“Have the five of you had any problems getting used to these bodies?” Amethyst asked as they returned to the temple. “I mean, I can’t imagine that everything is easy. You are an entirely different species after all.”
“We’re, fine,” Scootaloo said as she looked at Sweetie, the two tried not to blush after what had happened the night before. “It’s a little weird, sure, but I think I’ve got the hang of it.”
“Yeah, definitely,” Sweetie said quickly. “Absolutely nothing weird going on.”
“Ah find that oddly specific ta say,” Apple Bloom said with a chuckle as she looked at the others. “What do y'all think?”
“Oh definitely,” Silver Spoon said with a grin. “So what do you think they did? I’ll bet they made out somewhere…”
“No, not based on the looks on their faces, I’d say did something else,” Amethyst said as she stroked her chin thoughtfully. “Then again, a basic scan of Athenans suggest that their hormones are higher than most species. It's possible that if they did anything they were under the influence of their hormones more than anything.”
“Plus we didn’t find Sweetie this morning and I swear I saw her coming out of Scootaloo’s room, do you two mind explaining that?” Diamond Tiara asked with a chuckle as they headed towards the dining hall.
“I couldn’t sleep, nothing more than that,” Sweetie said quickly, probably a bit too quickly. “So I stayed in Scootaloo’s room. I don’t know why you’re making such a big deal about this.”
“Well… since we don’t know everything about the biology of this species it's entirely possible that they don’t require males to reproduce and if you did you could get pregnant,” Amethyst said thoughtfully for a moment which made the two of them stumble. “But then again I do recall her saying that they need to go out and find males so you’re probably fine. Assuming you two actually did it of course.”
“You’re just as bad as the rest of them,” Scootaloo said with a groan as she exchanged a look with Sweetie Belle.
What she didn’t want to admit was that she had enjoyed the night before. She had to admit she had feelings for Sweetie Belle, but with everything that was going on and the fact that they were living together on a train, she was afraid of what would happen if she actually tried to tell her.
She sighed a little as she gave Sweetie a soft smile. She reached over and placed her hand on Sweetie’s and gave her a nod.
“What do you think we should do?” Scootaloo asked quietly to Sweetie.
“Let’s just move on for now and pretend nothing happened, that’s probably for the best,” Sweetie whispered back. “I mean unless last night meant something more than just our hormones going out of control.”
“Yeah, definitely just that,” Scootaloo said as she looked away from Sweetie Belle. She didn’t want to admit that she was lying to her and herself. They had fallen behind her their friends and started to walk faster to catch up to them. “Don’t say one word, we were just talking.”
“Don’t say a word about what?” Tilani asked as they entered the dining room. “What happened?”
Scootaloo blushed a little when she realized that Sanshai was standing there and smirking a little. She tried to hide her blush from the Forest Primeval Blue Ranger who just laughed a little.
“Nothing, nothing at all,” Scootaloo said quickly as they took a seat on the cushions that were seated around the dining area. “So, what do we have to eat?”
“We have a few things, mostly fish and some of the local wildlife,” Tilani said as she drew out her knife and impaled a slice of meat with it. She picked it up and took a bite of it, tearing it a bit as she eyed the ponies. “Well, what are you waiting for?”
Scootaloo and the others eyed the meat nervously for a moment. It wasn’t like they hadn’t tried meat before, but it was rarely eaten by ponies.
“So, you're from another reality or something?" Jeseri asked curiously as she looked at the friends who slowly started to eat. "As in, another planet?"
"Not exactly," Apple Bloom said with a shrug. "More like another reality itself. Ah don't know if any of that makes sense ta ya'll though."
"We're fighting against monsters created by beings on par with our Goddesses," Tilani pointed out as she took another bite and ripped off a chunk of meat. "At this point, I don't think much would actually surprise us."
"Well yeah, but they look like Athenans," Laoni pointed out as she looked them over. "You don't have scales or something under that skin do you?"
"Not exactly," Diamond Tiara said as she eyed the food strangely for a moment. "We're not actually Athenans. I don't really get how this works either, to be honest."
"A necessity in order to blend into other universes," Amethyst said as she eagerly took a bite of the meat. "The train was built to travel to universes that don't have members of our species. We had to do this in order to blend in properly. Basically, we're... what's the closest thing to our species on this planet... four legs, hooves, fur sometimes have horns or wings..."
"What are you, talking Najara or something?" Selria said with a chuckle. "Because that's what you sound like to me. Odd species really."
“A, Najara?” Apple Bloom asked as she tried to figure out what the Athenan was talking about. “I’ve never heard of anything like that before.”
"It's likely a species that's native to this planet," Amethyst said as she took another bit of her food. "So, what can you tell us about this Cult of the Unnamed Ones that you're fighting? They've been around here for a while right?"
"Yes, well there are a few things that we don't quite understand about them," Kairis admitted. "They've been causing trouble in town for a few months now. They worship beings like Adra, only evil. Given that most of us worship the Goddesses, it puts us in conflict with them more than anything else."
"So in other words, they're trying to take over the world?" Silver Spoon asked.
"Yeah, pretty much," Kairis said. "There's not a lot we can do beyond fight them though. Actually getting onto the island that they call home is impossible because of unusual storms that surround it. Even our Zords aren't nearly powerful enough to reach it."
"That figures," Amethyst said with a sigh. "And it also means that we can't get at the Shadow Line's Imperial Kuliner since I'm sure that's where they're at. Well, this just made our job a lot more difficult."
"I've already shown that we can strain the alliance between the two of them," Diamond pointed out. "I'm sure that if we could convince the Cult that the Shadow Line has nothing but their own interests in mind it may help us out at least. The fact of the matter is that we have to deal with two enemies at the same time. If we cut them down to just one and the Crows, it might help us out."
"Yeah, but that's easier said than done," Sanshai said with a shake of her head. "Assuming that they haven't already patched up the damage you caused, the Cult is going to work with the Shadow Line as long as they are convinced that it will help them out. They're only in it for themselves after all."
"So, then we have to figure out how to let them know once and for all that they're in danger," Amethyst said. "Honestly, I have no idea how we're going to do that here. There aren't a lot of options technology-wise."
"Well, do yah have any footage of what they've done ta past universes maybe?" Apple Bloom suggested. "Ah mean, if we can prove that tha Shadow Line has been doin' this in tha past it should help. And yah have that fancy projection tech, right? So shouldn't yah have tha ability ta project that kinda thing?"
"Well, yeah that would work," Amethyst said with a slight nod. "But I'll have to go back to the train to go find it. Can one of you give me an escort back after we're done eating?"
"Of course," Selria said with a smile. "I'd be glad to show you back to your, train thing. What even is that, is it some sort of ship?"
"Well, this should be interesting," Amethyst said as she chuckled a little bit at that. "You'll see what it is soon enough. For now, we should just finish eating, okay? I think right now we need to relax."
"Agreed," Kairis said with a nod. "So, why don't you tell us a little more about your world? I would be curious to know more about it."
The two groups talked about their respective homeworlds for a while. The Athenans were surprised and fascinated by the idea of magic. The ponies were a bit surprised by that, but they realized that they wouldn’t always run into universes with magic in them.
“You come from an interesting world,” Jeseri commented. “I have to say I wasn’t expecting something like that to exist out there.”
“Yeah, I mean, magic and talking… ponies?” Sanshai added as she seemed to be testing the word on her tongue. “You’re very... interesting.”
"Yeah, we're starting to get that impression," Scootaloo said as she took a bite of the food. "So, what are we going to do next?"
"There's not much else we can do right now," Amethyst said. "Since we can't just go to the place where the Shadow Line has set up shop, we're going to have to wait until they come to us."
"Yeah," Sweetie Belle said with a slight nod. "I guess we don't have a lot of choice in the matter."
00000
"I don't like dealing with these, things," a woman with a canine-like design and dressed in furs with a spear in her hand commented as she looked at Draiva. "We all know that they're hardly trustworthy. I don't buy what that Madame Noir told us."
"Me neither, Heali," Draiva commented as she frowned a little from her throne. "The Shadow Line is hardly trustworthy. So, we have to figure out what they're up to before it's too late.
"The gods are hardly pleased," a strange being made of twisted plant material said as energy flowed through vines. "I don't like this either. They showed up out of nowhere in our territory and offered a deal? I don't like this, we need to prepare for any eventuality."
"Sarila, we have a lot to worry about right now," Draiva said with a shake of her head. "The fact of the matter is that we don't even know if we can completely trust what that woman said. After all, we've had to deal with Power Rangers before and they are just another team like the Forest Primeval Rangers we're dealing with."
"I'm sure you're right," Sarila said with a shake of her head. "But the gods are still displeased. So, you had better be right about this. The last thing we need is to cause more problems than we're already dealing with."
"Is Jaira finished with her energy replenishment?" Draiva asked as she looked at Heali.
"Yes milady, she is ready whenever you want to send her out," Heali said as she bowed slightly. "The fact of the matter is that we don't know anything about these things. What do the gods say about these visitors?"
"The Shadow Line come from a dying world," Sarila said as she closed her eyes. The energy continued to flow along the vines that made up most of her body. "They are here seeking that which reality itself cannot exist without. That being said, they do pose interesting possibilities if we can take their technology. So much power, things that we can take and use to our advantage."
"Yes, that certainly does sound appealing," Draiva said as she stroked her chin thoughtfully for a moment. "And what about these new Power Rangers?"
"That is... curious..." Sarila said as she frowned a little. "One of them comes from a dead world. The others come from a world of magic and harmony. That is not something that I expected, they are not even Athenans apparently. I suppose that isn't completely unexpected though."
"Well, we'll have to deal with them somehow," Draiva said. "If nothing else we need to get them all out of our world so we can get back to just fighting those blasted Forest Primeval Rangers."
"Yes, well we'll have to figure out how to deal with the Shadow Line if we're going to do that," Heali commented as she thought on it for a long moment. "For now, I believe we should see what happens next. There's not a lot else we can do."
"Agreed," Draiva said as she stroked her chin thoughtfully for a moment. "Once Jaira is ready, send her to the town. We're going to have to do what we can to deal with this nuisance. Regardless of whether or not the Shadow Line is there."
"Agreed," Heali said. "I'll make sure she's ready."
The canine woman walked off as she headed deeper into the temple. They weren't about to let them get away with this kind of thing.
00000
"So, why is your train out in the middle of the jungle?" Selria asked as they made their way through the jungle towards the location the Quantum Reality Express had landed.
"We didn't want to draw attention to ourselves," Amethyst commented as she looked around at the jungle. "I didn't exactly walk back through here since Adra teleported me to your Temple. But we shouldn't be too far away."
"Of course," Selria said as she cut through another vine with her sword. "So, are you from the same world as the others?"
"No, not exactly," Amethyst said with a sigh. "But it's the same reason I'm chasing after the Shadow Line. I lost my world because of the Shadow Line. I lost a lot of good ponies that I cared about at the same time."
"I'm sorry," Selria said as she flinched a little. "But thank you for doing everything you can to stop them from doing the same to our world. We've got enough problems without having to deal with those things. And I've heard more than a few stories about the other species out there from Athenans that went out into the Galaxy."
"Yeah, it's a crazy place out there," Amethyst replied as she shook her head a little bit. "I haven't been to this part of the universe before, but I have traveled to other planets. Really I was surprised to find a civilization in this universe that is warp capable and is so, uh, under-developed."
"We only use the technology we need," Selria said with a shake of her head as she slashed through another vine. "The Goddesses taught us to respect the jungle. Everything on this planet is sacred and deserves a chance at life."
She raised her hand as a butterfly landed on her finger. She smiled a little as it held its wings out, the light of Athena's sun shining through it and sending a strange light around it.
"Wow, I've never seen anything like that before," Amethyst said. "What do you call this?"
"Alishar, they use the lights that reflect off their wings to attract mates and ward off predators," Selria said as the insect flapped its wings and took off from her hand. "Athena is a world of wonder, but also of great danger as your friends found out before. Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to move your train closer to the village?"
"Maybe, let's see when we... ah, here we are," Amethyst said as they reached the spot where the train was in the jungle. she stepped up to it and opened the door. "I should be able to... are you okay?"
"Well, that's certainly not anything I've ever seen before," Selria said as she looked at the train for a moment. "Is something like this normal where you come from?"
"Trains? Yeah, we have... had plenty of them," Amethyst answered as she started up the stairs. "But this one is special. She's the Quantum Reality Express. We made her be able to travel across the multiverse in search of the Shadow Line."
"What are you going to do when it's over?" Selria asked.
"Honestly, I have no idea," Amethyst admitted as she sighed a little. "I've never really thought about the long term I guess. The first priority has always been to stop the Shadow Line. Now, come on inside, it's not going to bite."
She chuckled a little as she pulled herself in, her body changing back into her pony form as Selria entered next. She blinked a little as she looked around at the large interior of the train.
"Uh, isn't this thing..." She started to say.
"Bigger on the inside?" Amethyst chuckled as they started walking together. "Yeah, it is. This thing was built to be comfortable."
"Odd really since you were the only one aboard at the beginning," Archimedes added as he landed on Amethyst's back and looked at Sevira. "And who's this? A local? A new passenger?"
“Local,” Amethyst said as she glanced back at Selria who just stared at the robotic owl. “Selria, meet Archimedes. He’s my companion. Archie, this is Selria, she’s part of the local Power Rangers team.”
“Huh, that explains a lot, actually,” Archie commented as he eyed Selria curiously. “Curious really, I wasn’t expecting to run into Power Rangers here. We hadn’t documented them in any other versions of this universe.”
“Yeah, my guess is we found a fairly unique one,” Amethyst said as they started heading towards her quarters. “I admit I’ve never seen anything like this before. I find it rather interesting actually.”
"Exactly how many Power Rangers teams have you met out there?" Selria asked. "I thought we were unique to this planet."
"In this universe maybe, but given the Morphing Grid who knows," Amethyst answered. "Other than that we've seen... how many would you say we've seen Archie?"
"Around half a dozen, not counting the Rail Riders and the one from our home universe," Archie answered. "And given the multiverse suggests the existence of..."
"So, yeah there's probably a lot out there," Amethyst said. "I know its weird to realize that you're not quite so unique in the multiverse, but this is the first time I've seen a team like yours at least. And what matters is that you're doing what you can to help this planet."
"Right," Selria said as Amethyst started to work on putting something together.
"So, why are they called the Unnamed Ones if I may ask," Amethyst said as she kept working. "That's a rather odd name for a pantheon of gods. I assume none of them have names?"
"Names have power to our gods, to take away their name is to strip them of their power," Selria answered. "The stories go that they tried to rebel against the Goddesses. So Adra and the others trapped them away in a prison on the far edge of the star system. At least that's how the story goes, we've typically avoided that planet and consider it taboo."
"The power of words, that's certainly something I've heard of before," Amethyst commented as she kept working. "Unfortunately this is not anything new, at least from what I've experienced. Beings like this have a tendency to reach out and try to escape."
"Yeah, we're realizing that," Selria sighed. "Do you ever think about your home universe?"
"Every day," Amethyst admitted as she looked down at the object she was working on. "Some days I wonder why me of all ponies was picked to survive. I lost everypony that was ever important to me. I guess in a way I've been running from my own past more than chasing after the Shadow Line, at least I used to."
"What changed?"
"I met those five," Amethyst smiled. "They didn't have to come with me you know. They decided that they would after stopping the Shadow Line from destroying their own world. With everything that happened, I don't really blame them for that. They're good ponies, but I didn't actually think that anypony would come along with me. I guess I've always been alone, at least until they came along"
Archie ruffled his metal feathers a little which made her chuckle before adding. "Well, I did have Archie at least."
"Thank you!" Archie hooted indignantly. "You really shouldn't forget about me, you know?"
"I know, I know," Amethyst laughed a little.
"You two have an interesting relationship," Selria said as she examined Archie closely for a moment. "I've never seen anything like you before. Heck, this whole train is like nothing I've ever seen before."
"How do you move from town to town?" Amethyst asked curiously.
"All towns on Athena are on the coast," Selria answered with a shrug. "So we travel by foot or by boat depending on where we're going. There's really not much need for anything else, not that either route is very safe given the wildlife of this planet. Still, we do what we can to make it."
"I guess I'm not used to this kind of place," Amethyst said. "I almost wish I could spend more time on this planet and learn more about you and your culture. But once we deal with the Shadow Line, we'll have to chase them to the next universe. Feels like I'm pushing a rock up a mountain at times."
"Yeah, tell me about it, feels like no matter how many times we beat the Cultists they just send more of their mutants after us," Selria sighed. "It's not easy for us to be honest. I think Tilani takes it the hardest. She was just out of her rite of passage when she found her necklace"
"Well, I'm sure you'll be fine," Amethyst reassured her as she finished working. "You're at least doing better than we are."
"So, do you really think this is going to work?" Selria asked.
"Yeah, it should," Amethyst said as she examined the device for a long moment. "It should give them a view of just what happens when the Shadow Line wins. Whether or not its actually going to be enough to convince them, I have no idea, what do you think?"
"I think we'll find out when we try it," Selria said with a shrug as they headed forward towards the engine. "So, what now?"
"This'll just take a moment," Amethyst said as she inputs commands into the train's navigation as a portal appeared before them and they went through it.
00000
"So, what do we do now?" Tilani asked as they sat around the courtyard. "I mean, Selria and Amethyst should be back at any time. We can't just wait for something to happen."
"Yeah, but Ah can't really think of anythin' we can do right now," Apple Bloom said as she adjusted her hat a little and looked back up towards the sky for a moment. "Tha Shadow Line and tha Cult could come back at any time at this point, right?"
"Right," Sanshai said. "Which drives me crazy. It feels like we're just waiting for something to happen."
"Yeah," Apple Bloom said as she closed her eyes for a moment. This planet was strange to her, and the body felt even stranger. She sighed a little as she opened her eyes again and stared up at the sky as clouds went by above them. "We're gonna have ta lure them out somehow probably."
"And how do you suggest we do that?" Diamond asked. "We can't just send them an invitation to come and hang out or something."
"Maybe, maybe not," Apple Bloom said as she thought for a long moment. "We know that tha Shadow Line came here before because of an abundance of Tenebraean Energy. Is there anything we can do to attract the attention of the Cult?"
"Yeah, why do they keep attacking here over and over again?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I mean, this has to be a big planet, right? Why go after this town specifically."
"Buried deep under the Temple of Adra is a source of great power that the Goddesses placed here," Laoni answered. "They called it the Heart of the Earth Goddess. To wield it means to be able to control the power of an Earth Goddess like Adra. We believe that is why they've been going after us."
"Interesting," Diamond said as she looked at Silver Spoon for a moment. "That might give us an advantage after all. If we can draw out the Cult's minion, it may give us a chance to convince them separately from the Shadow Line."
"Or at the very least get them both in one place so we can deal with them," Silver Spoon added. "And I'll bet that the Shadow Line would relish an opportunity to destroy such an important object."
"So, what, you think we should just parade it around the town or something?" Laoni asked. "My mother will never agree to that. We can't put the Heart at risk, even if it might draw them out."
"Oh don't worry about that," Diamond said with a slight grin. "Something tells me that we won't need to put it in any danger at all. I'll talk to the Priestess and see if I can convince her to go along with my plan."
"I don't like this," Jeseri said as she shook her head a little as Diamond and Silver Spoon walked off together. "You're outsiders, you don't know anything about our traditions or planet. Do you really think that this plan will be accepted?"
"I don't know," Scootaloo pointed out as she sat up and looked at the other Rangers for a long moment. "But I do know that the alternative is we sit around and wait for something to happen. This way we get to fight their monsters on our terms and not theirs."
"Yeah, I guess you're right, but I still don't like it," Jeseri sighed. "Your friends better know what they're doing then. If they can't convince the Priestess and Adra that this is the best course of action, we may have to wait."
"Then we'll hope that they are successful," Sweetie Belle said with a nod. "Because right now it might be the only chance we have of winning this before it's too late."
00000
"I can't believe we're actually doing this," Tilani commented as they wheeled a large object covered with a cloth out of the temple. "There is no way that this is going to work."
"It'll work," Diamond Tiara said with a confidence that she wasn't even sure she actually felt. "It has to work if we're going to have any chance of winning this thing."
"Yeah, that really fills me with confidence," Tilani snarked as she kept pulling it along. “How do you even know they’re going to fall for this?”
“It’s all about the presentation,” Silver Spoon assured her. “If they think it’s the real thing, then so will our enemies. I hope.”
They walked out into the center of town with the object as Kairis stepped forward. She was holding an ancient looking book under her arm as they pulled the object into the center. Silver Spoon glanced around the crowd, the others were all hiding amongst the buildings and locals. They just needed to buy enough time for them all to get into position.
And that was where Kairis came in. Diamond gave her a nod as the Priestess stepped forward and began to speak to the gathered crowd who looked confused.
"Today I come before you to celebrate the future of Athena," Kairis spoke as she opened the book. "The Goddesses came to us millennia ago, they taught us how to live, how to survive, and how to respect the land. But at the same time, they left behind a great gift for us here in Naeris. They believed that someday the time would come that we would need this Heart of the Earth Goddess, and as such the Goddess Adra in her wisdom entrusted it into our care. But as of late, we've been faced with a great enemy that threatens our very way of life."
A murmur went up from the crowd. If there really was something that could protect them from the Mutants that had been attacking, why had it taken them so long to bring it out?
"I know, I know you have questions about this, my sisters, I would feel the same way," Kairis reassured them. "This ancient artifact is only to be used in the most extreme of situations, however. And I believe that the time has come given the new threat that has arisen from beyond our world. This Shadow Line and their monster Slash has threatened us, tried to turn us against one another, all for their own selfish reasons. Not even the Cult who threatens us deserves such a fate. We will use this power to ensure that the threat is dealt with. Even if it requires we call on our enemies for help. For Athena is strongest when it stands united."
A murmur went up from the crowd for a moment. They were about to say something when a slow clapping sound was heard.
"Well, you certainly know how to put on a good speech," a female voice said as the crowd parted to allow Madame Noir to walk forward fanning herself lightly. Slash and the Athenan Mutant from before were close behind as she smiled wickedly. "You Athenans are a hardy bunch, I'll give you that. But I'm afraid that we'll be taking that from you now."
"Really, and what are you going to do to take it away?" Tilani asked as she placed her hand on the necklace around her neck and glanced at Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon who gave her a nod. "This artifact belongs to the people of Athena. We're not about to let you take it away."
"Well, I was hoping you'd be willing to do this the easy way, but I see that's not going to happen, such a shame," Noir said as she closed up her fan and pointed it at the three Rangers. "You two, take them out, now."
"Yes, milady, Crows, come to me!" Slash said as he drew his two swords and dark energy flowed around him as Crows appeared.
"Crystanoids come forth!" Jaria said as the rocky monsters appeared around her and fell into line with the Crows.
"Well, there goes doing this the easy way," Tilani said as she stepped forward.
"I didn't think it would go any other way," Diamond said with a chuckle as she raised her arm and took the green train charger out of a pouch on her belt. "You two ready for this?"
"Ready," the two said in unison.
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon hit the buttons on their morphers in unison as a white line appeared in front of them just as the combined foot soldiers started to walk towards them.
"All Rangers prepare for boarding, stay behind the white line!" The computerized voice said from their morphers.
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon slid the train chargers into their morphers as the suits formed around them.
"Ranger 2 - Blue!"
"Ranger 4 - Green!"
"ALL ABOARD!"
At the same time, Tilani gripped her necklace's gemstone as it glowed bright red. The fiery red bird flew up and into her as the red suit appeared over her. "Flying on the fiery winds, Forest Primeval Red!"
“Only three of you this time?” Slash said with a laugh as he pointed his swords at them. “You’ve made a big mistake. We’re going to beat you all and take the relic from you!”
“We’re not going to let that happen,” Diamond Tiara said as she gripped her axe in her hands and gave the other two a nod. “You’ve caused enough trouble for these good people. I’m not about to let you get away with doing any more.”
“You haven’t seen the darkness of this world,” Jaria said with a fanged grin. “Athena puts on a good facade, but the truth is that there is darkness under the surface. We’re just that facade stripped away.”
“Crows, attack!” Slash said as the Crows tipped their hats and ran forward, two of them swung their axes around at Diamond Tiara only to have her catch them and push back. The others shot at Silver Spoon and Tilani.
“These things are kind of annoying,” Tilani said as she ran forward and slashed at the Crows that had shot at her. “But nothing I can’t handle.”
“We’ll see about that,” Slash said as he held his swords out and ran right at the cart that was holding the object. He was about to reach it when several energy blasts from Silver Spoon’s gun caught him in the chest. “Why you little…”
“Silver, switch!” Diamond said as she grabbed the charger off her morpher and tossed it over to Silver who did the same with her’s. They slid the chargers into their morphers as they pressed the buttons again.
“Blue Line switched to Green Line.”
“Green Line switched to Blue Line.”
Their suits changed with Diamond’s becoming blue as the pistol appeared in her hand while Silver’s became green and the axe appeared in her hands. Silver swung the axe around and caught the Crows across the chest and sent them flying back.
“This is handy,” She said with a chuckle as she held the axe in her hands. “I may have to keep it for myself.”
“We’ll see,” Diamond said as she pointed her pistol at some of the Crystanoids and fired at them.
Tilani was fighting with Jaria at the same time. Their swords were clashing as the Mutant smiled a fanged smile as she pushed the Ranger back towards the object.
“You Rangers have made a big mistake letting that out, soon it will belong to the true Athenans,” Jaria said with a laugh as she kicked hard at Tilani. The Red Athenan Ranger was sent back into the sand while the Mutant ran at the cart.
“Wait, don’t!” Tilani said as she tried to get to her feet, but it was too late as the Mutant grabbed the cloth and pulled it off with a triumphant smile on her face.
That smile faded when she saw that all was under the cloth was an empty box. Or at least what looked like an empty box for the moment. She bent down and picked up a strange device that she didn’t recognize and held it in her hands.
“What in the name of the Goddesses is this…” She said as she held the object in her hands and let out a startled cry when it activated.
A projection of images played around them as it revealed a ruined landscape. The sky above looked like it might if it was night time, but the stars had vanished. It was grey as the ground was cracking open. It was a world torn asunder by something horrific.
And then there was an image of the Imperial Kuliner and Baron Nero and Madame Noir standing there looking out at the ruins of the world. They exchanged a silent look before nodding and returning to the dark train and taking off.
“What is the meaning of this?” Jaria demanded as she turned around angrily and stared Slash down. “That was your masters, what did you do to that world?”
“This is what they do, it’s just like we told yah before,” Apple Bloom said as she walked into view with the others.
“You’re being used and we’re here to stop the Shadow Line from succeeding,” Scootaloo added as she raised her morpher and the Charger. “And their operations on Athena end here and now.”
“Let’s do this,” Sweetie Belle said as she nodded to her friends and they pressed the buttons on their morphers.
“All Rangers prepare for boarding, stay behind the white line,” the female computerized voice said from their morphers as the line appeared before them.
“Ranger 1 - Red!”
“Ranger 3 - Yellow!”
“Ranger 5 - Pink!”
“ALL ABOARD!”
“And we’re here to protect our planet, from either the cult or from the likes of you,” Sanshai said as her necklace glowed and the water shark flew out of the ocean and into her. The blue suit appeared over her as knives appeared in her hands. “Diving into the depths of the sea, Forest Primeval Blue!”
“We are the guardians of Athena, and we’re not going to let you destroy this universe,” Laoni said as her necklace glowed. The Yellow horned animal burst out of the earth and flew into her as the yellow horned suit appeared over her. “Powered by the Earth itself, Forest Primeval Yellow!”
“The jungle itself is on our side, and we will not falter,” Selria said as she held her stone in her hand. A wind blew around them as a green cat came bounding up and flew into her. The green suit with the cat hair appeared over her as her bow appeared in her hands. “Striking with the force of the storm, Forest Primeval Green!”
“And you are not welcome in our world,” Jeseri said as her stone glowed brightly. Shadows coalesced into the form of a large bear that let out a roar as it ran into her. The black bear based suit appeared over her as claws grew from her hands. “Walking in the shadows to protect the light, Forest Primeval Black!”
“Forest Primeval Rangers, protect the Jungle!” The Athenan Rangers said in unison.
“Crystanoids…” Jaria said as she pointed her sword at Slash and his Crows. “Attack!”
And with that, the fight was joined once more as the Crystanoids and Rangers attacked the Crows together.
00000
"Do you think they're telling the truth?" Heali asked as she looked at Draiva. They were watching the fight on their base on Vendar Island. "I've never seen anything like that before. What kind of power can create images like that?"
"They're either trying too hard to convince us of a lie, or they're telling the truth," Draiva said as she stroked her chin thoughtfully for a moment. "The fact of the matter is that we can't risk the possibility that they're telling the truth. All this does is confirm our worst fears."
"The gods agree with you," Sarila said as the energy flowed through her vines once more. "The Shadow Line is not trustworthy at this point. We have to drive them off before it's too late."
"Agreed," Draiva said as she took a crystal out of her animal furs. "Vendess, I want you and Heali to take a force of Crystanoids to the Shadow Line's Imperial Kuliner. They are to be removed from our island immediately."
"Yes Priestess," a voice said from the crystal as Draiva put it away again. She nodded to the canine woman and gestured towards the exit to the temple.
"Drive these interlopers out of our lands. The Shadow Line will not destroy this world if that truly is their intention," she said as she smiled wickedly. "They will learn that you do not mess with the followers of the true Goddesses of this world."
"Yes Priestess, I will make sure of it," Heali said as she walked off.
Sarila stood there for a moment as she leaned on her staff. She certainly hadn't expected things to go this far, but she knew that Draiva was right. For now, they had a mutual enemy with the Power Rangers, but that wasn't going to last.
And so soon the war would begin once more.
00000
"I wasn't expecting to be sent on this so soon," a tall lanky woman with furs and strange scaled features said as she and Heali walked towards the Imperial Kuliner with more Crystanoids behind them. "Why has the High Priestess decided to do this?"
"We have seen the threat that they pose to all of us now," Heali answered as she looked at the woman. "The Goddesses also have agreed to this course of action. There is no other option left to us but to drive them from our Island. You do not question their decision, do you, Vendress?"
"No, of course not," Vendress said as she placed her hand on her sword. "The Shadow Line will rue the day they crossed us. However, I was not expecting our move to be so soon."
"It is better than the alternative," Heali said as they stopped in front of the Imperial Kuliner. The door opened and General Schwarz stepped out and eyed the two of them and the gathered Crystanoids. "We're here for the Shadow Line's leadership."
"I know," Schwarz said as he narrowed his eyes. "The two of you are making a big mistake, as is your Priestess. I would turn back and let things play out."
"No, not when you're trying to destroy our world," Heali said as she pointed her sword at the General. "Athena belongs to us, it is our right as dictated by the Goddesses. We are not going to let you destroy it."
"Strong words for such primitive creatures," Schwarz said as he tipped his hat down a little. "I can respect that, but I am not about to let you drive us off. Crows, come to me!"
Darkness coalesced around him as Crows appeared. He placed his hand on a saber on his belt and drew it as he pointed the obsidian blade at the two.
"Two on one with armies backing each other up, not the best odds," Heali said.
"I know, perhaps you should go get more," Schwarz said with a laugh as he waved his hand. "Attack!"
The Crows ran forward with their axes held low and swung their weapons at the Crystanoids. Some of them hung back and fired at them with the gun options with the Crystanoids fighting back with rocks and fists.
At the same time, Schwarz ran forward at the two women and swung his sword at Heali. The wolf woman raised her blade to catch the dark General's saber with her own and snarled.
"You think you're so clever don't you?" she growled. "But I've been trained by some of the finest swordswomen on Athena. You are nothing compared to me!"
"We'll see won't we?" Schwarz asked with a laugh as he caught Vendress' own blade with the cuff of his uniform. "After all, I've been trained by the finest swordsmen on my own world too. You're going to have to try much harder than that if you want to beat me."
He kicked at her chest and sent her falling back as she pulled herself up. He swung his sword around and caught Vendress' sword with his own as he gave her a smirk.
"Such a shame you couldn't come with us, you'd have been quite the asset," he laughed as the two crossed swords once more.
"I guess I'll just have to cut you down here and now."
"I'm not going to let some male beat me," Vendress hissed at Schwarz as she swung her fist around and caught him across the cheek. He stumbled back for a moment before turning his attention back to her with a throaty laugh.
"Well, you've certainly got a lot of fight in you," he said as he held his sword out.
"You have to if you want to survive on this world," Vendress scowled. "And we're going to make this world ours soon enough. You're hardly a threat to us, even with your technology."
"Then, we'll settle this the old fashioned way," Schwarz said as he raised his hand. "Crows, stand down."
"What are you doing?" Heali asked as she finally pulled herself together and pointed her sword at Schwarz as the Crows vanished from around him. "You must be deluding yourself if you think you can take us all on at once."
"No, just one of you," he said as he pointed his sword at Vendress. "You and me, we'll fight like the warriors of old, single combat. First to fall loses, and we'll leave your Island if you can best me."
"And if you win, I'm sure you'll stay here until your job is done," Vendress said as she held her sword out. "I didn't expect you to make such a wager. What is your name?"
"I am General Schwarz of the Empire of the Shadow Line!" Schwarz said as he held his sword up towards the sky. "Field Commander of the Imperial Army in the service of His Imperial Majesty."
"Grandiose titles, let's see if you can back them up," Vendress said as she raised her hand. "Crystanoids, disperse. I will accept his challenge."
"What are you doing, Schwarz?" Nero's voice said through a communication device. "You weren't supposed to make deals with these primitives."
"Hardly a wager I am incapable of winning," Schwarz replied. "Baron, you and your ilk may have forgotten the ways of honorable combat, but I am not about to let a fellow warrior die needlessly."
"Fine, whatever, we have more than enough energy at this point," Nero sneered. "You had better know what you're doing, General."
Schwarz scowled and turned off the communicator as he raised his sword. "Well, then Lady Vendress, en garde!"
There was the sound of metal against metal as the two swordmasters clashed. Schwarz's black saber cut against the gleaming metal of Vendress' sword as they clashed.
Vendress was smaller, but Schwarz had the advantage of strength behind his blows. As his saber struck at the mutant's blade, she was having a harder time keeping up. She finally managed to dodge another attack and swung her sword around, catching the general across the chest as he stumbled back a little.
Heali watched with a frown on her face. She didn't like that they were wagering the entire future of their operation on one sword fight with this thing. While Vendress was certainly skilled, she had her doubts that she'd actually be able to defeat the General, at least not without some sort of plan.
She glanced back towards the temple that dominated the horizon for a moment as she thought about what her next move was going to be. For now, she'd let them play their little game, but she would have a plan B in case this failed.
Vendress caught Schwarz's black sword with her own as she grunted a little. She hadn't expected the General to be this skilled, he hadn't been exaggerating earlier that was for sure. Still, she wasn't about to take this defeat lying down, she was going to give it her all.
With another strike, her hand began to glow as reptilian claws grew out of her free hand. She slashed hard at Schwarz, leaving grooves in his armor as she then kicked him hard, sending him falling back. He grunted and slashed his sword at her as the two blades clashed once more.
"You are quite the opponent," Schwarz said with a throaty chuckle. "I have to say, I wasn't expecting such skill from a primitive."
"You're not bad yourself," Vendress admitted with a laugh as she swung her sword around again, only to be met with his sword once more. "But don't take that to mean I'm going to lose. I've got a lot riding on this fight."
"So do I," Schwarz said with a scowl as he kicked at her hard and sent her sprawling. Before she could get up again, she felt the tip of the blade against her throat. "You're beaten."
"So I am," Vendress said with a laugh. "Then strike me down, send me to my Goddesses."
Schwarz stood there for a long moment as he thought about what to do next. He raised his sword for a moment before sliding it back into its sheath.
“Hardly worth dulling my blade on.”
“What are you doing?” Nero demanded. “She defied us, why are you sparing her?”
“Because there is hardly a point,” Schwarz pointed as he adjusted his hat. “Everything here is falling apart anyway. It’s only a matter of time before the Rangers deal with Slash. I suggest we cut our losses, a good General knows when to retreat.”
“I don’t like this,” Nero replied. “But you have a point. Don’t expect this to happen often however, General.”
“I won’t let you win next time,” Vendress said as she got to her feet and replaced her sword. “I want you back for a rematch when I’m stronger.”
“Perhaps some day, we shall see,” Schwarz said as he pulled himself into the train. “If we come back this way, I would like to see how you’ve improved.”
He shut the door to the Imperial Kuliner and after a moment there was a haunting whistle as the train started up again and flew off towards the coast.
00000
"You're really starting to get on my nerves..." Slash said as his crossed swords with Apple Bloom. "You think just because you managed to beat one of us it means that you can stop us every time."
"Yer nothin' more than a bad joke," Apple Bloom said as she kicked at him, holding her sword out and staring him down. "Yah come ta worlds and take what yah want from them in order ta further some mad plan of yers. Well, this is a reminder that we're gonna be fightin' back as often as we can!”
She spun around and caught him across the chest as he took a step backwards. The Crows were all in the middle of fighting with the other Rangers and the Crystonaughts. Slash held his swords out and ran forward at Apple Bloom only to get hit with several energy bullets.
“Looks like you need a hand,” Diamond said as she moved next to Apple Bloom still in the blue suit. “Let’s take this metal freak down.”
"Yeah," Apple Bloom said with a nod as her friends broke through the lines and stood with them. "Slash, you're goin' down right here, right now!"
"I'd like to see some hick like you try," Slash said with a laugh as he pointed his swords at the Rangers. "It's time to take you all down. This world's energy will be all ours!"
He ran forward at the five of them and swung his swords around as he caught them off guard for a moment. Scootaloo quickly recovered though and swung her signal hammer around and hit him in the face. She breathed heavily as she stared him down.
"You're going to have to try harder than that if you want to beat us," she said as she prepared to swing the hammer at him again.
"This is bad..." Slash said as he started to back up. His forces were falling apart around him as the combined Crystanoids and Forest Primeval Rangers cut them down one by one.
There was a sudden loud haunting whistle as they looked up to see the sinister shape of the Imperial Kuliner flying through the air and bearing down on them. It came in for a landing, crashing through a building and mowing down Crows and Crystanoids alike with the Rangers just barely getting out of the way.
"What in the name of the Goddesses is that?" Laoni exclaimed as Slash made a run for the train and grabbed onto the ladder on the side of it.
"Ha, you weak Rangers won't stand a chance now!" He said as he stood on top of the train. "You now have to face me and the full might of the Imperial Kuliner!"
"Yeah, I think this is where we bow out, have fun!" Jaria said as she vanished with a twirl followed by her Crystanoids.
"Great, just what we needed," Tilani said as she looked at the other group of Rangers as the Kuliner started up again and flew up into the sky. "Do you have any ideas?"
"Maybe," Sweetie Belle said as she pressed the side of her helmet. "Hey Amethyst, we've kind of got a problem out here."
"Yeah, I see it," Amethyst replied over her communicator. "This is going to be tricky but I think I can manage it. Just give me a moment."
"What are you going to do?" Sweetie asked. "Whatever it is it better be good."
There was a loud whistle as a portal appeared followed by tracks as the Quantum Reality Express came out of it and rested on it. Amethyst threw the door open and called to them.
"All of you, get on the roof!" She called. "I'm taking this thing up after it."
"What? Are you insane?" Scootaloo asked. "We can't stay on that thing as long as it's in the air!"
"Trust me, your suits are built for this kind of thing," Amethyst said as she pointed at a ladder that went up to the train's engine. "You're going to be just fine, just hang in there."
"We'll deal with the leftover Crows down here," Sanshai called to them as the Forest Primeval Rangers ran at the remaining Crows. "You five deal with that metalhead, got it?"
"Okay, I guess it's our only option," Scootaloo said as the five friends climbed the ladder up onto the top of the multi-colored train. "Now what? Can this thing fly or... WHOAH!"
As she said that the Quantum Reality Express blew its whistle once more and the tracks appeared again, but this time pointing up into the sky. It sped up along them as it flew towards where the Imperial Kuliner was circling around above the ground.
"This is crazy!" Sweetie Belle said as they instinctively grabbed hold of the metal on the train itself as they realized exactly what Amethyst wanted them to do. "Are you trying to get us killed?"
"Your boots are magnetized for this kind of thing, this whole train was designed to fight the Imperial Kuliner," Amethyst replied. "I'm going to get you as close as I can and I need you to jump aboard. I didn't expect Nero and the others to get involved in this fight, but you have to do everything you can to stop them."
"Right," Silver Spoon said as they slowly steadied themselves. They took a few practice steps and were surprised to find that even as the train moved they were able to walk pretty easily. "Alright, let's do this then."
The Quantum Reality Express snaked around as it neared the Imperial Kuliner. Slash looked over and spotted the Rangers as they got closer and sneered at them.
"You don't give up do you?" He shouted at them over the blowing winds.
"No, but that's what makes us Rangers isn't it?" Apple Bloom asked with a chuckle as the trains rammed against one another. "And we're about ta show yah just what that means."
She nodded to her friends as they took a running leap off the Quantum Reality Express. For a moment it seemed almost like they were going to miss their target and plummet to the ground below, but they managed to stick the landing and rolled forward before steadying themselves on top of the Kuliner.
"You dare set foot on his Majesty's train?" Slash thundered as he held his swords outright. "You will pay for your desecration!"
"Yeah, yeah, just keep talking," Scootaloo said as she raised her hammer. "Hey Apple Bloom, feel like giving this a try?"
"Yeah, sure, why not?" Apple Bloom asked as she removed her charger and tossed it to Scootaloo as she did the same with her's and they both pressed the buttons on their morphers.
"Red Line changes to Yellow Line."
"Yellow Line changes to Red Line."
"Alright, now this is more like it," Scootaloo said with a grin as she held the sword outright. "Huh, funny, this just feels appropriate somehow. Oh well, let's take care of this thing!"
And with that, the battle was joined once more as they ran forward at the monster. Scootaloo swung her sword around as it crossed with Slash's two blades, only for him to be blindsided by Sweetie Belle's Claws.
"You'll pay for that..." Slash exclaimed as he slashed at her only to have it be caught by Scootaloo's sword again. "Why you little... I'm not about to let you get away with that!"
"Yeah, yeah, put it on my tab," Scootaloo said as she slashed upwards with her sword, pushing him back a little.
"Whoa, this thing is heavy..." Apple Bloom said as she gripped the signal hammer tightly and swung it around only to be stopped by Slash's two swords. "Ah must say, at least yah have some skill."
"Oh, this is far from over," Slash said as he kicked at the Rangers and pushed them back. "You Rangers think you're so strong and good. Well, everyone has inner darkness, and that includes you!"
"Maybe," Diamond Tiara said as she fired several more shots at Slash. "But if it comes to the light, then we are going to fight it or embrace it."
"Then let's show them what we're made of," Silver Spoon said as she swung her axe around and caught him hard in the chest before they fell back together as Slash tried to stand up again. "Let's finish him off, girls!"
They nodded as they quickly connected their weapons together to form the Quantum Rail Bazooka and aimed it right at Slash who's eyes went wide. A train appeared in Sweetie Belle's hoof and she placed it in the rail and they fired it right at Slash who went flying off the top of the train as it hit him.
"Get back on the train before he grows!" Amethyst's voice said over their coms as they jumped off the Kuliner back onto the Quantum Reality Express as dark energy flowed out of the monster and into the Imperial Kuliner as it circled around it before flying off through a portal.
Slash let out a roar as he grew larger, his two swords sweeping over the trees of the jungle as he swung at the Quantum Reality Express as it flew around it and out of the way.
"Guess that means we gotta go into Megazord mode again," Apple Bloom said as they made their way to their respective cars and quickly moved into them.
They pressed the buttons on the side of the consoles after taking their seats and the familiar female voice sounded.
"Megazord mode activated," it said as the consoles started to move into their usual positions. "Entering Express Train Formation."
As the cars came apart and flew together to form into the humanoid robot configuration the five rangers found themselves sitting in the familiar cockpit of the Express Train Megazord. They looked at each other for a moment before nodding and turning their attention back towards the giant monster that was staring them down.
"Looks like you're not the only one that can fight giant-sized," Scootaloo said with a laugh as the Megazord drew its sword and swung it at Slash who caught it with his two swords. "And we're not going to let you destroy this town or this planet!"
"You really think that it's that simple at this point?" Slash laughed. "I may not survive this, but my masters have already gotten what they needed. Now I'm just going to make sure you don't get away!"
The Express Train Megazord got hit with a double slash across the chest from the monster's swords as it stumbled back a moment. The Rangers swung their sword again, but it wasn't doing them much good as Slash just blocked the hit again.
"Looks to me like they could use some help," Sanshai said as the Forest Primeval Rangers finished off the last of the Crows.
"What do you say? Should we give it to them?"
"Yeah, let's," Tilani said as she placed her hand on her neck where the necklace would've been. "Come to me, Valkesh Zord!"
A massive red metal eagle flew out of a mountain in the distance and bore down on Slash as it raked the large monster with its talons.
"Come to me, Siaris Zord!" Sanshai added.
There was a burst out of the water as a blue metal shark burst out and bit down on Slash before moving to its place next to the bird.
"Teronk Zord!"
"Vorgiv Zord!"
"Rilnas Zord!"
Three more large robotic animals came bursting into view. One was a yellow horned animal, another was a large black bear, and finally, a green cat that let out a howl as it bore its metal teeth at the sword-wielding monster.
"Okay, wow, that's impressive," Scootaloo said as they saw the five Zords as they stood together.
"Yeah, it is," Sweetie Belle said as they turned to look back at Slash. "And we're not standing alone anymore! You're going down once and for all!"
"Spirits of the jungle, come together to form a beast that protects the forest!" Tilani said as they jumped onto their Zords together.
The Zords came together and started to change. The red bird became the chest piece as two massive wings appeared on its back. The yellow horned animal became one of the arms with long horned claws on it as it swung it around. The blue shark became the other arm with a large jaw jutting out of it Finally the cat and the bear became the legs as a metal head formed out of the torso.
Inside the Megazord itself, the five Athenan Rangers took their positions as they held onto the swords that made up the controls.
"Primal Fury Megazord!" Tilani said as a large sword appeared in the Megazord's horned hand as she pointed her blade at Slash. "And your time is up, Slash! You're not going to be able to defeat all of us!"
"We'll see about that," Slash sneered as the two Megazords ran forward and swung their swords at the large monster. Slash tried to block them with his swords but only managed to block the Primal Fury Megazord as the Express train's rail sword caught him across the chest. "Why you little..."
"That hurt, huh?" Jeseri growled. "Well, it's going to be nothing compared to the fate that awaits you when we're done with you!"
The animal-based Megazord's shark arm came swinging around and bit down hard on Slash's right arm causing him to drop his sword. He cried out as he tried to cut at the Megazord with his free hand but without much luck.
"You... think you're so strong..." Slash panted as he struggled to escape their grip. "But there will be more after me, and you won't be able to defeat them all..."
"But we'll try," Sweetie Belle said as they pointed their Megazord's sword at the monster. "And as long as they keep coming back, we'll keep fighting for the future of everyone."
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Tilani said with a chuckle as the Primal Fury Megazord kicked at Slash and sent it flying back. "So, you girls want to do the honors?"
"Gladly," Apple Bloom said as they took out their trains and placed them in the center console.
"No, this can't be happening..." Slash said. "But the Emperor's Grand Design... it will be completed..."
The Express Train Megazord's sword was ablaze as they swung it around and caught Slash across the chest. The monster fell hard into the ocean as it evaporated into shadow.
"That's another one down," Scootaloo said as she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Yeah, but how many to go?" Diamond Tiara asked as they stared at the spot where Slash had once been.
00000
“So, are you sure you can’t hang around much longer?” Sanshai asked as she and Scootaloo walked towards the Quantum Reality Express with the others. “I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say we’d love to have you stay.”
“Yeah, well unfortunately we’ve got to chase after the Shadow Line again,” Scootaloo said as they stopped in front of the door to the Engine. “It’s a shame really, I would’ve loved to learn more about your planet.”
“Well who knows, someday you might be able to come back,” Sanshai offered as she leaned on the engine for a moment. “Perhaps by then you will finally have Sweetie Belle as your mate.”
“Don’t you get started on that again,” Scootaloo sighed. “Right now that’s the last thing I want to think about.”
“Why, because you two did it the other night?” Sanshai asked as she raised an eyebrow.
“How’d you know?”
“Athenan hearing, and I smelled it on you the next morning,” Sanshai laughed. “But I’m hardly one to pry.”
“Maybe someday,” Scootaloo said as she looked at Sweetie Belle for a long moment. “But not today. I have other things to worry about right now.”
“Yeah, I understand that,” Sanshai said. “Being a Power Ranger gets in the way of a lot of things. But don’t let the chance et away from you. If you ask me, those feelings weren’t created, they were just enhanced.”
“Yeah, thanks for not worrying me at all,” Scootaloo said with a roll of her eyes. “But still, it was interesting meeting you Sanshai. Perhaps we’ll come back through here someday.”
“I’d like that,” Sanshai said with a smile as Scootaloo pulled herself onto the train and her friends followed suit.
There was a moment of disorientation as they went from their two legged forms back to their normal pony selves. Amethyst was already at the controls getting ready to leave with Archie.
“So, are you all ready to go?” Amethyst asked as she looked at the others. “No lingering feelings you need to work out?”
“No, we’re fine,” Apple Bloom said with a nod as the door shut behind them. “So, where are we off ta next?”
“Not sure yet,” Amethyst admitted as she flipped a few switches on the consoles. “The Shadow Line left in quite a hurry so we have to figure out where they went. Tracking them isn’t going to be easy, but we’ll manage.”
“Right,” Diamond Tiara said as they looked out at the jungle for a moment. “So, into the unknown then?”
“Into the unknown,” Amethyst nodded as she finally put in the last commands. The portal appeared in front of them as the train started up and entered the vortex as they headed towards their next destination.
Back in Naeris as the rebuilding process had begun, a figure walked through the sandy streets before it stopped at a disturbance. She leaned down with a scaly hand and picked up a purple stone that she brushed off. It glowed with energy for a moment before she slid it into her robes.
“Well, it looks like this wasn’t a complete waste,” Vendress said as she looked back at Naeris for a moment. “This will certainly help our goals. Let’s see those Power Rangers win now.”
And with that she vanished into thin air.