a metallic launching platform. The screeching and hooting of an owl with a metallic timbre to it sounded from the bottom of the launchpad.

Rockets flared, the ground shook, and TimeOwl itself shot up into the air as fast as time itself. It was a beautiful, rounded ship with a triangular front that resembled a silver beak. The “eyes” of it lit up, and wings extended outward. A silver clock face traced itself in the air and warped into a portal for TimeOwl to pass through. The ship was going back over 3000 years to the very moment that Eloi had summoned it, for it was his personal mecha, handcrafted by the finest technology the future had to offer.
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Eloi leapt into the air and entered TimeOwl’s cockpit as it flew through the portal. His cockpit was primarily silver with a comfortable black chair and black control grips spread throughout. “TimeOwl, online!” Mist Nyx shot a barrage of obsidian pebbles from her hands in TimeOwl’s direction, but Eloi vibrated the ship’s outer shell until it became intangible. The bullets had no effect at all.

“You dare to defy me, StrataChronos?” Mist Nyx growled, her voice deepened an octave, “PERISH!” A jet black ray of energy shot from her hands and struck the hull of TimeOwl, but Eloi’s craft was unaffected. TimeOwl did a barrel roll in the air and became a silver cyclone. For as long as it spun, time itself had stopped for Eloi. He piloted the ship in an increasing spiral towards Mist Nyx’s chest, until he finally bored through the hard rock and left a hole in her body.

Mist Nyx let out a terrified scream. Rock and dark energy focused itself at her chest and began to reform. “Now watch this!” Eloi flicked a switch and extended TimeOwl’s wings. “Time Warp Redux!” TimeOwl’s beak and wings extended, the rockets burned brighter and TimeOwl went into a nose dive for Mist Nyx. The beak tapped the rocky creature on the head lightly, barely hurting her.

“That was a weak attack!” roared Mist Nyx.
“Did you not hear the ‘redux’ part?” boomed Eloi’s voice out of nowhere. “Because here we go again!”

TimeOwl, alight with blue flame, shot from where the sun was positioned and rammed Mist Nyx hard in the chest. The damage was permanent and the hole didn’t reform. Black and silver flames danced on her obsidian-armored body. Nyx, battered and bruised, fell onto the street. Mist Monster had been absorbing her energy, and now it had enough to live on its own. Mist Monster opened its mouth and spoke to TimeOwl, which was hovering in front of it.

“At last! I’m free from that wretched rock Aval transfigured me into! It’s been centuries, I think.” He looked down at the Strataman and Nyx and ignored them as a man ignores an ant walking past him. “I am the rock titan Georgex,” he pronounced it as Jee-oar-gecks, “and, by combining magma from the center of the earth with my astral form, I made this body centuries ago. Then Aval went and turned me into nothing more than a rock with no way to break free.

“Had it not been for Nyx transferring her energy into my being, I would never have returned to lay waste to the Earth once more. Thank you, Nyx.” As much as Crystal Prisma hated the dark goddess, she ran over and grabbed her by her arms.
“Come on, Nyx, live!” Crystal said, “LIVE!”

The Winter Crystal around her neck began to glow. Azure energy transferred from her gemstone to Nyx’s body. Energy returned, her bruises healed, and her eyes began to open. “Wha-what?” Nyx stuttered, “How did I recover so quickly?” She saw Crystal holding her and backed away.
“I refuse to believe it!” she said, “You helped me?”
“Just this once,” Crystal said, “Now go!”

Nyx hastened her retreat as Crystal gathered with Louis, Tyler and Courtney. They were going to help out Eloi. “Bomber Uplink!” SkyJet, carrying SkyCruiser beneath it, and SkyCopter doing the same with SkyVan, hovered through the air and combined into the powerful jet known as StrataBomber. The Strataman sat in their positions in the cockpit and flew high above Georgex.

“WARP HURRICANE!”

The bomb released and created a forceful wind in the area. TimeOwl, while technologically advanced far beyond Second Earth, could not help but being caught up in the warped whirlwind that had overtaken the area. It spiraled around and around until it reached 88 miles an hour. Time and space began to change. The world spun backwards and the two jets (along with Georgex) vanished in a burst of light.

Suns and moons passed (going backwards across the sky), the buildings deconstructed themselves, and the landscape changed entirely. When the chaotic whirlwind had come to a stop, Georgex landed flat on his back, unconscious. He was still alive, but the time while he was out would give the Strataman a chance to adjust to their new environment…or rather, old.

“When are we?” asked Louis as he stood atop a cliff.
“I can see a village over there!” Courtney shouted.
“Looks old,” Crystal said.
“What year is this?” Tyler questioned.

Eloi, wearing his robes, walked up behind them. He took out a gold pocketwatch and looked at it. This watch, besides showing the hour, minute and second, also told the time and place. “It’s the year 1313,” Eloi said complacently, “I’m all too familiar with this time and village. You’re in the era of the war I told you about. You won’t feel a thing.”

“Huh?” the four glanced back.

Eloi held out his hand and shot four small glowing clock faces towards them. The symbols landed on their chests and vanished. “This is called Othertime,” Eloi explained, “It’s an ability used by specters and spirits, and visiting gods. Once a person is affected by Othertime, they can walk among the people, but can’t interact with them. This is so we can’t change the timeline after that little mishap. Follow me into town.”

The small village had thatched roofs, buildings made of white stone, and a small castle on the hill opposite the one the Rangers had been watching from. As they walked through town, completely nonexistent for now, they saw an old clockmaker’s shop. “Eliot’s Timepieces,” Crystal said, “so he DID work with King Arthur.” Crystal peered in. She was quite literally looking into a window in time.

Eliot, a little younger than the Eloi they knew, was looking at a peculiar rotating model of the Earth. A primitive globe, as it was. His hair in this era was black, and his clothes fit to the time period, but the calming voice was unmistakable. “It’s you,” the Eloi of the past said to a woman who walked in, “I was wondering when you would come here. This is the only place we can discuss in secret. What news do you bring, Sora?”

“Sora?” asked Courtney “Can’t be…” Brown hair, green eyes, and the body of a goddess; this was Sora (or Lady Sara, as she was known to the people of this era). She was holding the hand of a young girl beside her. If what Eloi had said was true, this could only be Sora’s daughter, Persephone.

“Hello,” Eloi said to the little girl, “and how are you doing today?”
“Mommy’s taking me to a puppet show later,” spoke the girl in a cute voice, “it should be great!”
“She’s just like her mother,” Eloi replied, “Enjoying life to the fullest. What of Herakles?”
“His knightliness says that the King is starting to wonder about the recent earthquakes in the area,” Sora answered, “He’s asking the people to pray for their safety. Do you know what this means, Eloi?”
“I thought he wouldn’t be returning AGAIN,” Eloi said, “but nothing in time stays constant except for the flow of time itself.”
“Then we’ll have to take action,” Sora said, “Can a time-stop on this level be enacted?”

“What are you talking about?” asked little Persephone, “Will we still see the puppet show?”
“Persephone, don’t worry,” Sora turned to her daughter, “We’ll get to it.”

The clocks began to chime in melodious tune. Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang. It was 5:00 in the afternoon by their marking. The sounds of the bells had woken up Geogrex from his slumber. The Strataman were the first to notice this, and wondered if they, despite being in Othertime, could still prevent the obsidian beast from laying waste to this small medieval town.

“C’mon,” Tyler said, “We haven’t a moment to lose!”
“Satellite Uplink!”

Nothing happened. They remained in their civilian state. Horizon didn’t exist in this time, so there was no way they could uplink with it and transform. The younger Sora and Eloi ran past them, out into the streets. Eloi was still wearing his wrist-mounted sundial, the Dial Watch, and Sora had a miniature globe in her hands in place of her Geo Brace. A knight in golden armor appeared at their side and lifted his mask to reveal an etched, statuesque face with shining brown eyes.

“I arrived as soon as I could,” spoke Sir Hercules, “that monster shall not damage this land while we are around.”
“And to risk revealing our god powers?” Eloi whispered.
“The townspeople will think we’re the angels they prayed for,” Sora said, “Come on. We have not a moment to lose.”
“Mommy…” Persephone tugged on her mother’s dress.
“Run, Persephone,” Sora said, “this isn’t where you should be.”

Persephone fled as Sir Hercules held a warhammer to the sky, Sora spun her globe, and Eloi performed the same maneuver with his Dial Watch. They spoke a magical chant, rather than the quick henshin call of modern day.

“Time, Space, and Earth, hear my call! Grant us these powers, for one, for all! HENSHIN!”

The four Strataman, trapped in Othertime, covered their eyes to shield from the light.

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Eloi (the modern one) works to install a new feature into TimeOwl as the Strataman call on their only resort – their elemental powers – to aid the past Sora, Eloi and Sir Hercules in the battle against Geogrex. TimeOwl gets back online and whisks the Rangers away to the year 5010, where Clock Knight makes his debut. In the end, will everything return to normal?

Go! Clock Knight

[DekaKnight]

This fan fic rocks! By the way, have you checked out mines yet? I'm trying to debut a new 'Path' tonight. So check it out.

[GreenNinja]

The vacation is over, but the Summer (Saga) goes on!
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Episode 23: Go! Clock Knight

First Eloi had given them clues to the past. Then he had told them about the past. Now, by the means of StrataBomber’s Warp Hurricane and Eloi’s ship, the TimeOwl, they were seeing the past. A younger Eloi, Sora and a man called Sir Hercules stood on the dirt path at the edge of the medieval town with the obsidian creature Georgex staring them down.

“HENSHIN!”

The modern, sleek, streamlined suits of StrataGaia and StrataChronos did not appear over their bodies. Eloi transformed into something like his robes, except for the chainmail arms and legs and the metallic chestplate. He looked rather like a knight. Sora’s outfit had fishnets instead of chainmail, and her bustier was adorned with the symbol of the Earth on it. Sir Hercules’s heavy armor became streamlined into a metallic exoskeleton. The three announced their names and titles.

“Angel of the Earth! Goddess Sora!”
“Father of Time! God Eloi!”
“Keeper of the Universe! God Herakles!”

“So Eliot, Sara and Sir Hercules…” Louis deduced.
Tyler finished, “are Eloi, Sora, and Herakles.”
“A bit obvious, but at least Persephone doesn’t have to change her name,” Courtney commented.
“Shush!” Crystal hushed them, “the battle’s about to begin!”

“Gaia Striker!” Sora’s weapon had remained unchanged throughout the years, even if her suit adapted to modern day. From the distance, Crystal could see young Persephone hiding in a building; watching the battle from atop a crate, looking out the window and seeing her mother and father defend the world so she could one day become what they were.

“Chrono Lance!” Eloi’s weapon was the same one they recognized. Eloi took it and vanished into his own personal mode of Othertime. He would return to normal time as soon as the moment for him to strike Georgex was certain.

“Star Warhammer!” Herakles’s weapon was a golden, heavy hammer with a black grip. Only Herakles himself had the strength to maneuver such a powerful object. He slammed it into the ground and knocked Georgex into the air. Sora used Lunar Dance on her Gaia Striker and set Georgex a-spinning. Now was Eloi’s moment.

He leapt up from behind and used the vertical downward slash, often used to complete his Vortex Beatdown. “Twelve-o’-Clock Sounding!” Eloi named it. Georgex had a silver gash appear in his back and turned around. When the Eloi of the past landed, he commented something to the others. “I can feel a presence in the area,” he said, “there are others here….in Othertime.”

“Holy…!” exclaimed Tyler, “He knows!”
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The Eloi of the present sat inside the futuristic cockpit of TimeOwl, adjusting gauges and systems to achieve the one thing that would make his spacecraft complete. He reached into the glove compartment and pulled out something small, thin and made of hard plastic. It was rather like a credit card, except that it felt heavy, as though it was holding a secret waiting to be unlocked.

Eloi slid the card through a slot on the control panel and saw a 3-D schematic of the ship appear on the screen. It rotated about to show the TimeOwl from every angle; a bar appeared at the bottom of the screen. “Transformation System installed,” spoke the ship’s voice, “Clock Knight activated.” Eloi looked at the control panel and knew what he had to do.

“I must get to the others,” he thought, “I’ve finally found a way to set things right.”
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“Starlight Crash!” bellowed Herakles as he swung the Star Warhammer against Georgex’s rocky body. Cracks appeared, but dark energy began to fill in the gaps as quickly as they were created.
“We have to help,” Crystal said, “We may be in Othertime, but our powers can still be put to use.”
“You may be right,” Courtney added, “Waterspout!” A torrent of water launched from her hands and filled in one of the gaps in the rocky monster. Tyler aimed a beam of sunlight above his head, blinding his eyes.

“So far, so good,” Louis whispered as he snapped his fingers. The wind changed direction so that the three gods’ attacks would blow towards the monster regardless. Finally, Crystal froze the water Courtney had placed inside Georgex, causing it to expand and create cracks at rate the dark energy couldn’t repair. Georgex screamed as something hit him in the back. Except none of the holy trio had made their move.

“ELOI!” exclaimed the four. The Eloi of the present was flying onto the scene in TimeOwl. He’d blasted Georgex just long enough to relay his message.
“Board StrataBomber and use Warp Hurricane again,” Eloi said, “It’ll take you out of Othertime and let us finally conquer this beast. Let’s go!”
“Right!” the four repeated.

They entered into the grounded StrataBomber and again flew over Georgex’s head. “WARP HURRICANE!” When the bomb exploded, forceful winds began to spin. Eloi set TimeOwl’s time circuits to the year of its creation, 5010, and watched as it, the bomber jet, and the monster disappeared in a flurry of wind and time portals. From on the ground, the three gods looked on in confusion.

“…I felt someone helping us,” Eloi said, “it is a sign of things to come.”
“We can’t go on with this forever,” Herakles said, “We’ll have to choose successors someday.”
“I have a feeling we’ll find them quite easily,” Sora said happily, “Persephone, dear! You can come out now!” The little girl rushed to her mother’s arms, completely unaware of the battle. By now, TimeOwl and StrataBomber were drifting to thousands upon thousands of years ahead of this time.
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“StrataBomber reconfigure! Flying formation, StrataRobo!” StrataRobo’s metallic feet landed on the grassy landscape of 5010 as it exited out of the time warp. Geogrex roared and released obsidian rocks at TimeOwl, which faded in and out of Othertime to dodge the attacks. Eloi removed the effects of Othertime from the Strataman with a simple wave of his hand, and took TimeOwl higher and higher into the air.

“Here’s where I reveal the secret of all time,” Eloi quipped, “TimeOwl, Royal Advance!”

TimeOwl’s triangular, beak-like nose and its extended wings broke free from the main body of the ship. The center body dissembled itself into two plated tube-like rockets, two rectangular ones, and a strong-looking body. The body took the tubular rockets on as arms (which sprouted black hands) and the rectangular ones as legs, which folded up to reveal feet. The wings clanked together at their edges to form the Eternity Shield, and the front grew a grip and a silver blade to become the Eien Saber. A knight-like head with a beak-like visor rose from the body as the weapons landed in its hand. Eloi strapped himself into the cockpit and announced the name of his new formation.

“Eternal Protector, Clock Knight!”

Clock Knight walked in front of StrataRobo with its Eien Saber held proudly. “This is what the year 5010 has to offer,” said Eloi, “I can do more than the damage needed to this ancient beast. Clock Knight, susume!” The Eien Saber became engulfed in a silver glow and slashed once down Georgex’s body.

“I will not be beaten by you, StrataChronos,” Georgex growled, “I have yet to, and I refuse to!”
“Eternity Shield, become the Wings of Time!” Eloi called. The shield split in two and attached to Clock Knight’s back. Clock Knight launched into the air and shot four beams in unison from his grilled visor. Georgex’s body was pierced by the lasers, allowing a horizontal slash from the Eien Saber to do even more damage.

“Obsidian Crush!” yelled Georgex. From his mouth launched an indigo ray that would’ve frozen TimeOwl in a casing of the same material that his body was constructed of, but Eloi understood the secrets of time magic impossibly well.
“OTHERTIME!” shouted the god.

Clock Knight vibrated quickly and slipped into Othertime, being completely unaffected by the blast. “Now I finish you once and for all,” Eloi snapped, “EIEN SABER!” Silver energy raced up the blade and charged it to full power. Clock Knight held the weapon in the air. “TWELVE TICKS OF INFINITY!” A clock design appeared over Georgex’s head and froze him in a six-second time stop.

“One-seven!” the first slash. “Two-eight!” the second slash. “Ten-four!” the third slash. “Eleven-five!” the fourth slash. “Three-nine!” a horizontal slash. Finally, a powerful vertical slash was announced to the words “Twelve-six!” And with that, Georgex was finished in an explosion of obsidian, dark energy, and fire. Clock Knight transformed back into TimeOwl as did StrataRobo into StrataBomber.

“Come on,” Eloi said, “Let’s go home.”

TimeOwl projected a clock design in front of it that became a portal back to their time. The future and the past remained unaffected, Georgex was gone at last, and peace was assured. Now there was the matter of returning the four to their normal ages…
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“But I don’t want to lose this hot bod!” Courtney complained, “Cooper would’ve given me a raise, a promotion if he saw me like this! Pleeeease let me keep it, just for one more day!”
“You’ll reach this beautiful you in a few years,” Eloi said as he placed his hand to Courtney’s shoulder and enveloped her in silver light. “But time must run its natural course, after all.”

He repeated the process with Louis, Tyler and Crystal. When all were back to themselves, Courtney immediately ran to the nearest mirror to look at herself. “I’m ruined!” She was shorter by a few inches, her body had lost some of its curvature, and she looked more like a girl than a woman. Her powers were hardly as strong now, but with training they could equal and maybe even surpass her temporarily older self.

“Its okay, Courtney,” Louis said, “At least we saw the past and the future.”
“The past?” asked Eloi, “What did you see?”
“We saw you….Sora….Herakles….Persephone,” Crystal commented, “If only we knew how Persephone was now. She’d probably be a beautiful woman.”
“Like her mother,” Tyler said, “but we can’t change the past.”
“That I know for certain,” said Eloi as he looked at his pocket watch, “what’s past is past…but the future…can still be made.”
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“My room is in the same condition as before,” said Aval as he looked through books of magic and knickknacks from across the world over, “except…where is Geogrex’s obsidian? NYX!” Nyx appeared from the shadows of his room, her heart nervously beating.

“What, Aval?”
“Do you know where my obsidian went?”
“…er, no.”
“Yes, you do. It was the one the Rangers were fighting! I trapped a deadly monster in there and planned to revitalize him through fire under my control. But no, you made him a rogue! For this, I’ll have to take revenge on one person…”
“Me?”
“No. StrataChronos. It’s not every man who could defeat one of my beasts. You return to clearing out the tunnels.”
“But I don’t LIKE clearing out the tunnels.”
“The Core said whoever isn’t assisting Mason and Terra must be focusing on the Strataman problem. I do whatever it takes to please The Core. You know that, Nyx.”
“Of course I do, ya jerk,” Nyx muttered under her breath.
“Very good,” Aval said, “Leave me to plan. I have a feeling he won’t know what hit him.”
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“Where’d Daddy go?” asked a young Persephone of her caretaker, Arba. Arba was a goddess of the forest, and while friendly, didn’t give Persephone the same feeling of warmth she found from her mother. “What’s going on?” Persephone was a persistent one. She wanted to understand everything about the conflict going on, even if she couldn’t at her young age.

“I’m sorry to say this, little one,” Arba sat Persephone down on her lap, “but you won’t be seeing your mommy for awhile. She’s been through something…that makes her want some time to herself.”
“But I can make her feel better!”
“At a later time,” Arba said.
“And Daddy?”
“Daddy had to go on a quest,” explained the goddess, trying to put it into words the young girl could understand, “he’s going to seek the Hammer of Thor. If he finds Thor’s Hammer, then you can see them again.”
“I understand,” sighed Persephone, “I’ll go to bed now. Good night, Arba.”
“Good night, young one,” said Arba, “Sleep well. Your dreams may be the only safe world left.”

That night, while Arba was resting under the shade of an oak tree in the time-stopped world, Persephone had taken action. She took her child-sized shovel, several bags of seeds, and a small sack of dirt and wrapped them around her waist. Her watering can was to be both her way of survival and fending for herself. “I’m going to find the Hammer of Thor!” the girl proclaimed. “For Mommy and Daddy!”

“Wait, what?” Arba woke up and brushed the leaves off her body, “Persephone, what are you doing? PERSEPHONE!” She called out the girl’s name several more times until Persephone had walked over the hill. All hope was lost. She’d lost track of Sora and Herakles’ only child. They’d never forgive her for this.

Arba charged ahead, swinging from vine to vine down the path the young girl had taken. Her footsteps were still fresh in the dirt. She couldn’t have gone far. She was only six, how far can a six-year old girl go? The path took her over hill, over dale, across the dusty trail, and through the caissons littered along the path, but when she arrived at the spot where the footprints stopped…

There was no Persephone. Nothing but seeds scattered along the ground, a cracked watering can, and a single shovel embedded in the dirt. Arba cried to the lonely night. “PERSEPHONE!”

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Aval challenges Eloi to a wizard’s duel, which Eloi must accept, or otherwise a curse will fall upon Horizon. As the two compete in various tests of magical strength across all planes of existence, Eloi begins to wonder what could be happening down in the Arnsak. With The Core not looking, Nyx approaches Mason with an offer that could change everything.

Wizard’s Duel

[GreenNinja]

Episode 24: Wizard’s Duel

Aval respected that man’s skill. StrataChronos had bested a monster he’d kept in reserve for some time now with relative ease, and had technology reaching back to the ancient past and the distant future. Any sufficiently advanced technology is magic in the eyes of the uninformed, and TimeOwl, to Aval, was a thing of magical beauty in itself. The ship’s design, its abilities, Clock Knight…he had to see what Eloi could do in a one-on-one situation; without the Strataman at his side.

Aval poked his wand into the ground and traced a triangular symbol around his body. “Power of flame!” he chanted, “Give me astral form! Let me ascend beyond this body!” Flames from the symbol coursed up his body and took the shape of him, except completely transparent and spiritual. Spiritual form was similar to Othertime – the two planes often collided – except that spirits had some additional powers. Flight, possession, and an echo in their voice. Aval was going to take advantage of all three.
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Eloi was sitting at Sora’s beside again with a damp cloth in his hands. She was hot and sweating, yet pale. Something must have entered into her body through the windows of Horizon. Gods and goddesses can suffer sickness like any mortal, but to expel the pestilence from their body is significantly more difficult. Eloi had been able to send Sora into a localized time-stop. She was in suspended animation once again at his hands.

“Who could have done this?” thought Eloi, “This sickness hasn’t existed since…”
“The medieval days,” said a fiery voice beside him, “You know it and I know it.”
“AVAL!” gasped Eloi before the flaming avatar of the mage, “How did you get inside Horizon?”
“I’m not actually IN horizon, God of Time,” Aval hissed, “this is merely my astral form communicating with you.”
“What do you want? To steal my power from the Sector?”
“Like that filthy girl NYX?” Aval sneered, “To stoop to such low tactics would not be in a wizard’s nature. In fact, I want you to use your power. Use it and push yourself to the limits.”
“Come out with it already!”
“I challenge you to a Wizard’s Duel!” Aval pointed his wand at Eloi’s face and lit it aglow.

Wizard’s duels have existed for as long as magic has. They’re an advanced form of magical gambling that serves to meet an end for both sides, often with someone in the middle. Small-scale duels have been fought for girlfriends, pieces of property, or a gold medal in wizard dueling tournaments. Large-scale wars, though, have been fought for eras, nations or entire magical planes. Eloi had no choice but to accept Aval’s challenge, and made sure he got a fair deal.

“What happens if I win?” he asked.
“Then I’ll leave Horizon alone and Sora will return to her normal, comatose self,” Aval snickered, “I gave her that disease, and only I know how to cure it.”
“But what if I should lose?”
“Then I’ll spread it across all of Horizon. Au revoir, Eloi.”

Aval teleported out of the ship. Eloi looked down at Sora and whispered something towards her. “For your sake…for my sake…for everyone…I will defeat him. There’s no magic stronger than time magic, m’lady, and when it comes to time magic, I’m the best there is.”
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Nyx had finally fully recovered from her bout with Georgex, thanks in small part to Crystal Prisma. She strutted around the Arnsak chambers showing off her body, as usual, until she bumped into Mason, who was at that point working on a sculpture to become a Statue Beast. He’d found the willpower to continue his craft now that the tunnels were at least halfway cleared. Digger’s troops, knowing their work was better needed as manual laborers than foot soldiers, had taken up the monumental task.

“What are you working on, sweetie?” Nyx asked.
“Not that it’s of any importance to you, Nyx,” Mason replied, “Aren’t your Shadow Creatures top-secret?”
“I haven’t made any of those in awhile.”
“Funny, I have yet to create a Statue Beast either.”
“But I always lost,” the two sighed in unison.

Mason clipped his trowel, hammer and pick about his waist and spoke to Nyx. “My creatures were organic, with the spirit of the earth inside them! Good for brute strength and destruction, but they always had a weakness that someone could exploit. I’m a failure.”

Nyx placed her hands on Mason’s shoulders. “I know. Not that I’m saying Shadow Creatures were better, but they could do more. My dark magic, the body of a beast…but they weren’t strong. It was all in the tactic.” Mason shoved Nyx off his shoulders and cast his glare at her.

“Are you trying to suggest something to me?”
“Whatever gave you that idea?” Nyx laughed.
“Because…” Mason sighed, “Let’s do it.”
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Aval and Eloi, both dressed in their magical robes, walked into the suburbs of Stone Summit from opposite ends of the street. Aval held his rosewood-carved wand tightly in his grip, and Eloi checked his marble Dial Watch several times. The stage was set for the first wizard’s duel in many a century. As the sun began to rise, Aval spoke the first words.

“StrataChronos, you showed.”
“A true mage never backs down from a duel.”
“Then we fight the best of three challenges. The challenger, as you know, chooses the first battlefield.”

Aval waved his wand above his head and slammed it to the street. The landscape of Stone Summit faded away into the rim of an active volcano somewhere in the pacific. “The Ring of Fire,” Aval said, “First one to fall into the volcano is the loser of the match. Then it’s your game, Eloi.”
“I knew you’d choose a contest of strength and skill,” Eloi said, “Let’s begin. CHRONOS…ADVANCE!”

Eloi’s StrataChronos suit appeared over his body as he drew his secondary weapon, the Sandblaster. “Freeze where you stand!” he shouted. The wave of time stream-abrasive sand passed through the area, but Aval sent a spiral of fire from his hand and turned the sand into a panel of glass. Eloi continued to fire, but Aval made even more panels; Six of them; which he blowtorched together with his wand to create a cube. A time-stop cube. Eloi had been trapped by his own devices.

“The god of time trapped in a time stop,” Aval laughed, “How pitiful. All I have to do is push the cube into the lake of lava, and victory shall be mine.”
“That will be done…some OTHER TIME,” Eloi boomed as he slipped into Othertime and freed himself from the box. “CHRONO LANCE!” The lance cut through the glass box and sent the shards into the depths of the volcano below.
“Othertime?”
“You mean you don’t know of it?”
“Shut up and fight me, Chronos.”

Eloi swung the Chrono Lance about, slashing at Aval’s robes. The sharp point of the arrow cut off his sleeves, but Aval cast wave after wave of fire spells in Eloi’s direction. The God of Time had only one way to respond. “Aval, you do not know everything a time lord can do. Eon Regeneration!” Eloi held his Chrono Lance to the air. It shot off beams of light that split into nine more StrataChronos avatars, all with their own Lance in hand.

From a different angle the Elois struck. Aval found himself trapped in the inescapable bind of their magic. He flicked his wand and hollered “ERUPTION!” The Eloi clones vanished, leaving only the real one standing near the edge of the volcano, anticipating his strike that would never come. Aval flicked his wand again and transformed it into a fiery whip. The whip struck Eloi at his knees and knocked him over the edge. The lava simmered below him.

He tried to maintain his grip, but the rocks were too rough and jagged for his gloves to hold on. “You win this round, but I choose the next battlefield!” Eloi shouted as he fell down into the volcano. He didn’t hit boiling lava, but rather a hard metal platform when he reached the bottom of the volcano. The battlefield had changed to his during the fall, and at the other end of the Vortex waited Aval.

“So, your pocket dimension from Vortex Beatdown,” said Aval, “I expected no less.”
“I have yet to use every tactic in here,” Eloi snapped his fingers, “the rules for this round are as follows: at the top of the Vortex is a platform with a flag. Whoever grabs that flag is the winner.”
“Time to claim my victory.”
“We shall see.”

Aval aimed his wand towards the metal floor and created a crack. Magma spurted upward and kicked Aval into the air. Eloi snapped his fingers. “Slow-Mo, please.” A yellow clock face made of energy, like Eloi’s silver one, passed over Aval’s head and slowed him to a snail’s pace. It would take him forever and a day to reach the platform, much less grab the flag. Eloi charged to the back of the Vortex and held his Chrono Lance high.

He ran ahead and jammed the Lance into the ground, springing off of it like an Olympic athlete. Eloi bounced off the walls, ascending higher and higher upwards. He stopped halfway up and figured “Hmm, maybe I should let him go.” A green clock face descended out of nowhere and passed over Aval. The magma stream moved impossibly fast now, slamming Eloi into the top of the Vortex.

“I’ll get you for this!” yelled Aval in a high-pitched voice. His fast-forwarded state, though, allowed him to land on the circular platform in the blink of an eye.
“STOP!” Eloi called. A red clock face appeared now, and froze Aval where he stood. Eloi continued bouncing up the walls and wrapped his hand around the flag. Aval unfroze. “I win!” Eloi proclaimed, “The final contest will be decided by the forces of nature themselves.”
“Whatever challenge it is, I’ll take it,” Aval sneered.

A flash of white light overtook the Vortex and transported Aval and Eloi to their final battlefield in this wizard’s duel.
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Armageddon. Nothing more than a ball of molten hot iron below and a rickety metal platform, several yards wide, above; two mecha stood at opposite ends of the platform. One was the silver, regal Clock Knight with its Eien Saber in hand. The other was a massive, rocky, earth-toned robot accented in red, piloted by Aval. The Fire Claw Mole was an upgraded version of Digger’s old machine, and it packed just as much of a punch…if not more.

“Quite a simple fight, actually,” Aval said, “Whoever wins this one takes it all.”
“I’m doing it for Sora,” Eloi said, “You blackmailed me into this.”
“I know. Devious, isn’t it?” laughed the mage.

“Eien Saber! Clockstopper!” Clock Knight spun the Eien Saber in a circular fashion, creating a clock face in front of it. Eloi commanded his mecha from the past and future to stab the Eien Saber though the center of the clock, and stab it did. The Eien Saber became embedded in Fire Claw Mole’s exterior. Aval may not have driven many a mech in his days, but he knew how to command the Fire Claw Mole.

The Claw Mole’s fists came alive with white-hot balls of fire, which where only made hotter by the star-like ball blazing below. Claw Mole slashed across Clock Knight’s silver armor and left a glowing gash. “Eien Saer!” Eloi yelled once more, “Twelve Ticks of Eternity!” The six slashes were performed, removing Claw Mole of its arms. The Eternity Shield became the Eternity Wings, allowing Clock Knight to hover above the platform. That is, until Fire Claw Mole opened its mouth and trapped Clock Knight in its bucktooth grip.

“I’m offering you an ultimatum, Eloi,” Aval said, “You can kick me over the edge and win, or I can throw you into the Armageddon below. However, if you take the fall, I’ll still give you the antidote to Sora’s sickness…and a piece of vital knowledge. Now it’s not often that I’m like this, but if you want to know more about the past that’s evaded you for so long, you have to look to the present. What do you say?”

“I won’t give into your trickery, wizard!” Eloi replied, “Never!”
“You get the antidote either way. I was simply testing your strength, and you have it. Now do you want that information or not?”
“I…I give.”

The wizard’s duel ended. Eloi had forfeited the match, something he never thought he’d do in a million years. The two returned to the streets of the suburbs they had begun their fight at. Aval reached into his robes and passed a small crystal vial filled with a bubbling pastel liquid to the now-powered-down Eloi. Eloi took it into his robes and prepared to leave, but before he did, he turned to Aval.

“What is this information you said you had?”
“The Core tells me many things. One of them was something vitally important to you. Your precious Persephone…is alive.” Eloi was shocked. She’d been presumed dead all these years. But this…if Sora were awake, she would be crying tears of joy.
“She’s ALIVE?” Eloi shouted, “Where? How? Is she okay? Does she still remember her mother? What else can you tell me?”
“That’s all I can tell you. So long…god of time.” Aval vanished in a burst of flame.
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Eloi returned to Horizon immediately and held the vial to Sora’s lips. A few drops of the medicine within entered her body and cured her instantly. She didn’t wake up, but at least her godly form was to remain healthy. Eloi knelt beside her and whispered in her ear.

“Sora,” he said, “I don’t know if you can hear me, but I have great news. Persephone is alive. That’s all I know. I know Herakles hasn’t returned from his centuries-long quest, but at least your precious daughter is alive and well somewhere. Crystal, Louis, Tyler and I will do everything we can to find her and bring her back here. Sleep well.”
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Terra rounded a corner in the cleared tunnels to return home. She’d found enough clay on this journey to create an army that would make military minds shudder in fear. Te first thing she saw upon reentering the chambers of the Arnsak made her shudder, though. Mason and Nyx were acting friendly with each other, sculpting a creature that looked powerful. Terra had to put a stop to this.

“What are you doing with him?” she looked to Nyx, “What are you doing with her?” she looked to Mason.
“Our rivalry has been dissolved,” Mason answered.
“The first Shadow Statue is born,” Nyx laughed, “all we need is the final touch.”

Terra didn’t know what to say.

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

The Shadow Statue, through Nyx’s infusion, comes to life, and his name is Darkstone. At the same time, Courtney and Louis are having problems with Channel 4’s star reporting team and are aiming to make their “Best Report Ever”. Then comes Darkstone to ruin their fun. Every tactic they try fails. Is there any way to win?

Friendly Competition

[GreenNinja]

Episode 25: Friendly Competition

Aval was the last of the remaining generals from the medieval days, so his inclusion into the Arnsak was a necessity. Mason and Terra had joined some centuries later, taking up position as the resident monster-makers. Digger followed, and then Nyx. Mason and Nyx had a rivalry since her initiation, but somehow, through an almost unexplainable compromise, they had started working together. Terra had worked with Nyx herself once, but quickly found out the girl was greedy and self-serving. If she turned tail on Terra after working with her, would the same happen to Mason?

The statue that Mason had created was shaped like a blocky rendition of an Olympic strongman. Half of a dumbbell was in each of his hands. “I like, I like very much,” Nyx said as she seductively waved herself around the mound of hardened clay, “shall I give it some of that ol’ black magic, Mason?”
“Be my guest.”

Nyx turned transparent and went inside the statue. Darkstone, as they had dubbed it, came to life. His muscles became rock-hard and moving, pitch-black eyes lit with life, and he began to move. Darkstone was incapable of speaking beyond a throaty growl, but the iron dumbbells in his hands could speak for themselves. Nyx rematerialized after extracting herself from his body and looked to Mason. “I think I’ve done some fine work.”

“No, Nyx, my dear, WE have done some fine work,” Mason said as he placed his arm about her shoulders.
Terra stood in the corner, clueless. Her world had been turned upside down. She had news to tell Aval when he returned from his visit to the surface.
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“…our BEST REPORT EVER!” exclaimed Courtney, “this’ll show Cooper for favoring Blitzer and Catch over us. Cloud and Franklin are, and always will be, the stars of Channel 4!”
“Courtney?” Tyler said, tapping her on the shoulder, “People are looking.”
Courtney Cloud had just screamed her news right in the middle of the crowded mall, and heads had turned. Louis adjusted his video camera and turned back to his partner in reporting.
“If we’re going to do this BEST! REPORT! EVER!” he said, lovingly mocking Courtney’s proclamation, “We need to get started. Theft from the mall’s wishing fountain? It tugs at the heartstrings of the community. This is the kind of stuff you see commercial bumpers for.”
“They’re a perfect pair,” Crystal sighed.

Louis aimed his camera at the wishing well and looked at the layer of change that had gathered at the bottom over the years. When he turned his camera upwards to catch a glimpse of the lovely Courtney Cloud, someone else was looking at him – with another camera. He had a preppy, high-class, high-strung look about him, and dressed in primarily white and pale blue clothes. “Hank Blitzer,” Louis said, “If it isn’t the high-class, artsy one that Mr. Farnsworth always loved.”
“Farnsworth loved me in high school, Franklin,” replied Blitzer, “because my films were loved by the school’s critics. Yours would’ve been better underground.”
“I have made a few cult hits in my day,” Louis mused, taking it as a compliment.
“I meant buried in the dirt where they belong,” laughed Blitzer heartily, “Cooper will never choose your pansy report.”
“I’ll show ya who the pansy is,” Louis cracked his knuckles as Blitzer turned away.

Courtney was taken back by the presence of Linda Catch, Blitzer’s partner. Linda had platinum-blonde hair and dressed in expensive shirts that could hardly be considered articles of clothing. Her skirts were short, her heels high and her lips covered in garish red gloss. Courtney did everything in her power to hold back from releasing a forceful river from her palms at the little tramp.
“Cloud, is it?” Catch laughed, “You never were the top of the class back at Stone Summit High. What makes you think you’ll come out on top here?”
“I’m not the one dressed like a streetwalker,” Courtney repeated.
“Don’t blame me, Cloud,” Catch chuckled, “Sex sells.”
“If that’s the way you want it,” green energy was gathering in Courtney’s hands, but she held back.
“Later, losers,” Catch waved mockingly.
“Losers,” added Blitzer.

“Don’t worry about it,” Crystal answered, “StrataGreen and StrataYellow have done more for this town than those two ever will.”
“I WANT the Arnsak to attack,” Louis answered, “It’ll take my mind off Blazer and Snatch.”
“Alert!” came Eloi’s voice through their Strata Braces, “We have a creature sighting at the north end of the mall.”
“Shadow Creature?” Ty asked.
“It’s something never seen before,” Eloi replied, “I’ll be there when you get there.”

The four charged into the bathrooms nearby and sounded the call of “Satellite Uplink!” The “Best Report Ever” could wait until later. Saving the city was always top priority.

On the other end of the mall, Eloi was sprinkling the Sandblaster’s sand through the air conditioning system, creating a safe battlefield for the Strataman. Darkstone, having the brute force of a Statue Beast and the tactics of a Shadow Creature, took no ill effects from Eloi’s blast. Tyler, Crystal, Louis and Courtney rushed to his side with their Forecasters in hand, ready for battle.

“He said his name is Darkstone,” Eloi explained, “From what I gathered, his creators are Mason…”
“That explains the stone,” Louis said.
“…and Nyx.”
“No way!” Courtney exclaimed.
Tyler added, “So he’s a…Shadow Statue?”
Darkstone growled and smiled a grim smile. He pounded his hands against the ground and sent a shockwave of tile towards the Stratman.
“NOW!” Eloi yelled, “Strike him with everything you’ve got!”

“Forecasters!” the four yelled together.
“Heat Wave!” Tyler shouted as a beam of intensified sunlight launched from the front of his combined weapon. Darkstone was sent flying back across the floor.
“Blizzard Rush!” Crystal’s weapon created a series of stalactites on the ceiling of the building which came crashing down around Darkstone, leaving him trapped.
“Waterspout Whirlwind!” Louis and Courtney sent their attacks at the same time, boring through Darkstone’s chest. The rocks where his heart would’ve been reassembled themselves, and Darkstone sent a barrage of rocks in the four’s direction. Eloi moved next.

“Chrono Lance, Eon Regeneration!” Ten Elois filled the area, each with their own Chrono Lance in hand. They delivered a united jab to Darkstone before uniting into one Eloi, who activated his most special of specialities. “Vortex, open!” The mall dissolved away into the gray vortex, leaving only StrataChronos and Darkstone to fight. Eloi thought he had his victory secured. That wouldn’t be the case.

Darkstone punched the wall of the Vortex, and in doing so made it fade back to the mall. “Vortex!” the arrow-shaped tip of Eloi’s Chrono Lance lit aglow with silver radiance, “BEATDOWN!” Just as Eloi jumped to deliver his final slash, the Vortex disappeared, weakening Eloi’s attack to the point of uselessness. Darkstone punched him into the other four, who had powered down from the struggle. The mall was still in its state of suspended time, so there was a chance for victory.

Except that it was a very slim chance.
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Aval reappeared in The Core’s chamber in a burst of fiery light. The Core himself was now dormant, a blue hue having overtaken his body. The room was dark, and all Aval could make out, standing against the wall, was a female figure. “Nyx…” he sighed, “Come to brag to me again? I know that you got Sora’s power and I didn’t, but I could care less about your one petty achievement when I’m already making progress towards defeating StrataChronos!”

“Hate to break it to you, Aval, but Nyx is ahead of you there, too,” the voice replied.
“Terra?” questioned Aval.
It was Terra. She appeared out of the darkness. Her drill was strapped about her waist and she was wearing the outfit she wore when she was excavating for clay. Her black hair was caked in dirt, but her copper eyes were all the proof Aval needed.
“Do tell,” the wizard answered.
“She and Mason are working together.”
“You tell me lies, girl!”
“Nope. Darkstone was sculpted by him, powered by her. You and I are left to stand off to the side while they pull out a victory.”
“And what of Digger?”
“Clearing the tunnels. Molemen love digging more than they love fighting, so he’s working for sunflower seeds. It’s you and me, Aval.”
“Didn’t YOU work with Nyx once?”
“And never again.”
“I think we’ll get along perfectly, Terra. We have to break up Mason and Nyx’s partnership before she stabs him in the back! Mason’s the only one around here besides you who trusts me.”
“Nyx’ll stab him in the back either way. But when she does, we’ll be there to pull out the knife and hold its bloodstained blade towards the little wench.”
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“Darkstone is ours, Mason,” Nyx said as she sat on the bed that belonged to Terra, “and you two have a comfortable room. Terra won’t mind if I watch the carnage from in here, will she?”
“Not at all.”
“Good, good,” Nyx smirked, “Now, Mason, tell me about yourself.”
“I’m a sculptor, a lover of the arts, and the quintessential Renaissance man. Terra is the best friend I’ve ever had in my life. She may be an apprentice, but someday, I feel she will bring new life to the arts, making the Earth a thing of beauty for all to appreciate.”
“Ooh, interesting,” gasped Nyx, “Why don’t I tell you about me? The closer we are, the better we work.”
“Begin,” Mason said. He’d always wondered about the enigma that was Nyx. Perhaps getting it from Nyx herself would be the best course of action.

“I was there at the beginning of existence, and will be there until the end. The dark, the unknown, the mystery, that is me, in all my sexiness. Now I’m just an innocent goddess with the power over shadow and disguise, but it doesn’t mean I’m evil, no. All I want from life is what anybody wants. Power, fame, fortune, and a man to live beside me; I think, Mason, that man may be YOU.” Nyx playfully ruffled Mason’s hair and sat in his lap. She could feel the excitement she was spreading through the room.

“I think Darkstone’s just made the fun even better.”
“Nyx…will you…finalize our…agreement?” Mason trembled.
“I was wondering when you’d ask,” replied Nyx sultrily, “let’s finalize.”
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Darkstone had transformed himself into mist and reappeared outside the mall at giant size. Eloi and the four Strataman members had no choice. When they get big, the mecha come out.
“Machine Uplink! Sky Machines!”
“Time Advance! TimeOwl!”

TimeOwl led the flying formation of vehicles as SkyJet and SkyCopter soared beside it. SkyVan and SkyCruiser roared up to the scene. Everyone climbed in their respective vehicle and activated the transformation.

“Giant Uplink! StrataRobo!”
“Royal Advance, Clock Knight!”
“Four Sword!”
“Eien Saber!”

StrataRobo took to the skies and performed a “Strata Wing Punch!” with its left fist, landing a solid blow to Darkstone. While the crack was still visible, Clock Knight swung its ironclad fist around to deliver a powerful punch. Darkstone’s body shattered and reformed, but at giant size it became clear that seams of where he had patched himself were still visible.

“Twister Edge!” Tyler equipped the weapons. “Elemental Spiral Maximum!”
“Eien Saber!” Eloi called out his attack, “Twelve Ticks of Eternity!”

Darkstone was cut multiple times by the blades, so much so that a hole was left in his chest. A hole that he couldn’t reform. “Victory is within sight,” Eloi cheered, “CLOCKSTOPPER!” The Eien Saber stabbed through a silver clock face towards Darkstone’s head, but the Shadow Statue forcibly split himself into several rock bits that rearranged to form a dinosaur-like walking beast. Breaking Darkstone hadn’t weakened him. It had only made him stronger.

“We’re out of luck,” Louis said, “This guy can’t be beat.”
“There must be a way,” Eloi relayed, “I know there is…except I don’t know how to uncover it.”

Dinosaur Darkstone swung his massive tail towards the two Robos as they stood still. The impact was to be devastating.
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The lights were dimmed to little more than a faint glimmer in Mason’s room, and the sheets on Terra’s bed were moving themselves, because there was someone beneath them. Terra was walking through the ever-quicker clearing tunnels with Aval, discussing the means with which to end Nyx’s trickery. “I keep a log of these things in my room,” Terra said, “follow me.”

Terra turned the corner into her and Mason’s chamber just as Nyx pulled the covers off herself to catch her breath. Smoke was coming out of her mouth, and Mason’s face was blushing red from excitement, embracement and embarrassment. “YOU!” shouted Terra, reaching for her drill, “What the hell are you doing?” she looked to Mason. “I thought I could trust you…but this probably isn’t your fault, no. It’s all HERS, the scheming little witch. COME HERE, NYX!”

Terra grabbed Nyx by her hair and pulled her to her side. She slipped on her drilled bustier, hanging from a ceiling pole, and held the two drills to Nyx’s eyes. “It’s time to expose you for the traitor to the Arnsak you really are.”

Nyx remained perfectly calm.

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

The confrontation below ends with Mason unconscious, Nyx on the run, and Terra and Aval going to stop the abomination that is Darkstone before it’s too late. Meanwhile, Louis and Courtney disembark from StrataRobo to find something Eloi hid in the mall’s wishing fountain that could be their key to victory. The part of Darkstone that split off, though, is going after Blitzer and Catch. Will they be willing to save their rivals? What does Eloi want them to find? Why is Louis feeling something within him that he’s never felt before? All this and more to be answered.

An Unbeatable Creature?

[GreenNinja]

Episode 26: An Unbeatable Creature?

“Tell me; what do you want with Mason?” the drills on Terra’s bustier began to rotate slowly. She was deadly serious. “Was Darkstone the end of your plans or just the beginning? If you don’t start singing, I’ll not hesitate to drill through your heart.” Nyx maintained her calm composure and turned her body transparent. Terra thrust her chest forward, only to feel the drills going through something like a cold mist. Nyx superimposed her transparent body over Terra’s.

“I’m the one in control now,” Nyx spoke through Terra’s mouth. Slowly, Terra’s body began to change. Her skin became a dark stone gray, her black hair gained a sheen it never had before, and her copper eyes became pitch black. Nyx’s voice now spoke through her. “Wizard, you wouldn’t hurt your friend, would you?” asked the goddess. “Terra is completely under my control. Not even her mind is her own anymore.”

Mason, who was stirring back to normal, saw the Nyx-Terra before him. “…what’s going on?” he mumbled, “Aval? Terra? I don’t remember seeing you in here…”
“This is for the best, Mason,” Aval said, “Concite!” A burst of blinding light shot from the tip of his wand and knocked Mason back onto his bed. The sculptor was now completely unconscious, and wouldn’t awake for some hours to come. Aval turned his attention towards Terra.

Nyx-Terra lifted into the air. A dark aura surrounded her body as spheres of indigo-colored energy swerved in Aval’s direction. One by one Aval disintegrated the balls with jets of flame before turning his wand towards the fused being. “Terra, I’m going to help you out of this…it’s for the best.” Clay flew out of Terra’s bag on the floor, covering the girl in a heavy layer of mud and dirt. Aval created a crack in the floor and sent up a jet of flame. The clay hardened as if it was in a kiln.

“EXPELSIOR!” Orange energy spread over Aval’s body and concentrated itself in the tip of his wand, blasting the hovering stone girl. The shadow of Nyx swooped out like a ghost, and briefly assumed human form, sitting on the rafters above. Stone debris cracked and freed Terra, who caught her breath and gave Aval a thankful gaze. Nyx spoke to the two from above.

“So you saved Terra from me, but that doesn’t matter. When next you see me, I’ll be the crown jewel of the Arnsak. Let your worthless Statue Beasts continue their campaign. In time you’ll discover that without Nyx, you’re worthless little insects. Ta-ta.” The dark goddess vanished through the ceiling, leaving Terra and Aval alone with an unconscious Mason.

“We have to get to the surface,” Aval said, “Darkstone’s still out there.”
“The surface…but…” Terra stuttered.
“Grab my hand,” Aval urged, “Now.”
Aval and Terra vanished together in a burst of red, orange and yellow flames. Mason could be filled in on the details at a later time.
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“Vortex, Time Stop!” Eloi quickly called for a silver clock face, which spread itself over the area. The glowing energy arrows were positioned with the hour hand on the 12 and the minute hand on the 6. Dinosaur Darkstone’s tail froze where it was, and all but StrataRobo and Clock Knight in the surrounding area had gone still. Eloi got on the line with the others to communicate his plans.

“I know what we need!” he said, “the Regality Engine.”
“Reality Engine?” asked Crystal.
“No, that’s for manipulating the physical world,” Eloi answered, “The Regality Engine is a missing component of Clock Knight’s systems. I’ve been able to transport it to the mall’s wishing fountain, but I can’t leave the battlefield. One of you will have to get it.”
“I’m the leader, I’ll stay,” Tyler said, “I won’t abandon StrataRobo. Courtney, Louis, you go.”
“We were going to go to the wishing fountain anyway,” Courtney said, “This is just more incentive to do so.”
“We’ll have the Regality Engine back to you in no time,” Louis replied, “how long do we have?”
“The time stop is set to 30 minutes,” Eloi spoke, “You have that and nothing more.”
“We’ll go for it.”

Courtney and Louis dropped their Ranger forms and left StrataRobo. The mall was in complete stillness, so their mission would be easy enough. They didn’t know, though, that Blitzer’s camera had shielded him from the time-stop…and that Aval and Terra were on their way to the surface to weaken Darkstone for them. A beautiful dance, taking place as the Earth turned, made sure all would turn out right in the end.
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As Aval and Terra arrived on the surface, they saw the time-stopped Darkstone before them. “I can work with the Statue part of him,” Aval said, “Manipulation of earthen materials is easy enough. Dispelling Nyx’s influence won’t be so easy. She bonded pretty strong to this one.”
“Should I use the drill?” asked Terra.
“I’d be ashamed if you didn’t.”
“Why aren’t Clock Knight and StrataRobo doing anything? He’s an easy target.”
“Because, Terra, they need one thing to complete this mission. What happened with Great Atlas so many moons ago will happen again. I can feel it. All the stars are pointing in that direction.”

Terra took her drill and began to bore into Darkstone’s leg while Aval focused his wand towards the beast’s heart. “Let the shadow begone from you, demon!” Aval yelled. He thought to himself while blasting the creature, “This may not be what The Core wants…but with Nyx gone, I’ll have greater chances to prove myself. I shall become the shining star of the Arnsak once again!”
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Louis and Courtney knew where the wishing well was. It was stationed in the center of the mall, and had multiple levels, beautiful marble statues surrounding it, and a plethora of coins within. They passed by a shoe store only to see Blitzer and Catch standing in their path. “How did you survive the…uh…time stop?” Louis asked confusedly, “You should be in suspended animation now.”

“Oh, that thing,” Blitzer laughed, “I was recording the whole thing on my camera, and I suppose the camera’s lens blocked the beam from Lindy and myself. Still trying to get your stupid fountain story? Not on our watch.”
“Not at all,” said Catch as she ran her finger up her leg, “Come on, if you think you’re better than us, prove it.”
“Remember, you asked for it,” Louis said as he set his camera down, “Courtney, let’s go!”
“Right!”

Louis grabbed Blitzer by his jacket and thrust him into the wall. Blitzer swept his leg under Louis’ and tumbled him to the ground. At that point, Louis delivered a kick while down to Blitzer’s crotch, rendering him in considerable pain. All Blitzer could do was shake his fist in anger as Louis landed him against the wall once more with a gust of wind from his fist. The man who was StrataYellow picked up his camera and charged ahead. He found the wind racing beneath him, propelling him ahead. He’d become stronger. That time of year was approaching. He could feel it.

Courtney had grappled with Catch up the stairs until they were on a railing near the fountain below. Catch grabbed for Courtney’s wrist, and flicked her Strata Brace into the water below. Courtney wouldn’t let that pass, and freed her hands from the girl. With one hand she commanded her Brace out of the water, and with the other slammed Catch in the chest. Her tube top was beginning to slide off her drenched body, and her hair was soaked. Courtney was about to claim her victory when suddenly Blitzer and Catch turned to dark stone. The Shadow Statue had followed them.

“Where are you and what do you want?” Louis asked. Courtney raced down the stairs to be beside him. A quick check at his watch confirmed that 20 minutes had passed. The part of Darkstone hovering before them had his head and his body in a smaller size…but nothing more. When he’d separated himself from his body, the other part took on a sentience all its own. Courtney and Louis were trapped between Darkstone and a hard place.

“You do realize that if we crush this part of him, Blazer and Snatch come back, right?” Louis whispered to Courtney.
“But he’s also weakened,” Courtney replied, “and getting the Regality Engine is our primary goal.”
“Then let’s.”
“Satellite Uplink!”

Yellow and green energy spiraled around them, and they had struck their final poses when the whirlwind of water and air stopped. They turned around, Satellite Swords drawn, and announced their titles.
“Spring’s goddess – StrataGreen!”
“Autumn’s watcher – StrataYellow!”
“Go forth into the wild blue yonder! STRATAMAN!”

Courtney and Louis ran their fingers up the blades of the Satellite Sword until the entire silver edge was overtaken by a blinding golden glow. The two suited fighters charged ahead and slashed at Darkstone, delivering a clean cut down the middle. Louis crossed his arms and let yellow energy gather on the blade. “Courtney, go for the Engine!” he yelled, “I’ll deal with him.”
“…you think you can?”
“I KNOW I can!”

Courtney ran back towards the wishing fountain and bounded up the water-flooded levels. Nothing but pennies in the lowest, some dimes and nickels in the second, a rare quarter or two in the third, the fourth was completely empty, but at the top of the fountain, from which all the water flowed and returned, was something resting quietly on the bottom of the fresh water. It was a deep blue, almost purple, in its outer frame, and had two fans, each with six golden blades, on each side. A small silver clock face engraved into the top proved to Courtney this was the Regality Engine she’d been looking for.
“Eloi!” she called over her Strata Brace, “I’ve found it!”
“You only have five minutes!” Eloi yelled, “After that, I can’t activate another time stop and save us!”
“We’ll be there as soon as Louis handles one thing.”

Louis didn’t know where this power in him was coming from. It was as though a calm, crisp wind was blowing through his mind. He raised his Satellite Sword above his head, sliced it through the air, and with a final blow, destroyed Darkstone’s separated half for good. Courtney, the Regality Engine in hand, rushed to his side as the two teleported back to StrataRobo.

With Darkstone’s sentient part gone, Blitzer and Catch returned to normal. He fell unconscious, slumping against the wall, and she tumbled into the fountain below, climbing out wet and angry. However, a strip of fabric from her skirt had caught on the fountain’s edge. She was helping her rivals, just as they had helped her. Their days with Cooper were numbered.
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“Thanks for the Regality Engine,” Eloi said as he teleported it to the heart of Clock Knight, “now, the time stop should be over in five…four…three…” Courtney and Louis sat back in StrataRobo and strapped in, “two…one…NOW!”

“KNIGHT ADVANCE!” yelled the five in unison. Just as Dinosaur Darkstone (now slightly weaker than he was before) swung his tail towards the two mechas, StrataRobo and Clock Knight leapt into the air and took on a regal golden glow; Eloi’s plan was going into effect. Even Aval and Terra glanced into the sky in amazement, as did all the people in the mall waking up from the time-stop and abrasively-slowed time stream. They had all the reason to.

SkyCopter retracted its arms as Clock Knight’s arms disconnected and took their place. The Wings of Eternity strapped on alongside StrataRobo’s own wings, and Clock Knight’s legs attached to the front of StrataRobo’s legs. Clock Knight’s body becomes worn as a shield, and the triangular front of TimeOwl becomes StrataRobo’s new head, now resembling a knight-like helmet. A double-bladed halberd with shades of silver and gold lands in the new mecha’s hands as it poses against a silver clock with the four Strataman symbols on 12, 3, 6, and 9. As it lands to Earth, the name is announced.

“Regal Defender of the Eternal Cycle, StrataKnight! Formation complete!”

“Time Halberd, ready!” Eloi spoke.
“StrataKnight, advance!” commanded the Strataman.

Darkstone reformed himself into a humanoid shape (aside from the hole in his chest) and sent a barrage of rocks towards StrataKnight. The Time Halberd dealt with them with ease. On its four wings it launched into the sky, delivering a series of flying slashes across Darkstone’s body. “The longer Darkstone remains here, the worse,” Louis said, “We finish him now.”

“Just what I was about to suggest,” Eloi said, “Initiate Chronos Time Cut!”
“CHRONOS TIME CUT!”

On the ground, Aval and Terra’s work had come to completion. Darkstone’s Shadow half and Statue half had been separated at last. A black shadow hovered above a lifeless clay body just as a glowing slash through a golden clock face, directed by the Time Halberd, killed both. StrataKnight landed on the ground, held the Time Halberd proudly over its back, and struck a victorious pose. Cheering sounded from within.

“Our mission is done,” Aval whispered, “grab hold.”
He and Terra returned to the Arnsak chambers. Nyx, taking the form of a streak of shadow, moved across the sky. She was heading for parts unknown. Louis and Courtney, though, had a report to get to. They had nothing to hold them back. No Darkstone. No Blitzer and Catch. All the time in the world was theirs.
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Louis and Courtney walked into Mr. Cooper’s office at Channel 4 and set down the videotape containing their report on theft from the mall wishing fountain. Cooper swiveled his chair and turned towards the two. Courtney clutched Louis’ arm in nervousness. He’d been up all night editing the video to perfection, and wasn’t going to lose now.

“Franklin, Cloud,” began Cooper, twiddling his fingers, “I love it. It plucks the heartstrings of the community, will get people watching, caring, and doing something. If you’re going to do local news, this is a great example of it. Blazer and Catch haven’t even turned theirs in yet.”
“Yeah, they ran into a problem or two,” Louis chuckled.
“It’s probably not as good as ours,” Courtney added.
“Darn right, and that’s why you get to present it tonight, Miss Cloud,” Cooper answered, “Congratulations.”

Courtney and Louis cheered as they exited the Channel 4 studios. Before they turned the corner, Tyler pulled Louis aside. “Sorry, Courtney,” he said, “but there’s something Louis and I have to do. It won’t take long.”
“Okay,” Courtney answered, “don’t spend too long there.”

“What is it, man?” Louis asked, “something great just happened!”
“Something greater is about to,” Tyler said, “repeat after me. Eternal Woods Uplink!”
“Eternal Woods Uplink?” Louis asked.

In a flash of yellow wind and bright red sunlight, the two had vanished from where they stood. It was nearing the end of August. That time of year had come again. The changing of a leader with the changing of the seasons; it was different every time, and never predictable. All part of life’s cycle.

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Tyler and Louis are fighting each other in the middle of the Path of Eternal Autumn and the Shore of Eternal Summer. Why? For a simple golden crown? The god of the woods, Kao, oversees the fight. Louis’ time to prove himself a leader is here.

Second Turn

[GreenNinja]

The end of the Summer Saga, which segues right into the Fall Saga. I should probably upload that episode list...
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Episode 27: Second Turn

The Woods of the Eternal Cycle had last been seen when Courtney was passing the crown of leadership off to Tyler during the spring to summer transition. This time, Tyler had felt it coming. Louis’ sudden burst of power, the leaves starting to turn shades of red, yellow and brown, and that crisp chill in the wind that speaks of a time of change. He had called Louis away from a celebration at Channel 4 and whisked him away to the Woods of Eternal Time. He didn’t know what to expect himself, but when the call was given, it was his duty to answer it.

“What’s the Woods of Eternal Time?” Louis asked.
“I don’t know myself,” Tyler answered, “but I’ve been here before.”
“You sure these are the woods?” Louis asked, “They’re dead.”

The center glade of the Woods was completely barren. It wasn’t covered in snow like in the wintertime either, it was just dead. Hanging on silk strings between each of the trees was a gem in red, blue, yellow and green, sparkling over an arch of branches leading to one of the four areas. Tyler had visited the Field of Eternal Spring and the Shore of Eternal Summer last time, but he noticed now that a heavy wall of vines blocked the spring passageway.

“Let me show you around,” Tyler said. He led Louis through the branched archway onto the Shore of Eternal Summer. True to its name, the Shore held the very essence of summer in it. A sparkling, sandy beach with crashing saltwater waves, a clear blue sky with no clouds in sight, and a peaceful lighthouse radiating its guiding beams out across the ocean. Tyler and Louis looked down to see they had somehow changed into red and yellow swim trunks for no reason.

“It’s a beach.”
“It’s the summer, pal, and everything about it,” Tyler picked some sticks off the sand and began to construct a crude raft, “I want to sail out onto that ocean. Who knows what secrets it could hold, especially in a world such as this?”
‘That’s the thing about you, Ty,” Louis commented, noticing his glasses had changed to sunglasses, “always with a sense of adventure. Sometimes I wonder why Eloi let you continue to lead.”
“Are you saying I can’t lead?”
“No, not at all.”
“Then what are you saying?”
“I’m saying you’re reckless. You were perfectly alright with letting me and Courtney face down Darkstone to get the Regality Engine. I’m sure you could’ve done it yourself.”
“I wasn’t at my peak then. Your time was approaching. And soon it will be Crystal’s.”
“So you’re going to risk her life too?”
“You won! That should be all that matters!”
“Barely. Darkstone was tough. I’m not even sure if it was StrataKnight that did most of the work in beating him.”
“Then who did?”
“I don’t know…somebody.”

Tyler said nothing, turning away. He tied his raft together with a strand of rope and drifted out to sea. Louis turned his head and walked in the direction of a cool breeze blowing his way. He could feel it was leading him to somewhere. The further he walked, the quicker his swim trunks changed into a pair of jeans, a yellow T-shirt, and a black jacket. The trees were starting to lose their color, and some their leaves. The sandy path changed. Everything was changing.

“The Path of Eternal Autumn,” Louis read the rickety wooden sign to his left, “sounds like my kind of place.” He walked ahead, and discovered it was a path in all its forms. The sign was part of a short, whitewashed wooden fence that had been placed at the start at the path; another fence was at the end. Piles of leaves surrounded the area and a rusty rake leaned against a tree. A scarecrow waited beside the pumpkin fields where turkeys were clucking about unnoticing. The sky had taken on the same shade of red as the trees, and a few clouds covered the sky.

“Sunset,” Louis said, “is it always sunset here?”
“Yes, it is,” spoke a voice from the distance. Louis grabbed the rake and aimed it at the shadowed figure on the hillside.
“Who are you and what do you want?”
“Calm down, Franklin,” the voice walked out of the moonlight, “my name is Kao. I am one of the gods of the forest. Your friends, Apollo and Cloud, may have met Arba, an associate of mine. I think it’s time for you to take the test.”
“What kind of test? I have a rake!” Louis yelled, brandishing the rake like his Satellite Sword.
“How do men settle their problems?” asked Kao, coming into view.

Louis finally had a clear view of the man. He had amber eyes, red hair, and a stoutly build. His beard, colored the same as his hair, looked to be made out of leaves instead of hair. He was dressed in a brown robe that swept out over his back as the wind blew by. Kao controlled the wind and blew four leaves, each a different color, into his and the scarecrow’s hand. The scarecrow looked up to Kao and held out the leaves, which were now marked with a spade, a diamond, a heart, and a club.

“Four of a kind,” said the scarecrow in a southern drawl.
“I win this round,” Kao laughed, “cards are a non-violent way to deal with problems between Apollo and yourself.”
“Never been much of a card man.”
“Then there is only one thing left. And it seems most fitting.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You must fight your friend.”
“Fight Ty? Sure, he’s being a jerk, but…”
“He holds the Crown of Seasons. When September comes, don’t you, Louis Benjamin Franklin, deserve to be holding that crown and leading the Strataman? Fall is your season, wind your power, and yellow your color. Your time is approaching.”
“Yeah. That’s why I was able to beat Darkstone with one slash.”
“Exactly, my young friend.”
“Then I’ll challenge Ty…and I’ll win,” Louis said as he spun the rake about like a bo staff, “time for you to…” he laughed, “fall.”
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Tyler had been rafting across the ocean and reached the edge. What he saw was amazing. It wasn’t more oceans that awaited him, but rather, space. He could see the black depths of space trailing off into the distance. One thing that caught his eye was a golden spaceship streaking away from a 12-planet solar system centered near a space station orbiting a single glowing star. It was a beautiful sight. “Shame Louis had to miss this,” Tyler thought as he rowed back to the mainland, “maybe I was sent here to the Woods for this. It’s not so bad.”

When Tyler stepped onto land, he felt something heavy appear atop his head. A four-pointed regal crown, embedded with a jewel in the four Ranger colors, was now resting above. He took it down and watched it hover to a spot that fell exactly between the Shore of Eternal Summer and Path of Eternal Autumn. Louis was waiting there with his rake in hand while Kao, disguised as a chipmunk, watched from a nearby tree brach.

“That’s mine,” Louis said as he eyed the crown, “I’m the next leader.”
“And you want to fight me for it?” Tyler asked.
“Yes,” Louis replied, “this is how men settle things.”
“If you say so,” Tyler held out his StrataBrace, “let’s go.”

The sun above the Shore of Eternal Summer beamed onto Tyler’s body, projecting his suit onto him. A wind in the Path of Eternal Autumn swept up a few leaves, letting them whirl around Louis and transforming him. Louis hadn’t dropped the rake, and Tyler had picked up a shovel from the beach to use for his own purposes. Both weapons became charged with the energy of their respective holders. Kao, as a chipmunk, chattered the word. “BEGIN!”

Leaves swirled around Louis, making him appear as Kao had when he arrived on top of the hill. Louis thrust the rake forward, its many metal hooks extending forth like a claw, narrowly striking Tyler, who blocked with his shovel. A tornado made of leaves and chilling wind crossed the boundary of the Path and the Shore, and Tyler sidestepped out of its way.

“Not too bad for a future leader,” Tyler said, “but you can’t just throw out anything and think it will work. Sometimes you have to strategize on a wing and a prayer.” Ty stuck his shovel into the sand and began digging. Shapeless masses of wet sand flew in Louis’ direction, catching the leaves he had thrown and knocking him to the ground. Louis shot a burst of wind from his hand and stood up again, brandishing the rake like a weapon.

“Then what should I do?”
“You have to be willing to make risky moves. Also, take suggestions from the others. You’re the leader, but your word isn’t law.”
“Thanks.”
“We’ve been through a lot since Sora lost that day, but I think we’ve become the protectors she was looking for us to be.”
“You’re right.”
“Each season’s different, at that. I can fight in the summer, but you can adapt to autumn quite easily. It’s your season – a beauty just before the final fall, a time when the earth is using its last bit of life to make the best of things.”
“Yeah, that’s it.”
“So, think you’re ready?”
“As soon as I beat you in this round.”

The rake became energized with a yellow glow as Louis spun around and swiped the leaf-gathering tool through the chilly air. A tornado of leaves and wind spun in Tyler’s direction and grabbed the Crown of Seasons off the tree. It landed on Louis’ head. He powered down and smiled proudly, walking forth to shake Tyler’s hand. The two congratulated each other on a job well done. Kao left his squirrelly state and reappeared before the two.

“Not yet. You still need to finish it with the traditional call.”
“Right,” they nodded.
“Sunny days may be gone…” Tyler struck his pose.
“…but this time of change will bring forth new legend!” Louis finished.
“StrataRed!”
“StrataYellow!”
Louis led the call this time, taking his new position as leader of the team. “For now and forever, we will protect the skies!”
“Suihei Sentai….Strataman!”

Louis and Tyler vanished, returning back to Stone Summit. A silver clock face traced itself out on the ground, and Eloi appeared with Arba at his side. Kao brought a stump to his side and three wooden chairs, making a rough table. He’d heard the news of recently, and wanted to discuss this with the two gods that he’d long kept in contact with.

“So, what’s the word?” asked Kao.
“Persephone is alive!” exclaimed Eloi, slamming his fist on the table.
“Thank you!” Arba sobbed, “I had to live with this thought on my mind for years…but to know the truth…it’s so…relieving. Do you know where she is? Does she remember who she is? Should we start looking?”
“All Aval told me is that she’s alive,” Eloi answered, “but she must be close to him, otherwise how would he know?”
“I’ve also heard Nyx has left,” Kao mentioned, “gone from the Arnsak lair entirely. Strange that this would happen, isn’t it?”
“There is the appearance of the Shadow Statue…” Arba commented.

“You know what this means, Eloi,” said Kao, “Sora’s protégés have become yours now. It is time to put them through the ultimate training.”
“You can’t mean…?”
“Yes, I do,” replied the woods god, “they can afford to spare an hour of their lives to go through the gauntlet in here, our home. Bring them here!”
“But…” Eloi hesitated, “Crystal wouldn’t consider it! Tyler and Louis have just been here for the ritual, and Courtney has a report coming up this evening! Do you know how important their lives are to them?”
“The lives of humanity are ultimately of greater importance,” replied Arba, “the word is final, Eloi. We will bring them here.”
“Let it be done!” bellowed Kao.

Kao and Arba drew a branch each and united them, dissolving the area between the Path of Eternal Autumn and the Shore of Eternal Summer into the central glade. On each of the four symbols appeared a pillar of colored light that transformed into Tyler, Louis (with the Crown of Seasons atop his head still), Crystal and Courtney. Eloi, Arba and Kao stood ready to welcome their trainees. No human in history had been through this challenge before, for it was meant for the gods.

“Wasn’t I just here?” Louis asked.
“Man, I haven’t seen this place in ages,” Courtney sighed.
“Is it time for Crystal’s ritual?” asked Tyler, “I didn’t know it was winter already.”
“I’m not sure…” Crystal said, nervously brushing her foot against the infertile dirt, “…I mean, I’m but a simple girl, daughter of a jeweler, ice skater…leading the Strataman really isn’t for me.”

“That’s not why we brought you here,” Eloi said, “This is Arba, Goddess of the Woods, and Kao, God of the Woods. You are in the Woods of the Eternal Cycle.”
“Can someone tell me what in Zeus’ name this place is?” Tyler said, stepping forward, “I’ve been here TWICE and I still don’t understand.”
“All will be explained,” Eloi answered, “but first, as autumn approaches, you must know that greater challenges lie ahead.”
“Well, sure,” Crystal said, “but how will being here…?”

“The Woods of the Eternal Cycle will hone your abilities to their greatest,” Kao answered, “right now you are in the Central Woods, with the paths branching out towards the Field of Eternal Spring,” Courtney nodded, “the Shore of Eternal Summer,” Tyler nodded as well, “the Path of Eternal Autumn,” Louis gave a thumbs-up, “and the Lake of Eternal Winter.” Crystal put her head down and blushed. “The Central Woods is still unexplored, so who knows what you will discover?”

“You will need suitable attire,” Arba said, snapping her fingers. Tyler and Louis changed into red and yellow robes that reflected the sun and swept up in spite of there being no wind. Courtney had donned a flowing green dress that moved up and down like a wave, and Crystal’s blue dress was adorned with jewels that sparkled with an iridescent light in the dark Central Woods.

“Only Eloi will be here to give you guidance,” said Arba as she moved next to Kao.
“Let the training…” Kao held his hand to the air, “BEGIN!”

NEXT TIME on a special Suihei Sentai Strataman

Courtney and Louis train in each other’s seasonal areas, in order to fully understand each other for battles to come. Tyler probes Eloi about what he saw in the past, wanting to know everything that happened. Crystal, meanwhile, comes upon the Circle of Holidays, and releases several holiday creatures that she must return to where they belong. It’s a day in the woods that may end with no one finding their way back to the Central Woods to return home. Speaking of home, why does Nyx possess Janet, and what does she plan to do with the chrysalis waiting in the mycologist’s room?

The Woods of the Eternal Cycle, Part I

[GreenNinja]

Episode 28: The Woods of the Eternal Cycle, Part I

Janet Prisma wasn’t affected by her sister’s vanishing into the Woods of the Eternal Cycle. In fact, Janet had become quite used to Crystal’s abrupt and unusual periods of absence. Today, Janet was walking home from a trip to the park, a leaf-covered branch in her hand. “You’re going to love this,” she said to herself in a singsong voice, “the finest leaves in New York.” Janet knew a little about the Arnsak, but hardly enough to know that Nyx, the goddess of darkness and shadows, fresh from her splitting-off from the group, was hovering above her.

“You’ll do just fine,” Nyx said as she eyed the insect-loving girl, “a bit of my essence is already in you, I see. That bath may have had better lasting effects than even I could’ve foretold. It’ll be a perfect, flawless, seamless integration. Your mind is sharp, your body able, and my spirit more than ready.” Nyx let out a cackle and a whoosh as she charged in Janet’s direction, taking on a transparent form and appearing, invisible to the naked eye, at Janet’s side.

Nyx wrapped her arm around Janet Prisma’s shoulder before imposing her image over the girl. Janet’s eyes flashed with a light so deep violet it was almost black, and immediately returned to a state of what she believed to be normal thought. Her body became warm and malleable like wax, taking on the shape of Nyx’s seductive curves. From within Janet’s soul, Nyx laughed, ignoring a spark of pink energy appearing at Janet’s waist.

“Let’s see what we can do with your little friend. If this works out, I’ll integrate myself with Apollo’s sister next. I love being a free goddess – every person is moldable in my image and the world is waiting. My reign has begun!”
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Courtney walked onto the Path of Eternal Autumn and felt a sharp wind sting her cheek. Her dress rippled across her body, and the scarecrow turned to her, its eyes glowing in the darkness. “You are not the Yellow Sage,” spoke the man of straw in a deep, wise, Southern drawl, “What brings you here?” Courtney channeled her power and summoned a silver rain cloud lined with green energy above her. One by one drops fell on her head. She had resumed her StrataGreen outfit and held her Parainsol out towards the scarecrow.

“Name’s Courtney Cloud. I’m a friend of the Yellow Sage. In fact, I’m the Green one.”
“Why do you come to train on this Path?”
“It was Louis’ idea,” Courtney replied, “If we can perfect our skills in each other’s environments, we’ll be ready for any battle.”
“An interesting idea,” replied the scarecrow, “I shall be your opponent.”

Courtney held her Parainsol’s metal tip towards the strawman as if it were the head of a spear. She was ready to begin.
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“Tell me,” Tyler said as he sat on a stump, Eloi before him on another one in the Central Glade, “where we are and what does this have to do with the stories we’ve heard? If I don’t get answers, then nothing can be done. Eloi, the future of the WORLD depends on this.”

“Fine,” Eloi said, “You’re right, I’ve kept too many secrets from you for too long. Listen in. These Woods that you now sit in are not, in fact, an ancient secret of the Gods, as so many things are. Rather, it was a necessary creation. Their origin begins just after the Plutonian Wars had supposedly finished….”
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“What if he returns?” Eloi asked of Sora in the clock shop many years ago, “Not all of us were there! The best the Sages and I could handle was a Sealing! And you know that a Seal, no matter how strong, will never last forever. The Earth may be in great danger, and if the Turning comes to happen, we’ll need a place of refuge. Will you build this place with me, Sora?”

“I…I don’t know…” Sora trembled, “I may as well stay there.”
“And you can until your soul returns to normal,” Eloi said, “I care for you, Sora, and I’m willing to let you have your rest, just so long as you build this world with me.”
“I understand,” Sora nodded her head, “when do we begin?”

“And so,” explained Eloi, “Sora and I transported to a world outside of our own, where Sora, using her tears and Earth powers, made the maze of trees that became the woods grow. I sectioned off four zones to become the Field, Shore, Path and Lake which would hold the Sages’ powers. The Central Glade would’ve been a beautiful place, with flowers grown by Persephone…but it remained dead in tribute to her memory. Sora and I remembered this place, but saw no fitting reason to come to it…until we found you four.”
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Crystal wandered the woods. She had the Winter Gem tucked safely into the bosom of her dress, and could tell a faint light was glimmering from it. It could’ve been leading her in the direction of the Lake of Eternal Winter, but she hadn’t even made it past the Central Glade yet. Suddenly, a path opened before her in the trees. Crystal walked in and found herself enclosed in a circular area.

Around her were more dead trees, but six main ones stood out. They each had a large, painted symbol on them, each one about the size of a door. A heart, a colored egg, a shamrock, a pumpkin, a turkey, a decorated Christmas tree, and a grinning pumpkin face. “Holidays?” Crystal asked, “Where AM I?” The trees were thin enough so that she could see the sun setting on the horizon before her, but no path was readily clear. Curiously, Crystal approached the door with the tree and opened the knob.

She peered in. A world of snow, thatched houses, and multicolored lights was visible below. Before her was a dark blue tunnel glowing with stars, Crystal could feel the force beginning to suck her in and her gem shining so brightly she could barely see. Crystal Prisma quickly slammed the tree-door shut and walked to the grinning pumpkin. It opened easier than the tree gate, probably because it was fall. Suddenly, a shapeless ghost darted through the black entryway.

Crystal concentrated her power and transformed into StrataBlue. “Henshin!” she said as she drew her Forecaster. “I hope the others are having an easier time of this than I am. What have I done, what have I done?”
---------------------------------------------------------------
Janet, with Nyx unknowingly inside of her, returned home to her room. Insects chirped, screeched and wailed in the background amid the greenery placed everywhere, but she was used to it by now, for all the bugs were contained in cages. Nyx commanded Janet to walk up to a certain cage placed before her bed so she could examine the contents within.

Janet had found a caterpillar just before she arrived in Stone Summit, and had been carrying it with her on the day Crystal became StrataBlue. The caterpillar became a chrysalis at the end of the fall, and was nearing the day his metamorphosis completed. Nyx loved the potential this had; it was a young creature, still un-manipulated by anything but nature. She had one thing to do before her plan completed.

Nyx freed herself from Janet’s body and lay back on the bed. Janet was standing up, but unconscious as if sleepwalking. She had no idea what was going on. Beads of sweat began to form on Nyx’s body. As one rolled down to her breast, she grabbed the drop on her finger and blew a breath of cold air. “This’ll do just fine,” Nyx said. She rejoined Janet and commanded the girl to place the strange crystal next to the chrysalis.

“Now…” Nyx breathed a heavy sigh, “we wait.”
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Louis felt a light shower of rain hitting him on his head. It was making it near-impossible to see through his glasses, so he took them off. His vision had now become much worse, so he closed his eyes. Just to make sure, he became StrataYellow. The rain was still drizzling in the background, but he could also hear a woman’s voice. Arba. “Courtney’s environment isn’t what you’re used to, is it?”

“Not exactly,” said Louis.
“If you can find me,” Arba answered, “and land a blow, then you’ll be ready.”
“But how can I find you? I can’t see!”
“You don’t need to see. You need to listen.”
“Listen?”
“Listen…”

Louis focused. Around him he heard the pattering of rain, his footsteps against the ground, and a high-pitched, melodic humming. He pulled out his Gustbranch and walked in the direction of the voice, listening to hear if his footsteps slammed into any logs that might be in the way. After walking forward and turning to the side, he could feel his hands touching the shoulders of none other than Arba herself. Louis heard the goddess of the woods reply to him.

“You’ve found your way to me. There is one part of the challenge left. Finding your way out.”
---------------------------------------------------------------
Crystal was firing off icy blasts from her Forecaster, but ghosts can’t be easily frozen, if they can be frozen at all. She backed into the turkey-shaped door and had a wild bird like that on the entryway, squawking, clucking and gobbling around the Glade of Seasons like mad, running around her. The ghost from Halloween Town swooped down to Crystal and looked her in her visor.

“Boo.”

Crystal let out a scream that could be heard for miles around. “Please, don’t harm me,” she whimpered, “I haven’t even been the leader yet. I don’t think I’m fit to be the leader. I don’t want to die!” Crystal powered down, unable to maintain her composure or her StrataBlue suit. The ghost’s wailing face transformed into a friendly smile as he landed beside Crystal. The turkey stopped gobbling and ran back through his door, not caring about what had gone on.

“What made you think I’d want to kill you?” asked the ghost, “I, too, live in these woods.”
“But you’re…you’re…you…” Crystal couldn’t even get out the words she wanted.
“I simply wanted to scare you,” the ghost explained, “I come from Halloween Town. Scaring people is what we do. I noticed you looking into Christmas Town before you opened my door. Tell me; are you the Blue Sage from those many years ago? She was a wise warrior, always appreciating the beauty in things.”
“I have her powers,” Crystal trembled.
“Those of us in the Glade of Seasons know what goes on,” explained the ghost, “and I’ve been keeping watch on you. It was you who figured out that Eloi was still around. It was you who defeated Flower Dragon. You have all this untapped potential, Crystal. Now go and tap it.”

Like that, the ghost vanished into a cloud of mist. Crystal looked towards the horizon and saw a faint gust of wind blow past the setting sun. There were ice crystals in that wind. She was going to find her way to the Lake of Eternal Winter, because she would. Because she could. Because she had to. She was Crystal Prisma, and nothing could stop her now.
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The scarecrow wielded a rake in his hand with great proficiency. He scraped the yardwork tool across the ground and scratched three lines into the ground. Courtney tried to step into the marked dirt, and felt a super-cold spark surge up her leg. “The first winds of autumn,” said the scarecrow, “a potent weapon when in the right hands.” Courtney, never one to give up, knew just how to retaliate.

“Parainsol!” she called, “Let it pour!” She held her umbrella weapon above her head and extended it forward. The canvas covering spread, and a green beam of light shot from the metal tip. Clouds formed in the Path of Eternal Autumn, sending down a wave of water that washed away the mark the scarecrow had created. With the tip still surging with energy, Courtney stabbed the scarecrow under his shoulder. The man of straw raised his hand in defeat.

“Arba and Kao’s challenges have been passed by you and the Yellow Sage,” said the scarecrow, “but the Blue and Red Sages still have tasks of their own they must undertake. The final challenge for you two, though, is simple. If you can make it back to the Central Glade, then you are ready for what lies ahead.”

“How tough can it be to get the Central Glade?” Courtney asked, “We know where it is.”
“The forest harbors many secrets,” replied the scarecrow, “You will find this for yourself…in time.” With that, the scarecrow returned to a lifeless stuffed man of straw. Far away, at the opposite end of the woods, Louis had been issued a similar challenge by Arba.

Their last puzzle was approaching.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Tyler entered into the Shore of Eternal Summer at the same time as Crystal’s passage into the Lake of Eternal Winter. He knew his area well, but she was overcome with amazement.

The Lake of Eternal Winter’s main centerpiece was a frozen-over pond in the very center, fenced off on three sides. The ground and one tree were covered in a blanket of white snow, and the sky was a crystal blue. A snowman was visible out of the corner in Crystal’s eye, and in the distance she could make a quaint brick house with smoke coming out of its chimney. A wreath was on the front door, and lights hung from the edges of the roof.

“It’s so beautiful…” said Crystal silently, “How could there possibly be danger?”
She had barely spoken before the sky’s light turned to darkness, the aurora borealis shining in the heavens. The aurora’s light spread down through the area, blinding Crystal. She drew her Stalactice, but found its pick, made of pure frozen water crystals, only served to refract the aurora’s light and make it more glaring. The light faded. Crystal blinked. Her vision had been modified.

All before her was now white. The line between sky and ground had been blurred to the point where one could have just as easily been the other, and the lake that gave this area its name was barely visible. “Is anybody there?” Crystal screamed, “I’ve been blinded! Somebody…”

“Help me.”

She was too scared to move.

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on Suihei Sentai Strataman

Tyler deals with a monster that he swears he’s seen somewhere before while Courtney and Louis work together to return to the Central Glade. Crystal starts to figure out what is real and what is a mirage, until she eventually hears the sounds of something being born from her world. Is Nyx responsible for the terror that’s looming on the horizon? Will the training complete? The stunning conclusion on…

The Woods of the Eternal Cycle, Part II

[GreenNinja]

Episode 29: The Woods of the Eternal Cycle, Part II

The rain had stopped falling for one second. Louis whipped out his glasses, powered down, and headed for the wall where vines had once been. He was going to get out of the Field of Eternal Spring no matter what. He conjured a tailwind that propelled him along, giving him an even greater boost of speed. The flowers, the grass, the trees, all of it, vanished behind him as he turned into the path to the Central Glade. He felt something brush up against his shoulder, and turned to see Courtney, also powered-down.

“You too?” he asked, “How was training?”
“Did you know you had a fighting scarecrow?” Courtney asked.
“A what?”
“I thought so.”

They ran further ahead. Leaves vanished from the trees, and the rich, brown soil and sprightly green grass faded before their eyes. They were clearly on the path to the Central Glade, but any sign of Eloi, Arba or Kao evaded their eyes. The woods began to look the same. For all they knew, they could’ve been running down the same path for eternity. Time was a thing of the past in this dimension.

“…what are we supposed to do?” Louis asked. His mind frantically searched for an answer, but nothing came.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Tyler held his Strata Brace to the sunlight glaring overhead on the Shore of Eternal Summer. The second light struck the silver brace, he transformed into his streamlined red suit. His Solablade fell in a ray of sunshine, and Tyler stood ready for battle. “Let’s get this challenge on with. For Sora. For Eloi. For everybody. Show me what you’ve got.”

A wave crashed on the shore. A monster was standing on the sandy shores, his giant feet leaving deep depression in the shoreline where he stepped. He was a dark gray, shark-like beast with jagged green lightning bolt marks on his back. His name was Electroshark. Tyler held his Solablade in fighting formation and walked silently towards the monster.

“I think I remember you…” he thought, “Where did I see you before?” The memory was vague, but he’d seen Electroshark somewhere in time. Tyler swung the Solablade in an arc, but Electorshark clamped his jaws down on the metallic blade. Green sparks jumped across his back and into the weapon, spreading across Tyler’s body. His nerves had become stuck to the blade’s grip. There was no way to break free.

“I don’t feel as strong as I used to,” Tyler thought, “the changing of the seasons…of course. Louis is the strongest of us now…and Crystal’s time is approaching. What does this mean for the future?”
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Crystal’s vision was nothing more than a blurry white field. She couldn’t transform, her visor would only impede her trying to get around. That cottage, of course! There had to be someone in there. But where was the cottage? The aurora, combined with her ice powers, had only caused her to go snowblind. It would be terrible to return to the others like this. What would be a sign of the cottage? Then it occurred to her.

“Warmth.”

The Lake of Eternal Winter was frozen-over, save for the cottage that someone (or something) had built. Crystal could feel a slight bit of heat to her left and started walking in that direction. The winds howled around her and snow blew in her face, but she trekked onward. “Anybody?” she called for help, “Are you there? If you can hear me, say something!” The words “say something” echoed across the barren landscape. Nobody was there.

After what could have been five minutes, or an eternity, Crystal felt her forehead slam into something. It was polished, wooden…warm. The door had been found. Crystal groped about for the knob, and when she found it, turned it to the left. She tumbled inside onto a carpet on the floor and rubbed her eyes. Tears fell down her face as her vision returned to normal. She looked around the place she would be calling home for now.

It was made of panels of reddish wood, and had several dark wooden chairs and a table placed around it, with a massive stone hearth, blazing brightly, in the distance. A set of kitchen shelves and a stove was off to her side. The cottage felt warm, except for one of the chairs. Crystal sat down in the chair opposite the cold one, and felt a shiver run down her spine as someone materialized in it.

Nyx.

“Crystal, surprised to see me?” Nyx asked, “I think you’re wondering several things right now. ‘How did I get to the Woods of the Eternal Cycle?’ ‘What am I doing here?’ ‘Will I make it out alive?’” All Crystal did was nod in reply. Nyx had read her mind. Nyx (was it really her?) stood up and walked about the cottage, pointing to something hanging from the wooden ceiling.

It was an irregular shape, woven of silk, and shone with a light like that of the aurora outside. A cocoon, a chrysalis, whatever it was called. Crystal knew them all too well…her sister. “Is that Janet’s?” asked Crystal, “What are you planning, Nyx? I want answers!”

“You’ll never find them,” Nyx laughed as she reclined back, “You barely found your way out of the cold. Let’s just say that your sister has greater potential than you ever knew, and I’m about to exploit that for all its worth. How do you think it will fill to lose another one of your number? Sora was crushing enough.” Crystal knew what she was talking about.

“ELOI!” she screamed, grabbing Nyx by her shoulders, “What are you going to do with Eloi?”
“You’re not out of the woods yet,” Nyx laughed, “and until you are…you’ll never know.”

Crystal transformed into her StrataBlue suit as the avatar of Nyx disappeared. She was going to find Eloi and warn him of what was to come…before it was too late.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Courtney and Louis were still running through the infinite woods with no clear exit in sight. Louis closed his eyes, remembering what Arba had taught him back in the Field of Eternal Spring. The tunnel of trees vanished from vision, only to be replaced by the sound of his and Courtney’s footsteps pounding against the dirt. As he ran, he kept hearing something he’d never heard before in the background. It was the ringing of a bell.

He heard it once, to his left side.
And again, a few seconds later.
Again and again the bell’s one chime sounded, and Louis knew what he had to do.

“Courtney, follow me,” he kept his eyes closed and grabbed Courtney by the wrist, dragging her towards the source of the bell. “We must go off the beaten path.” He and Courtney vanished into the trees, and reappeared in the Central Glade. Louis opened his eyes. Standing there was Eloi, Arba and Kao. He’d made it out.

“Where are Crystal and Tyler?” he asked.
“Still undergoing their training,” Arba said, “but very smart of you to listen when your sight failed you. You have learned well, Franklin.”
“And impressive tactics against the scarecrow,” said Kao to Courtney, “you make a fine Green Sage.”

Courtney and Louis only nodded their heads in approval. Louis, realizing that he was now the leader, stood proudly. “Ty, Crystal, hurry up!” he thought, “The Arnsak could be planning something and we wouldn’t even know! I don’t want to have to deal with an army of enraged radioactive Molemen when we get home!”
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Tyler still had one hand free. With that hand, he reached for the sun glaring above and created a ball of light in his fist. StrataRed screamed and released the sunbeam at Electroshark’s head. As the creature stumbled about on the beach, it occurred to Tyler where he’d last seen this monster; as a picturein the traveling road exhibit headed by Dr. Gidget and Dave. That had happened when he was leading, back in the dog days of summer.

With both of his hands free, Tyler charged the Solablade by holding it in front of its source of power, and prepared to release a Four-Ray Cut at Electroshark. As he did, a revelation dawned on him. “I get it now…” thought his mind, “Electroshark is my desire to relive those summer days again. To still be a leader. Well, I’ve done the ritual; I’ve told Louis everything I know. I’m ready for my time as follower to come. Let the reigns be passed! FOUR-RAY CUT!” Light streamed out from all directions on the hilt of the blade, before a single slash across his back finished Electroshark for good.

When the next beam of sunlight reflected off of Tyler’s visor, he and Electroshark had both vanished from the beach.
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Crystal ran across the snowfields, her boots making an imprint in the frosty white landscape as she outran the flock of dark vultures the Nyx avatar had sent after her. She had her Forecaster out, blasting the birds whenever she turned around, but these were sly birds of prey. They were used to the cold, and even a super-powered blast of ice, fueled by Crystal’s inner ability and natural environment, failed to land a scratch on them. There was only one way to go. The lake itself.

Crystal separated her Forecaster back into its component weapons and fired a round of energy spheres at the lake’s surface, creating small cracks in the ice. She held her Satellite Sword and Stalactice to her side before taking a giant leap off a snowbank and stabbing the two pointed weapons into the ice. The frozen-over surface of the lake cracked into pieces, and Crystal dove underneath.

Even with her streamlined, wetsuit-like armor protecting her, the water was still freezing cold. A ring of shining light was visible up ahead. Crystal swam towards it. It couldn’t have been more than a few feet away. Yet, the closer she got, the more she could feel her body freezing. “I can make it!” she thought, “Push on ahead! You made it this far…” She neared the portal. Her body fell numb. Crystal Prisma was now floating through the water.

Then the portal of light sucked her in and transported her back to the Central Glade, safe and sound. She had passed her test. All the Strataman had passed. Things couldn’t have happened at a better time.
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Back in our world, Janet, Nyx inside of her, lay down on her bed. She jolted up from her nap and walked over to the glass box holding the chrysalis. Sounds were coming from within. It had awakened. Janet-Nyx leaned over and peered intensely at the container. She’d been waiting for this moment for quite some time.

A small hole appeared in the bottom of the woven cocoon, and from it came a tiny insect body. Its wings, wet and dripping, still needed to dry. After spending a minute or two in the natural sunlight of the fall months, it spreads its wings. They were pale white, almost transparent, and had designs resembling an eye, pure black, on the top and bottom halves of the wings. These magnificent wings had a natural luminescence to them, one that no butterfly in the world had.

“Chaos…” whispered Janet, Nyx’s voice more prevalent than her own, “…is born.”
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Crystal was seated on a stump in the Central Glade. A warm blanket was wrapped around her body and a cup of hot tea was in her hand. “So…” she said, shivering, “the training…is complete?” Tyler lit a pile of firewood beside her as Louis, Courtney, Eloi, Arba and Kao approached them.

“It is,” said Arba, snapping her fingers. Gold energy sparkled on the Sage robes the four had been wearing for some time, returning them to their normal clothes. “You were going to have to go undergo some intense training eventually, although I do applaud you for such improvisation in the field.”

As Crystal sat on the stump, sipping her hot cocoa, she saw her own face reflected in the chocolaty drink. Nyx’s words returned to her mind. “How do you think it will fill to lose another one of your number? Sora was crushing enough.” Crystal looked up and gave Eloi an intense state, the same she’d had when the rescue mission into the heart of the Arnsak lair had taken place that spring. Eloi, not missing a beat, turned to Crystal and asked her what it was.

“You’re in danger!” she said, “Nyx…is planning…something! I don’t know what, but it involves you! Just like Sora, you’re going to lose your powers! Eloi, protect yourself! Our future depends on it!” Her breathing had become heavy, and her chest was heaving from exhaustion. Crystal’s heart was pounding. This was something she could barely comprehend, yet had just said. It was almost too much.

“Lose my powers? Nonsense,” Eloi replied, “Nyx has fled, and I am making sure not to fall for Sora’s mistakes again. For the memory of her…”
“Enough of this,” Kao said, “You’ve all spent too long in the woods, and our confidence in you is good. Return home.”
“Best of luck,” said Arba.

In flashes of light in their respective colors, the four Strataman and Eloi vanished from the Woods of the Eternal Cycle. Until the next changing of the seasons, these woods wouldn’t see the footstep of a human for some time to come.
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The five appeared outside of the Channel 4 news station, exactly where Tyler, Louis and Courtney had been just before the ritual had taken place. Crystal regained her footing on the concrete and looked down the road to see someone very familiar running up to her. It was none other than Janet. Nyx had made sure to return Janet to her normal appearance so as not to arouse any suspicion in the Strataman. Not to mention Miss Prisma would’ve been excited about the metamorphosis of her caterpillar even if she hadn’t been taken-over.

“SIS!” Janet exclaimed, “I have great news!”
“What is it?” Crystal asked as Janet embraced her.
“Hey, Janet,” Louis said.
“Hi, guys!” Janet waved cheerily, “You HAVE to know what happened!”
“What?” asked Tyler.
“The little caterpillar I found the day I came here has finally blossomed into a butterfly! He’s so beautiful! The crown jewel of my collection!”
“Congrats,” Courtney said, “What species is he?”
“I don’t really know…” Janet shrugged, “Never seen him before.”

“I know,” whispered Nyx in the shadows, “Lepidoptera chronologica. The Morlock Butterfly.”

NEXT TIME on a Suihei Sentai Strataman Special Event

The tunnels are clear, and Terra and Mason launch a combined attack on the Strataman. At the same time, after studying her butterfly and giving up on what it is, Janet releases it into the wild to be recaptured on a later hunt. Eloi has the upper hand on Mason, until he suddenly collapses to the ground in the middle of battle. What does all this mean?

Chaos, Part 1: The Morlock Butterfly

[GreenNinja]

This is one of THE most important episodes of the series, no doubt. Enjoy. And thanks, Fran.
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Episode 30: Chaos, Part I: The Morlock Butterfly

The butterfly effect is part of the “chaos theory” line of thinking. It states that a weather forecast system may end up with radically different results if it fails to account for the flapping of a butterfly’s wings somewhere in the world. That tiny wind, created by such a creature, may change the world in more ways than you think. There exists such a butterfly which actually does that with the timestream, but it’s so rare that according to most, it doesn’t even exist.

Except for Nyx, goddess of the dark and ex-Arnsak member; she, like others, had heard of the Morlock Butterfly, but never made one. That is, until she possessed Janet Prisma and infused her still-developing chrysalis with some of her own power. The reason? To take down StrataChronos all on her own. It was a plan so foolproof it was bound to succeed. The story, though, has its beginnings a little later than that…just after the tunnel blockage Louis had caused had its last fistful of dirt scooped out by the Molemen.
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“So…you’re out,” Louis said as he and the other four members of the Strataman stood before Terra and Mason with their weapons drawn, “Took you long enough.”
“We had help from the Molemen,” said Terra, positioning her drill towards Louis, “and it looks like things have changed since we last saw the surface world.”
“Yes, indeed,” Louis said proudly, knowing he was now the leader of the team. The changing trees around him, shades of red and yellow lining their branches, proved this further.
“No matter,” said Mason, rubbing a bruise on his head, “Terra and I are a winning combo.”
“I’d like to see you try,” smirked Louis, “Strataman, go!”

The chilly autumn air was perfect for Crystal, who slammed her Stalactice pick against the ground and created a slippery path for her to skate across. She fired round after round of energy from her Radar Gun, but Terra called forth a mound of earth that caused Crystal’s icy trail to send her flying into the air. Tyler immediately evaporated the ice with his Solablade so Crystal could have a safe landing and turned to Mason.

“Satellite Sword!” Tyler charged up his weapon, “Transmission Slash!” A red blade of energy hit against Mason’s pick, sending sparks flying about the area. Courtney appeared behind Tyler; her hand compacted into a fist, and fired a powerful burst of water in Mason’s direction. The craftsman’s pick and hammer were thrust from his grip, slamming into a nearby tree and landing on the grass.

“Thanks,” Tyler nodded.
“No problem,” Courtney said, “It’s all of us against them.”

Mason and Terra regrouped, the sculptor attaching his trowel to the underside of Terra’s drill. Louis opened the visor and mouthpiece of his helmet and drew in a deep breath. Wind blew out his mouth, spinning around until it took the shape of a tornado that Mason and Terra could not escape from.

“No big deal,” Terra said, “We can still smash ‘em.”
“Rumbling Beam!” Mason shouted as an energized spiral of energy shot from the drill. Eloi drew his Chrono Lance and created a clock design in front of him, stopping the attack.
“Leave this to me,” Eloi said, “This is nothing a Vortex Beatdown shouldn’t be able to finish.” He held up his Chrono Lance to the air, “Vortex…OPEN!”
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Janet Prisma, completely free of Nyx’s influence, had been studying her butterfly intensely since this morning. She was a skilled entomologist, and could recognize any bug on sight. Her caterpillar’s final stage, though, was leaving her vexed. “You’re not a bluewing, lacewing, glasswing…I was expecting you to be a monarch!” Janet vented at the butterfly, as though she expected it to understand her, “What ARE you?”

Janet continued to examine him, looking for any familiar sign, but nothing showed, not even in the most obscure of entomology books she’d collected. After documenting her creatures, she always released them into the wild, and figured that this one would be a mystery. Janet placed the butterfly, its pale white wings glowing in the morning light, in its plastic container and took him outside for a walk to the park.

The very same park where Eloi was about to deal the final blow.
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“You go fly with your own kind,” Janet opened the top of the container, “maybe someday I’ll figure out what you are.” The Morlock Butterfly flapped its wings, heading in the direction of the battle. With every flutter of those glowing, fragile wings, the outcome of time became more and more apocalyptic, until Eloi’s strength, rooted in time itself, shattered. This was exactly what Nyx had planned.

“Vortex…OPEN!” Eloi lifted his weapon. The park began to dissolve away until only Mason, Terra and he were standing in the middle of the wavy, silvery field. “Vortex…” Eloi spun the Chrono Lance around; energizing the arrow-shaped spearhead, “Beat…” he stopped in mid-sentence. Something unnatural was tampering with his powers. It felt as if a fireball had engulfed his body.

“Vortex…close…” Eloi struggled to speak. He dropped the Chrono Lance, and the Vortex along with it. Mason and Terra, stunned, watched as Eloi clutched his chest, until he finally powered down.
“ELOI!” Crystal exclaimed, “Are you alright?”
“Get me to Horizon…” Eloi whispered, “Chronos Advance!” With his last bit of energy, he re-transformed into his Ranger form. Tyler, Crystal, Louis and Courtney held their arms to the sky and called “Horizon Uplink!”
Mason and Terra departed from the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Janet Prisma, unaware of any of this, walked about with her butterfly net slung over her shoulder. In her mind, today was a perfect today for bug-catching.
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“Eloi, speak to me!” Crystal said as she moved Eloi’s heavy body to the central room of Horizon, “What’s wrong with you?”
“If you want to know…” Eloi said, “Just follow through the portal.”
“The…portal?”
“My time in the present…is done with. The answer lies…in the future. Follow the butterfly.”

Eloi’s StrataChronos suit became hot to the touch. Crystal dropped it from her hands and watched it hover over a tile before standing up straight. A red light radiated from within the suit. All fell silent. The only thing glowing on it now was the arrow-shaped visor, which shone a bright, pulsating red. Courtney walked over and confirmed the suit was cold. She tapped twice against the armor and heard a metallic clang.

“It’s empty,” she said, “nothing more than a hollow shell.”
“He’s…in the future,” Crystal said, “That’s what he said.”
“That and ‘follow the butterfly’,” Louis said, “What does that mean?”
“I have no idea,” Crystal said, “but when I think of butterflies, I think of…Janet.”
“Do you know where Janet is?” asked Tyler.
“She was at home this morning,” Crystal said, “Now she’s either in the park or still at home. Maybe she knows something about this?”
“Wouldn’t surprise me,” Tyler answered, “Diane did help us against Midnight Crow.”
“Then that settles it,” Crystal slammed her fist into her palm, “We’re finding Janet.”
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Crystal teleported down to Earth and began walking around the park. Children were playing, couples were enjoying each other’s company, and the familiar swish of a butterfly net could be heard in the distance. Crystal and Crystal alone walked in the direction of that sound to find her sister trying to catch a violet-winged butterfly that was darting around her. “Janet?” she asked, “That butterfly you had the other day…what did you do with it?”

“I released it,” Janet answered, the strain of the net leaving her shoulders sore, “the little guy deserves to be free, you know?”
“…what kind of butterfly was it?” Crystal asked, “Did you know? Did you find out?”
“No,” Janet started backing away from her sister, “I never did….”
“I’ll tell you!” Nyx appeared out of the shadows, sending the people fleeing in every direction, “This creature is a masterpiece of my own design,” Nyx was proud of herself, and completely unafraid of anything Crystal would do in retaliation.

“You see,” Nyx remarked, “That ‘butterfly’ is Lepidoptera chronologica, or, in terms of legends, the Morlock Butterfly. This species keeps to itself in the outer reaches of the fifth dimension, where no man or beast can reach. But if it passes beyond that boundary and is born into our world, the results will be catastrophic. Every beating of its wings makes it so that your time to come will be infinitely worse and worse until the Earth explodes on the spot. Your friend Eloi, his little power over time, is affected by this. Devious, isn’t it?”

“…what have you DONE?” Crystal lunged for the dark goddess, “Did The Core tell you to do this? Did you make a deal with somebody?”
“I’m not in the Arnsak, you foolish little girl,” Nyx said, shoving Crystal to the ground, “Now get out of my way! I don’t want to be on the Earth when it explodes.” Nyx laughed devilishly and took off for parts unknown. Janet was left standing still, cold as ice. She was beginning to realize the gravity of the situation she’d caused.

“Janet, we have no choice,” Crystal said, grabbing her sister by the shoulders, “You’re coming with me to Horizon.” Crystal wrapped her arm around Janet’s shoulders and held her Strata Brace to the sky. A sparkling blue light engulfed the two Prisma sisters and teleported them to the satellite in the sky. Seconds after they left, the Morlock Butterfly flew by. With a flap of its wings, two buildings vanished in the city.

Chaos was beginning.
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“Amazing…” Janet gasped as she stepped aboard Horizon, “…so this is where you and the others are?”
“And Eloi’s here too,” Crystal replied, “Come on, the more time you stand around looking at the sights, the closer we get to Armageddon.”
“Right, right,” Janet said, snapping back, “Show me the way.”

Tyler, Louis and Courtney were sitting in the central room, Eloi’s empty shell of a suit remaining where it was. The three gave a friendly wave to Janet, who immediately explained everything that was going on. An awkward, uncomfortable silence settled over the silver-plated room.

“The future…” said Louis, “You don’t think Eloi’s glowing visor can take us to that future? It looks like all the other portals we’ve encountered.”
“It’s the only chance we have,” Crystal said, her shyness gone completely and her fiercely serious side showing in full force, “but we can’t risk all of us going.”
“I’ll stay here,” Tyler volunteered, “Mason and me still have a score to settle.”
“He’ll need backup,” Courtney added, “Two of us to keep the present safe, two of us for the future.”
“Time to prove myself,” Louis thought, before speaking aloud, “I’ll do it. For Eloi.”
“So am I,” said Crystal, “I’m not going to lose Eloi that easily.”

“If you’re going…” said Janet, gathering up her courage, “I’ll go with you. We sisters have to stick together…and I’m responsible for this. I set the Morlock Butterfly loose on the world, I’ll catch him.”
“You don’t have powers,” Crystal added, “It’s too great a risk.”
“Humanity’s at risk,” Janet spoke, “I’m going, and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”
“She can go,” Louis said, “Now, let’s take that future trip.”

Courtney and Tyler held close as Louis, Crystal and Janet approached the empty StrataChronos armor. Louis adjusted his glasses and looked into the bright red visor. He could feel extreme heat and a powerful vacuum force. The trio barely had time to turn around and wave good-bye before the gateway to times and places unknown sucked them in. A bright red light filled Horizon.

Then they were gone.
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The three hung together as they were thrown roughly through the portal, millennia speeding by. Eloi was more than centuries ahead of them. He had gone millions upon millions of years into the future. As they neared the end of the journey, the ride became easier on their bodies, until, with a deafening thud, they landed on hard ground. Crystal and Janet fell on top of Louis, who kindly asked the girls to get off him. They obliged, and looked around at what was once Stone Summit.

The first thing that stuck out to them was the sun on the horizon. It was bright red, and several times larger than before. The ground consisted mostly of hard, red soil, like that found on Mars. A few traces of black, roadways that had somehow survived the ages, were visible underneath the layers of clay. The temperature was over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Crystal tried calling for an ice storm, but found her efforts futile. Louis knew that summoning a wind would only bring the heat upon them quicker. Around them were several tall, menacing, sickly-looking green plants, like something you’d see in a tokusatsu.

“My GOD,” Janet exclaimed, “I’m sweating like mad out here.” Janet removed her shirt and shorts, keeping only the barest of clothes on. Crystal and Louis were relying on their powers, drawn from the colder months of the year, to keep them active in this world at the end of time.
“When are we?” Crystal asked, “This is insane.”
“I have the answer,” boomed a voice from the distance, “if you are friend, approach. If you are demon, stand where you are, and I shall make your death as painless as possible.” While the voice had changed, Crystal recognized it still.
“…Eloi?”

A blood-red clock face appeared on the ground, and from it rose none other than Eloi…but he was not the Eloi they knew. He still donned the black-and-silver robes of a God of Time, but his head had lost all traces of hair. In its place, he had a long, silvery beard and no glasses at all. He had become more muscular, and wielded his Chrono Staff like a battle-hardened warrior, for that was what he had become. Eloi saw the three, and his face turned to one of compassion; his eyes filled with tears.

“Crystal? Louis?” he asked, “You’re still alive? You haven’t aged a day!” He embraced Crystal like an old friend, and gave a hearty handshake to Louis. “You are Crystal’s sister, Janet, I assume?”
“Yes,” Janet said, “Really, though, when are we?”
“When the Morlock Butterfly appeared, I had no choice but to escape to a time where its power is at its peak – the future. I’ve been tracking it for years, now, but the beast keeps alluding me. None of you know the dangers of 25 million years from that day. From the year 2006; I yearn to live there again, but I cannot. Eventually, TimeOwl will vanish, and backwards through time until the universe itself fails to exist. This is my mission.”

“25…” Crystal gasped.
“MILLION,” added Janet.
“Years?” Louis questioned.
“We’re at the end of the Earth,” Crystal said, “…it’s none but us now.”

Her words echoed, but no one would hear them. Not here.

To Be Continued…

NEXT TIME on a Suihei Sentai Strataman special event…

Mason and Terra explain what’s happening to The Core while Tyler and Courtney face Nyx in the present. In the far and distant future, Eloi leads the others after the butterfly on the back of an Obsidian Deathclaw that he tamed himself. Janet is taken by a strange pink light, and Crystal starts to break down. Is there any hope for time itself?

Chaos, Part II: Eloi’s Grim Future

[DarkStarShadow]

aw, you don't need to thank me...:blushes:

and I enjoyed this chapter thoroughly.

[GreenNinja]

Episode 31: Chaos, Part II: Eloi’s Grim Future

25 million years in the future is unlike the Earth of today. The sky is eternally red, and the concept of “day and night” no longer exists. Eloi has been wandering this time for 10 years in pursuit of the Morlock Butterfly, and it was on that day, 10 years from the time he arrived, that he found a glimmer of hope. Crystal and Janet Prisma and Louis Franklin had arrived from the past, following his last words. He had changed, but his heart hadn’t hardened. Not yet.

“Do you know where the Morlock Butterfly is?” Janet asked, “I’m willing to help you.”
“Since his effect works backwards through time – from the end to the beginning – we can take out most of his power now. I know he’s still around here, but there’s no way to move fast enough,” Eloi said.
“Well, the Mach Flyers are of no use,” Louis said, “I don’t think their engines could withstand the kind of heat we’re getting here.”
“There is ONE way,” Eloi said, placing his fingers to his mouth. He let out a shrill whistle across the red, rocky ground. Silence fell, and then a rumbling sound came from the distance. Something that no human had ever seen came charging up the path. Eloi whistled again, and it stopped. Janet, Louis and Crystal looked up at the beast…and Crystal let out a scream.

It was as large as a circular table, about 12 feet in diameter. The creature had six legs, a mouth full of sharp teeth, two large, black claws, eyes at the end of tentacle-like eyestalks, and a hard exoskeleton that could’ve been rock for all they knew. Eloi stabbed his Chrono Lance in the creature’s hard shell and looked at it with a glare that none of the Strataman had ever seen in their day. “HALT!” he yelled. The creature halted. “Climb on,” Eloi directed, “we haven’t much time. When an Obsidian Deathclaw starts running, it’s very difficult to stop it.”

“What’s an Obsidian Deathclaw?” asked Janet as she, Crystal, and Louis got on the creature’s back.
“A crab-like species that exists at the end of the Earth,” Eloi said, “I came to tame this one a few days after I arrived. Their natural prey is a butterfly-like species, so he’s been a major asset in my cause.”
“Amazing,” Louis said, “We’re the only humans to ever see this.”
“Well, there was one more,” Eloi remarked, “but he left as quickly as he came.”
“Are we going to find my abomination upon time or are we going to sit here chatting about the end of days?” Janet said excitedly.
“Miss Prisma, I couldn’t have sa