Previous Chapters
Close
Ch. 1: Shadows over Canterlot3,137 words
Ch. 2: Darkness to Light4,810 words
Ch. 3: Mega Studies & Mega Battles6,163 words
Ch. 4: Pins and Needles5,756 words
Ch. 5: Family Matters7,606 words
Ch. 6: Broken Wings4,375 words

Ch. 6: Broken Wings

Somewhat predictably, the knowledge that everyone at CHS knew they were the Power Rangers sent Rainbow Dash’s ego into overdrive as she almost constantly went around school in costume, showing off her Ranger powers to everyone who would watch… and even some who wouldn’t, much to the chagrin of the rest of her team, especially one day when she co-opted the lunch period for target practice with her Harmonic Defender.

“Honestly, when will the Morphing Grid catch up to Rainbow’s abuse of her power?” Rarity asked as she watched her blast empty cans out of a stack with ease.

“Believe me; I wish I knew,” Twilight remarked as Rainbow basked in the adulation of her peers. “But I gotta tell you; watching this makes me wish I built my own kill-switch into the Harmonizers.”

“Well, hopefully she’ll get her priorities straight sooner rather than later and it won’t be necessary.” Sunset shrugged.

“I know what you mean. Dashie’s never fun when she shows off like this.” Pinkie agreed with a pout.

That was when the Rangers’ Harmonizers beeped, Gloriosa’s face quickly coming up on the screen. “Knightmare attack at the mall,” she reported.

“We’re on it.” Applejack nodded as she quickly stood up and whistled over to Rainbow. “Put the spurs to ‘er, Nelly; we got work to do.”

“I heard.” Rainbow nodded as she locked her helmet on and smiled at the other students. “Sorry guys, but the rest of the city needs my awesomeness too.” With that and nothing more to say, Rainbow teleported out of the school.

“We’d best get after her before she gets herself hurt.” Rarity remarked in annoyance as she stood up.

“Right. Let’s move.” Applejack nodded as she and the others locked their Morph Keys into their Harmonizers.

“Harmonize!” With that move, the Rangers all instantly morphed and teleported to the mall, where they saw Rainbow already fighting a legion of Knightmares, clearly showing off with every move.

“Took you guys long enough!” Rainbow smirked as she swung her Bolt Saber around almost theatrically and she sliced three Knightmares down.

“Some of us had to change.” Rarity pointed out bitterly as she raised her Defender and charged a group of Knightmares.

“Excuses!” Rainbow smirked as she swung over to the group Rarity was targeting and cut them down.

“Do you mind? I had those ones well in hand!” Rarity remarked in annoyance.

“Gotta be faster than that,” Rainbow smirked as she drew her Defender and started slicing through more Knightmares with both her swords.

“If ya wouldn’t mind not showin’ off?” Applejack asked as she blasted a few Knightmares down.

“Who’s showing off?” Rainbow smirked as she tossed the Bolt Saber, letting it bounce off a few targets, cleaving through Knightmares with every bounce before it landed back in her hand. “What’s the point of fighting off evil if we can’t look awesome doing it?”

“You’re right, but you’re sucking all the fun out of it!” Pinkie pointed out in annoyance as she swung her nunchucks around.

“Slicing up Knightmares isn’t fun; it’s easy!” Rainbow smiled as she slashed through the last few of the soldiers, which exploded in red lightning and dark shadows. “Whoo! Aw yeah, we’re awesome!”

“Might as well just say you’re awesome; you did most of the work,” Applejack remarked bitterly.

“Aw thanks, glad you noticed.” Rainbow smiled.

“And hogged all the fun.” Rarity added.

“Knightmares? Come on, we can handle those things without morphing; it’s no big deal. The real fun comes when the Dream Demon shows up.” Rainbow pointed out.

“How right you are, Red Ranger!” The screechy voice came from high above, and sure enough, when the Rangers looked through the mall’s glass skylight, they saw a monster soaring above the building… before it divebombed through the glass and landed in front of them, appearing like a humanoid griffin with a vicious-looking beak, piercing red eyes, and gold talon-like hands with large wings behind her back. “This will be fun!”

“Oughtta be.” Rainbow smiled and charged the beast alone.

“Wha-? Dashie, wait!” Pinkie yelled as the other Rangers ran after her.

Rainbow didn’t listen; she was too busy slashing her sword against the beast’s talons, not even letting her team get in a hit. “You really think you can handle me, birdbrain?”

“Yeah, I do. And the name’s Griffonshriek.” the monster sneered as she swiped her claws at the Red Ranger in return. “Wanna see why?” She tossed Rainbow back and let out an ear-piercing shriek to push Rainbow and the other Rangers back.

“That all you got? I snore louder than that!” Rainbow laughed as she charged, slashing at the griffon with powerful slashes before she finally opened her sword’s Crystal Lock and retrieved a key. “Final Strike Key locked!” Rainbow announced as she locked her Key into the base of her Bolt Saber, spinning the Disk above the handle and making the blade spark to life with electricity. “Bolt Saber! Thunder Slash!” She swung her sword as she went into a powerful spin, letting loose a torrent of red lightning to hit the monster before she landed right in front of it and delivered a powerful upward slash.

Griffonshriek snarled as she stumbled back. “This isn’t over, Rangers!” she screeched before she suddenly disappeared in a cloud of feathers.

“Yeah, whatever,” Rainbow smirked. “So much for fun. Power Down!” The team de-morphed and looked around their latest battleground.

“Y’know, it probably would’ve been a little more fun if you hadn’t taken all the action for yerself.” Applejack pointed out bitterly.

“Hey, I’m the Red Ranger. Red Ranger takes the lead.” Rainbow argued.

“And you did a pretty good job of it.” The girls were surprised by that voice, especially when they saw its source; a girl with bright white hair and hawkish golden eyes wearing brown pants and jacket with a white fur collar, bright yellow leather gloves, and gray boots.

“Gilda?! He-hey!” Rainbow laughed as she walked over with a grin. “How you been, you idiot?”

“Right back at ya, dork!” Gilda smiled and gave Rainbow a very elaborate fist bump before they hugged like old friends.

“Friend of yours?” Rarity asked, still bitter after the fight.

“One of my best.” Rainbow nodded, wrapping an arm over Gilda’s shoulder. “Girls, this is Gilda.”

“Sup, nerds?” Gilda smirked, looking back at Rainbow Dash. “Nice to see you’ve still got a decent hype crew.”

“‘Hype crew’?!” Applejack asked, quite insulted.

“Easy, Gilda; that’s my team you’re talkin’ about.” Rainbow pointed out.

“Ah, c’mon. You don’t need them; you showed it.” Gilda countered.

“Where were you that you saw the fight?” Rarity asked.

“Eh, don’t worry about that.” Gilda shrugged. “Point is that my girl Dash is still kickin’ butt.”

“You know it.” Rainbow smiled and high-fived Gilda. “Hey, if you’re not too busy, we should catch up.”

“Oh, absolutely.” Gilda nodded and they walked away, the new girl casting a sidelong glance over her shoulder at the other Rangers. “Don’t wait up.”

Applejack adjusted her hat in annoyance. “Don’t worry; we won’t,” she said firmly.

As they watched the Rangers walk apart through the viewing crystal in the Lucid Lands, Midnight chuckled. “I’m impressed. If I’d known Rainbow’s ego had so much influence over her actions, I’d have put this plan into action sooner.”

“Either way, Midnight, this plan had better work.” Eclipse threatened. “We’ve had more than enough false starts from these Dream Demons, and Griffonshriek hasn’t exactly impressed so far.”

“Don’t be so paranoid, Eclipse.” Midnight assured as the pool focused on something else wreathed in shadows. “As long as the spell stays intact, Griffonshriek will only keep getting stronger. And once she’s strong enough, the Rangers will be destroyed.”

“Fine. But if this fails, I’m throwing you under the bus with the Mistress. Remember that.” Eclipse scowled angrily.

When Rainbow finally met back up with the other Rangers at the Command Center, she was flying and laughing… until she stopped and saw the looks on her friends’ faces. “What?”

“Is that really all you have to say?” Rarity asked in irritation. “Rainbow Dash, you’ve been so busy showing off that you seem to barely care about our responsibilities.”

“Hey, c’mon! I’m just trying to let everyone know how awesome and unstoppable the Power Rangers are!” Rainbow pointed out.

“By flaunting your powers around school?” Sunset asked seriously. “Whatever happened to Ranger Rule number 1? Y’know, never use your power for personal gain? I’m pretty sure showing off to inflate your ego counts.”

“And then you ditched us to hang out with Gilda, who we didn’t even know existed, by the way,” Pinkie added. “I mean, you could’ve told us you had another friend.”

“Well… me and Gilda kinda left things on weird terms.” Rainbow shrugged. “Honestly, I think the last time I saw her was when she was getting out of the hospital.”

That drew some serious attention. “Yikes. What happened?” asked Timber.

“Eh, we were just being stupid kids messing around at the zoo.” Rainbow shrugged. “She ended up ticking off a peacock and got talons to the face. After she got out of the hospital, she just moved away. Today was the first time I’ve seen her since. Kinda glad she healed up so well if I’m being honest; I didn’t even see any scars.”

“I guess we can show some leniency for a reunion like that.” Twilight shrugged. “But still, the fact that you’ve been misusing your powers just for attention has been a major problem. And it had better stop fast before something really bad happens.”

“Relax. You know I’m right there with you guys if an attack comes.” Rainbow assured.

That was when the alarm went off, sending Timber jumping onto the console. “Looks like you just got your chance. Griffonshriek’s back; downtown.”

“On it.” Rainbow nodded and immediately teleported away.

“Better go back her up.” Applejack relented, prompting the other Rangers to quickly teleport to Rainbow. Having morphed mid-transit, they saw Rainbow once again clashing with the griffon monster and ignoring the Knightmares swarming around her, which her team quickly dealt with.

“This is getting rather old, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity pointed out as she deflected the maces of a few Juggerknights with her ax. “We can’t always be bailing you out – we’re supposed to be a team.” Another Juggerknight almost attacked Rarity from behind but was immediately shot down with a quick blast from Rainbow’s Defender.

“Who says we aren’t? I can watch my team’s back and fight the monster – it’s called multitasking.” Rainbow smiled, blasting down Knightmares while slashing at Griffonshriek.

“How’s this for multitasking? Flying and crashing.” Griffonshriek smirked before she kicked Rainbow into the air, sending her flying into a wall which she crashed into.

Rainbow groaned as she stood up. “Okay, not bad. But I’m just getting warmed up.” With that, she leaped into the air and flew down toward the monster in a flying kick, hitting it square in the beak and sending Griffonshriek stumbling back before Rainbow brought her sword down hard in a shoulder-slash, kicking up a large explosion that sent Griffonshriek tumbling back.

The monster groaned as she stood up and scowled at the Red Ranger as she clutched at her shoulder. “This isn’t over yet, Red Ranger! You’re mine!” she screeched before she launched into the air.

“Whew. Well, that was fun a little more fun.” Rainbow smirked as she holstered her Defender, glancing over at her friends. “You didn’t honestly think I was gonna leave you guys hanging like that?”

“I admit, I had my doubts.” Rarity shrugged.

“Honestly, Ah still do,” Applejack remarked as she crossed her arms.

“Oh come on, cut me some slack,” Rainbow remarked as she patted her friend on the shoulder. “I’m not gonna bail on you again. Not unless it’s for a good reason.”

Thankfully, a good reason suddenly showed up as Gilda stumbled around the corner. “Dash!” she groaned, clutching her shoulder.

“Whoa, Gilda. You okay?” Rainbow asked as she ran over to her friend.

“Yeah. Yeah, got caught by one of those knights before you guys got here. That monster was crazy.” Gilda groaned as she held her shoulder.

“Yeah, no kidding.” Rainbow nodded as she helped Gilda to her feet. She turned to the other Rangers. “Hey, I gotta get Gilda to a hospital; get this looked at.”

“Very well. Meet us at the Command Center when you’re done.” Rarity instructed.

“Got it.” Rainbow nodded and powered down, carrying Gilda carefully down the street.

As soon as she was gone, the other Rangers all quickly teleported back to base and de-morphed. Sunset was the first to speak as she stepped over. “Lemme guess; Rainbow Dash ditched you again?” she asked in annoyance.

“She had a fine reason for it this time; Gilda was injured in the battle.” Rarity assured.

“Yeah, but not the way I’m thinkin’ it,” Applejack remarked.

“Glad I’m not the only one suspicious. I checked medical records for Gilda.” Twilight noted, bringing up a screen of information that intrigued the group.

Rainbow received the same information when the doctor came out with Gilda after fitting her arm in a sling. “I must say, I’m impressed,” he remarked. “I’ve seen injuries left by bird attacks before, including peacocks so I’m surprised you don’t have any scars.”

“Guess I heal up fast.” Gilda shrugged as best she could.

“Well, I’m glad but I gotta say, I’m kinda disappointed,” Rainbow remarked. “Those scars made you look awesome.”

“Thanks, Dash. Seriously: I know you’ve got a lot on your plate running things here.” Gilda smiled as they walked out of the hospital. “Especially with what Tantabus has cooking.”

“Yeah, it’s tough, but I know I can count on the other Rangers,” Rainbow remarked. “But they don’t seem to think they can count on me all that well lately.”

“Ah c’mon, you don’t need ‘em. Bet you can take care of this yourself.” Gilda pointed out.

“Hey, I’m awesome, but I’m big enough to admit when I need help from my friends,” Rainbow assured. “And I’m also smart enough to tell you to drop the act because it’s getting old.”

Gilda appeared surprised by this. “‘Act’?”

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” Rainbow pointed out as she subtly adjusted her Harmonizer. “You only got that injury because I put it there.”

Gilda couldn’t help but smirk as she shrugged off the sling, her eyes flashing red. “Well played, Red Ranger.” In a swirl of shadows, Gilda immediately transformed into Griffonshriek and shot bolts of dark lightning out at Rainbow from her claws, but Rainbow immediately backflipped out of the way of the explosion… right before two energy blasts shot out of nowhere and hit Griffonshriek in the chest, sending her stumbling back as the other Rangers landed next to Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Pinkie spinning their Defenders in blaster-mode on their fingers. “What?! How did you-!?”

“Smile for the camera,” Rainbow smirked as she tapped the video-com screen on her Harmonizer, a playback of Griffonshriek’s transformation playing and broadcasting to the other Harmonizers.

“I must say, this was rather devious of you Darling.” Rarity smiled.

“I have my moments.” Rainbow returned as Griffonshriek charged. “Speaking of, if I could get a moment to change?”

“You got it.” Pinkie smiled as the Rangers quickly clashed with Griffonshriek, blades and blasters meeting talons as Rainbow locked her Morph Key into her Harmonizer.

“Power Rangers!” Rainbow called before she spun her Geode Disk. “Harmonize!”

A red light pulsed out of Rainbow's Harmonizer as her body was covered in a white-red glow, leaving her head exposed. Appearing behind her was a thunderstorm and lightning struck each of her limbs as she punched and kicked, creating her uniform. A final bolt struck her head at the same time a loud neigh was heard, causing her helmet to appear. Streaks of electricity jolted between her fingers as she posed as if she had just finished a guitar solo.

Once morphed, Rainbow leaped over her team and brought her Defender down hard against Griffonshriek’s face before they started dueling her five-against-one. “Can I just say that I’m really glad you guys showed up?” Rainbow asked seriously as she swung her blade.

“Hey, you’re always there for us. So we’re always there for you.” Pinkie grinned as she knocked Griffonshriek back into a wall.

“Then let’s end this for real.” Rainbow smiled as she drew her Battle Gear Key, the other Rangers following her lead.

“Battle Gear Keys locked!” the Rangers bellowed and spun their Disks, summoning their weapons to their hands before hoisting them high. “Weapons, Combine!” The handle of Rarity’s axe quickly slid into the handle of Rainbow’s sword as Applejack’s hammer locked in on top of the axe, one of the hammerheads forming what looked like a weapon stock. Then Fluttershy’s tonfa-blades linked into the tip of Rainbow’s sword with their barrels ready to fire and Pinkie’s nunchucks locked into the sides of the upper hammerhead, their heads aiming forward as they opened to reveal large blast emitters as Rainbow grabbed the trigger and the others quickly steadied the weapon by grabbing its sides. “Harmonic Crystal Cannon!”

“No wait! Destroy me, and you destroy Gilda too!” Griffonshriek pleaded.

“You at least have one thing in common with Gilda; you’re a terrible liar,” Rainbow smirked as she opened the upper head of the hammer in the cannon’s stock.

“Final Strike Keys locked!” the Rangers called as they locked their Keys into the cannon before the stock closed and Rainbow spun the Disk between the hammer’s heads, powering up the cannon. “Harmonic Final Strike!” the Rangers bellowed as Rainbow pulled the trigger, blasting the villain with a large rainbow-colored shot of energy out at the monster.

“Grraaaagh!” Griffonshriek cried in pain as she fell to her knees and exploded, the blast knocking what looked like the real Gilda out and onto the street, some faint magic fading from her face to reveal nasty scars.

In the Lucid Lands, Tantabus had just seen this failure in the viewing crystal and clutched her weapon in annoyance. “Disappointing. And after you went to so much trouble perfecting a spell to allow a Dream Demon to possess a human, Midnight.” she sneered.

“A good plan. Just a bit… lacking in its execution.” Midnight relented.

“More than a bit, I should say.” Eclipse pointed out. “Still, she did well so I suppose we should allow her one more attempt.”

“Indeed.” Tantabus nodded as she hefted her blade, dark magic forming around the tip. “Power of Darkness, Heed my Command! Grant this Beast a Final Stand!” She slammed her blade into the ground, and just as before, a dark storm cloud formed above the monster’s remains before a bolt of lightning shot down and struck them, flashing the surrounding area like a photo negative before Griffonshriek suddenly reformed and grew 30 stories tall.

“Let’s see you ruffle my feathers this time, Rangers!” she screeched angrily.

“You want it, you got it!” Rainbow smiled as the Rangers flipped their belts’ levers to retrieve their Zord Keys.

“Zord Keys Locked!” they announced as they locked the Keys into their Morphers and spun the Disks. “Crystal Zords, Harmonize!” As the Disks sparked, the Zords raced into the city from their hangars and let the girls quickly leap aboard, quickly deploying their Megazord Keys.

“Megazord Keys locked!” the rangers called as they locked their Keys into the sliders and slammed them back into the Locks. “Crystal Harmony Megazord, Harmonize!” They all spun their spinners and they sparked to life.

“Zords Combine!” Applejack’s Zord spun into reverse and its rear bumper split in half, the rear quarters of the truck extending into thighs as the pegs formed from the bumpers locked into the rear ends of Rarity and Pinkie’s Zords, the whole assembly braking hard to force itself upright. The truck’s cannons moved down the newly formed torso to the midriff as the cabin split in half and folded out into shoulders to reveal a head that glittered like crystal with pony ears as pegs folded out from the shoulders. Rainbow and Fluttershy’s Zords both folded their wings in and locked into those pegs by their rear ends as large hands folded out from under the cockpits, a panel in the chest folding to form a breastplate emblazoned with the same ornate gold arrangement as the Rangers’ belt buckles. Then the head’s eyes flashed as it stood ready to fight. “Crystal Harmony Megazord, Ready!”

“Saber Key locked!” Rainbow called, locking her Key into the Lock. “Crystal Clash Saber, Harmonize!” With a spin of the disk, the sword and sheath materialized on the Megazord’s hip, letting it draw the blade to combat.

Griffonshriek screeched in anger as she charged at the Megazord, her claws clashing against the sword as the Rangers fought back. “I know she was impersonating your friend and all Dashie, but this girl really isn’t fun.” Pinkie pointed out.

“Yeah, tell me about it.” Rainbow nodded before the Megazord was suddenly rocked by a large blast from the monster’s eyes. “But the good news is that since she isn’t Gilda, we don’t have to hold back.”

With that in mind, the Megazord attacked with much more vigor, swinging the saber more wildly to deflect Griffonshriek’s equally wild strikes. “Impressive. But your attempts to beat me down are futile!” the monster screeched and let out a piercing scream, blasting the Megazord onto its back, the sword knocked from its hands.

“Guh! Any ideas? I’m well and truly open!” Rarity pointed out as Griffonshriek leaped into the air, gliding on her large wings.

“Me too. All I know is I’m not ditching you guys ever again; I promise!” Rainbow smiled. As if on cue, her Battle Gear Key shot into her hand, glowing a bright red.

“Looks like you won’t have to; the playing field just leveled.” Applejack smiled.

“Let’s take it for a spin then.” Rainbow smiled as she opened her Crystal Lock. “Battle Gear Key locked!” She slammed the Lock shut and spun the Disk hard. “Megazord Weapon, Harmonize!”

In a bright flash as the Disk sparked, the red gem in the Ranger Emblem on the Megazord’s chest flashed forward before flying behind the Megazord, opening almost like a beetle shell to spread a span of large wings with crystalline feathers shaped like lightning bolts, which fused to the Megazord’s arms. “Ho-ho, nice!” Rainbow smiled as the wings were spread, the feather tips at the mech’s hands flexing like large fans. “Weapon of Loyalty: Thunder Wings!”

“Does this mean the Megazord can fly now?” Pinkie asked in excitement.

“Only one way to find out.” Rainbow smiled, flexing her fingers on her globe. “Going airborne!” On that command, the Megazord launched skyward on a red contrail from the wings as they soared after the dark monster.

“What?!” Griffonshriek asked in surprise at the sight of the machine.

“Surprise!” Rainbow grinned as the Megazord slashed at her with its wings, knocking her back in the air a bit.

Griffonshriek scowled angrily as she righted herself. “Think I’m scared? I’ll take you down no matter what!” she screeched and flew toward the Megazord.

“Only if you can catch us!” Rarity smiled as the Megazord started flying, easily taking the lead against the monster.

“And good luck with that!” Applejack laughed, the Megazord easily bobbing and weaving around her strikes in midair while delivering their own blistering strikes.

“Time to clip your wings!” Rainbow smiled, swinging the wings upward to strike Griffonshriek’s wings, knocking her out of the air. “All right, Rangers! Let’s finish this!”

“Final Strike Keys locked!” They reached their hands across their chests, ready for the final attack. “Crystal Harmony Megazord, Final Strike!” With one powerful spin, the Megazord surged with power that raced through the Thunder Wings, crackling with electricity as the Megazord divebombed toward the monster. “Thunder Wings! Storm Swoop Strike!” Just before it hit the ground, the Megazord spread the Thunder Wings and swooped upward, slashing across the monster’s side and sending her spinning.

“You may have beaten me, but Tantabus will never allow you to interfere further!” Griffonshriek screeched in pain as she exploded.

The Rangers just cheered for their victory as the Megazord powered down. “Perfect Harmony: Crystal Clear Skies ahead!” Rainbow announced happily.

“Yet another failure.” Tantabus scowled at Griffonshriek’s destruction, clenching her fist around her blade. “And this one has given the Rangers vital information.”

“We beg forgiveness, mistress.” Midnight pleaded seriously. “It was Eclipse’s idea; she’s the one who told her of whatever your plans were.”

“Oh, thanks a lot, stupid.” Eclipse scowled.

“Silence!” Tantabus snarled, stunning them both with the spells embedded in their bodies. “If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.” And she was clearly already coming up with plans to do just that.

Soon enough, the Rangers were back at Sugarcube Corner when Rainbow walked in. “How’s Gilda?” Twilight asked.

“Well, whatever Tantabus’s crazy magic did to her, they say she’s gonna make a full recovery.” Rainbow shrugged.

“Out of curiosity, how did you know Gilda was Griffonshriek?” Rarity asked.

“For one, the only times we ever saw her was right after we fought the monster,” Rainbow explained.

“That ain’t a lot to go on.” Applejack pointed out.

“Maybe now, but how about this?” Rainbow smiled. “She said Tantabus had some big master plan in the works. I never even mentioned her.”

“Ah. Well, that’d do it.” Sunset nodded in understanding.

Rainbow sighed as she sat down at the table. “Look, I’m really sorry about everything that happened, girls.” she apologized. “I promise I’ll follow the rules now; I’ll be with you 110% from now on. No more abusing my Ranger powers.”

“Hey, Rainbows.” That was when Fluttershy’s brother Zephyr showed up. “I was wonderin’ when you’d finally come crawlin’ to me.”

Rainbow immediately cringed. “I can still abuse the teleporter though, right?” she asked quietly.

“I think we all will.” Sunset agreed as she quickly paid their check, leading them to the door. “Will you excuse us for a second, Zephyr? Girl business.” Before Zephyr could interject, the Rainbooms zipped out of the café and into the alley next door, immediately teleporting away.

232 views

Previous Chapters