A new threat rises after the defeat of Chrysalis and Sombra, and the rangers are called into action again!
The Duelist Rangers have been victorious in their battles, and now Chrysalis and Sombra are living a normal life. But from the shadows, a new evil has reason. Tirek has appeared, and he has his sights set on the rangers! And he didn't come alone. A powerful apprentice is by his side. Burst and the rangers are going to need to pull out all the stops if they want to save the world once again! IT'S MOPHIN' TIME! GO GO DUELIST RANGERS!
The rangers were celebrating their victory. Chrysalis and Sombra had been reformed and were living a normal life, and Nightmare Moon had joined them. Needless to say, things were going pretty well. But as they celebrated their victory, a new evil was stirring in the darkness. "So those two fool gave up ruling this world for their love. Pathetic.", Tirek said with a scowl. "Their loss shall be my gain. And yours as well apprentice."
"I serve you faithfully Master Tirek.", a hooded figure said with a slight bow.
"Yes, Starlight. With you by my side, we shall crush all those who dare to oppose us!"
Ah, the weekend. The time when kids get to sleep in and not worry about a thing. After he and the rangers had won their battles, Burst was getting a much needed sleep. He was still off in dreamland until he felt something caress his cheek. Burst slowly opened his eyes, and saw Nightmare with one of her arms wrapped around him.
"Good morning Burst.", she said with a smile as she kissed him. "So did you enjoy your wake-up call?" Burst smiled.
"It was more pleasant than waking up to a blaring alarm clock." Burst got out of bed and gathered together his outfit for the day. "Of course, it also kind of helps that its one of my girlfriends waking me up." Burst changed in the bathroom and came out soon after. "Now to start my weekend morning." Burst made his way downstairs and turned on the TV after he got his breakfast. "Sweet! Just in time for Transformers!" Moon joined him as Burst hummed the theme song as he watched.
"Huh. No wonder you had such a huge Transformers collection. This show rocks!", Moon said as she ate.
"Yeah. Just wait until you see the Dinobots!" Burst then got a text from Celestia. "Huh. Wonder what she wants?" Burst read the text. "Well this'll be a first."
"What is it?"
"She wants the three of us to go on a date. I'm open for it. What about you Moon?" Nightmare smiled.
"Sounds like fun. Maybe we'll even get in our first make-out session.", Moon said in a flirty tone.
"We'll just have to see where it goes. We'll be meeting up with her at noon. In the meantime, lets enjoy our morning together." Nightmare smiled as she got closer to Burst. Soon enough, the time came for them to meet up with Celestia. On their way, Moon noticed something that caught her interest.
"No way...Burst!"
"Yeah?"
"You're not gonna believe this. Look!" Burst went to see what she was going on about, and nearly froze. Moon was pointing to t-shirts that had him and the others in ranger form. "Looks like certain people are getting popular."
"Huh. I wouldn't have guessed. I knew people were thankful that me and the others saved the world, but I didn't expect to ever get popular for it. Even if I'm not showing my face." Nightmare smiled.
"At least you're not letting it get to your head. If Celestia's nephew back in Equestria was in your position he'd be expecting everyone to kiss his hooves. Speaking of you being a ranger, why do you still have your morpher? Haven't things died-down now?"
"Moon, from what you told me Equestria faces a major threat almost every other month. And considering I've watched a lifetime of cartoons and anime, and read lots of manga, there's ALWAYS some stronger badguy lurking around the corner. It's just a question of when they'll pop up."
"Wow. That's pretty solid logic. No wonder you're the leader.", Nightmare said with a smile. "Oh. Looks like Celestia's waiting for us." Burst and Nightmare walked up to Celestia. "Hi Celly! So what's the flick we're going to see?"
"Well...Burst might kind of be tired of this sort of thing. It's a kaiju movie based on the kaiju archetype Industrial Illusions released. And I'm pretty sure he's tired of seeing monsters that tower over buildings."
"You kidding? That was one of the best parts of being a ranger! Summoning a gigantic robot and fighting monsters until they explode with one final strike!" Celestia and Nightmare giggled.
"You really haven't grown up since my second visit to your dreams.", Nightmare said sweetly. "Now let's see how many buildings get trashed!" The three went in, ordered their snacks, and got ready to view the clash of giants on the movie screen. Meanwhile, the other rangers were hanging out with their own girlfriends. The exception being Shadow and Ice.
"It's nice to have things be calm for once.", Ice said with a satisfied sigh. "Still. I am gonna miss calling out our zords."
"Well if youtwo ever get a girl, maybe the two of you could take your zords out for a spin if they find out your secret.", Ace said with a smile. "Besides. If we apply anime logic like Burst does, you can bet we'll be facing another major villain soon."
"What makes you say that bro?", Shadow asked.
"Think about it. Each time a new threat showed up, we all got a power-up. We're basically a shonen anime made real. Heck, all we're missing is our girlfriends undergoing a magic-girl transformation to fight monsters too."
The weekend had come and gone, and the rangers and their friends were soon back in school. "Back to the old routine huh? Well at least we all get to be together again.", Inferno said with a smile as he walked Rarity to class.
"There's always next weekend darling.", Rarity said with a smile. "Besides, I've missed out walks to class."
"You're one of the things that makes school worthy showing up for gorgeous." As everyone headed off to their classes, Tirek was plotting his next move.
"It's time for the people to know who will soon rule over them. Those fools shall soon know my name and fear my very mention! Starlight! We attack the city now!"
"Yes Master!" Starlight said as she donned her mask as she and Tirek teleported and Tirek summoned a golem army!
"People of Canterlot! You now gaze upon Lord Tirek! The lives you once knew are gone! Now I rule over you! You shall kneel before me.." Tirek fired a blast of energy from his hands at a nearby building! "Or suffer!" People started to run and panic! "Yes...yes! Fear me weaklings! For soon, there will be nowhere to hide!" At the command center, Pegasus had just noticed Tirek making his attack, and relayed an urgent message to the rangers! Burst and the others heard their morphers go off, and immediately answered!
"What's going on Pegasus?", Burst asked.
"Rangers! A new threat has surfaced! He's named Tirek and is attacking the city! He has an army of golems with him! Put a stop to him!"
"We're on it! Guess what time it is guys?" The rangers nodded and headed out from their classes. "IT'S MORPHIN' TIME!" Burst and the other rangers morphed and teleported to Tirek's location! Tirek was caught completely off-guard when the rangers appeared! Starlight however, was amused.
"And who're you supposed to be?", she said in a mocking tone. "A bunch of wannabe heroes?"
"That's really the best insult you can come up with? Geez, Sombra and Chryssi had better banter than you.", Inferno answered. "We're the Duelist Rangers! And we're here to take you down!"
"I'd be amused to see you try whelp.", Tirek said with a sneer. "Golems! Destroy them!" The golems charged, and the rangers engaged them! Landing hit after hit!
"These things are a bit tougher than Shadowbolts and Changelings!", Ace said as he engaged a squad of golems and turned them to rubble with a series of punches! "But that just means we get to hit harder!" Soon there were pieces of golems littered in the streets before they crumbled away! Tirek scowled as his forces were literally reduced to rubble! Starlight noticed his anger and had an idea.
"Master! Allow me to eliminate these pests for you!" Tirek had a wicked smile after hearing this.
"Yes. Make sure you siphon off their strength and feed it to me once you defeat them! I'll be waiting back at the lair."
"Thank you master. I'll crush them!" Tirek nodded as he teleported back to his lair. Starlight had an evil smile as she turned to face the rangers. "Looks like it's my turn to play..." Starlight then summoned her staff and got into a fighting stance! "Who wants to be first?" Shadow summoned his spear and got into his own fighting stance!
"Let's dance!" Shadow and Starlight charged at each other! Their weapons clashing and locking! "You're pretty good....for a bad girl.", Shadow said as he and Starlight were locked!
"Thanks.", Starlight said with a smirk as their faces were almost an inch away from each other. "I can't see your face, but you sound kinda cute. For a good guy." Starlight then knocked Shadow onto his back and prepared to strike! "Too bad we're on opposite sides. Game over ranger boy!" Starlight was about to fire off a point-blank range blast of magic, but Ace managed to force away her staff with his sword!
"You mess with my brother, you mess with all of his family!" Ace charged at Starlight! Swinging away at her while she blocked every slash! He was then pushed back by a powerful blast of magic from Starlight! However, she was left vulnerable to Ice's attack! Ice charged up energy and focused it into his fist!
"ABSOLUTE POWER FORCE!" All Starlight could see was a fist wrapped in flame coming right at her that soon sent her flying! She used an impact-cushion spell to minimize the damage she took from colliding with a nearby wall!
"That's it. No more playing around!" Starlight then rammed her staff into the ground and sent out a magic shockwave that pushed back the rangers! Burst and Inferno soon recovered and got into fighting stances!
"Inferno, I think it's time to release some of our restraint. Let's power up!"
"Right! Meteor Black Comet!"
"Ultimate!" In a flash of lighting and flame, Burst and Inferno powered up to their more powerful modes! "Blue Eyes Ultimate Ranger!"
"Meteor Black Comet Ranger!" Starlight was shocked! Which gave Burst and Inferno just the chance they needed! The two of them summoned their weapons and charged up their attacks! "Meteor Blast Barrage!", Inferno cried as he fired his meteor black Vulcan blaster!
"Neutron Blast!", Burst shouted as the dragon heads on his chest rose to his shoulders and started charging along with his blaster and fired! Starlight cast a shield spell, but it shattered from the energy of their attacks and she was soon caught in the blast! When the dust cleared, Starlight was pretty beat up and glaring at the rangers!
"This isn't over!" Starlight then pretended to teleport back to Tirek and then hid in the shadows. Satisfied that they had defeated their opponents, the rangers powered down while Starlight was watching them! Starlight couldn't get a good look at them, but she did manage to figure out their age range. "This could be usefull...", she thought out loud with a wicked smile. "I think I know how to play this to Lord Tirek's advantage..."
Starlight had just teleported back to Tirek's lair and told him of the outcome of her battle with the rangers. "Lord Tirek. I regret to inform you that I was defeated. The rangers seem to have access to more powerful forms. But I did walk away with one advantage. I know how old they are. They're about my age, so they should be in highschool. All I need do is infiltrate their school, find them, and slowly gain their trust before handing them to you." Tirek had an evil smile as Starlight divulged her plan.
"Yes..yes! Perfect! Go. Enact your scheme." Starlight bowed as she teleported to earth back in her civilian clothes. A purple button-up shirt with a black skirt and boots. She soon enrolled in CHS, and was soon roaming the halls looking for any people that roughly fit the description of the rangers. However, she soon bumped into Shadow Thunder.
"Ow!", Shadow said as he recovered. "Sorry about that. Should've watched where I was going." Shadow froze for a minute when he saw Starlight's face. 'Wow. She's pretty cute. Hope she's single...' Starlight was also caught off-guard by Shadow's appearance too.
"No, my bad. I just enrolled. I really don't know my way around the school yet. Could you help me out?"
"Sure. I'd love to. Name's Shadow Thunder. But please call me Shadow." Starlight smiled.
"I'm Starlight Glimmer. Thanks for your help." Shadow showed Starlight to her first class, and from there she got the hang of things. "So when can I see you again?"
"Lunch period. Until then Star.", Shadow said with a wink. Starlight blushed before heading for her class. Soon enough, lunch period arrived and Starlight went to find Shadow in the cafeteria. She didn't have to search long. Shadow waved her down and introduced her to all of his friends. "Everyone, I'd like you to meet Starlight."
"Hello.", Starlight said with a pleasant smile. "Nice to meet you all."
"You know, you two make a pretty cute couple.", Burst said with a smile. Starlight and Shadow blushed at hearing this!
"W-well that's very nice of you!", Starlight stammered.
"Burst! It's not like I've got feelings for her!", Shadow nearly shouted.
"Yet.", Burst said with a smirk. Burst then turned to Pinkie and whispered. "I think this is the season Shadow finds his girl." Pinkie smiled and nodded. "Welcome to our little group Starlight."
"I wouldn't call it little.", Inferno said with a smirk. "Especially if we're including our girls." Rarity smiled and kissed Inferno on the cheek. "We'd be fools to not mention them. Plus Burst, you're dating the principal and Moon."
"Anyway Shadow, you should probably have Starlight chat with the girls. Have them get to know her too." Shadow nodded. Starlight was about to sit down when her communicator for Tirek went off.
"Sorry girls. I've gotta take a call in private." Starlight went off to a quiet area and answered her master. "Yes Lord Tirek?"
"Ah, Starlight. I was about to send a monster to attack the city. Did you have any beasts in mind?"
"I've got just the one. Ancient Flamvell Deity should put the rangers should put the rangers in the hot seat."
"An excellent choice." Tirek summoned Ancient Flamvell Deity before him. "Flamvell. I need you to wreak some havoc in the city." Flamvell had a wicked smile as Tirek told him his orders.
"Perfect. Nothing I love more than senseless destruction. And no pesky Gem-Knights to stand in my way!" Ancient Flamvell Deity teleported to the city in a pillar of flame and started attacking everything in sight! Pegasus caught the attack on the command center's monitors and contacted the rangers! Back at CHS, the rangers heard their morphers go off!
"Sorry girls. Something's come up." The girls nodded, and Burst and the other rangers made their way to the front of the school and teleported to Ancient Flamvell Deity's location! "Alright hot head! Time for you to cool down! It's morphin' time!" The rangers morphed and the fight was on! Ancient Flamvell sent out blast after blast of fire from his hands, but the rangers dodged every ball of flame he sent their way! Shadow then summoned his spear and charged at him! Ancient Flamvell Deity blocked, but Shadow's spear struck full force! Lava soon leaked from his wound!
"Looks like he's not too big on defense! Keep hammering away at him!" The rangers all summoned their melee weapons and had at it! However, this was just what Ancient Flamvell Deity was hoping for!
"Big Burn!" Soon a massive wall of fire was launched from Ancient Flamvell Deity! Knocking the rangers to the ground! Pegasus noticed how the tide had changed when one of the new morphers gave off a light. Pegasus then contacted Rarity.
"Rarity. Come to the command center immediately! It's urgent!" Rarity had just heard the message on her communicator, and teleported to the command center!
"I'm here Mr. Pegasus! What's the matter?" Pegasus smiled and opened up the box that held the new morphers.
"The time has come for you to join the rangers. This morpher has chosen you." Rarity was speechless as she took the morpher. "Go. They need your help." Rarity nodded as she strapped on the morpher and teleported to the rangers' location. Back at the battle, the rangers were pinned by Ancient Flamvell Deity's heat wave!
"I guess you're all feeling the heat rangers!" Soon, Rarity arrived on the scene. Inferno was shocked that she would even be here, but was too preoccupied with the slowly increasing heat wave that was roasting him and the others!
"Need a hand darling?" Rarity then got into a stance. "It's morphing time!" In a flash of light, Rarity stood in her ranger armor! Inferno's jaw dropped inside his helmet! "Brilliant Diamond Ranger!" Rarity then summoned a sword and charged up an attack! "Diamons Prism Slash!" The attack sent Ancient Flamvell flying! Inferno and the other rangers went up to her and were in awe!
"Wow...nice new look Rarity.", Inferno said in awe at the elegant look of her ranger form.
"I'm glad you like it darling, but shouldn't you boys be focusing on the monster trying to burn Canterlot to a crisp?" Inferno then snapped his attention back to the fight!
"Right!" Inferno then transformed into his absolute ranger form! "Wanna finish him together gorgeous?" Rarity smiled under her helmet.
"Just think of this as a battle-date." The two of them charged up their swords, and launched a final attack against Ancient Flamvell!
"Blazing Diamond Slash!", the two of them cried out in unison as their attack destroyed Ancient Flamvell Deity! Tirek scowled at seeing Ancient Flamvell's defeat!
"Megamorph!" Tirek cast the spell to revive and enlarge Ancient Flamvell!
"This city will burn!", Ancient Flamvell boomed as he began his assault anew! Rarity and Inferno then received information from Pegasus.
"Inferno. Your Red Eyes Absolute Zord can combine with Rarity's Brilliant Diamond Fighter Zord to create a new Megazord formation! Now's the perfect time to try it out!"
"Alright! Time to take this new zord for a test drive!", Inferno said as he and Rarity landed in their zords! "You ready Rarity!"
"Let's finish this with style! Zords combine!" Inferno's zord split into different pieces and merged with Rarity's zord! Red Eyes' Absolute's arms and legs merged with Brilliant Diamond Zords arms and legs! Creating a bigger body! The rest of Red Eyes Absolute Zord became armor and Inferno joined Rarity in the new Megazord's cockpit. "So what do we call this new Megazord?"
"Hmm. How about Obsidian Dragon knight Zord?"
"Sounds epic! Now let's take this walking fireplace down!"
"Hah! You'll only get burned!", Ancient Flamvell said as he fired a stream of flame at them! Inferno and Rarity raised the shield, and the flames were absorbed by it! "What?!"
"Let's finish this!" Inferno then summoned the Megazord's saber and charged up its final attack! "Flaming Gem Strike!" The Megazord's saber was wrapped in flames, and Ancient Flamvell Deity was destroyed in one slash! "You play with fire, you get burned!" The rangers returned to school and powered down. Rarity then told the girls about the latest development.
"So you see girls, I'll be joining my beloved Inferno in the fight against Tirek.", Rarity said with a smile. "Looks like we'll be spending even more time together." Inferno blushed at hearing this as Rarity shared a kiss with him. Meanwhile, Starligt was talking to Tirek.
"Those rangers are quickly getting on my nerves. Find out who they are so we can figure out how to destroy them!", Tirek bellowed at Starlight.
"Don't worry Lord Tirek! I will not fail you!"
"See that you don't. For is you do, the price will be quite SEVERE." Starlight cowered as she heard the last word.
"He gave me a new life..and he could just as easly take it away..."
Starlight had been chatting with the girls about how they got to be such good friends, and they revealed in specific that Sunset wasn't always the nicest person. "Wow. It literally got that bad at the Fall Formal?" Sunset nodded.
"I LITERALLY turned into a raging demon. Thankfully I got back on my feet. And I got to make good friends with these girls. Not to mention I also got quite the loving boyfriend.", Sunset said with a slight blush as she looked over to Gold. "So in short, things are going pretty sweet now." Starlight smiled after hearing this.
"Thanks for sharing." As the day went on, Starlight went off to an isolated area and contacted Tirek. "Lord Tirek. I've found some more information that could be of great use to you."
"What is it?"
"The girls I've befriended seem to have powerful magic at their disposal. But one of them in specific wasn't always such a do-gooder. Her name is Sunset Shimmer. And I know how we can use her past to our advantage..." Tirek had a wicked smile as Starlight fed him her plan, and he created the monster that would recall Sunset's memories. The school day soon ended, and Sunset was just about to leave when a huge blast of magic cut off the students from leaving! Soon a swirling shadow appeared, and a figure stepped through. Sunset froze when she saw what had just come through the portal. It was the demonic form she had when she had wore Princess Twilight's stolen crown.
"Hello Sunset. Did you miss me?", Demon Shimmer said with a sneer. She flew right at Sunset, and had her by the throat! "I've waited so long for this!" Pegasus was at the command center when the alarm for CHS was blaring! Pegasus brought up the attack on the school. Soon, another one of the new morphers gave off a bright light! Pegasus steeled his gaze as he emergency teleported Sunset to the command center, and contacted the rangers. Gold was the first one he contacted.
"Gold, come in!"
"We saw Demon Shimmer grab Sunset! Is she okay?!"
"I teleported her to the command center. She's fine."
"Thank goodness. Let's go guys!" Gold and the rangers went off to a secluded area and morphed! "Alright demon! You were sent packing before, and we'll do it again!"
"I'd like to see you fools try!", Demon Shimmer said with a sneer as she summoned a gigantic fireball! Meanwhile, Sunset had recovered at the command center and was watching the battle.
"I thought that chapter of my story was over...", Sunset said with a sad look on her face. "...I guess I was wrong." Pegasus turned to her and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Maybe that chapter isn't finished yet. Maybe you could have been better, but you might not have made as good friends as the other girls if Demon Shimmer had never happened." Pegasus then pulled out the morpher that had chosen Sunset and gave it to her. "Just make sure your story has a happy ending." Sunset nodded as she took the morpher and strapped it on. Pegasus then teleported her back to CHS, where the rangers were battling Demon Shimmer. Gold couldn't believe that she had come back! Especially since Demon Shimmer was the embodiment of her past mistakes!
"Sunset what're you doing here?! It's too dangerous!" Sunset took a deep breath as she looked Demon Shimmer in the eye.
"It's time for me to face my demons! It's morphin' time!" Sunset activated her morpher, and in a flash of light she stood in her ranger form! "BLS Envoy Ranger!" Sunset than charged at Demon Shimmer and unleashed a powerful strike from her sword! "Primal Beginning Slash!" Demon Shimmer was blown away by a powerful blast of light energy from Sunset's attack! "Let's end this part of my story together Gold." Gold smiled under his helmet.
"Nothing would make me happier!" Gold charged up his blaster while Sunset charged up her sword! Demon Shimmer was barely recovering when she saw the immense gathering of energy!
"GENESIS PLASMA BLAST!" Demon Shimmer was vaporized when she was hit full force by the blast of light and plasma energy! Tirek scowled as Demon Shimmer was destroyed. He then cast the Megamorph spell and Demon Shimmer was revived and enlarged to begin her assault anew! Gold and Sunset then received new Megazord information.
"Let's see what our new Megazord can do! Ready Sunset?", Gold asked. Sunset nodded.
"Time to end this! Summon BLS Fighter Zord!" Sunset and Gold called out their respective zords, and leaped into their cockpits! Gold's Crimson Dragon Zord split apart into new arms and legs for Sunset's zord and the rest formed armor and wings!
"Crimson Luster Megazord! Online!", the two of them shouted in unison! Demon Shimmer launched a volley of magic blasts, but the Megazord's crystal shield absorbed and stored the energy of each blast!
"Looks like she gave us the jump-start we needed!", Gold said as he looked at one of the monitors. "Summon Plasma Saber!" A gigantic sword descended form the sky and landed in the Megazord's hand!
"Crimson Plasma Slash!", Sunset and Gold shouted as they launched the Megazord's final attack! Destroying Demon Shimmer in a blast of light and plasma! Sunset and Gold then exited the Megazord and powered down with the other rangers. They then got a message from Pegasus to meet at the command center. When they arrived, it was dark. Until Pegasus flipped on the lights to reveal that the command center was decked out for a party!
"HAPPY WELCOME TO THE RANGERS PARTY!", Pinkie cheered. The rangers smiled and proceeded to have a good time as they celebrated Sunset and Rarity joining the team. Sunset and Gold then held each other close as they slow-danced.
"Well Sunset. This time you're the one who rose to the occasion." Sunset smiled as she and Gold shared a kiss and joined the others.
Starlight was worried. Tirek was smiling. He almost never smiled. EVER. Hazarding a guess at to what put him in such a mood, Starlight decided to ask him. "Uh, Lord Tirek? What's got you in such a good mood?" Tirek turned his attention to Starlight.
"Do you recall the times the rangers have destroyed the monsters we've sent?"
"Y-yes. Are you going to punish me for failing so many times?" Tirek let out a low chuckle.
"No Starlight. In fact, I suppose I should thank the rangers for defeating those monsters."
"What do you mean?"
"Every time each of those monsters was destroyed, I managed to steal some of their strength to further empower myself. The rangers have no idea that they are sealing their own doom! And once you find out who they are, and gain their trust, I will crush them. I'd have liked for those expendable beasts to save me the trouble, but destroying the rangers myself should prove most satisfying! The look of shock on their faces when you turn on them will be amusing."
"And I eagerly await that moment Lord Tirek. You took me in after my family was destroyed."
"You were but a weakling when I took you as my apprentice. And now you've become quite the capable warrior. Return to your home Starlight." Starlight bowed as she teleported away. When she left, Tirek smiled. "If only you knew the truth my apprentice. And should you ever catch on..." Tirek temporarily flashed his strength absorbtion ability. "I'll drain you dry. The same fate shall befall you should you fall in battle."
It was the weekend, and Ice was looking forward to hitting up the arcade. "Ah. Nothing like blowing a few quarters on some games." Ace and Shadow had just dropped Ice off at the mall. "Thanks for the ride guys! I'll text you when to pick me up!" Ace and Shadow nodded as they drove off. Ice made his way to the mall's arcade, and went to his favorite fighting game. Bur upon closing in, Ice spotted a girl already going at it! 'This girl's got game. Well..here comes a new challenger!' Ice put quarters in the machine, and selected his character. Indigo Zap turned to him, and Ice smiled. "Up for a couple rounds?" Zap flashed him a smirk.
"Game on!" Ice and Indigo were going at it like their thumbs were going to break! For every move one pulled off, the other was able to recover and counter! Eventually, the match ended with a double K.O. "You're pretty good. Nice to meet you. Name's Indigo Zap."
"Dark Ice. I don't know about you, but that match got me pretty hungry. Wanna grab a bite to eat?"
"Sounds perfect." Ice and Indigo made their way to the food court and started chatting about their lives. What movies they liked, their families, and their schools.
"Wow. This Cinch lady sounds like a grade-A pain."
"Yeah. I'm glad she got demoted. The new principal is also our dean. Not to mention she ditched that stupid uniform dresscode." The two of them shared a laugh, and Ice noticed her shirt. It was a picture of him in ranger form.
"I take it someone's a fan of the Duelist Rangers?" Indigo blushed a little after hearing Ice say that.
"Well...they are pretty awesome. Fighting off monsters to save the city, AND they got to drive a giant robot! I like the Red Dragon Ranger the best though. He's the most awesome in my book! Anyone who can wrap their fist in flame and launch it at a monster is someone I'd date!" Ice smiled as she went on about his ranger exploits.
'If only I could get her to like me just as much as my ranger form.' "Hey Zap? I'm not doing much tonight, so how about we meet up later at the movies? My treat."
"Sure. That'd be fun. There's a new Destiny Heroes movie coming out. We'll catch that!"
"Great! See you tonight!" Ice waved goodbye to Indigo as he called up Ace. "Hey bro. I'm ready for pick up. And I might ask Mom or Dad if I can borrow the car. Why? Simple. I've got a date!" Time went by fast, and soon enough Ice met up with Indigo for their date. However, Tirek was plotting his next attack! And it was going to take place at the movie theater Ice and Indigo were in!
"This monster should do quite well in dark places! Go forth Wall Shadow!" Wall Shadow teleported to Earth, and slithered along the shadows of the theater! Soon it popped out of the walls and began trashing the place! Ice saw what was going on, and took Indigo away to safety!
"Stay here Zap!"
"Ice are you crazy?! Let the Duelist Rangers handle that thing!"
"Don't worry! I can handle that thing no problem!" Ice rushed into the theatre and engaged Wall Shadow with a swift kick to the face! "Alright ugly! You're not ruining anyone else's night!" Wall Shadow just gurgled and charged at Ice with his claws! Ice easily dodged and launched a series of punches to Wall Shadow's body! Having had enough of playing fair, Wall Shadow blended into the walls and began striking Ice at random! ice barely had any time to block Wall Shadow's claw swipes! "Alright. Time to get serious!" Little did Ice know, Indigo was watching the fight through a slight crack in the doorway!
"I've gotta help Ice!" Indigo was about to call the police when she saw Ice touch the deivce on his arm. "What is he-?!" Indigo gasped at Ice's next words.
"It's morphin' time!" In a flash of light, Ice was replaced with the Red Dragon Ranger! Indigo couldn't believe it! Ice was a ranger! "You like to stick to the shadows, so let's see how you like the light!" Ice struck the ground and released a wave of energy that lit up the whole theater! Wall Shadow hissed as he was exposed and rooted from his cover! "Gotcha!" Ice summoned his sword and charged it full of energy! "Power Force Slash!" Wall Shadow was burnt to nothing as Ice unleashed a powerful wave of energy from his sword! Satisfied that his battle was won, Ice powered down. When he turned around, he came face-to-face with Indigo! "....How much of that did you see?"
"Enough to know my boyfriend is one of the coolest people on the planet!" Indigo pulled Ice in and kissed him! "So. Do you think we can take your zord for a spin?" Ice was silent for a minute, but then he smiled.
"I think we've had enough excitement for one night Zap. Wanna just grab some ice cream?"
"I'd like that." Indigo held onto Ice's arm. "So can you give me a tour of your base?" Ice let out a chuckle.
"Tomorrow. Most of the other rangers' girlfriends know about it. And that group includes you now too."
It was a lazy Sunday at the command center, and the rangers and their friends were passing the time buy until the dimensional breach sensors went off! The rangers rushed to the sensor station and looked at the portal that had just opened. In an instant, Rainbow Dragon's spirit flew through the portal! Pegasus went to see what the rangers were gathered around the monitor for, and let out a sigh of relief once he saw Rainbow Dragon's spirit. "Well, better late than never."
"What do you mean Pegasus?", Burst asked.
"I wasn't able to get all the monster spirits for the new morphers. Rainbow Dragon is the only one that I wasn't able to fuse into a morpher. I do hope you don't mind finishing the job I started?"
"Take me with you on this one!", Rainbow shouted. "Rainbow Dragon's my ace card! I always wanted to see it in real life!" The rangers and Rainbow Dash teleported off to Rainbow Dragon's location. However, Tirek and Starlight also had their sights set on the powerful duel monster spirit.
"If we can capture that spirit, I can drain its magic and use it to strengthen myself even further! Starlight! Take a squadron of golems with you! Capture Rainbow Dragon!"
"Yes Lord Tirek!" Starligh bowed as she and a squadron of golems teleported to where Rainbow Dragon had been sighted! The rangers had arrived already morphed, and were gazing in awe at Rainbow Dragon!
"So majestic...", Rarity said as she admired Rainbow Dragon's graceful form. "I think I just found a new dress idea." Rainbow Dragon let out a small chuckle.
"I really am quite the sight aren't I?", he said. Soon, a blast of magic was sent flying at the group! Starlight had arrived and with her golem minions!
"Hello rangers. Fancy meeting you here. Attack golems!" The golems charged at the rangers! The rangers summoned their weapons to make short work of the golems!
"You guys handle the golems!", Sunset said as she and Rarity turned their attention to Starlight. "We'll handle their boss!" Sunset and Rarity summoned their swords and charged at Starlight! They swung them down with great force, but Starlight blocked both blades with her staff! "What is this thing made of?!"
"Wouldn't you like to know?", Starlight said with a sneer as she shot a concussive spell from her staff! "Nice to finally have some playmates my own gender."
"Glad you're enjoying yourself darling.", Rarity said flatly. "Now it's our turn! Diamond Prism Slash!" Starlight soon found herself caught in a diamond prism and Rarity executed numerous quick slashes form everywhere at once!
"Primal Beginning Slash!", Sunset cried out as a wave of light energy struck Starlight! Starlight had enough and teleported away back to Tirek! However, the other rangers were still busy dealing with the golems she had brought! Three golems had separated from their group and were carrying a device to sap Rainbow Dragon's power!
"Not on my watch!", Rainbow Dash yelled as she whacked one of the golems with the case that carried the Rainbow Dragon Morpher! "You want Rainbow Dragon? You've gotta get past me!" The golems charged at Rainbow Dash, but she was too fast for them! However, they did manage to knock away the case with the morpher! "That's it!" Rainbow unleashed a series of kicks and punches before smashing the device the golems were carrying! "Now we're even!" Rainbow scrambled over to the morpher case, and took out the morpher! Rainbow Dragon then flew into the morpher and bonded with it! "Alright! Time for me to add my awesomeness! It's morphin' time!" Rainbow strapped on her new morpher and activated it! In a flash of light, Rainbow Dash stood in her ranger form! "Rainbow Dragon Ranger!" Rainbow then summoned her weapon to destroy the last of the golems! "Spectrum Cannon!" Rainbow's cannon fired a blast of rainbow-colored light that destroyed all the golems! "Aw yeah! Who's awesome?!" Steel smiled as Rainbow Dash enjoyed her ranger armor's wings.
"Looks like you just got 50% more awesome." The rangers returned to the command center and celebrated Rainbow Dash joining the rangers!
"I can't wait to see what our new Megazord looks like!" Everyone shared a laugh.
Shadow was walking the hallways of CHS and was carrying himself quite highly. Noticing his newfound attitude, Ace and Ice decided to see what was up with him. "You sure seem in a good mood Shadow. What's up?", Ace asked.
"Today's the day guys. I'm asking Starlight out. And I'm gonna do it at lunch. Nothing's going to stop me!" Ice smiled as he put a hand on Shadow's shoulder.
"Good luck man. I hope she says yes." Shadow nodded as he headed off to class. Before he knew it, lunch period had arrived. Gathering all of his courage and walked up to Starlight. Burst noticed the direction he was headed and decided to gave him some backup should he choke up. Starlight also noticed Shadow coming over to her, and gave him a pleasant smile.
"Hi Shadow. What's up?"
"W-wel Star, I...I was wondering...w-would you..?" Burst noticed Shadow choking up, and gave him a firm pat on the back. "Wouldyougooutwithme?" Shadow blurted it all out. "Thanks Burst. I needed that." Burst nodded as he went back to his seat. "So...do you have any plans today?" Starlight smiled as she held Shadow close.
"I've got nothing better to do after school. See you soon Shadow." Starlight winked at Shadow as he returned to his friends. The girls congratulated Starlight on her date. Starlight was so happy that she failed to notice that her communicator to Tirek dropped out of her bag as she left. Sunset noticed that she had dropped it, but Starlight was long gone before Sunset could return it to her.
"Just what is this thing?", Sunset thought out loud. She found her answer when she saw Tirek's symbol on the back. "Oh no..." Sunset went to the guys and showed them her disturbing find. "Guys. I think there's something you should know about Starlight..." The rest of the day passed by pretty quickly, and soon Shadow was on his date with Starlight. The two of them were enjoying some ice cream and talking about how their school week was going so far. However, they had no idea that the others were watching them from the command center.
"How could someone like Starlight work for Tirek? It doesn't add up.", Burst stated.
"Maybe this is all an act! She could be trying to destroy our morphers or hand over our secrets once she gains our trust! I say we put a stop to her before she can do any serious harm!", Rainbow shouted.
"Maybe she's not as bad as we think.", Sunset suggested. "Burst was able to win over Moon. Not to mention Chrysalis felt genuine love for Sombra. Tirek may have no redeeming factors, but maybe Starlight does."
"Whatever the case, Shadow seems happy being with her. I can tell!", Pinkie chirped. "Maybe we should see where things go?"
"If she so much as gives me a reason to suspect she'd destroy Shadow...", Ace started.
"She'll face us.", Ice finished coldly. "But for now, let them enjoy their date. Maybe Shadow can convince her to change too..." Meanwhile, Shadow and Starlight were staring at the city.
"It looks so peaceful with no monsters attacking.", Shadow said.
"It is pretty nice...", Starlight said as she scooted closer to Shadow. Shadow smiled at her as he leaned in and kissed her! Starlight blushed! "That...that was pretty good." Shadow smiled as he but his arm around her.
"Glad I could make my girlfriend happy." Starlight smiled as she lay against him.
"Does anyone else seem to notice a pattern?", Sunset asked.
"What do you mean darling?", Rarity asked. "A pattern in what?"
"You, me, and Rainbow are the boyfriends of Inferno, Gold, and Steel respectively. And now we're fighting alongside them as rangers AND the new megazords that we form by combining our zords with theirs put the old Megazord to shame."
"And your point is?", Rainbow asked.
"Well...who's the next girlfriend to become a ranger?" Sunset then turned to Pinkie. "Any ideas Pinkie?" Pinkie snapped her mind out of the fourth wall and brought herself back to her friends.
"Nope!", she chirped. 'Wouldn't want to give away any spoilers!' Sunset sighed as she and the girls split up and headed for their classes. Meanwhile, Nightmare and Celestia were talking with Burst.
"So you really think Shadow can convince Starlight to change?", Nightmare asked.
"Sure I do. After all..." Burst pulled Nightmare in for a tight hug. "I changed you didn't I Moon?" Nightmare and Celestia smiled as they kissed Burst.
"You really know how to hope for the best in everyone. Never lose that.", Celestia said. "See you two after school today." Burst and Nightmare carried on with their day. At the same time, Tirek was planning his next attack.
"Ah. THIS monster should prove more than a match for the rangers! A dragon whose strength is forbidden! Rise, Chaos Emperor Dragon!" Chaos Emperor Dragon came through the portal Tirek opened and let out a fearsome roar!
"So. You're the one who got me out of that infernal prison."
"Indeed I am. I imagine you've got plenty of frustration to vent. And what better way than senseless destruction?" Chaos Emperor Dragon grinned savagely at Tirek's suggestion.
"Just what I needed! Nothing like wreaking some havoc to put me in a good mood!" Chaos Emperor Dragon vanished in a swirl of darkness and immediately began his attack! "I love the screams of terror people make when I show up!" Pegasus noticed the attack and contacted the rangers! He also noticed that two of the new morphers were giving off light, signaling that they had chosen rangers. Meanwhile, the rangers had morphed and arrived on the scene!
"Oh man! This dragon caused all this damage by himself?!", Inferno said. Chaos Emperor Dragon noticed the rangers and sneered.
"So you like my handiwork? Nothing I love more than trashing a place. How'd you like to be next?!" Chaos Emperor Dragon fired a barrage of dark flame blasts that overpowered the rangers! "I wonder why Tirek ever saw you wimps as a threat. You're not match for me!" Chaos Emperor Dragon fired another volley of dark flame blasts! Meanwhile, Pegasus had teleported Celestia and Nightmare to the command center.
"Did you bring us just to see them get their butts handed to them or to help?! Burst and the others are getting destroyed out there!", Nightmare shouted! Pegasus took out the two morphers that were giving off light and handed one to Celestia and one to Nightmare.
"Does this answer your question Moon?" Nightmare and Celestia smiled as they strapped on the morphers and teleported to the rangers location. Back at the battle, the rangers were being overwhelmed!
"Chaos Wave!", Chaos Emperor Dragon shouted as a wave of energy knocked the rangers back!
"Ugh! This guy is relentless! Each time we gain ground, he just keeps pushing us back!", Burst fumed. "There's got to be some way to pin him down long enough!" Chaos Emperor Dragon prepared to fire another blast of energy, but was hit with a blast of magic! Burst looked for the source, and found Celestia and Nightmare at the source! "What're you two doing here?!"
"We've come to join the party.", Celestia answered with a smile as she and Nightmare nodded.
"It's morphin' time!", the two of them shouted in unison! When the light died down, Celestia and Nightmare stood in their ranger forms! Celestia's suit was white and gold while Nightmare's was black and azure.
"Solaria Ranger!", Celestia announced as she summoned her sword.
"Nyx Ranger!", Nightmare announced as she summoned her own weapon! Nightmare and Celestia sent out a powerful wave of magic from their swords! Knocking Chaos Emperor Dragon to the ground! "Need a hand?" Burst took Nightmare's hand and got up.
"Thanks Moon. Glad you could make it! Wanna end this together?"
"You read my mind." Burst began to charge up his blaster while Celestia and Moon fed their magic into his attack!
"Aether Lightning Blast!" the three of them shouted as a powerful blast of light and darkness energy annihilated Chaos Emperor Dragon! Tirek frowned as Chaos Emperor Dragon met his end, and cast Megamorph to revive him!
"So you two wanna take the new Megazord for a spin?" Burst transformed into his absolute mode and he, Celestia and Nightmare summoned their fighter zords! Burst's zord formed the main body and legs while Celestia and Nightmare's zords formed the arms! "Blue Eyes Eclipse Megazord ready!"
"Ah! Finally something big to break!", Chaos Emperor Dragon bellowed as he fired a beam of chaos energy at the Megazord!
"Lunar Shield!", Nightmare said as the Megazord rose its left arm and brought up an energy shield with a moon symbol on it! Neutralizing Chaos Emperor Dragon's attack! "Care to take the next move Celly?"
"I'd be honored. Solar Seal!" The Megazord fired a beam of light from its right fist and Chaos Emperor Dragon was frozen in place with a magic seal!
"Alright you two! Let's finish this!" The Megazord leapt into the air, summoned two blaster pistols and began to charge them! One with light energy and one with dark!
"Eclipse Neutron Blast!", the three of them shouted as the Blue Eyes Eclipse Megazord fired a blast of light and dark energy! Instantly obliterating Chaos Emperor Dragon! The rangers returned to the command center and powered down.
"I guess we'll be spending even more time together?", Burst asked with a smile. Celestia and Nightmare wrapped their arms around Burst.
"We're never leaving your side beloved.", Nightmare whispered into Burst's ear.
"You're not getting rid of us that easily sweetie.", Celestia said with a flirty smile. "And now to seal our victory." Burst smiled as he kissed his girlfriends.
"I couldn't even if I wanted to." 'I hope Shadow can do the same for Starlight...'
Tirek was fed-up. Monster after monster had been sent to destroy the rangers, and yet it was the monsters themselves who were eliminated time and again. The only one who had been able to even remotely hold their ground was Starlight. And it was upon this realization that Tirek had an idea. Using his communicator, he contacted Starlight. She had lost her last one, so Tirek created a new one.
"Yes Lord Tirek?", Starlight answered. "How can I be of service?"
"I'm tired of leaving incompetent monsters to do destroy the Duelist Rangers. Not when I have an individual who proved much more capable. This time, I'm sending you in Starlight. You underestimated them last time. Surely you're ready now?"
"It would be my honor Lord Tirek." Starlight then hung up and soon bumped into Shadow! "Oh! Hi Shadow! Come to ask me out again?"
"You know it. How about later on tonight? It is Friday after all." Starlight smiled.
"I'd love to. It's a promise. I just have to take care of a small business matter after school today."
"Nice! I'll be waiting for you. It's a promise!" The two of them went their separate ways and went about their day. As soon as the school day ended, Starlight dawned her mask and apprentice outfit and began her attack on the city! Pegasus pulled the attack up on the monitor and immediately contacted the rangers! The rangers morphed and teleported to Starlight's location!
"Well, well. Look who's back for round two?", Inferno joked. "Didn't we send you packing last time?" Starlight smirked at his remark.
"I wasn't ready last time. Now I know just what you're all capable of." Starlight then got into a fighting stance. The rangers then summoned their own weapons and the two opposing forces charged and locked weapons! "Eleven against one? Sounds fair to me!" Starlight forced the rangers back with a blast of magic! Burst and Inferno powered up to their absolute forms and executed powerful slashes that broke Starlight's staff!
"Let's see how well you fight without that!", Burst said proudly as he and Inferno summoned their blasters and unloaded a storm of bolts at Starlight! Starlight summoned a barrier that blocked most of the shots, but a good number made it through!
"The staff was just a tool to channel my magic. Now I can really let it loose!" Starlight fired twin beams of magic that knocked Burst and Inferno back, but the two of them recovered! "What?! That blast should have sent you two reeling!"
"These forms are called absolute for a reason.", Inferno quipped. "We're not going down that easy!" Starlight was about to reply when she took a full power shot from Rainbow Dash's spectrum cannon!
"I bet you're tasting the rainbow now!", Rainbow boasted! Starlight was about to get up, but was sent flying from Steel's blade beam! The attack was made stronger since Steel had activated his Super Soldier mode!
"Don't let up guys! Give it all you got!" The rangers nodded and came at Starlight with all they had! Gold unleashed a blast of plasma from his blaster while Ice sent out an energy slash from his gigantic sword! Both hit Starlight with great force! Ace had powered up into his Knight of Destiny mode and caught Starlight off-guard with a blast from the Rocket Hermos Cannon and a gust from his suit's wings! Ace then froze Starlight in place with a seal while Sunset and Rarity executed their signature attacks! Celestia and Nightmare followed up the assault with their signature move! The Eclipse Slash! Starlight was taking a heavy beating! She was almost half-tempted to retreat. Then she remembered Shadow's promise to her.
'I won't let him down! I WILL beat them, and I will be with him!' "Rraaagh!" Starlight screamed as she unleashed her most powerful blast of magic yet! The rangers were knocked to the ground from just the sheer force of it! The combination of the damage she had sustained and the force of her attack broke Starlight's mask! Exhausted from putting so much into her attack, Starlight fell to her knees and panted. With the rangers, Shadow was just barely getting back up. The force of the attack had destroyed most of the rangers' helmets, and Shadow only had half of his helmet left.
'I'm not gonna go down like this! I'm not gonna make Starlight wait for me!' Shadow got to his feet, raised his spear, and let out a fierce battle cry! "Aaaaaaggghhh!" Starlight noticed this and began to charge up an lethal spell as she rose and ran to meet him! But once the two of them were within striking distance, they came to a full stop. They saw themselves without their masks. Without their helmets. And they were petrified with dread at what they had almost done! "No...", Shadow whispered. The point of his spear was about a foot away from Starlight. "This can't be real....Starlight? You're working with Tirek?!" Starlight was equally shocked to discover Shadow's secret.
"Shadow...you're...you're a ranger?!" The two of them cancelled their spell and weapons respectively. Shadow was about to ask Starlight a question when she teleported away!
"No! Wait!" But Starlight was already gone. Shadow then turned to the other rangers. "Any of you...did any of you know?" Burst slowly nodded.
"We thought you could change her mind. Make her realize what she was doing was wrong." Shadow had a sad smile as his eyes started to tear up.
"I wish I had..." Meanwhile, Starlight was off in a secluded area. When she was all alone, she fell to her knees and began to cry. Reflecting on what might have happened if she had carried out her last attack, and discovering Shadow's secret. She relayed a message to Tirek that she had failed, but had managed to end the battle in a draw. After she hung up, she continued to weep. Unsure of what to do next.
"Uh...hope you're not bad for not telling you Starlight was working for Tirek?", Steel asked nervously. Shadow turned to Steel and slowly walked to him.
"I'm not mad. If there's anyone I should be mad at, it's myself."
"Come on bro. That's not true.", Ace said trying to comfort Shadow.
"Maybe this is the turning point for her character?", Burst asked hopefully. "The author might do something like that."
"Wait what was that last part?", Shadow asked.
"Nothing important." 'They must never know.' Meanwhile, Starlight was at her crossroads.
'So Shadow knows my secret, and now I know his. Now what do I do? If I choose to still serve Tirek, I'll break his heart. But if I defect, Tirek will hunt me down. Either path I take, I can't turn back...' Starlight then opened the locket that held a picture of her family. "You two always told me to follow my heart...I know what choice to make."
The Next Day...
Shadow was at his locker gathering his books for class. He was about to leave when he saw Starlight after he shut his locker. Needless to say, he was pretty shocked. After he regained his composure, he addressed her. "...So what brings you back here? I'm not going to join your master if that's what you're here for."
"I'm not here to do that. Please Shadow, just let me talk to you!"
"No. I don't get it. Why would someone like you, someone so nice, work for scum like Tirek?!"
"Just let me explain Shadow! Please, I don't want to break your heart!"
"You already did when you tried to destroy my friends. Was everything just a lie?! Were we ever real?! Just what makes you think-" Shadow was cut-off when Starlight kissed him! When she pulled out, he seemed to have calmed down.
"Did that feel fake to you?", Starlight asked. Shadow wrapped his arms around Starlight. "You know, things make more sense when I'm with you. Meet me after school today. I'll tell you my decision." Starlight then walked away leaving Shadow to his thoughts. Lunch period arrived quickly, and Shadow met with his friends to discuss what Starlight had said to him.
"And that's about it. So what do you think?" The rest of the rangers were silent, but Ace and Ice were the first ones to find their voices.
"Shadow. We honestly hope she chooses you.", Ace said.
"And if she breaks your heart, we won't hesitate to get you out fast.", Ice said coldly.
"Can't you all be a bit more positive?", Nightmare said. "Let's just hope for the best. I changed. So did Chrysalis and Sombra. So just maybe, Starlight can do the same with having Shadow."
"Moon's got a point.", Sunset added. "You forget a good portion of you are dating former bad girls right?"
"Sunset's right. I mean, Sonata and her family DID try to take over the school.", Ace pointed out. Ice sighed.
"Okay. You all win. But I've got a bad feeling about this." The rest of the day passed quickly, and Shadow met with Starlight.
"You came...", Starlight said as Shadow walked towards her.
"So. What's your decision Starlight?", Shadow asked. "Just know one thing before you tell me. I can't hate you for your choice."
"Shadow...I choose you. I don't want to hurt you. I've put you through enough." Shadow smiled and began to walk towards her. But before they could close the distance between them, a blast of magic was sent hurtling their way! Knocking them to the ground! Starlight and Shadow slowly rose and found Tirek staring them down!
"Stupid girl.", Tirek said with a scowl as he grabbed Starlight by the throat. "I guess you were a fool just like your parents." Starlight froze.
"What..did you say?"
Tirek sneered at Starlight's confusion. "I never took you in to save you. Your parents were great sorcerors, and had great magic. I required their strength, and they refused. So..." Tirek pulled out duel monsters cards with Starlight's parents sealed inside! "I did the next best thing. But don't worry. You'll soon join them after I drain you dry of your magic!" Starlight struggled as Tirek prepared to steal her magic, until Shadow punched Tirek right in the face! Tirek scowled at Shadow's interference. "Welp!" Tirek released Starlight and sent Shadow flying with one kick! Tirek was about to close in on Shadow until Burst and the others showed up!
"Pick on someone your own power level!", Burst said defiantly! Tirek was about to retort, but froze when he saw Burst's face! For the first time, he felt fear. Namely because Burst reminded Tirek of the one person who he could never beat.
'Those eyes...THOSE EYES!', Tirek's mind screamed! "You...you are just like him! No..you're younger...but you share his blood!" Burst had no idea what Tirek was talking about, but decided to get right into the fight!
"It's morphin' time! Blue Eyes Absolute Ranger!" Burst soon stood in his absolute form! Burst charged at Tirek and summoned his sword and blaster! Tirek then got an idea. He opened his mouth and tried to sap Burst of his strength! But to his surprise, he couldn't drain him! "Was that supposed to do something?" Burst then slashed at Tirek with his sword! Leaving a glowing scar across his chest! Burst then fired off a charged shot that sent Tirek flying! As Tirek tried to recover, Burst delivered a powerful punch right in Tirek's stomach! "White Lightning Fist!" Tirek was silent for a whole minute before he covered his mouth as something began to leak out! He couldn't hold it back anymore, and magic spewed from Tirek's mouth! As the magic was released, Tirek was returned to his original state. A frail old man.
"Nooooooo! My strength! What happened to my strength?!"
"You never had any strength of your own. So you stole the power of others. Now it's free." Tirek was about to run, but a glowing figure seemed to be trying to break out of the scar Burst had created!
"No! Not you! Not now! Nooooo!" The glowing figure broke free, and when the light died down, Scorpan stood tall.
"Hello again brother." Tirek was now scared for his life! So scared in fact, he dropped the cards that Starlight's parents were imprisoned in. Scorpan picked them up and turned to Starlight. "I believe they belong with you. Now to undo the damage Tirek has done." Scorpan used his magic to undo the seal Tirek put on Starlight's parents. In a flash of light, Starlight's parents were released. Starlight was crying tears of joy and rushed to her parents as they held her tightly.
"Mom! Dad!" Starlight cried as her parents held her tight. "It's you...I thought you were gone!" Starlight's parents smiled.
"We're here Starlight.", her mother said.
"And it looks like we owe a thank you to your friends.", her father said proudly. "Especially the young an who cares a great deal for you." As Starlight and her parents went to meet Shadow, Burst was talking to Scorpan.
"So if I'm getting this right, I've pretty much put an end to Tirek. Right?" Scorpan sadly shook his head.
"You may have severely weakened him, but I know my brother. And he doesn't give up easily. Now he's going to be more trouble than ever." Burst put his hand on Scorpan's shoulder.
"Fortunately for Earth, neither do me and the rangers. I think there's a place we should all go to..." Burst and Shadow teleported with Starlight and her family and Scorpan to the command center.
"Starlight, welcome to the team.", Shadow said with a smile.
At the command center, Starlight was overjoyed to be reunited with her parents. "If this is all a dream, I don't wanna wake up from it." Starlight then looked to her parents. "But what did happen? Tirek said he was after your magic. So what really happened?" Starlight's father sighed.
"All those years ago, Tirek came seeking to steal powerful magic. And our family's magic lineage was one of the strongest magical auras present. However, we were able to fight back against him. However, he had the edge in raw power and defeated us. After draining us of our magic, he sealed us in cards. He was about to leave when he felt your presence. Tirek sensed great potential in your magic. Your mother and I watched in silence for years as he slowly made you into a tool for his own ends. Thanks to your friend Burst, we were freed from our prison and our magic was restored. He threw one heck of a punch." Starlight's mother had a fond smile on her face.
"You've grown so much since we saw you last. You've even gotten yourself a boyfriend my little light." Starlight blushed.
"Mom! Not in front of Shadow!"
"But it's such a cute name! You had no problem with it when you were five."
"That was thirteen years ago!" Shadow let out a chuckle at the scene before him. Meanwhile, Pegasus and the rest of the rangers were talking with Scorpan.
"So how did you get sealed inside your evil twin? That's the question I've got.", Steel asked.
"As you know, my brother and I have great magic power. However where as I trained to gain strength, Tirek stole the magic of others in order to increase his power. There was difference in terms of the quality, but he had stolen power in great amounts. I opposed him, but he got the better of me and sealed me inside him with a spell in order to use my strength. And for years I was powerless to stop him from carrying out his ambitions. However, there was a lone figure who almost managed to defeat Tirek. Sadly, Tirek retreated before I could be freed."
"Is that why Tirek was scared of me?", Burst asked. Scorpan nodded. "Because I look like the guy who nearly put an end to him?"
"Yes Burst. In fact, you look like a younger version of him. If I didn't know any better I'd say you were related."
"How many years ago did this happen?", Burst asked.
"Hmmm. About...thirteen years ago. Why?" Burst was silent as he contemplated the possible identity of the person who had nearly defeated Tirek.
'No. It couldn't be...could it?' "Thanks for the information. So is there anything else we should know?"
"Yes. Now that we've weakened him so much, my brother will send monster after monster. He'll especially have his sights set on destroying all of us now. And he'll be trying to regain his power. As for how...I have no idea."
"Then we'll just deal with him when the time comes. Let's show him not to mess with us!"
"Alright then! Let's take this sucker down!"", Inferno boasted.
"Curse him...CURSE him....CURSE HIM!", Tirek bellowed! "I never thought I would meet a being like that man! One who shares his blood!" Tirek's mind then flashed back to that day. The day he came so very close to defeat. "Those eyes...those blasted eyes! If he should face me now...I'd be destroyed in an instant! I must find a way to slow them down." Tirek then got an idea. "The rangers work as a team. So if I separate them...then I'll have all the time I need to restore my power!" Twelve monster shilouettes appeared in Tirek's viewing globe. "You three shall be the perfect distractions. Each of you shall be made to fight one ranger in the zone I trap them in! AHHHHAHAHHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAH!" The next day, the rangers found a massive energy spike! They tracked the energy to its source, but found nothing there!
"This doesn't make any sense!", Steel griped. "The readings said the energy spike was off the charts! It doesn't make any sense!"
"Actually, I think it makes perfect sense now that I think about it.", Gold said firmly. "We're all alone..."
Sunset's eyes widened. "And we're out in the open..."
"Then that can only mean one thing...", Ace added.
"It's a trap!", Inferno cried out as twelve pillars of light shot up from the ground! Each trapping a single ranger! Then they all heard Tirek laughing.
"Welcome rangers! Welcome to your destruction! The twelve monsters you shall soon face will be the ones to finally defeat you! Farewell! AHHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" The rangers were teleported to different zones! Each one fated to clash with one of Tirek's elite monsters! The toughest battle were about to begin!
Ace slowly awakened and found himself in a place he'd never thought he'd ever see. "Nnnngh. Remind me to thank Tirek for the lovely ride." Ace took a minute to take in his surroundings. "This place looks like the Secret Village of the Spellcasters. Am I in the monster world? Or is it some sort of prison modeled after it?" Suddenly, Ace saw a blast of magic flying his way! Ace barely dodged the blast as it made contact with one of the nearby trees causing an explosion! "Okay....what just shot at me?!" A figure slowly stepped towards Ace. "No way...Dark Magician Girl?!" Ace was shocked! Dark Magician Girl was one of his oldest and most trusted monster partners. And now she was attacking him! "Why are you trying to blast me?! I'm your friend!" Dark Magician Girl said nothing as she fired off another blast of magic! "Please! Stop this!"
"There's only one way to stop me Ace. You have to destroy me.", DMG said flatly. Ace froze in horror upon hearing her words.
"No....NO! I won't let it come to that!" Ace then morphed, summoned his sword and took a defensive stance! "There's got to be a better way! I'll find one! Even if it takes me the rest of my life!" DMG then fired another blast! One more deadly than the previous ones! Ace knocked it away and maintained his defensive stance. "I won't fight you."
"Then there's only one way this will end. Dark Burning Attack!" DMG then launched her most powerful attack! Ace stood still for a moment, and blocked the attack with his sword! Soon the attack dissipated, leaving an exhausted Ace still standing, but his helmet broke!
"Then there's only...one way to make sure we both make it out of this..." , Ace panted heavily as he fell to one knee. "I surrender." DMG walked up to Ace and bent down to his level. Then she had a bright smile as she hugged Ace tightly.
"You did it Ace! You passed your test!", she cheered! Ace had trouble taking this all in.
"Test? All of THAT?! Was a test?!"
"Yep!", DMG chirped. "Tirek pulled us from the monster world, but he had no idea some of us had ties to you and the other rangers."
"So what was this test for?"
"To see if you would put your safety after the welfare of others. Even if it might cost you your life. And because you did so well, here's a little present!" DMG cast a spell on Ace's ranger suit. Repairing Ace's helmet and also giving it a little addition. "Take a good look at your left gauntlet!" Ace looked, and found a small blaster-like weapon attached to his left gauntlet. "You like it? I call it the Magi-grenade cylinder! It can shoot out a blast of magic as strong as my dark burning attack! The downside is that it has to recharge after one shot, but it charges up at a good rate!"
"Thanks DMG.", Ace said with a smile. "I'll be sure to send a blast right at Tirek's face!" A portal soon opened. "So that's the way out? Where's it go?"
"It'll lead you to one of your friends. Better not keep them waiting!", DMG said with a wink. Ace nodded as he ran through the portal! unsure of where and who it would lead him to.
"Ow! My head!", Inferno groaned as he woke up. "Well this sure isn't the ideal place to wake up in." Inferno found himself as the Dragon Shrine. "Okay. I know where I am. But what do I need to do to get out of here?" Soon, one of the monuments to a fallen dragon began to stir. "Me and my big mouth." Soon, a dragon corpse rose from its resting place. It looked like a zombie version of Red Eyes! The reanimated dragon then let out a ferocious roar, and launched a blast of flame from its mouth! "Looks like he wasn't resting in peace!" Inferno morphed and charged at Red Eyes Zombie Dragon! The two grappled and Red Eyes Zombie spoke.
"Does it not eat away at you?", Red Eyes Zombie hissed as ghostly breath escaped his mouth. "Are you not jealous of him?" Inferno was confused at what the living corpse meant.
"What're you talking about? Jealous of who?", Inferno asked.
"Your friend. The one who is bonded with Blue Eyes White Dragon. Have you not noticed it yet? He'll always be stronger than you! No matter what power you attain, he will find another to counteract it! Just like my rivalry with Blue Eyes! I was always weaker no matter how strong I got! I find it shameful that one of my descendants would side with that accursed dragon!" Red Eyes Zombie fired a powerful blast of flame that sent Inferno flying! "Do you have anything to say whelp?" Inferno slowly rose, and gazed sternly at Red Eyes Zombie.
"Yeah. Shut up!" Red Eyes Zombie reeled in surprise. "I know I'll never be as strong as Burst! And you know what? I don't care! And neither does Red Eyes! And besides...I've got something Burst will never have!"
"And what would that be?"
"Having Burst as a friend.", Inferno said boldly. "So do your worst! Even if you destroy me and Red Eyes, I'll prove we were stronger than you ever were! Because we didn't succumb to envy and let it consume us!" Inferno then summoned his sword and unleashed a powerful series of slashes at Red Eyes Zombie Dragon! "And now to free you from this prison you made for yourself!" Inferno charged up his sword and unleashed a blazing slash! Destroying Red Eyes Zombie Dragon! Soon, the spirit of the former zombie materialized.
"Congratulations young warrior. You have passed your trial.", Red Eyes Spirit said with a smile.
"Trial?"
"This trial was to see whether or not you would let jealously of your friends chain you, or if you would swallow your pride and be happy for them. And for your success, I grant you this..." A beam of light shot from Red Eyes Spirit into Inferno! When the light died down, Infenro stood in his absolute form! Not only that, but it looked like he had the Black Skull Knuckle and the Meteor Black Comet Gauntlet on his right and left arms! "By the way, you'll want to try summoning your sword." Inferno summoned his blade, and saw that it had been transformed! "Behold! The Flare Metal Saber! Use it well. Farewell my descendant." And with that, Red Eyes Spirit vanished. A portal soon opened, and Inferno saw Ace come through.
"Nice to see a friendly face. And it looks like you got an upgrade too.", Inferno said with a smile.
"And you got a complete overhaul. Anyway, let's get going! The next portal should open soon. There!" The next portal opened almost instantly.
"Let's see where this one leads to." Inferno and Ace ran through the portal and to another one of their trapped friends.
Ice opened his eyes and found nothing but darkness all around him. "Not the most cheerful place is it?" Ice got to his feet, and then he heard laughing coming from all over the place. "Who's there?" Suddenly, there was a brief flash of light and the number 96 appeared. A figure then materialized around the number. It looked exactly like Ice, but the figure was all black! "What the?! What kind of trick is this?! Why do you look like me?!" Dark Mist let out a cackle of crazed laughter.
"AAHahahahhahah! Don't you get it? I AM you!", Dark Mist said as a crazed grin crept along his face. "The aspect of your strength and power! The aspect that makes your ranger form!" Dark Mist continued to spout his lies, hoping to break Ice's spirit. "The part that almost destroyed the shackles that prevent you from attaining great strength!" Ice was frozen with horror. Was all that this monster was saying true? Was he the only reason he was as strong as he was? "But now, I can break the greatest chain holding you back...yourself!" Dark Mist then changed into a copy of Ice's ranger form! "Prepare for your demise!" Ice snapped out of his thoughts and morphed just in time! Blocking Dark Mist's attack! "You think you can win? Fool!" Dark Mist sent Ice flying with one punch! "You are nothing without me. Maybe after I destroy you, I'll move on to the other weights and cut them loose as well!" Dark Mist charged at Ice as he recovered, and launched a series of blows at him! Ice managed to block the string of hits, but his thoughts were a mess after Dark Mist had messed with him.
'Is he right? He's fighting with the ferocity I had during the time Moon controlled me. The time I almost killed my brothers. Was that the only time I was truly strong? Was that...the only way I used my full ability?' Ice's mind then flashed to when Starlight had attacked, and when he fought Wall Shadow when he was on his date with Indigo. 'No. NO. That wasn't the only time I've fought with all I had! He's lying! He's not my strength! He's not a part of me at all! My strength...my REAL strength...is fighting for the people I love!' Ice caught Dark Mist's fists! Surprising the master manipulator! "You're....not....ME!!" Ice then lifted Dark Mist into the air and slammed him into the ground! The force of the impact was so powerful, it forced Dark Mist into his true form. "I may have almost hurt my brothers, but it never came to that! All that matters is that they're safe now!" Ice then charged up his fist and unleashed a devastating blow on Dark Mist! "And that I put the past behind me!" Dark Mist screamed as he was incinerated from Ice's attack!
"AAAAAUUUUUGGGGHHHH!" When the flames died down, there was nothing left of Dark Mist, and the whole area Ice was in changed from pure darkness to pure light! A surge of power then flowed into Ice! When the light died down, Ice found he had new armor with twin cannons on his shoulders and larger wings! He also noticed he was holding a sword even larger than the one he used in his standard ranger form!
"Niiiice! Think I'll call it...the Red Nove Battleizer!" Soon, a portal opened. Ace and Inferno came through. "Hey guys! You missed the best part! But you're just in time to see the sweet loot I got from it!"
"I'll say. Now let's see where the next portal leads!", Ace said triumphantly! Soon enough, a new portal materialized and the three of them went through.
"Well this is new.", Gold said as he took in his new surroundings. "This place looks like an old castle." Gold continued to the courtyard where he saw a lone figure waiting for him. "And I'm guessing you must be the guy who's got the place on lockdown." Dark Paladin turned to face Gold.
"Indeed I am. I assume you know the logic of this situation?", Dark Paladin said as he raised his blade staff.
"Uh-huh.", Gold said as he summoned his own sword. "Bring it on!" The two charged at each other and locked blades! "Didnt' expect a magician to learn the way of the sword!" Dark Paladin smiled at Gold's comment.
"You only limit yourself to your type because you choose to. But by learning other skills or combining them..." Dark Paladin broke the blade lock and sent out a wave of magic from his blade staff! Sending Gold flying! "You can further better yourself!" Gold quickly recovered using his suit's wings!
"I get what you're saying. Let's see if I can rise to this challenge!" Gold focused energy into his suit's wings and sword! "Time for something new!" Gold then leapt into the air and sent out a blast of energy from his sword and wings! "Plasma Wave Slash!" Dark Paladin braced himself with a barrier spell! Gold smiled under his helmet. "Looks like you still have some tricks up your sleeve."
"You have no idea...Diffusion Wave Motion!" Dark Paladin sent out multiple waves of magic all over the place! Gold was dodging like crazy! Each second that passed, the blasts increased with frequency and strength!
"Oh man! This is like one of those shooter games on impossible!", Gold muttered as he avoided as many blasts as he could! "Okay. Just gotta keep calm and be mindful of my surroundings! This onslaught has to end at some point!" Gold kept on dodging, but eventually a stray blast hit him and the onslaught ended. "Seriously?! It only stops when it hits you?!"
"You do know it didn't do that much damage right?"
"...Okay you've got a point there. In fact, I see how it ties in to the lesson you were trying to teach. To be a bit more unpredictable." Dark Paladin gave a smile and a small nod.
"It's always the smartest ones that take the longest to understand the point of something like this. Here you go." Dark Paladin tossed Gold a crystal. "Crush it and you'll get a new power. I think it'll remind you of your old home in some ways. Until next time!" Dark Paladin vanished in a swirl of darkness and Gold was left alone with the crystal Dark Paladin had given him. Gold contemplated on Dark Paladin's instructions, and decided to break the crystal. Gold then found himself wrapped in flames! As the flames died down, Gold then noticed his suit had flame designs on it and that his wings were blazing and so was his sword!
"Reminds me of my pony form.", Gold said with a fond smile. "I'll call this Draco-Phoenix mode!" Gold then noticed Ace, Inferno, and Ice step out of a portal. "Hey guys! Looks like you all got upgraded too. So what's our next stop?"
"Wherever the heck the next portal takes us.", Inferno said. "Speaking of said portal..." The next portal soon appeared. "Let's move!"
Shadow woke up and found himself in what looked like space. There were stars and galaxies everywhere he looked. But there was one thing that stood out to him. A lone figure, one who held a large place in his heart. "Starlight!" Shadow made a mad dash for Starlight! Running as fast as he could towards her! But the more he ran, the farther away she slipped. "What's going on?!" Soon there was a flash of golden light, and a monster branded with the number 100 descended. "You...are you the one who's keeping me from her?! Answer me!"
"First you must answer my question. Why do you seek her?", Numeron Dragon asked.
"It doesn't matter! Why do you care?!" Shadow then morphed and wiped out Numeron Dragon with one slash of his spear, and chased after Starlight again. However, Starlight kept getting farther away and Numeron Dragon materialized again. "What? I just got rid of you!"
"You didn't answer my question.", Numeron said calmly.
"Fine! I love her! Are you happy?!"
"Is it really that simple? After you both found out her secret? How the two of you were so close to destroying each other?"
Shadow paused and reflected for a moment. "No. It really isn't that simple."
"Then maybe you can explain.", Numeron said with a serene smile. Shadow nodded.
"When I first met her, I was just captivated by her. She always seemed to have things handled. And she also had that cute smile. And then...I found out her secret. During that fight all that was driving me was the thought of seeing Starlight again and being with her. But when I went in for that final attack, I saw her face. And she saw mine. Both of us were so close to destroying each other just to see each other, and we didn't even know we were about to hurt each other. Both of us walked away with wounded hearts after that." Shadow then smiled. "But I guess you could say, things ended happily. Starlight chose to be with me and break away from Tirek. And she even got her family back. I feel complete with her. Like she's the missing piece of my heart." Shadow then heard Numeron clapping for him.
"Congratulations Shadow. You've passed your trial. Knowing why you love someone is more important than blindly chasing them. And as a reward, I give you this." Shadow's left arm glowed in golden light as he was transformed into his eternity mode and found a golden arm cannon. "The Numeron Cannon. Use it well Shadow." Numeron Dragon vanished in a flash of light, and a portal opened up with Ace, Inferno, Ice, and Gold coming through.
"Looks like we got here just in time to see the loot you pulled.", Ice said with a chuckle. "Sweet cannon bro. Care to test it out?"
"I'll save a shot for Tirek.", Shadow said with a smile under his helmet. The next portal then opened up. "Let's go guys!"
Sunset woke up and found herself on the Sanctuary in the Sky. "Well at least I wound up someplace peaceful.", Sunset said with a small smile.
"Yes. The view is quite relaxing isn't it?", a voice said. Sunset turned towards the source and found Guardian Eatos standing a few feet away from her. "So did you enjoy the nap?", Eatos said with a smile.
"Um, yes?"
"Good. Now we can proceed." Eatos then handed Sunset her sword.
"What am I supposed to do with this?", Sunset asked.
"Isn't it obvious? You're supposed to strike me down.", Eatos said calmly. Sunset was shocked.
"No..no! I'm not doing it!"
"It's the only way to move on."
"That can't be it! It can't be! There has to be some other way!", Sunset pleaded! Eatos sighed.
"Sunset, you wanted nothing more than power when I was first in your deck. So much so that you even used me in tribute tactics to win duels. But through it all, I stayed by your side. Not because I felt any sort of obligation, but because I wanted to make you happy and help you. Even then, you still showed compassion for me. You never called me worthless or discarded me. And you never gave me up no matter how many cards people offered to trade you. And if my spirit fading can help you, I'd gladly accept my fate." Eatos had a small smile on her face as she finished speaking, and Sunset broke down crying.
"No! You can't go like this! I've hurt you before...and I don't want to hurt you anymore! You helped me before because you were my guardian, and I need you now more than ever! I won't cause you pain just to gain an advantage!" Sunset then grasped Eatos's hand. "Please...you can't leave me now." Eatos smiled as she pulled Sunset close and wrapped her wings around her.
"I'll always be with you Sunset. And now, you'll have me by your side whenever you enter battle. You're more than just my chosen duelist. You just proved you're my friend. Take some of my power and my sword. And I'll be with you in spirit." A heavenly white light enveloped Sunset. When it died down, she stood in her ranger form. However, she had the Celestial Sword and white wings on her back. Eatos had also disappeared leaving stray white feathers in her wake.
"Thank you Eatos.", Sunset said with a smile under her helmet. A portal opened and Inferno, Ace, Ice, Shadow, and Gold stepped through. "Hey guys. I'm guessing you found a way out if you managed to get here?"
"It's kind of like a video game. We clear each stage and we go to the next level. Now to find the warp to the next level.", Gold said with a smile under his helmet. "Nice new wings by the way."
"You too." The next portal opened. "Now to see where we wind up next."
Rainbow slowly woke up and adjusted to her surroundings. "Okay. I must've played WAY too many video games last night. This place looks like the inside of a computer!"
"Correct.", a mechanical voice stated. Rainbow spun around to find Cyber Twin Dragon!
"Alright metal head. Where am I and how do I get out of here?!", Rainbow Dash demanded.
"There is only one way to proceed. You must venture alone. Regardless of the status of your companions.", Cyber Twin Dragon said coldly. "It is the logical course of action."
"Well thanks. Too bad for you, I don't follow logic!" Rainbow morphed and summoned her Spectrum Cannon! "Maybe the way will open up if I send you to the scrapheap!"
"Your course of action is illogical. You shall be deleted." Cyber Twin Dragon fired twin laser blasts from his mouths! Rainbow Dash leapt into the air and barely dodged the blasts!
"You're gonna have to try harder than that!" Rainbow boasted. "This oughta put a dent in you! Spectrum Blast!" Cyber Twin Dragon was sent reeling from the force of the blast! Sparks shot out of the damaged areas of his body!
"I have a query: Why are you so insistent on staying here? It would be so much easier just to leave on your own."
"Because I know my friends are somewhere. And who knows? They could be here and need my help. And I won't leave them hanging even if it is easier!", Rainbow Dash said proudly. Cyber Twin Dragon cracked a smile.
"Mission accomplished!" Cyber Twin Dragon's tone switched from emotionless machine to down-right happy! "Oh! Here's a little something for passing this trial!" Cyber Twin Dragon opened a storage compartment in his body and a sword with a glowing rainbow blade levitated out. "It's called the Spectrum Saber. It can let you activate your suit's hyper mode! Welp. I'm outta here!" In a flash of ones and zeros, Cyber Twin Dragon teleported back to his world.
"Sweet! Can't wait to cut loose with this new power!", Rainbow said with a grin under her helmet. Soon a portal appeared and her friends came through it. "Huh. I was wondering when you'd show up. You just missed me being AWESOME!"
"I'm sure we did Dash.", Inferno said with a chuckle. "But if you're done here, we gotta clear out through the portal to the next zone! Which should appear in 3...2...1..." A portal soon opened up. "And right on cue. Well let's not keep the pacing waiting!"
"Nnnnggghhh.", Steel groaned as he rose to his feet. "I feel like I got trampled on by Exodia." Steel took note of his surroundings. "Well, at least I woke up in a place with pleasant scenery." The zone Steel was in looked like a mass of swirling stars. But as he noticed his surroundings, Steel noticed something was missing. He then noticed a very specific item missing from his left wrist. "My morpher! What happened to it?!" Steel then heard a scream!
"AAAAHHHH!" Steel found Rainbow Dash running from a dragon! And that was enough for Steel to take action!
"You just chased the wrong girl scaly!", Steel screamed as he rushed towards the dragon! "I don't have my morpher...but I'm not running away!" Steel managed to land a punch on the dragon, and to his assumption it had little effect. 'Good. I managed to get his attention away from Rainbow. Now comes the hard part...' Stardust Dragon stared down at Steel.
"So you're willing to give up your life for hers? How noble. Foolish, but noble. She must hold a large place in your heart.", he said.
"Not just her.", Steel said with a determined gaze. "I'd do this for any of my friends. We'll never let each other down. So go ahead. Do your worst. All I care is that Rainbow's safe." Steel had a smile as he faced what he assumed was his end. "This way...it's the way I wanted to go out." Stardust reared his head, and Steel was bathed in cosmic flames! But to his surprise, he wasn't being burned! In fact, he stood in his super soldier form! Not to mention he had a shiny new shield based on Stardust.
"You've passed your test Steel. Like me, you're willing to put your life on the line to protect your friends and loved ones. Your new shield is proof of that. It would rather break than leave you defenseless. A soul like yours is as strong as your namesake. Maybe even stronger. Farewell." Stardust returned to the monster world in a swirl of stars. Soon, Steel's friends came through a portal.
"Looks like I'm not the only one who pulled a boss weapon.", Steel said with a smile under his helmet.
"I guess that makes all of us 50% more awesome!", Rainbow Dash boasted. "Nice new shield BTW."
"Thanks. Now let's find the rest of our friends." A portal to the next zone opened and the rangers went through.
"Nnnnh.", Rarity mumbled as she woke up. "Well, this is certainly the most uncomfortable bed I've ever slept in. Though I suppose I should be thankful that whoever owns this place was kind enough to lend me a bed."
"I apologize if you did not have a restful slumber.", Master Diamond said. "I broke the last bed because I forgot to take off my armor."
"Quite alright darling.", Rarity said with a smile. "You're quite the gracious host. But, might I ask what I'm doing here?"
"For the moment, you are confined to this zone. As am I."
"Is there any way to get out of this 'zone'?", Rarity asked hopefully.
"There is. But I'm afraid the cost is quite high."
"Diamond. If there's something I can do to help free you, I'll gladly help."
Master Diamond sighed. "It requires you to give up an item of great sentimental value." Rarity was silent. The only item that covered that criteria, was the necklace Inferno gave to her. It was more than just a lovely piece of jewelry. It was the representation of how she lit his heart ablaze, and how he had given his heart to her. But could she really be that selfish? Was her happiness really more important than helping Master Diamond? Rarity sighed as she came to her decision.
"Here Diamond. My darling Inferno gave me this necklace as a sign of his love for me. It's my greatest treasure, but if it can send you home I gladly give it up. Please. Take it." Rarity had a sad smile as she handed Master Diamond the necklace. Soon, she heard sniffling coming from Master Diamond.
"M-my lady...I must apologize for my deception! It was all a test! And you have passed flawlessly! I-I'm so proud!" Master Diamond wiped away the tears spilling from his faceplate slits. "And it is now my honor to bestow this weapon upon you." Master Diamond reached for his sword and handed it over to Rarity. "Don't worry. I can always forge another. Use it well. Farewell my lady!" Master Diamond vanished in a flash of light. Rarity smiled as she sheathed the new blade she had received.
"Thank you darling. I'm sure I can teach that ruffian Tirek a thing or two with this new sword." Soon, a portal opened and Rarity saw her friends and Inferno come through. "Ah, there you all are! Inferno darling, do you like my newest accessory?"
"You make something that heavy look so graceful. But then again, you can make anything work.", Inferno said with a grin under his helmet.
"Ever the charmer.", Rarity said with a smile as she morphed. "Now let's head to the next portal!" It soon opened up. "Oh. Well that's convenient."
Celestia had found herself in a pure white area. There was nothing else she could see, and the whole place seemed illuminated. "At least I'm not stuck in the dark.", Celestia said with a small smile. "It is quite calming."
"And yet you willingly share the man you love with a creature of the dark.", Splendid Venus said coldly.
"Is that a problem?", Celestia asked.
"Creatures like this Nightmare cannot change. All those that hide in the dark are vile! They have no right to exist, and must be eliminated!"
Celestia frowned upon hearing Venus's word. "Then how can you claim to be a being of light with a dark heart like yours?"
"If you would defend her, then you shall be destroyed as well." Venus then readied her staff and got into a fighting stance. Celestia morphed and summoned her sword.
"Maybe living in pure light's blinded you.", Celestia replied as Splendid Venus charged at her! Celestia blocked Venus's attack and crossed weapons with her! "Just because someone has dark powers doesn't make them evil! Moon is proof of that! Everyone has the potential for great good or evil no matter where their power comes from!" Venus was stunned long enough for Celestia to get in a few strikes with her sword! "But I guess concepts like forgiveness and love are new to you.", Celestia said with a smirk under her helmet. Venus said nothing as she sent a blast of light flying at Celestia!
"You forgive her? After what she tried to do? Her past? How can you do that so easily?!", Venus demanded.
"Because I know people with troubled pasts. And if I can't give them another chance..." Celestia then powered up her sword and unleashed a devastating slash on Splendid Venus! "...then I'm no better than how they would have acted in their past!" Splendid Venus soon burst apart in a flash of light! When the light died down, a new weapon for Celestia stood in her place. "And even now, I forgive you for your own actions and misguided views." An even grander saber than her usual one levitated towards her, and Venus's voice came out of nowhere.
"You have proven that forgiveness is truly more powerful than vengeance. This saber has chosen wisely." Celestia looked up and saw one of Splendid Venus's feathers fell from the sky.
"Thank you. I'll use it well." A portal opened, and the other rangers stepped through.
"Principal Celestia! Are you alright?", Sunset asked.
"I'm fine Sunset." Celestia then looked to her new weapon. "In fact, I think I'll be doing better than ever." A new portal soon opened up. "And I believe we should get going now. We still have two friends who have yet to pass their trials."
Nightmare woke up and found herself in a place of pure darkness. There was nothing visible she could see except the blackness that surrounded her. "Great. Now I'm reminded of staring into space back on the moon. The last thing I wanted to remember." Soon, Nightmare heard someone sniffling. "I guess I'm not alone. Maybe I can find out how both of us got stuck here." Nightmare then saw a shape in the distance. A lone figure that was distinguishable from the void that surrounded both it and her. As she got close, Nightmare could clearly make out the figure. It was Burst, but as a little kid. 'Nice to see a familiar face again.', Nightmare though with a smile. "There, there Burst. It'll all be alright. I'm here now." Young Burst ceased his sniffling, and looked up at Nightmare. And he jumped back in fear! He was trembling! "Burst? What's wrong?"
"Leave me alone!", Young Burst screamed as Nightmare tried to comfort him.
"Burst, calm down! You're acting like you've seen a..." Nightmare froze as she came to realization. Burst was scared of her. "monster." Nightmare backed away, and let Young Burst calm down.
"Y-you're not gonna hurt me?"
Nightmare shook her head. "No Burst. I could never do that. If I ever did, I couldn't forgive myself." Nightmare then sat down. "You can come closer. I don't bite." Young Burst inched closer to Nightmare. "See? Am I really that scary now?" Young Burst shook his head.
"No. I'm sorry. I was just scared. I'm in a strange place, and I meet someone I don't know." Nightmare then wrapped her arms around Young Burst.
"Maybe. But no one can blame you for being scared. I know it's scary. Being alone in the dark. But you're not alone anymore right?", Nightmare asked with a smile. Young Burst gave her a small smile and hugged her tightly. "Feeling better now?"
"Yeah...", Young Burst said as he held onto Nightmare tightly. "This place feels safe with you here." However, both soon heard laughter coming from the darkness. Soon, a monster then walked out of the darkness.
"How touching.", Yubel said with a smirk. "The nightmare thinks she can give him sweet dreams."
"Burst. Stay here.", Nightmare said as she got into her morphing stance only to find she had no morpher! "I might not have my morpher, but I've still got magic! If you want to hurt Burst, you'll have to go through me!" Nightmare then flared her magic! Yubel just laughed at her.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Why do you bother to try and hide what you are?", Yubel said with a cruel smile as she gripped Nightmare by her shirt. "All you've ever left in your wake was pain, fear and sorrow! YOU were the reason Luna was separated from Celestia for a thousand years!" Nightmare froze as Yubel ran off the list of her past mistakes. Taking notice of Nightmare's shock, Yubel fired off a blast that brought Nightmare to her knees! "Why deny it? No one will ever accept you! All you'll ever know is the fear and hate of everyone around you!"
"Leave her alone!", Young Burst cried as he charged blindly at Yubel!
"How foolish.", Yubel said with a frown as she shot a blast of magic that knocked Young Burst to the ground! "Now, where were w-?" Yubel was cut-off by a blast of Nightmare's magic! Her hair had become ethereal, and her wings had sprouted!
"That was a bad move.", Nightmare said angrily. "Maybe my past is less than ideal. And you know what? I'm glad it all happened! Maybe I needed that to happen to me. Why? Because it let me meet Burst! He made me feel accepted and happy!" Nightmare then fired blast after blast, and Yubel was helpless against the barrage! "For the first time I met someone who wasn't afraid of me! First, it was nothing but infatuation. I'll admit, I even wanted him to join me and bring eternal night to this world. But he showed me that just because I made something a certain way, if I forced everyone to see the way I did, it wouldn't make anyone love me. He showed me my mistakes, and he helped me make up for the past with the present! So go ahead! List off every little thing I've done! I'm glad they happened because then I wouldn't be where I am now! Without my mistakes, I'd never have met the best thing to happen to me." Nightmare then ceased her assault and stared at Yubel. "And I suppose I should thank you for reminding me just how wonderful he really is, and how lucky I am." Yubel was silent for a minute, and then she started giggling. "What's so funny?"
"You did it! You passed your test! You've let go of your past, and made a happy present for yourself. And how fortunate you are to have someone like Burst. Here's a little something for your troubles." A bright azure light shot through the darkness from above, and a sword descended into Nightmare's hands and she also found that she had morphed. "It's called the Star Saber. Fits nicely with your whole night theme doesn't it? See ya!" Yubel vanished in a swirl of darkness.
"It was nice to meet you.", Young Burst said as he faded. Nightmare smiled as a portal opened up and the other rangers stepped through.
"Moon! Looks like you made it too!", Sunset said happily.
"And it seems you've gotten a brand new weapon like the rest of us.", Celestia said with a smile under her helmet.
"Thank you. All of you. But we're one head short." A new portal soon opened. "And I'll give you all one guess to where this next portal leads..."
The rangers had arrived at the next zone, a temple that seemed dedicated to the Blue Eyes White Dragon, and saw Burst lying unconscious on the floor! "Huh. For once we all get to watch the action. Let's see if we can wake him up to start whatever trial he has to face.", Inferno said with a shrug. But as he stepped towards Burst, something blocked his way! "What the heck?" Inferno then felt around and his hands seemed to hit against an invisible barrier. "Great. The final trial and we can't even pitch in!"
"We can still wake Burst up by banging on the barrier at least.", Steel said with a shrug as he and Inferno banged on the barrier! And as expected, the noise woke Burst from his slumber. Burst woke up and groaned as he stretched.
"Man that was uncomfortable!", Burst groaned as he got to his feet. "Oh hey guys. Did you level up while I was in sleep mode?"
"I appreciate the video game jokes Burst, but I'm pretty sure you've got better things to do.", Inferno said with a chuckle.
"And that would be?"
"Each of us got a sweet upgrade or weapon by clearing a trial specific to each of us and a specific monster we had to face.. You're the only one left."
"That's nice. So who am I up against?" A huge shadow loomed over Burst, and he turned around to meet what had eclipsed him. It was one of the most powerful forms of Blue Eyes White Dragon. Blue Eyes Chaos MAX Dragon.
"That would be me.", Chaos MAX replied. "There is a new weapon waiting for you in this temple. However, there is only one way to obtain it. You must slay me." Burst froze when he heard Chaos MAX's words.
"...Come again?"
"You will only be worthy of the weapon when you have bested me in battle. Only then will you be able to claim it. Now...defend yourself!" A sword soon materialized in Burst's hands, and Chaos MAX lunged at him! Burst rolled out of the way barely dodging Chaos MAX's claws! "Hmph. Like a coward you avoid this battle. Face me!" Chaos MAX then prepared to slash at Burst with his claws!
"I won't fight you!", Burst cried as he raised his sword and blocked Chaos MAX's claws!
"Because you know you can't win?!" Chaos MAX then fired his breath attack! Burst leapt to the side just in time! "Or are you just afraid? I don't know why one of our lineage ever decided to bond with you!" Burst was still for a moment as he gathered his mind, and broke then silence as his gaze hardened.
"I'm not dodging your attacks because I'm afraid. I know I can't beat you in raw power. The fact is, I don't want to fight at all."
"And why is that?", Chaos MAX asked.
"Easy. I don't want whatever weapon you've got tucked away. Especially if it means I have to destroy someone just to get it. I'm happy just being a ranger. The upgrades were just bonuses.", Burst said with a smile. Everyone was silent as Chaos MAX leaned down to Burst's level. Chaos MAX then let out a booming laugh!
"HAHAHAHAHA! Well done Burst! Well done! You've passed the last trial!"
"Sweet! So how did I pass anyway?"
"You were willing to put the welfare of others before yourself. One of the creeds of the Blue Eyes is to use our power to protect others."
"With great power comes great responsibility. Right?", Burst asked. Chaos MAX nodded.
"Yup. And here's a little something for passing your trial. I think you'll like it.", Chaos MAX said with a grin. In a flash of light, Burst stood in his absolute ranger form. But when he looked at his left arm, he found a new arm cannon in place of the standard armor as well as the Neutron Blaster from his Blue Eyes Ultimate form mounted on his shoulders. "The Chaos MAX Cannon. Use it well." Chaos MAX then faded away and a new portal opened leading to Tirek's lair.
"Let's finish this.", Burst said as he and the rangers stepped through the portal.
The rangers stepped through the last portal and into Tirek's lair. "Man this place gives me the creeps.", Ace said as he took in the atmosphere of Tirek's lair. "This guy must have subscribed to Better Lairs and Fortresses."
"Ditto.", Ice said. "Even your moon fortress wasn't this sinister Moon."
"Tell me about it. All that's missing is a trophy wall mounting armor of his destroyed foes.", Nightmare said.
"Keep your guard up guys. We don't know what to expect...", Burst said as he got into a defensive stance. Soon, they heard laughter coming from all around.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA! SO THE FOOLS HAVE COME TO MEET THEIR DESTRUCTION?", Tirek's voice boomed from all around. "I'm impressed you made it past those monsters I summoned. A pity that they had ties to you. But they have served their purpose."
"Why don't you come out and face us ya big wimp?!", Rainbow Dash shouted. Tirek let out a low chuckle as he stepped out of the shadows. The rangers were in shock to see that he had a new monstrous form. He looked like a centaur straight out of a mythology book, an had large horns. "On second thought, you might wanna stay in the dark!"
"The monsters you faced were distractions. They kept you occupied long enough for me to regain and enhance my strength! AND NOW'S THE PERFECT TIME TO CUT LOOSE WITH IT!"
"Scatter!", Burst cried as Tirek brought his fists down! "Oh man! He wasn't kidding!" Burst had noticed the crater left behind by the impact of Tirek's fists! "Try to take him out from long range!"
"Got it!", Inferno shouted as he fired multiple blasts from his new sword! "Hot enough for you Tirek?" Tirek howled in pain as the blasts hit his back! He lunged at Inferno only for Inferno to jump up and slash at his left arm! Meanwhile, Ace snuck around to Tirek's back and prepared to get in a few quick strikes with his saber, but Tirek pulled off a powerful buck that sent him flying into one of the walls! Tirek sent a blast of magic from between his horns that hit Inferno dead-on! He then made his way over to Ace and picked Ace up by one of his legs!
"You have great magical power. With it, I shall become even more powerful!" Tirek opened his mouth and attempted to drain Ace's magic! Ace then remembered the Magi-grenade launcher DMG had given him!
"Eat this!" Ace fired a magi-grenade right into Tirek's face! The explosion made Tirek holler in pain!
"GAH! IT BURNS!" Tirek grasped his face while Ice and Shadow ran to Ace's side!
"You mess with one of brother, you mess with all of them!", Ice said proudly! "Nova cannons! Fire!" Ice charged up the twin cannons on his shoulders and fired a mighty blast of flame that singed Tirek! "Care to follow this up Shadow?"
"You know it! Numeron Cannon! Fire!" A golden blast of energy shot from Shadow's new arm cannon and struck Tirek full force! "Care to do the honors Ice?" Ice nodded as he charged his sword with energy and charged at Tirek!
"NOVA SLASH!", Ice screamed as he slashed across Tirek's chest! The force of the attack was so great that the scar Burst had made reappeared! "Looks like you're not as all-powerful as you thought if we're giving you this much trouble!" Tirek scowled as he slammed the ground with his arms and sent out a shockwave! The rangers struggled to regain their footing! Rainbow leapt into the air and activated her new hyper mode! She dive-bombed Tirek and knocked him back, stunning him! While he was still stunned, Rainbow sped towards him and cut off one of his horns! Tirek growled in annoyance as Rainbow Dash landed! In his rage he sent a ball of flame flying right at Rainbow! But Steel jumped in front of her and raised his new shield! The shield emitted a bright blue light as it created a barrier that snuffed out the fireball! Steel then got in a shield bash right in Tirek's gut! Leaving the villain momentarily winded!
"We can't let up now! Lets go Sunset!", Gold said.
"Right!" The two of them dashed towards Tirek and charged up their sabers! Once they got close, they released powerful rising strikes that created a flaming tornado of energy! "Rising Phoenix Slash!", the two of them shouted!
Tirek wailed in pain from the force of the attack! He was about to fire a blast of magic when rarity slashed at his side with her new saber!
"Take that you ruffian!" Tirek was about to send her flying with his fist, but Inferno scooped her up just in time!
"Looks like no one taught him manners.", Inferno joked as he landed.
"Then it looks like Moon and I should teach him a lesson.", Celestia said as she and Moon readied their sabers. The two of them charged at Tirek and channeled energy into their sabers! They leapt into the air, and executed graceful strikes at Tirek! Hitting him dead-on!
"Eclipse Slash!", the two of them shouted as they executed the move! Tirek was furious! He was about to grab both of them when..
"CHAOS MAX CANNON!" Tirek was sent flying from a blast of chaos energy! Burst stepped forward, smoke trailing from his new arm cannon. "You made the biggest mistake of your life Tirek!" Burst then charged his arm cannon again while the neutron blasters on his shoulders charged up as well! "Chaos Neutron Blast!" Tirek's eyes went wide as he saw the blast heading his way! He tried to block it, but his defenses were broken from the sheer force of the blast! "Now's our chance! Everyone! Hit him together!" Burst and the other rangers began to charge up their attacks!
"I've had enough of you insects!", Tirek snarled as he charged up his most devastating blast! "PREPARE FOR OBLIVION!" Tirek fired the spell before the rangers could fully charge their attacks! Steel raised his shield to black the attack, but the force of the spell was so strong that it broke! The rangers were pushed back and were struck by the force and energy of the spell! The damage was so severe that it caused the rangers to power down and forced them to the ground! But through it all, the rangers caught sight of an unbelievable sight! Burst had powered down, but he was still standing! Tirek's hatred then exploded! "I should have guessed it would come to this. You share the same blood as him. And those cursed eyes! I'll never forget them! LET THIS BE OUR FINAL BATTLE!"
"TIREK!", Burst screamed as he and Tirek charged at each other! The two grappled! Each of them fighting to push the other back! However, Tirek was horrified to see that Burst was starting to overpower him!
"How...how can you be stronger than me?!", Tirek demanded! "You're nothing without your ranger powers!"
"Because you have no power of your own!", Burst replied. "You also fight for no one but yourself! Thinking only of furthering your own power! But those who seek power...are eventually consumed by it!" Tirek stared in horror as his strength began to fade and he was reverting to the state Burst had left him in during their first encounter! "Me? I'm beating you because I fight for the people I love! And I'm never alone! I'm stronger because of my friends! LET ME SHOW YOU JUST HOW STRONG OUR FRIENDSHIP IS!" Burst was then surrounded by a blue aura! Tirek was so shocked that he released Burst! Suddenly, Blue Eyes Absolute Dragon formed from the aura that surrounded Burst! Burst then executed a devastating uppercut that hit Tirek square in the jaw! As Tirek stumbled from Burst's punch, Burst got into a stance and began to gather energy! "ABSOLUTE.....NEUTRON....." Tirek's turned his head in Burst's direction and his eyes shrank to the size of peas, and his whole body froze! "BLAAAASSST!" As Burst screamed, a rainbow colored blast of energy was launched as he thrust his hands forward!
"AAAAAAUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH!", Tirek screamed as the blast enveloped and disintegrated him! When the light died down, there was nothing left of him, and a very exhausted Burst was left standing.
"I(huff)...don't think...we'll be seeing him anytime soon.", Burst said with an exhausted smile as his friends and girlfriends went up to congratulate him. "Pinkie's going to have a field day with this party." Celestia and Nightmare giggled at hearing this.
"I'm sure we'll have to celebrate this soon.", Celestia said with a smile.
"But right now, I think we all need some rest.", Nightmare said with an exhausted smile. The rangers shared a laugh as they went through the exit portal and teleported to their homes. It was a hard fought battle, and they had earned a good rest. Until the victory party that is.
Friday. The day every student at CHS looked forward to the most. Burst and the rangers were especially excited. Once school had ended, they went to Sugar Cube Corner. Once they arrived, Pinkie surprised them all with a huge party! Everyone chatted, laughed, and had a good time. As the party went on, Scorpan approached Burst.
"You did well to defeat my brother.", Scorpan said with a smile. "You're probably even stronger than the stranger who almost freed me."
"Thanks.", Burst said with a small smile. He then looked at his friends busting a move. "And if you'll excuse me, I've got a party to get back to." The party carried on into the early evening, and came to a close. The rangers all headed home. "See you tomorrow Celestia." Burst and Celestia shared a kiss before she headed home. Burst's thoughts then turned to Tirek's reaction when he first saw him. Nightmare noticed Burst's expression.
"Burst? What's wrong?", she asked.
"Nothing Moon. It's just...Tirek said I looked a lot like a guy who nearly defeated him thirteen years ago. And...it reminded me of something."
"What is it?"
"Thirteen years ago my dad disappeared from my life. He just disappeared, and I asked my mom if it was something he did. She just cried and held me tight and told me that he had something important to do. He did leave me with this." Burst reached under his shirt, and pulled out a necklace that had Blue Eyes White Dragon on it. "She told me that as long as I wear this, I'd see him again one day. And for thirteen years I've always worn it." Nightmare pulled Burst into a tight hug. "I guess you can see where this theory is leading right? Maybe it's stupid..." Nightmare then turned Burst's head to her.
"I think it's sweet. Who knows? Maybe your dad will come back to you. But for now, let's just be happy the world is safe again."
"Yeah. You're right." Burst and Nightmare made their way to Burst's house, and got ready for bed. Burst took off his Blue Eyes necklace and placed it on his night stand. However, he failed to notice the slight blue glow it was giving off.
At the edge of Canterlot....
Aether's Blue Eyes's necklace was glowing. He closed his eyes, and focused on where the other necklace was glowing. As he opened his eyes, he smiled. "Burst. I'm coming home.", he said to himself. Soon there was a knock on his door. "Come in." A boy Burst's age with the same hair and eyes but light grey skin stepped closer.
"So this is where you sensed your real son?", the boy asked.
Aether nodded. "Yes. This is his home. Before I left him behind. Not a day goes by that I regret it. But now I'm back, and we can be a family again."
"I assume you'll introduce me too?"
"That's right. Burst should get along fine with you. Blitz Surge."