Dream
I found myself in an unfamiliar area, but then I noticed a sign that said “Welcome to Reefside”.
‘Wait a sec…Reefside sounds familiar…this is the home of the Dino Thunder Rangers!’
I walked a little bit until I heard the sounds of combat. I broke into a sprint towards the commotion and to my surprise saw the Black Dino Thunder Ranger fighting the mysterious Ranger who’d been in my dreams before! I stood by and watched, unsure of what was going on and what I should do. The mystery Ranger saved me in my dreams, but Dr. Oliver was a legend, and my role model. Then, the mystery Ranger hit Dr. O with a powerful blow from what appeared to be a white shortsword. The attack was strong enough to cause him to demorph, and I could tell Dr. O was hurt badly, even from the distance I was at. Instinctively, I started running towards them but it didn’t seem like I was getting any closer. The mystery Ranger raised his weapon and plunged it right into Dr. O’s chest.
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“No!” I exclaimed as my eyes shot open. I was breathing heavily, sweat dripping down my face. A few moments later, my mom came in hurriedly into my room.
“Are you okay, Kali?” she asked as she sat next to me. I took a few deep breaths.
“Yeah, just another nightmare,” I replied.
“Must’ve been a pretty bad one. You’re burning up,” she said as she put her hand on my forehead. “Want to talk about it?” she then asked gently.
“I…I watched someone I look up to…be killed…and I-I couldn’t help…” I told her without going into detail as tears filled my eyes. My mom immediately wrapped me in a hug.
“It’s okay. It was just a dream. I’m sure the person is just fine. Do you know who the killer was?”
I shook my head as I hugged her back.
“See? That’s typical of nightmares. It’s your mind making things up.”
I let go of the hug and wiped my eyes. “Yeah, thanks mom,” I replied with a small smile.
“Anytime, sweetie. Now try to get some more sleep. I love you,” she said as she stood.
“Love you too, mom,” I replied as I lied back down. When she left, I reached under my bed and took out the Dragon Dagger.
I want to believe Mom but ... .Dr. O said the mystery Ranger is real…I really hope he’s okay.
Eventually, I put the Dagger back under my bed and fell asleep. The next day, I met up with Devon at the gym and told him about my nightmare. “Hey, I’m sure Dr. O is fine. He’s the strongest Ranger ever. Plus, the other Dino Rangers have his back and he’s been through so much. Whoever this mystery Ranger is, he’d be smart to not mess with him,” Devon said.
“That’s true,” I chuckled softly. “Thanks, Dev.”
“Anytime, Kali. Hey, wanna come to my dad’s re-election campaign with me? I can’t promise it’ll be fun, but I’d enjoy the company,” he asked with a small smile.
“Sure, why not,” I said with a small smile and a shrug. He smiled back and we went to meet up with his dad together. “Good morning, Mayor Daniels,” I greeted politely.
“Oh, good morning Kali. Care to join us on my re-election campaign?” he asked with a smile.
“Yeah, but you’ve already got my vote,” I chuckled. His dad smiled and chuckled back.
“Thanks Kali. I just hope other people will feel the same.”
“I’m sure they will. You’ve done a lot of good for Coral Harbor. People love you,” I replied encouragingly. As the day went on and Devon and I spent time together, I forgot about the dream. With everything that’s been going on, I’d forgotten how much I enjoyed just simply hanging out with my best friend. After a few hours, in the middle of Mayor Daniels’ speech, my communicator went off. Devon and I exchanged looks, then I stepped off to the side.
“Go ahead, Commander.”
“Kali, I need you and Devon to come back to base. We’ve got a situation.”
“On it.” I then went back to Devon. “The Commander needs us. We gotta go,” I whispered.
“I can’t just leave my dad’s rally. He’ll be suspicious,” Devon replied quietly.
“Alright. Come when you can,” I told him with a small smile before hurrying off to Grid Battleforce.
“We need to get the Mega Transporters back,” Commander Shaw said after she finished explaining to me what was going on. I was about to respond when the alarms went off.
“Tronics are attacking the city!”
“Kali, you know what to do. The others will meet you there,” the Commander told me and I nodded.
“It’s Morphin Time! Activate Wolf Power!”
“Kali! Hold on!” I heard Nate’s voice. I turned and saw a…wolf? It was a shiny black with yellow eyes and highlights of silver. Then Nate appeared next to it. “Meet Howl, your Beast Bot. I wanted to make it a whole surprise, but it seems like you might need her now,” he explained with a proud smile.
“Hi Kali! I can’t wait to show you what I can do!” Howl said. I smiled and chuckled.
“Thank you, Nate. She’s really cool! I can’t wait to get to know her,” I said as I gave him a quick hug. “Let’s go save Coral Harbor once again,” I then added with a chuckle. Nate smiled and nodded as he morphed. Then together, we rushed to where the Tronics were attacking.
In the Cyber Dimension…
Blaze, adorned in his crimson armor, stood before the holographic interface, his eyes fixed on the image of the Morph-X tower. "Scrozzle, initiate the teleportation sequence for the Morph-X tower," Blaze ordered, his tone brooking no delay.
However, Scrozzle shook his head, his metallic fingers darting across the control panel in a flurry of activity. "Without the Mega Transporters properly aligned, teleporting the tower is simply not feasible," he explained, his voice tinged with frustration.
Blaze's jaw tightened with irritation as he absorbed the news. "And what of the Rangers? Are they aware of our movements?" he inquired sharply, his crimson gaze narrowing in concern.
Scrozzle nodded gravely, confirming Blaze's fears. "Yes. They seem to have realized what we’re up to," he admitted, his metallic features betraying a hint of unease.
A surge of determination coursed through Blaze as he formulated a plan to evade the Rangers. "Very well," he declared, his voice resolute. "Scrozzle, deploy a Gigadrone to divert their attention. We cannot allow them to interfere any further." With a nod of understanding, Scrozzle set to work, his fingers dancing across the console with practiced precision.
Back in Coral Harbor…
As the Commander's urgent message crackled through our comms, adrenaline surged through me. "Rangers, there's a Gigadrone incoming," her voice echoed in my ears, prompting swift action.
"Devon and I can handle it," I responded confidently, glancing at him for confirmation. He nodded in agreement, his determination mirrored in his eyes. With a shared sense of purpose, we leaped into action, heading towards our waiting Zords. Howl stood by my side, her presence reassuring. "Let's do this," I murmured to her, offering a small smile. She responded with a solemn nod, her eyes reflecting unwavering loyalty.
"Fangstorm Megazord, combine!" Devon's voice rang out, synchronized with mine. Our Zords merged seamlessly, forming a formidable alliance against the approaching threat.
As the battle unfolded, it became apparent that this Gigadrone posed a greater challenge than any we had faced before. Struggling to maintain our ground, I turned to Howl for guidance. "We're getting our butt kicked! Any ideas?" I called out, desperation creeping into my voice. Howl's response was swift and decisive.
"Use the new Fang Fury attack! It combines the speed of the cheetah with the strength of the wolf," she suggested, her voice resonating with confidence.
"Sounds like a plan," Devon agreed, his voice steady despite the chaos surrounding us. I nodded in agreement, trusting in Howl's instincts.
"Fang Fury Final Attack!" we shouted in unison, channeling our combined strength into one devastating blow. The Gigadrone faltered, its defenses crumbling under the onslaught of our assault. As the dust settled and victory washed over us, I couldn't contain my excitement.
"Woah, that was awesome! Thanks, Howl!" I exclaimed, gratitude coloring my words. Devon chimed in, his admiration evident in his tone.
"Yeah, that's some incredible power. Evox doesn't stand a chance against it," he remarked with a light chuckle, his confidence restored by our triumph.
In the Cyber Dimension…
Evox's anger simmered like a storm about to break loose. His metallic voice reverberated off the walls as he berated Blaze for the failure to protect Roxy. "You let her get destroyed, Blaze! Now she’ll wake up and help the Rangers!" Evox's words were laced with fury, his red optics blazing with intensity. Blaze, undaunted by Evox's wrath, stood his ground.
"But, Evox, I'm still here. And the Mega Transporters are in position as you instructed," he retorted, his tone defiant. Evox's mechanical form loomed menacingly over Blaze, his presence overwhelming.
"Do not forget, Blaze, that you serve me. Disappointing me again will be the last thing you do," he warned, his voice dripping with menace. Blaze swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Evox's threat bearing down on him. With a nod of acknowledgment, he vowed silently to redeem himself, determined to prove his worth to the malevolent virus.
Kali’s POV
“Kali, Ben and Betty have found a Mega Transporter near a Morph X tower,” Commander Shaw urgently tells us over the comm.
“Copy that, we’re on it,” I replied. We had defeated the Tronics in this area, so Devon and I demorphed. We ran to Ben and Betty’s location and found the Mega Transporter.
“Great job, guys,” Devon smiled at them and I nodded with a smile.
“Devon!” we then heard a familiar voice exclaim. We turned around to see Mayor Daniels storming over to us angrily. I exchanged a concerned glance with Devon, unsure of what to expect next. "Devon, what the heck were you thinking? Running off like a coward when people needed you!" Mayor Daniels' voice boomed, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. I noticed Devon's fists tightening at his sides.
"Dad, it's not what you think. I had to—" he began, but Mayor Daniels cut him off with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"I don't want to hear your excuses, Devon. You've been out all night, ignoring your responsibilities, and you come back home battered and bruised? Unbelievable!" Mayor Daniels' voice dripped with disappointment and frustration.
As the tension between Devon and Mayor Daniels hung heavy in the air, a sense of impending danger stirred within me. The atmosphere shifted abruptly as the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the street, drawing our collective attention. I turned, my heart pounding in my chest, to see Blaze leading a menacing squad of Tronics toward us. Their metallic forms gleamed in the harsh light, and the intent behind their advance was unmistakably hostile.
"Look out!" I cried, my voice cutting through the chaos as I braced myself for the impending battle. Zoey, Ravi, and I sprang into action, engaging the Tronics in a flurry of swift and calculated movements. Amidst the chaos, we managed to find a fleeting moment of respite, slipping into a hidden alcove where we could morph without being detected. Emerging once more in our Ranger suits, I scanned the scene for any sign of Devon. To my relief, I spotted him already morphed and ready to join the fight. With renewed determination, we leaped back into the fray, our combined efforts amplifying our strength and resolve.
Amidst the clash of metal and the flurry of blows, I caught sight of Ben and Betty, cornered by a group of Tronics. Before I could intervene, however, Mayor Daniels seized a nearby shovel, his actions swift and decisive as he struck out against their attackers. With a mixture of relief and admiration, I watched as Ben and Betty seized the opportunity to fight back, using a nearby shopping cart to knock down the pursuing Tronics. A sense of pride swelled within me at their resourcefulness and determination, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Coral Harbor's residents.
Suddenly, the tension crackled in the air as Blaze maneuvered the third Mega Transporter into place. With a surge of adrenaline, I watched Devon spring into action, determined to thwart Blaze's nefarious plans.
"Devon, be careful!" I called out, my voice tinged with urgency as I watched him confront Blaze head-on while continuing to hold off the Tronics. His swift movements were a testament to his unwavering courage, but I couldn't shake the gnawing fear that gripped my heart. As Devon summoned the Cheetah Claws, a glimmer of hope flickered within me. But my optimism waned as Blaze countered with his own formidable arsenal, ensnaring Devon in a web of cables.
"No!" I cried out, my voice a desperate plea as I watched helplessly. The crackling surge of energy that followed sent shockwaves of dread coursing through me, and I felt a sinking sensation in the pit of my stomach as Devon was engulfed by the searing blast. He demorphed, which filled me with a profound sense of dread. I immediately started to hurry to try to rescue Devon, but I saw the unmistakable figure of Mayor Daniels, his expression a mixture of shock and dismay as he bore witness to his son's capture.
"Mayor Daniels..." I began, my voice faltering as I struggled to find the right words. But before I could speak, Blaze activated the Mega Transporter, whisking himself, Devon, and the Morph-X tower away to the Cyber Dimension in a flash of blinding light. A heavy silence settled over us as we watched the swirling vortex dissipate into nothingness, leaving only the echoes of our shattered hopes in its wake. Mayor Daniels stood stoically beside me, his grief mirroring my own as we grappled with the harsh reality of Devon's captivity.
“Power down,” I said as I demorphed. I was about to try talking to Mayor Daniels when Commander Shaw’s voice came over the comms.
“Rangers, get back to base. We need to figure out a new plan.”
I turned to Devon’s dad. “Mayor Daniels, please come with us. I promise we’ll explain everything,” I suggested and he nodded, still seemingly in shock. Back at base, the Commander explained everything to Mayor Daniels and he seemed to come out of it a bit.
“I think I found a way we can rescue Devon,” Nate said after a bit. “We need to rebuild Scrozzle’s Cyber Gate. It’s the only way we can get into the Cyber Dimension to rescue Devon and stop Evox,” he explained. The weight of uncertainty hung heavy in the air as Nate's words echoed through the command center. His suggestion was met with a mixture of apprehension and resignation from the rest of us.
I don’t know if I can go back to the Cyber Dimension after…just the thought of it freaks me out. But…I have to force myself to go back no matter what. I have to save Devon.
"It's risky," Zoey murmured, her voice tinged with doubt. "We don't know what we're up against, and if we make a wrong move, it could cost us everything."
Ravi nodded solemnly in agreement, his gaze fixed on the wreckage before us. "Evox has a vast supply of Morph-X at his disposal," he added, his tone laced with frustration. "We can't afford to underestimate him."
I chewed on my lip, my mind racing with possibilities. It was clear that time was of the essence, but the prospect of facing Evox without a clear plan filled me with a sense of unease. Just as uncertainty threatened to overwhelm us, a sudden beep from Roxy's stasis pod broke through the tension.
I turned to see Roxy stirring from her slumber, her eyes fluttering open as she emerged from her stasis-induced sleep. A flicker of hope ignited within me as she spoke, her words ringing out with a sense of urgency. "I know what Evox's plan is," Roxy revealed, her voice grave as she recounted her experiences as Avatar Roxy. "Thanks to my time as his Avatar, I have insight into his strategies and tactics."
With Roxy's knowledge and expertise at our disposal, perhaps there was still a chance to rescue Devon and thwart Evox's plans once and for all. A newfound sense of determination washed over me, though a lingering fear still weighed on me, so I started pacing back and forth nervously as Nate worked on the Cyber Gate.
Dev’s gonna be okay. He has to be. But…what if Evox hurts him the way he hurt me? What if he’s able to brainwash him too…or worse, put cybernetics in his body like he did with my arm…?
“Kali,” a gentle voice snapped me from my thoughts. It was Nate, he and Zoey, Steel, Ravi, Mayor Daniels and Commander Shaw were staring at me.
“What? I’m fine,” I said, a little angrier than I intended.
“We’re all worried about Devon but you’re especially anxious. It’s not like you. Are you okay?” Zoey asked with genuine concern. That’s when I realized my heart rate was very high and tears were running down my face.
“I-I’m fine. Let’s just focus on getting Devon back as soon as possible,” I replied.
“Zoey and Ravi, why don’t you two take Kali out of the room for a bit. Nate and Steel can keep working on the Cyber Gate while we try to figure out a plan,” the Commander said. Before I could respond, Zoey and Ravi nodded then led me out of the room. I followed reluctantly and we sat in my room. Zoey put a gentle arm around my shoulders.
“Relax, Kali. Take deep breaths,” she said gently. She and Ravi started taking deep breaths themselves, and I followed their lead. After a few minutes I felt more clear minded but I was still thinking about Devon. I sighed and rested my arms on my lap.
“We’ve never seen you like this, are you sure you’re okay?” Ravi asked calmly.
“I’m a bit better now, thanks to you guys,” I replied with a small smile but it quickly faded. “There’s…still some things I haven’t told you about. Evox…didn’t just mind control me…he also tortured me,” I paused and lifted up my right sleeve to show them the big scar that was left from Scrozzle putting machinery in my arm. Zoey gave me a gentle hug. I put my sleeve back down and returned her hug shakily.
“It’s okay, Kali. You don’t have to talk about it now if you don’t want to,” Zoey said sympathetically.
“I-I’m terrified of what he’s gonna do to Devon. I don’t want anyone to go through what I did…especially those closest to me,” I said as tears started to form in my eyes again.
“Devon’s tough. He’s gonna be okay. We willfind him, or he’ll find a way back to us…back to you. You don’t have to come to the Cyber Dimension with us if you don’t want to,” Ravi said encouragingly but I shook my head and took a deep breath as I wiped my eyes.
“No, I’ll come too. It’s time I face my demons and I’d rather do it with my friends instead of alone, like Dr. Oliver said,” I told him with a tiny smile.
Meanwhile in the Cyber Dimension….
As Scrozzle completed the final adjustments on Evox's new body, the sinister virus wasted no time in outlining his diabolical plan to his captive audience. Devon, chained up and unable to intervene, could only watch in helpless fury as Evox revealed his intentions.
"Evox is going to use the Morph-X to transport himself back to the real world," Scrozzle explained, his mechanical voice dripping with malice. "Once he's uploaded into his new body, there will be no stopping him."
Devon strained against his restraints, his jaw clenched in frustration. "You won't get away with this!" he spat, his voice laced with defiance.
Evox chuckled darkly, his eyes glowing with malevolence. "Oh, but I will," he taunted, his voice echoing through the chamber. "And there's nothing you can do to stop me."
The realization of his powerlessness washed over Devon, fueling his anger and determination. With Evox's plan now laid bare, he knew that time was running out to stop him. But as the malevolent virus began the process of uploading himself into his new body, Devon could only watch, his mind racing with thoughts of the impending battle that lay ahead.
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