Shogun_Master
Why is every good TV show Cancelled
Power Rangers Eternal Sect
Episode IX-
BLIND TO DESTRUCTION
INT. MANOR, MAIN HALL- NIGHT
Rhett exits his room onto the balcony above the hall, stretching with a yawn. He stumbles around to the staircase, walking down it, the turning and heading down the hallway beneath the balcony.
INT. MANOR, KITCHEN- NIGHT
Rhett enters, opening the fridge and checking it with a bored sigh.
INT. MANOR, PARLOR- NIGHT
Rhett enters the dark room with a huge sandwich, leaning against the arched doorway as he begins eating. After a few bites, he happens to look out the window at his father’s private library across the garden and noticing the lights on. He looks up at a clock on the wall, which reads ‘3:00 AM.’ Rhett leans back, forgetting the sandwich, a crafty look spreading on his face.
RHETT
Dad… What are you up to?
INT. LIBRARY- NIGHT
Master Lester Malcom enters, knocking on the open sliding door as he does so.
LESTER
You wanted to see me, Takeru?
Master Takeru Shirasoto is sitting at his desk, studying a newspaper absentmindedly. He waves for Lester to come in, then folds the paper and tosses it down on the desk. Lester approaches.
LESTER
No doubt this is about the Rangers’ disobedience and behavior during the last battle?
TAKERU
Did you see the paper? The locals know absolutely nothing other than “Monster Attack- five assorted guys in jumpsuits save the dayâ€- no one is even aware of how close they came to being killed yet again!
LESTER
(Sighs)
Except you, I’m sure?
TAKERU
Our children- my son, your daughter- are out there and they don’t even care enough to respond to a battle based on what was, honestly, quite an obvious tactic to get them to dessent!
LESTER
And no doubt it would have run away again had they all shown up- it was, unfortunately, a brilliant plan on Akuryu’s part- but we got them together and reorganized them and sent them on their way before disaster struck.
TAKERU
Disaster did strike! It was only completely averted at the final hour! What happens when they get annoyed and we’re not here to point them in the right direction? The prophecy says they are to fight alone!
LESTER
The prophecy doesn’t apply any more- forgive my bluntness, but things have changed, Master Shirasoto!
Takeru leans back in his chair, holding his impatience back.
TAKERU
I know… but I’m having trouble sleeping over all of this- what I’m trying to say is… they’re practically useless alone. What happens when Akuryu decides to… I don’t know, pick them off one by one?
LESTER
He’s tried that once and failed, you know.
TAKERU
Right, Gryppr- and how amazingly our Rangers fought that time!
LESTER
Then I guess you know the logical choice?
TAKERU
(Nods)
We have to train them to be able to stand alone… But there are so many other obstacles, it isn’t even funny.
LESTER
It’s a start.
TAKERU
They aren’t used to fighting as a team… we need them to be warriors, not children playing games.
LESTER
Agreed… Can I go back to bed now, or aren’t you done ranting?
TAKERU
Oh! Sorry, yes. Good night, Master.
LESTER
Good night.
Lester exits. Master Takeru’s attention is drawn back to the newspaper on his desk. “Five masked heroes foil destruction yet again in Rio Serena.â€
EXT. MANOR, GARDEN- NIGHT
Lester exits the library, heading back to the manor. Rhett watches him, crouched down in the shadows by the library, his face drawn in anger at every word.
EXT. MANOR, GARDEN- DAWN
The Rangers are gathered up in the training circle, in their training gear with their Solstice Blades. Most are still trying to shake the effects of interrupted sleep. Tobias has practically fallen asleep on his feet as the completely awake Rhett marches past the line, whacking him in the knee with his weapon. Tobias jumps awake, but his legs nearly give out and he stumbles. Dusk catches him and sets him back on his feet.
RHETT
Ok, does everyone understand the exercise?
He stops in front of Paige, who is staring off into space. He snaps his fingers in her face, bringing her back to reality.
PAIGE
Huh?
(Yawns)
I’m sorry, what?
RHETT
Do you understand what we are doing?
PAIGE
Hide in the garden and nearly kill each other when we’re extremely surprised by seeing someone just as we’re falling back asleep?
Rhett stares at her blankly, trying to think up a clever comment.
RHETT
… Close…
ART
Yeah, I’m sorry, man, but… even I’m lost- why are we doing this again?
RHETT
We have to stay on our toes! Akuryu could attack at any moment and we have to be ready, got it?
DUSK
But… doesn’t he attack on, like, almost a weekly basis?
Tobias, Art & Paige animatedly enter the discussion, Rhett sighs loudly, turning back to them. He creates a fireball, tossing it to the grounds causing the sand kicked up by the blast to crystallize into glass with a loud snap, making everyone jump.
RHETT
Ok, new tactic- I’m team leader, do as I say- NOW!
The team begins heading off to their positions, compliant, but complaining loudly at Rhett’s brutishness. Rhett stops Paige.
RHETT
Wait- I’ve got an idea.
He whispers in her ear.
PAIGE
What!
RHETT
It’ll make it harder to tell if anyone is coming, and it’ll keep us awake.
PAIGE
I did not wake up at five in the morning to get drenched!
RHETT
For once, can you just do as I say- please!
Paige grunts irritable, walking a few steps away, yelling back.
PAIGE
Fine- at least if I end up killing you, it’ll look like an accident!
Paige pulls out the Attack Frame Dragon, placing it on her Solstice Blade and spinning it until pink & Blue energy surround the blade. She points it up, sending a ball of power into the sky that explodes, becoming a huge storm cloud which begins raining heavily on them. Rhett gives her a thumbs up, but suddenly jumps in surprise, becoming indignant.
RHETT
Hey- I am team leader, here- you can’t disrespect me like that!
The storm suddenly turns to hail, just around Rhett, who, as soon as he realizes it, ducks for cover.
RHETT (Con’t)
But I’ll let it slide this time!
Art goes up a tree, waiting for the opportune moment. Paige goes over by the library, waiting for someone else to walk by as she leans back under the roof. Dusk goes into the bulrushes by the coy pond. Rhett stands by the training circle, waiting. Tobias heads behind the bushes, going in a circle around the area. Everyone continues to wait, becoming bored. Tobias continues on, moving quickly and quietly as possible. Suddenly, he looks up, seeing a crouched figure in the rain ahead.
TOBIAS
Hey!
The figure looks up. Seeing Tobias racing towards them, they turn and make a run for it. Tobias chases them. Rhett heads down the path. As he goes under a tree, Art jumps down on him and they engage in a sword fight. Tobias runs out of the bushes between the library and rock garden, stopping when he realizes that the person he saw is gone. Paige suddenly jumps out, taking him by surprise and disarms him, throwing him onto his back. Dusk runs out of the rushes to help Tobias.
DUSK
What are you doing!
PAIGE
Hey, don’t blame me! It was lion-boy who suggested this whole thing!
The two begin arguing over Tobias, who eventually recovers and becomes tired of them. He begins yelling until they stop.
TOBIAS
Will you two shut up!
Tobias gets up, with Dusk’s help.
TOBIAS
I’m fine. I’ll be ok.
PAIGE
That was a really stupid thing to do, just running out here like that.
TOBIAS
I guess. I should have seen that trap earlier-
PAIGE
Well, I wouldn’t call it a trap.
TOBIAS
-I mean, I should know by now that you wouldn’t let me see you out here unless it was deliberate.
Paige suddenly stops, turning to him with a confused look.
PAIGE
What are you blabbering on about, Toby?
TOBIAS
In the bushes? I saw you, you ran, I came out here and you took me out from around the building once I’d lost-
PAIGE
Wait, wait, wait, wait… what? I was nowhere near you until you came out here. I’ve been standing right there the whole time.
Tobias waits a moment.
TOBIAS
I thought we were all supposed to keep moving until we find each other?
PAIGE
No, we’re just supposed to take each other out. The whole point is avoiding each other directly.
TOBIAS
Really?
Both Paige and Dusk nods to him.
TOBIAS
Ok, now I’m confused… and I’ve been playing the game wrong…
PAIGE
So am I. Dusk was it you?
DUSK
No.
PAIGE
So, then it was-
TOBIAS
No, it was a woman- I’m sure of that.
As Rhett & Art’s battle moves them over to the other three, Paige, deep in thought, grabs them both, separating them and addressing them.
RHETT
Hey! I was winning!
ART JR
Says you, man!
PAIGE
Hold up you two. Toby, here, says there was a strange woman in the garden.
RHETT
What? When?
TOBIAS
Well, just now. I chased her over here, Paige attacked me, then she vanished.
Rhett looks concerned.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, BASEMENT- DAY
Everyone is gathered in the room. Takeru enters.
TAKERU
I’ve checked everything personally. No one is here.
RHETT
So, was it Yameneko, or…
TAKERU
No, it wasn’t her. If it was anyone, they weren’t here to harm us, otherwise an alarm would have gone off.
TOBIAS
Well, then who was it?
TAKERU
Well, that’s just the problem. As far as I can tell, no one was here.
TOBIAS
Someone was here.
TAKERU
If anyone was here, I would have known about it. Only someone with Haburial power could have come in here without anyone knowing, and since we’re the only one’s who have it-
TOBIAS
Wait… what?
TAKERU
Only someone with haburial power could have-
Tobias suddenly jumps up, racing for the lift. Everyone jumps up to follow him, but the grate slides closed before they can intercept him.
RHETT
Tobias? Where are you going?
TOBIAS
I have to see something for myself!
DUSK
But-
TOBIAS
I’ll be fine! Don’t worry!
The lift begins moving up, leaving the other rangers, the masters & Desmond standing at the grate, staring up at the quickly ascending figure above, shouting angrily at him, until the box moves beyond their view.
EXT- SHIRASOTO MANOR, GARDEN- DAY
Tobias races around, finding the spot where he saw the woman. There are clear bootprints on the ground.
TOBIAS
Mom…
Tobias follows the prints in the direction she ran and finally ends up along the garden wall beyond where he lost sight of her. He leans against the wall, panting heavily. The others are calling to him from somewhere nearby. He turns his head a little, suddenly seeing, right next to him, dirt scraped off a boot on the top of the wall, next to a deep crack. Tobias climbs up and over the wall, only to find no tracks on the other side. He climbs back over, frustrated, and, this time, notices the crack. Putting things together in his mind, he suddenly becomes very angry. The others finally spot him walking purposefully up the garden path to the manor and race to meet him.
DUSK
Tobias, what the-
TOBIAS
Not now!
Tobias forces his way past everyone.
PAIGE
What the ruddy… is wrong with you!
Tobias ignores them.
RHETT
Tobias!
ART JR
Come back, man! We want to help!
TOBIAS
It’s not your fight!
DUSK
No one said anything about a fight!
TOBIAS
Correction: The fight that’s about to happen is not going to be yours!
They all share looks. Tobias takes the advantage of the distraction and pulls out his morpher, transforming into the green Ranger. He races inside and uses his Eternal Pike to block the door shut, then uses his Caligraph Cell to write the Mojikara for travel, which teleports him away. Everyone is knocking angrily at the door. A moment later, his pike evaporates away as well and the door bursts open, everyone falling inside, and staring around wildly for Tobias.
DUSK
Where is he?
PAIGE
Like I know?
DUSK
We have to find him! We have to help-
Takeru places a hand on her shoulder.
TAKERU
Don’t worry. Have patience, Dusk… We will.
INT.- RYUJI CAVERN- DAY
Yameneko enters the room, bowing down before the dais where Akuryu presides.
AKURYU
Did you bring it?
YAMENEKO
Yes, milord.
Yameneko pulls out a small, faded, yellow scroll from her belt, showing it to Akuryu.
YAMENEKO
This spell will link two lives together. While one lives, the other cannot die.
AKURYU
And you’re sure it works?
YAMENEKO
Milord, you know it’s been done before.
Akuryu chuckles to himself.
AKURYU
So true. Alright then! Bring in the Ayukashi!
The Ryuji part as two Ayukashi stroll into the room, one appearing as a draconic creature with a large eye on it’s chest, the other a small, compact knight with a shield shaped like an eye. They bow before Akuryu.
AKURYU
Yameneko… perform the spell on them.
Yameneko stands, turning to them. She opens the scroll, but then turns back to Akuryu.
YAMENEKO
You know… this spell will only work once- then it’s lost forever.
AKURYU
Sounds valuable…
Suddenly, tendrils shoot out of the cloud and wrap around Yameneko, causing her obvious pain. Akuryu’s yells shake the room.
AKURYU
Perform the spell… NOW!
He pulls the tendrils back. Yameneko takes a moment to calm herself before reading the spell, her voice rising into a terrified squeak. The mojikara on the page turn to smoke and drift over to the two Ayukashi, swirling around and between them, binding their souls together. Akuryu chuckles in satisfaction.
AKURYU
Try to stop this one, Rangers.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Art Sr. and Jr. typing rapidly on his computers while the others stand or sit around. Takeru is pacing back and forth behind them.
ART SR.
Absolutely… no ranger signatures whatsoever within Rio Serena city limits.
TAKERU
Then expand the search, I want to find him.
ART JR.
That’ll take a minute.
TAKERU
Then stop wasting time talking!
The two type on the computers a little more. Finally, a grid pops up, showing the entire globe. The search comes up empty. Art Sr. sighs, turning around in his chair to face the others.
ART SR.
Nothing.
DUSK
Then where is he?
ART JR.
Either not on this planet- and he’s not that bad at Mojikara spells- or he’s in another dimension… which also seems unlikely-
RHETT
Or he’s somewhere that’s shielded from our grid. The Ryuji Cavern.
TAKERU
How could he have gone there? We don’t even know where it is!
DUSK
Maybe he… I don’t know, just thought Ryuji Cavern and assumed he’d end up where he wanted to go? He could be anywhere!
ART JR.
Admittedly, they could have spells over their cavern to toss anyone who tries to teleport in some random dimension.
He looks over the others.
ART JR.
We may never find him.
Dawn jumps out of her chair, crying.
DUSK
Well, we have to try! We can’t just sit here, waiting for-
Suddenly, an alarm goes off on the computer. They turn as the screens bring up an image of Seer Ayukashi attacking the city and Blindness Ayukashi attacking locals in a park.
PAIGE
What is it?
ART JR.
Not good. Looks like we’ve got two Ayukashi in separate locations. They’re also… transferring energy back and forth- that’s odd.
Art begins typing into the computer, but Paige grabs him by the shoulder.
PAIGE
I’m not going to pretend that I know what you’re doing, but we seriously don’t have time for this!
ART SR.
She’s right. Don’t worry, Rangers, get to your duties. I’ll finish the analysis and get back to you with whatever I find. Just keep them distracted until we know what we’re dealing with.
Art Jr. sighs, slowly standing and joining Rhett and Paige. Dusk seems unsure of what to do.
DUSK
But… Tobias… we-
RHETT
Dusk, I care about him too, but we have more immediate issues right now. Ok?
Dusk seems mortified, but brings herself under control and nods, joining the others. Takeru looks up.
TAKERU
Rhett?
Rhett spins around, chuckling sourly.
RHETT
We really don’t have the time to discuss this, do we?
Takeru eyes him oddly, but finally caves.
TAKERU
You’re right. Go to it.
Rhett joins the others as they get into the lift and head for the garage.
EXT. RIO SERENA, DESERTED STREET- DAY
The door in the Cliffside opens and the Samu-rover speeds out with fully morphed Red and Yellow Rangers inside. The Kami Stormer is right behind it, with Blue and Pink riding. The Kami Stormer pulls up alongside the Samu-rover.
RHETT
Art! You and Paige go after that… Gnome thing in the park! Dusk and I will take out the dragon!
ART JR.
Your wish is my command, oh glorified leader!
Art Jr. gives Rhett a thumbs up and speeds up, extending the wings, much to Paige’s dismay, who begins protesting loudly as it takes off.
INT. KENG’S HUT- DAY
Keng is meditating, in full armor, in the center of his hut. He springs up and begins showing off his skill with his sword and martial arts. There is a knock and he spins around.
STRANGER
The elders told me I could find you here.
Keng is surprised by what he sees.
KENG
What are you doing here? Is something wrong?
The stranger turns out to be Tobias, who walks in and eyes Keng seriously.
TOBIAS
I need to ask you a favor.
EXT. RIO SERENA, OBSERVATION POINT- DAY
At a fenced in, clifftop platform, Blindness Ayukashi is destroying random things with a contingent of Ryuji.
BLINDNESS
Yes! Fear me humans! Ha-hah!
Blindness grabs a random woman, spinning her around to look directly into his face.
BLINDNESS
You’ll do! Now, look into my eyes.
When their eyes lock, red energy flows out of Blindness’ eyes and hits the woman in the eyes. Rhett suddenly appears, leaping at Blindness with his Solstice Blade.
RHETT
Let her go, Freak!
Rhett’s attack hits the monster, making him seem to loose his focus. He lets the woman go and Rhett ushers her behind him.
RHETT
Are you ok?
WOMAN
I… I can’t see!
RHETT
A monster that… steals… sight? Wow, Akuryu is really starting to run out of ideas.
Dusk catches up to him, slashing her way through the Ryuji with her Solstice Blade and Eternal Star. Blindness gets up and immediately summons the energy form of the woman’s sight, firing it off into the distance.
DUSK
What’s up?
RHETT
Get this woman out of here- the monster, kinda… made her blind.
DUSK
What? Why?
RHETT
Like I know. I’m about to find out though! Hey! Ayukashi!
Blindness turns to face him.
BLINDNESS
Well, you caught me in a blind spot! But that won’t happen again!
RHETT
Why are you making people blind? That’s… completely pointless!
BLINDNESS
You’re the superhero! Figure it out!
RHETT
I’ll figure something out- Eternal Leonid! Duel Mode!
Rhett pulls out his shape, uniting it with his Solstice Blade to form the Eternal Leonid, then splits it into two swords and charges the Ayukashi. Dusk battles to keep herself between the Ryuji and the blind woman, who is completely hysterical at her sudden blindness and the battle going on around her.
EXT. RIO SERENA PRESERVE, PARK- DAY
Seer Ayukashi is kneeling in the center of a small grove of trees. He holds out his shield, which opens into a giant eye with lashes surrounding it. Blindness’ red energy floats in from the sky and is absorbed into the shield.
SEER
Yeah! More energy! I guess Blindness is having a field day, wherever he is!
ART JR.
Ayukashi!
Seer looks up at the voice as the Blue and Pink Rangers come up behind him. He grabs his shield, standing and turning to them.
SEER
Ooh! Two Rangers, pretty as you like! But you’re attacking the wrong guy.
PAIGE
What’s that supposed to mean?
ART JR.
Most likely just trying to distract us. Come on!
Art Jr. and Paige charge Seer and double team him, one high and one low, with their Solstice Blades but are unable to land a blow on him. He uses his shield to throw them back, then opens it and blasts them with the energy. They sit up a bit, having been hurt by the energy.
PAIGE
Any more bright ideas, cowboy?
ART JR.
Yeah. A few.
Art Jr. whistles and the Kami Stormer drives up. He uses it to climb to his feet, then jumps on.
SEER
Oh no you don’t! Ryuji!
Ryuji appear in the clearing with a flash of red light and charge them. Art Jr. offers a hand and helps Paige to her feet.
ART JR.
I go high, you go low?
PAIGE
Whatever. Just try not to hit me with that thing.
Paige rushes into battle. Art Jr. activates flight mode and takes off, circling the battlefield and firing blasts into the Ryuji while Paige rushes through, slashing at the disoriented Ryuji and flipping to avoid close blasts.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Takeru paces back and forth while Art Sr. works on the analysis on the computers.
TAKERU
Anything yet?
ART SR.
You know, just give it a chance to come naturally and-
The lift door suddenly opens and Lydia enters with a Kuroko warrior. Takeru turns to face her.
TAKERU
What is it?
LYDIA
We got a message from Keng involving our missing Ranger.
TAKERU
And?
KUROKO
He came to our camp just a few hours ago wanting to see Lord Keng. He was… he wanted to know… er-
TAKERU
Spit it out!
KUROKO
He was looking for the location of the Ryuji Cavern.
Takeru’s eyes go wide.
TAKERU
Where is he now?
EXT. CAVE- DAY
Tobias walks slowly across the beach towards a large sea cave, the ground covered in an unnatural mist. Yameneko appears as he draws closer.
YAMENEKO
Did you think you could just walk right up to our front door unnoticed, Ranger?
Yameneko activates her arm blade. Tobias pulls out his Caligraph Cell, squeezing it in his fist.
TOBIAS
What did you and your master do to my mother?
YAMENEKO
Your mother? Ah, yes, the long lost Mistress of the Chiaki Clan. What makes you think I had anything to do with that?
TOBIAS
You’re Akuryu’s toady- you know something! ANSWER ME!
Yameneko wags a finger at him as she circles.
YAMENEKO
Tsk tsk. Temper, temper. That’s not very… Samurai-esque, now is it?
TOBIAS
What do you know?
Yameneko eyes him intently for a moment before going into a battle stance.
YAMENEKO
That there are worse things to fear in the world than Akuryu.
Tobias suddenly notices that his back is to the cave and Yameneko is blocking his only escape. He morphs with an angry yell as Ryuji appear from the cave and rush him from behind. Yameneko charges in head on from the front.
TOBIAS
Eternal Pike!
Tobias activates his Eternal Pike and spins around, slashing at several Ryuji before bringing it back up to block Yameneko’s slash.
TOBIAS
You’re going to pay for what you did!
YAMENEKO
I assure you had nothing to do with it! You shouldn’t have come here, Green Ranger. For that… you will die!
Yameneko throws him back into the Ryuji. He begins trying desperately to throw them off while Yameneko watches, prepared for the possibility that he might escape, but smiling smugly at his futile efforts.
EXT. RIO SERENA, OBSERVATION POINT- DAY
Rhett continues battling Blindness, who is panting and trying to avoid the duel blades swinging at it. Dusk is barely able to handle the Ryuji, who are swarming her, the woman is still screaming loudly behind her. Dusk drops to a knee and pulls out her collapsed Eternal Star.
DUSK
Lady, would you give it a rest, already? Eternal Star, activate!
Her Eternal Star glows and folds out. She attaches Attack Frame Lemur to it and throws it off into the crowd of Ryuji, taking several out. Dusk continues battling with her Solstice Blade as she waits for her other weapon to return.
DUSK
Rhett! A little help!
Rhett is holding Blindness at the cliff’s edge with his Leonids. He turns at Dusk’s cry.
RHETT
Dusk! Jump high!
Dusk runs up a Ryuji and leaps into the air as Rhett throws one of his Leonids through the Ryuji, narrowly missing the blind woman, and taking out most of them before slamming point first through the concrete on the other side of the square. Dusk grabs her Star out of the air and, as she lands, slashes the remaining Ryuji away with her weapons, turning to the woman.
DUSK
Are you ok?
WOMAN
No! I can’t see! What happened?
DUSK
Just relax! Take a deep breath everything’s going to be fine! Ok?
The woman nods, trying not to hyperventilate. Blindness throws Rhett back, who folds his remaining Leonid into Framefire Mode. He opens his belt and six glowing orbs fly out, spawning into Attack Frames and loading themselves into the Leonid.
BLINDNESS
Now, wait, wait- can’t we talk about this?
RHETT
You’re a monster trying to blow up the city- goodbye!
Rhett blasts the Ayukashi, who collapses, energy sparking from it as it falls.
RHETT
There, that was a nice chat, wasn’t it?
Blindness laughs weakly.
BLINDNESS
Ranger… you have no idea who you’re messing with! I’m coming for you next!
Blindness falls over, laughing, and explodes. Rhett walks across the square, retrieving his other sword from the concrete. Dusk leaves the woman’s side, running over to him.
DUSK
What do you think that was about?
RHETT
I don’t know, but get ready. This guy should be growing in a minute or so.
EXT. RIO SERENA PRESERVE, PARK- DAY
Paige and Art are still using the same tactic from before. Seer finally enters the battle himself.
SEER
I’ve had enough of this! Goodbye, Pinky!
Seer blasts Paige with his shield and she flies back, demorphing as she lands near a cliff edge. Disoriented, she accidentally rolls off, and just barely grabs the edge as she yells in fright. Art sees her.
ART JR
Paige! No! Oh, that is it, Ayukashi! Fire!
Art focuses all of his firepower on Seer, blasting him back. He lands, getting up, but then grabs his head and falls to him knees.
SEER
What! But how… We’ll finish this later, Rangers!
Seer runs into the treeline, disappearing in a red flash. His remaining Ryuji follow. Art leaps off his Kami Stormer in midair, landing in the cliff edge. Paige looses her grip and begins falling, but Art grabs her hand at the last second. She looks up in surprise.
PAIGE
Art?
ART JR
Who’d you expect, Tommy Oliver?
Art pulls her up. Paige seems lost for words for a moment.
PAIGE
…Thanks.
ART JR
Don’t mention it… you are my friend, after all- it’d be, kind of, un-friend-like to leave you hanging there.
PAIGE
So… where’d the bug go?
ART JR
I have no clue, but I think this is our chance to check up on Rhett and Dusk. Come on.
Art takes off and Paige nods dumbly and follows, hugging herself.
EXT. RIO SERENA, OBSERVATION POINT- DAY
Rhett and Dusk are still waiting for Blindness to grow.
RHETT
Aaaany minute now… just wait for it.
Dusk sighs irritably and demorphs.
DUSK
Rhett, we’ve been standing here for-
Dusk checks her Caligraph Cell for the time
DUSK (cont’d)
-fifteen minutes now. I don’t think anything is happening.
RHETT
Just wait, it’s coming- I know it is!
DUSK
Whatever.
Dusk begins walking back to the car. Rhett turns to her, demorphing.
RHETT
Oh come on! I bet, as soon as we get in that car and start heading back, he’s going to do it! I know he is- he always does it!
Dusk’s Caligraph cell rings and she answers it.
DUSK
Yeah?
LESTER (OS)
I just wanted you to be the first to know, honey, but we’ve found Tobias.
DUSK
What? Where is he?
LESTER (OS)
Uh… you’d better get back here- get the others too- and be quick about it!
Dusk hangs up and turns to Rhett.
DUSK
They found Tobias! Come on!
Dusk races toward the car. Rhett is momentarily stunned, but follows as quickly as possible.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
Tobias is being held by the Ryuji as Yameneko paces casually before him. Tobias keeps fighting, but he can’t throw them off.
YAMENEKO
Well, well, well… what am I to do with you, Green Ranger?
TOBIAS
You tell me what you did to my mother, you monster!
Yameneko signals with an idle wave of her hand and one of the Ryuji slaps Tobias hard.
YAMENEKO
I had nothing to do with the ones who killed your parents- and you wouldn’t like the meet the ones who did.
TOBIAS
What are you talking about?
YAMENEKO
You think it’s all coincidence? Akuryu returns, but the prophecy is invalidated? The Rangers unite, but are oh so ineffective as a team? The Pink Ranger’s father left… your parents are killed before they can carry the family legacy on to you? You have no idea what my master is capable of… no clue what he’s planning!
TOBIAS
You’re lying! Paige never said anything about her father, and she-
YAMENEKO
Why don’t you ask her about her trust issues!
TOBIAS
If there was some big plan… why would you tell me about it?
YAMENEKO
Because… there’s nothing you can do to stop it… my master will win… and I’ll be free!
Tobias eyes her defiantly.
TOBIAS
You might want to rethink that theory.
Tobias yells as roots and vines fly out of the ground around him, throwing the Ryuji and Yameneko back. Tobias stands, pulling out his Caligraph Cell and draws a spell in the air that causes the roots and vines to tie Yameneko up before she can stand. Tobias then pulls out his Solstice Blade and holds it at her throat.
TOBIAS
Tell me what you did! Tell me what’s going on, or I end it now!
YAMENEKO
Alright! Alright, I’ll tell you, just-
Suddenly, a blast from behind sends Tobias flying and causes him to demorph. Seer walks over and uses sparks of energy to cut away the vines holding Yameneko down. She springs up and joins him, the Ryuji regrouping behind the two as they advance on Tobias, who is rolling on the ground, unable to get up, in the shallows.
YAMENEKO
Actually, I think I will rethink that… I’ll let you ask them yourself, Ranger!
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Rhett, Dusk, Art Jr. and Paige burst through the lift doors into the Workshop to find the masters, the Kuroko warrior and Desmond standing by.
DUSK
Where is he?
KUROKO
He came to Lord Keng, an hour ago, asking about the entrance to the Ryuji Cavern. Keng wasn’t going to tell him, but… there was a reason that our Lord agreed with, and-
PAIGE
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. You guys knew the whole time where their base was- and you never told us!
KUROKO
You did not ask- besides, it is too dangerous.
DUSK
Then why did you let him go there alone?
KUROKO
There was a reason. Keng did not tell me, just to get you four immediately and send you there before it’s to late.
DESMOND
I still don’t get it, what exactly did he need to know?
PAIGE
Stay out of this, brat!
KUROKO
Keng said there was something he needed to learn, but he would not last long without the others. He also wanted you to know that a scroll has gone missing from our libraries.
TAKERU
What scroll! You never said anything about that!
KUROKO
Sorry, I was preoccupied. The problem is that… this scroll, is a spell. One for binding lives together, so one may not die while the other lives.
TAKERU
What!
RHETT
So that’s why he didn’t grow… but that means… Paige, Art did you take out your target?
ART JR
Naw, he got away.
RHETT
Oh great. See, Dusk, I told you we shouldn’t have left-
DUSK
And what about Tobias?
TAKERU
Enough!
Everyone turns to Takeru.
TAKERU
The lull in the battle has given us an opportunity, we need to go after Tobias, now. Master Caspian and I will watch for the Ayukashis’ return, but for now, don’t worry about it. You need to help Tobias, now!
Everyone nods. The Kuroko man approaches the team, motioning them to follow him into the testing room.
KUROKO
If you would, follow me. The spell is all set up, all you guys need to do is activate it.
The Rangers stand in a circle around a glowing white spell form on the floor, and join hands. They each close their eyes and call forth their own Haburial energies to activate the spell. The white light expands and consumes them and they teleport away with a flash.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
Tobias struggles to his feet as Yameneko and Seer approach him, but can barely stand. Seer grabs him by the collar and throws him back. The Ryuji fan out, cutting off his escape. Tobias stands up again and a few Ryuji rush him with swords. He tries to fight them off, but is too weak and they easily beat him down. Yameneko and Seer step aside to reveal Ryuji archers behind them.
YAMENEKO
Archers, fire!
Tobias struggles to get out of the way, but arrows hit and explode around him, throwing him again. He tries to get up again, but collapses. A blue-cloaked figure in a rice-farmer’s hat watches from atop the cliff.
CLOAKED FIGURE
No… come on, Tobias!
Tobias faints straight out and falls face first in the sand. Yameneko chuckles and begins walking toward him.
YAMENEKO
Now, to finish you off.
CLOAKED FIGURE
NOOOOOOO!
The Cloaked figure pulls out a kitana and dives off the cliff, powering through the Ryuji and knocking Yameneko and Seer back with a blast of green energy.
EXT. FOREST- DAY
The Rangers arrive in a flash of light.
RHETT
So, where is this place?
Dusk looks up at the sounds of fighting in the distance.
DUSK
I’d say that direction! Come on!
The Rangers race to the rescue.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
Yameneko gets to her feet to see all her Ryuji down and the blue-cloaked figure standing firmly between Tobias and her.
YAMENEKO
I don’t know who you are, but I’d step aside if I were you!
The figure, instead of speaking does some quick martial arts moves to show off her prowess.
YAMENEKO
Fine.
Yameneko creates a ball of energy and fires it at the figure, who knocks it aside with her kitana. The figure begins advancing on Yameneko when she hears the Rangers shouting in the distance. She smiles to herself. Yameneko rushes to meet the woman, but as she arrives, the woman teleports away, causing her to fall flat on her face. Yameneko jumps up and spins around wildly, looking for he woman.
YAMENEKO
Where is she! What kind of coward are you!
The Rangers come running around the cliff, just as Seer climbs to his feet. They see Tobias and run to his aid. Yameneko backs up, regrouping with Seer. Dusk drops down, shaking Tobias.
DUSK
Tobias? Tobias, wake up!
She slaps him and he groans.
TOBIAS
Dusk? What’re you doing here?
DUSK
Saving you, again.
TOBIAS
Crap.
DUSK
What?
TOBIAS
How many times do I owe you now?
DUSK
It doesn’t matter, I’ll just let you make up for it like this.
TOBIAS
Like, how-
Dusk kisses him, surprising the heck out of Tobias, who snaps fully awake, but is soon absorbed into the kiss.
PAIGE
Yeah, great, Hon, you got him up, can we fight now?
Dusk breaks away, clearing her throat and helps Tobias to his feet, who nearly collapses.
DUSK
You ok?
TOBIAS
Not really.
DUSK
Can you fight?
TOBIAS
I think I can manage it, yeah.
YAMENEKO
Great. Seer, I’ll handle the big guy, you take care of the color-coded pests.
SEER
But, I-
YAMENEKO
Just do it!
Yameneko rushes back into the cave entrance and teleports in a red flash. Tobias and Dusk join Rhett, Art and Paige and all five pull out their Caligraph Cells, preparing to Morph.
SEER
Alright then, let’s finish what we started.
TOBIAS
Yeah, lets. Ready?
OTHER FOUR
Ready!
ALL FIVE
Haburi, Unite!
The Rangers draw their symbols in the air and all five morph.
RHETT
Legend of the Eternal Fires, Red Lion Ranger!
ART JR
Legend of the Eternal Seas, Blue Dragon Ranger!
TOBIAS
Legend of the Eternal Forests, Green Ursa Ranger!
DUSK
Legend of the Highest Mountain, Yellow Lemur Ranger!
PAIGE
Legend of the Dawn Horizon, Pink Turtle Ranger!
ALL FIVE
Warriors of the Kagirinai, Saviors of the Earth! Power Rangers Eternal Sect!
The Rangers pose with their weapons and an explosion issues behind them.
SEER
Come on, then! Let’s finish this quick!
RHETT
No problem! Rangers?
The Rangers free their Solstice Blades and charge into battle.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Art Sr is typing furiously on his computer, which shows energy scans of the two Ayukashi.
ART SR
Dahah! That’s it!
Takeru, pacing in the background, rushes over.
TAKERU
What is?
ART SR
Apparently, these monsters were designed to take and use people’s sight as an energy source. Every time one made someone go blind, he transferred part of the energy to the other one, Seer.
TAKERU
How many people did they get to before the Rangers destroyed the one.
ART SR
According to the readings… about seven or eight… not many… but, because of that spell, the Rangers have to destroy the other one to revert everything back to-
Sensors go off and a screen pops up, showing energy gathering toward the point where Blindness was destroyed.
ART SR
-That can’t be good.
They also see the blind woman from before slumped down on a bench.
TAKERU
They completely forgot about her, didn’t they?
ART SR
Look, we need to get both the monsters together in the same place to make sure they’re both destroyed-
TAKERU
Don’t tell me, tell the Rangers.
ART SR
Right.
Art Sr. types a bit more into his computer.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
The Rangers are ganging up on Seer, Tobias and Dusk are taking him low from the front, Art Jr. and Paige are punishing him from each side. Rhett jumps up high from the back and slashes downward with a yell, his Blade glowing with red energy. Seer, trying to evade Tobias and Dusk, jumps up, right into it and goes flying across the beach, stumbling to his feet.
SEER
Please! I surrender! No- no more!
RHETT
I don’t think so!
The Rangers attach Attack Frames to their Sabers and prepare to attack when Art Sr. comes on Rhett’s comlink.
ART SR. (OS)
Rangers!
RHETT
Master Caspian?
ART SR (OS)
Listen to me, the other one has come back. Don’t destroy Seer there, we have no idea if we can take out Blindness before he comes back too. You need to teleport him back to the original battle site and destroy them both together, you think you can do that?
RHETT
Right!
Before the Rangers can charge Seer, Rhett steps in front of them with his Caligraph Cell.
RHETT
Wait, guys! New plan!
Rhett draws a Mojikara spell on the ground, then turns to the Rangers.
RHETT
We have to take him back to the city- just get him on that, but don’t destroy him yet!
PAIGE
What! Why?
RHETT
Paige, don’t question me! I’m the-
Seer chuckles to himself and fires a blast at them. Dusk activates her Eternal Star and runs between Rhett and Paige.
DUSK
Watch out!
Dusk throws the Star and, when it meets the Blast it freezes, spinning in midair, blocking it, but as Seer keeps it up, it slowly begins moving backward.
PAIGE
See what happens! I say we destroy it now, before it does worse!
RHETT
The other one’s come back, we have to get it to the city and destroy them both, while we have the chance. Otherwise, they’ll keep respawning, and we’ll have to keep fighting them over, and over, and over- are you up for that?
PAIGE
Ugh! Ok, fine, you made your point. Could have told me about the other one sooner!
She brings her sword up, prepared to charge Seer.
RHETT
Anyone else have any authority issues? No! Then hurry up!
DUSK, TOBIAS & ART
Right!
Art, Paige, Tobias & Dusk rush Seer, Paige and Tobias slashing with their Pike and Fan to completely negate the blast. Dusk runs past a second later, grabbing her Star.
DUSK
Thanks, guys!
TOBIAS
Uh… no problem, I think!
PAIGE
Come on, the sooner we finish this, the sooner I can take a nice relaxing bath!
Tobias and Paige join the others in attacking Seer. Art distracts it while Dusk runs behind him. As he turns to face her, she throws her Star at his feet and he jumps back to avoid it.
ART JR
My turn, boy!
Art Jr. fires blast after blast at his feet with his Ballista, causing Seer to jump back several more steps.
INT. RYUJI CAVERN- DAY
Yameneko approaches Akuryu, bowing to him.
YAMENEKO
My master, I-
AKURYU
Enough! You almost blew everything we built- everything we’ve worked for- on that Green Ranger!
YAMENEKO
But I-
AKURYU
Silence! Do you have any idea what’s going on up there? Do you!
YAMENEKO
Seer is distracting the-
AKURYU
The Rangers are about to destroy everything! Because you left him there, our entire plan is about to FAIL!
YAMENEKO
I had no idea! I will go back with a contingent of Ryuji, we will-
AKURYU
No! I’ll finish this myself!
Akuryu extends shadows tendrils toward the ceiling. Yameneko watches, excitedly.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
Rhett is waiting for the others.
RHETT
Come on, guys!
Art finishes his attack as Tobias and Paige spin past him on each side.
TOBIAS
My turn!
Before Tobias can do anything, however, the ground cracks open beneath Seer’s feet and shadowy tendrils wrap around him.
AKURYU
Playtime’s over, Rangers! You won’t stop me that easily!
TOBIAS
No!
Tobias places his Attack Frame Ursa on his Eternal Pike and stabs it into the ground. Vines spring up and, just as Akuryu begins dragging Seer into the earth, the vines spring out and wrap up Seer as well, halting his descent. Akuryu screams insanely Tobias struggles with all his might to hold it.
TOBIAS
Agh! Someone… do something! Quick!
PAIGE
Here’s something!
Paige places Attack Frame Lion on her Solstice Blade and spins it.
PAIGE
Meteor Shower!
Paige jumps into the air and points the blade at the hole. Fireballs shoot from the sword and hit Akuryu, causing him to loosen his grip. The vines spring back suddenly, tossing Seer into the air. Paige lands, using her Eternal Fan to create wind that sends Seer flying onto the spell.
RHETT
Ok, everyone, hurry! Get over here!
As more of Akuryu’s tendrils shoot out of the hole, Tobias pulls out his Caligraph cell, drawing a spell in the air, causing all the vines to reorganize into a bridge over the hole.
TOBIAS
Come on!
The Rangers run for it. Akuryu screams in fury and begins trying to rip it apart. Dusk, Paige and Art make it, just as Akuryu succeeds in destroying the bridge. Tobias then draws another spell, freezing him and freezing a large piece of the bridge into a ramp form.
DUSK
That won’t hold him for long, Tobias, hurry!
Tobias runs up it and jumps just as Akuryu breaks the spell with a yell and narrowly misses grabbing Tobias by the leg. Tobias lands by the others, and Seer, with a roll.
TOBIAS
Do it! Now!
Rhett activates the spell and everyone disappears in a flash of light as Akuryu’s tendrils descend upon them. He screams in frustration and returns into the hole, sealing it after himself.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Takeru is pacing, running his hands through his hair as Art Sr. cheers.
TAKERU
That was way too close!
ART SR.
But, they survived to fight another day. That’s a victory in my book!
TAKERU
Yes, but they still have another one to finish. Let’s wait until that one’s over before we begin to celebrate, ok?
Art looks at him oddly for a minute, then spins his chair back to the computer, shaking his head, and brings up the window of Blindness, just as a white flash signals the arrival of the Rangers and Seer. Seer lands on his face next to Blindness.
BLINDNESS
Seer? What are you doing here? The plan was to remain apart at all-
RHETT
Plans have changed!
The Rangers appear a few feet away, landing on their feet and posing as a team. Rhett forms his Eternal Leonid.
RHETT
Now, we’ll try this again- and this time, stay down!
BLINDNESS
Seer! Get up, you fool!
SEER
The plan’s ruined anyway! Take my power! Avenge me!
Seer evaporates and the energy swirls around and is absorbed into Blindness, causing him to grow.
RHETT
See, I told you he would grow! They always grow!
RANGERS
Guardian Zords, arise!
ANIMATION: Five flashes of energy fly from the countryside and pass through each Ranger, the Zords, in geo form, flying out of the Rangers and folding out into the Guardian Zords. The Rangers jump into their cockpits.
RANGERS
Eternal Megazord, activate!
The Zords combine into the Eternal Megazord, which pulls out it’s sword and shield and faces the remaining Ayukashi. Blindness shoots a laser from his mouth, and the Megazord tries to block it with their shield, but the arm holding the shield begins shaking badly and the whole Megazord begins sliding backwards.
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
RHETT
This isn’t going to hold for long!
PAIGE
Yeah, we know! Now, unless you’ve got an idea, keep your mouth shut!
RHETT
Not really… but I wish this guy would keep his shut!
TOBIAS
Uh, guys…
Everyone turns to him as he pulls out the Attack Frame Hercules.
TOBIAS
I got one.
Tobias places it on his Solstice Blade and spins it.
EXT. RIO SERENA- DAY
The Megazord’s arm flies up in the air and the shield goes flying. The Blast flies over the Megazord’s shoulder and into the distance.
BLINDNESS
Now, you’re mine!
Blindness begins advancing, but the Megazord crosses it’s arms over it’s chest and pumps them out to it’s sides. An orange circle of energy expands around the Megazord, knocking Blindness back. The Megazord looks up and the circle of energy around it flies up into the air and spawns the Hercules Guardian, which lands in front of it. Blindness rolls out of the way and climbs to his feet. The Hercules Guardian charges it with it’s horns spinning and hits Blindness, knocking him down again.
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
TOBIAS
Hercules Guardian, combine!
RANGERS
Eternal Armor Megazord, activate!
Hercules Guardian combines with the Eternal Megazord to form the Eternal Armor Megazord, then poses, swinging it’s sword around dangerously.
BLINDNESS
That won’t make any difference, Rangers! You’ve never fought two Ayukashi in one, before!
The Megazord runs at Blindness, slashing at him repeatedly with the sword.
BLINDNESS
Ah! No, how is this happening!
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
RHETT
Sorry but your friend wasn’t exactly at full power when you absorbed him. Too bad, I guess! Now let’s finish this!
The Rangers pump their swords forward.
TOBIAS
Hercules blast!
EXT. RIO SERNA- DAY
The Megazord’s helmet closes and the horns begins spinning with energy sparking between them, forming an orange ball of power. Blindness holds up his hands to stop them.
BLINDNESS
No, don’t! There’s no need for that, now!
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
RHETT
Huh, I guess he absorbed his friend’s cowardice too! Ready, Tobias?
Tobias looks up, orange words and symbols flashing across the inside of his visor.
TOBIAS
Almost at full power guys… ok, fire!
The Rangers pump their swords forward again.
EXT. RIO SERENA- DAY
The Megazord fires the blast at Blindness, destroying him in a fiery explosion.
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
The Rangers yell excitedly, slap each other on the back and high five as they congratulate each other and celebrate their victory.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
The Masters are all celebrating likewise. Desmond, at the edge of the party eyes them oddly and walks away, writing in his notepad.
EXT. SHIRASOTO MANOR- DAY
The Rangers walk back up to the door, still excited about their victory. Quinn comes running up the road.
QUINN
Wow, guys! That was amazing! I just saw the news!
RHETT
Aren’t you supposed to be at your classes?
QUINN
Ah, they cancelled after the first monster attack, so I thought I’d just stay in and watch a movie! Like I said, though- great job! Oh, Rhett, while I’m free, could you help me with that move I was having trouble with.
RHETT
Yeah, sure, but the master’s will probably want a debrief first, so-
QUINN
Oh! Fine, I’ll just wait for now!
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, PARLOR- DAY
Dusk and Tobias are talking and relaxing. Art Jr. is snoring loudly in an armchair.
DUSK
So… did you, uh… find what you were looking for?
TOBIAS
No, actually, I didn’t.
DUSK
Dead end then? You did all that for nothing?
TOBIAS
Not exactly… I’ll tell you about it later.
Tobias gets up and walks for the door. Dusk jumps up and begins to follow, but he puts a hand on her shoulder.
TOBIAS
Um, there’s something I need to do real quick.
DUSK
I’m not exactly sure it’s such a great idea to let you out of my sight for the moment.
TOBIAS
It’s fine. I’m not even leaving the Manor, I just… I’ll be back in a minute.
DUSK
Great. Hey, two out of three on Beast Wars when you get back?
TOBIAS
You’re on!
Tobias walks out and Dusk sighs, rolling her eyes and goes to set up the game.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, GREAT HALL- DAY
Tobias walks out just as Paige comes out of her room, toweling her hair dry.
TOBIAS
Hey, Paige… there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.
PAIGE
Yeah, yeah, you’re spells are awesome. Thank you for saving the day, rookie. Blah, blah, blah.
TOBIAS
I’m serious.
Paige sighs in frustration as she descends the stairs.
PAIGE
Fine… ask away.
TOBIAS
What exactly… happened to your father?
Paige’s eyes go wide and she walks right past him.
PAIGE
Question time’s over!
TOBIAS
Paige!
PAIGE
Shut up and go away!
TOBIAS
This is serious! I need to know the answer!
Paige stops, turning to him angrily.
PAIGE
And why exactly is that?
TOBIAS
Before you guys arrived, I was able to get a bit out of Yameneko… but I’m not sure I believe her. What she said about you is the only thing I can actually verify right now, so…
Paige looks unsure for a moment.
TOBIAS
Come on… for the sake of the team.
PAIGE
For the sake of the team? My dad left when I was a kid. Desmond was only four- I was six. Happy?
Before Tobias can ask anything else, Paige turns and stalks away.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, LIBRARY- DAY
Rhett enters to find Takeru sitting alone.
RHETT
You wanted to talk to me?
TAKERU
Yes… congratulations on that victory of yours.
RHETT
Yeah, well… we’re a team and all that.
Rhett turns to leave.
TAKERU
Wait.
Rhett stops, turning back to him.
TAKERU
I know you were outside my office last night. And I know what you overheard.
RHETT
Then you know why I’m pissed?
TAKERU
Rhett-
RHETT
Me and the other four are the only ones out there who have even the slightest chance to stop this- you’d think the people who got us into this mess would root for us every once in a while!
TAKERU
And I do! But you and the others have to learn what it means to be a team! You can’t just go running off at whatever whim strikes your fancy! You guys never work together and you almost never think ahead! The least I could ask for is that those in charge of protecting the Earth would at least care about protecting themselves!
RHETT
Well… you wanted a team of Rangers… you got a team. I’ve got things to do- call me if a monster attacks.
Rhett leaves, leaving a worried looking Takeru behind.
EXT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, GARDENS- DAY
Quinn catches Rhett as he comes out of the library.
QUINN
What was that about?
RHETT
Ask me later. So, about that move…
Rhett and Quinn go off to practice.
FADE TO BLACK…
Episode IX-
BLIND TO DESTRUCTION
INT. MANOR, MAIN HALL- NIGHT
Rhett exits his room onto the balcony above the hall, stretching with a yawn. He stumbles around to the staircase, walking down it, the turning and heading down the hallway beneath the balcony.
INT. MANOR, KITCHEN- NIGHT
Rhett enters, opening the fridge and checking it with a bored sigh.
INT. MANOR, PARLOR- NIGHT
Rhett enters the dark room with a huge sandwich, leaning against the arched doorway as he begins eating. After a few bites, he happens to look out the window at his father’s private library across the garden and noticing the lights on. He looks up at a clock on the wall, which reads ‘3:00 AM.’ Rhett leans back, forgetting the sandwich, a crafty look spreading on his face.
RHETT
Dad… What are you up to?
INT. LIBRARY- NIGHT
Master Lester Malcom enters, knocking on the open sliding door as he does so.
LESTER
You wanted to see me, Takeru?
Master Takeru Shirasoto is sitting at his desk, studying a newspaper absentmindedly. He waves for Lester to come in, then folds the paper and tosses it down on the desk. Lester approaches.
LESTER
No doubt this is about the Rangers’ disobedience and behavior during the last battle?
TAKERU
Did you see the paper? The locals know absolutely nothing other than “Monster Attack- five assorted guys in jumpsuits save the dayâ€- no one is even aware of how close they came to being killed yet again!
LESTER
(Sighs)
Except you, I’m sure?
TAKERU
Our children- my son, your daughter- are out there and they don’t even care enough to respond to a battle based on what was, honestly, quite an obvious tactic to get them to dessent!
LESTER
And no doubt it would have run away again had they all shown up- it was, unfortunately, a brilliant plan on Akuryu’s part- but we got them together and reorganized them and sent them on their way before disaster struck.
TAKERU
Disaster did strike! It was only completely averted at the final hour! What happens when they get annoyed and we’re not here to point them in the right direction? The prophecy says they are to fight alone!
LESTER
The prophecy doesn’t apply any more- forgive my bluntness, but things have changed, Master Shirasoto!
Takeru leans back in his chair, holding his impatience back.
TAKERU
I know… but I’m having trouble sleeping over all of this- what I’m trying to say is… they’re practically useless alone. What happens when Akuryu decides to… I don’t know, pick them off one by one?
LESTER
He’s tried that once and failed, you know.
TAKERU
Right, Gryppr- and how amazingly our Rangers fought that time!
LESTER
Then I guess you know the logical choice?
TAKERU
(Nods)
We have to train them to be able to stand alone… But there are so many other obstacles, it isn’t even funny.
LESTER
It’s a start.
TAKERU
They aren’t used to fighting as a team… we need them to be warriors, not children playing games.
LESTER
Agreed… Can I go back to bed now, or aren’t you done ranting?
TAKERU
Oh! Sorry, yes. Good night, Master.
LESTER
Good night.
Lester exits. Master Takeru’s attention is drawn back to the newspaper on his desk. “Five masked heroes foil destruction yet again in Rio Serena.â€
EXT. MANOR, GARDEN- NIGHT
Lester exits the library, heading back to the manor. Rhett watches him, crouched down in the shadows by the library, his face drawn in anger at every word.
EXT. MANOR, GARDEN- DAWN
The Rangers are gathered up in the training circle, in their training gear with their Solstice Blades. Most are still trying to shake the effects of interrupted sleep. Tobias has practically fallen asleep on his feet as the completely awake Rhett marches past the line, whacking him in the knee with his weapon. Tobias jumps awake, but his legs nearly give out and he stumbles. Dusk catches him and sets him back on his feet.
RHETT
Ok, does everyone understand the exercise?
He stops in front of Paige, who is staring off into space. He snaps his fingers in her face, bringing her back to reality.
PAIGE
Huh?
(Yawns)
I’m sorry, what?
RHETT
Do you understand what we are doing?
PAIGE
Hide in the garden and nearly kill each other when we’re extremely surprised by seeing someone just as we’re falling back asleep?
Rhett stares at her blankly, trying to think up a clever comment.
RHETT
… Close…
ART
Yeah, I’m sorry, man, but… even I’m lost- why are we doing this again?
RHETT
We have to stay on our toes! Akuryu could attack at any moment and we have to be ready, got it?
DUSK
But… doesn’t he attack on, like, almost a weekly basis?
Tobias, Art & Paige animatedly enter the discussion, Rhett sighs loudly, turning back to them. He creates a fireball, tossing it to the grounds causing the sand kicked up by the blast to crystallize into glass with a loud snap, making everyone jump.
RHETT
Ok, new tactic- I’m team leader, do as I say- NOW!
The team begins heading off to their positions, compliant, but complaining loudly at Rhett’s brutishness. Rhett stops Paige.
RHETT
Wait- I’ve got an idea.
He whispers in her ear.
PAIGE
What!
RHETT
It’ll make it harder to tell if anyone is coming, and it’ll keep us awake.
PAIGE
I did not wake up at five in the morning to get drenched!
RHETT
For once, can you just do as I say- please!
Paige grunts irritable, walking a few steps away, yelling back.
PAIGE
Fine- at least if I end up killing you, it’ll look like an accident!
Paige pulls out the Attack Frame Dragon, placing it on her Solstice Blade and spinning it until pink & Blue energy surround the blade. She points it up, sending a ball of power into the sky that explodes, becoming a huge storm cloud which begins raining heavily on them. Rhett gives her a thumbs up, but suddenly jumps in surprise, becoming indignant.
RHETT
Hey- I am team leader, here- you can’t disrespect me like that!
The storm suddenly turns to hail, just around Rhett, who, as soon as he realizes it, ducks for cover.
RHETT (Con’t)
But I’ll let it slide this time!
Art goes up a tree, waiting for the opportune moment. Paige goes over by the library, waiting for someone else to walk by as she leans back under the roof. Dusk goes into the bulrushes by the coy pond. Rhett stands by the training circle, waiting. Tobias heads behind the bushes, going in a circle around the area. Everyone continues to wait, becoming bored. Tobias continues on, moving quickly and quietly as possible. Suddenly, he looks up, seeing a crouched figure in the rain ahead.
TOBIAS
Hey!
The figure looks up. Seeing Tobias racing towards them, they turn and make a run for it. Tobias chases them. Rhett heads down the path. As he goes under a tree, Art jumps down on him and they engage in a sword fight. Tobias runs out of the bushes between the library and rock garden, stopping when he realizes that the person he saw is gone. Paige suddenly jumps out, taking him by surprise and disarms him, throwing him onto his back. Dusk runs out of the rushes to help Tobias.
DUSK
What are you doing!
PAIGE
Hey, don’t blame me! It was lion-boy who suggested this whole thing!
The two begin arguing over Tobias, who eventually recovers and becomes tired of them. He begins yelling until they stop.
TOBIAS
Will you two shut up!
Tobias gets up, with Dusk’s help.
TOBIAS
I’m fine. I’ll be ok.
PAIGE
That was a really stupid thing to do, just running out here like that.
TOBIAS
I guess. I should have seen that trap earlier-
PAIGE
Well, I wouldn’t call it a trap.
TOBIAS
-I mean, I should know by now that you wouldn’t let me see you out here unless it was deliberate.
Paige suddenly stops, turning to him with a confused look.
PAIGE
What are you blabbering on about, Toby?
TOBIAS
In the bushes? I saw you, you ran, I came out here and you took me out from around the building once I’d lost-
PAIGE
Wait, wait, wait, wait… what? I was nowhere near you until you came out here. I’ve been standing right there the whole time.
Tobias waits a moment.
TOBIAS
I thought we were all supposed to keep moving until we find each other?
PAIGE
No, we’re just supposed to take each other out. The whole point is avoiding each other directly.
TOBIAS
Really?
Both Paige and Dusk nods to him.
TOBIAS
Ok, now I’m confused… and I’ve been playing the game wrong…
PAIGE
So am I. Dusk was it you?
DUSK
No.
PAIGE
So, then it was-
TOBIAS
No, it was a woman- I’m sure of that.
As Rhett & Art’s battle moves them over to the other three, Paige, deep in thought, grabs them both, separating them and addressing them.
RHETT
Hey! I was winning!
ART JR
Says you, man!
PAIGE
Hold up you two. Toby, here, says there was a strange woman in the garden.
RHETT
What? When?
TOBIAS
Well, just now. I chased her over here, Paige attacked me, then she vanished.
Rhett looks concerned.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, BASEMENT- DAY
Everyone is gathered in the room. Takeru enters.
TAKERU
I’ve checked everything personally. No one is here.
RHETT
So, was it Yameneko, or…
TAKERU
No, it wasn’t her. If it was anyone, they weren’t here to harm us, otherwise an alarm would have gone off.
TOBIAS
Well, then who was it?
TAKERU
Well, that’s just the problem. As far as I can tell, no one was here.
TOBIAS
Someone was here.
TAKERU
If anyone was here, I would have known about it. Only someone with Haburial power could have come in here without anyone knowing, and since we’re the only one’s who have it-
TOBIAS
Wait… what?
TAKERU
Only someone with haburial power could have-
Tobias suddenly jumps up, racing for the lift. Everyone jumps up to follow him, but the grate slides closed before they can intercept him.
RHETT
Tobias? Where are you going?
TOBIAS
I have to see something for myself!
DUSK
But-
TOBIAS
I’ll be fine! Don’t worry!
The lift begins moving up, leaving the other rangers, the masters & Desmond standing at the grate, staring up at the quickly ascending figure above, shouting angrily at him, until the box moves beyond their view.
EXT- SHIRASOTO MANOR, GARDEN- DAY
Tobias races around, finding the spot where he saw the woman. There are clear bootprints on the ground.
TOBIAS
Mom…
Tobias follows the prints in the direction she ran and finally ends up along the garden wall beyond where he lost sight of her. He leans against the wall, panting heavily. The others are calling to him from somewhere nearby. He turns his head a little, suddenly seeing, right next to him, dirt scraped off a boot on the top of the wall, next to a deep crack. Tobias climbs up and over the wall, only to find no tracks on the other side. He climbs back over, frustrated, and, this time, notices the crack. Putting things together in his mind, he suddenly becomes very angry. The others finally spot him walking purposefully up the garden path to the manor and race to meet him.
DUSK
Tobias, what the-
TOBIAS
Not now!
Tobias forces his way past everyone.
PAIGE
What the ruddy… is wrong with you!
Tobias ignores them.
RHETT
Tobias!
ART JR
Come back, man! We want to help!
TOBIAS
It’s not your fight!
DUSK
No one said anything about a fight!
TOBIAS
Correction: The fight that’s about to happen is not going to be yours!
They all share looks. Tobias takes the advantage of the distraction and pulls out his morpher, transforming into the green Ranger. He races inside and uses his Eternal Pike to block the door shut, then uses his Caligraph Cell to write the Mojikara for travel, which teleports him away. Everyone is knocking angrily at the door. A moment later, his pike evaporates away as well and the door bursts open, everyone falling inside, and staring around wildly for Tobias.
DUSK
Where is he?
PAIGE
Like I know?
DUSK
We have to find him! We have to help-
Takeru places a hand on her shoulder.
TAKERU
Don’t worry. Have patience, Dusk… We will.
INT.- RYUJI CAVERN- DAY
Yameneko enters the room, bowing down before the dais where Akuryu presides.
AKURYU
Did you bring it?
YAMENEKO
Yes, milord.
Yameneko pulls out a small, faded, yellow scroll from her belt, showing it to Akuryu.
YAMENEKO
This spell will link two lives together. While one lives, the other cannot die.
AKURYU
And you’re sure it works?
YAMENEKO
Milord, you know it’s been done before.
Akuryu chuckles to himself.
AKURYU
So true. Alright then! Bring in the Ayukashi!
The Ryuji part as two Ayukashi stroll into the room, one appearing as a draconic creature with a large eye on it’s chest, the other a small, compact knight with a shield shaped like an eye. They bow before Akuryu.
AKURYU
Yameneko… perform the spell on them.
Yameneko stands, turning to them. She opens the scroll, but then turns back to Akuryu.
YAMENEKO
You know… this spell will only work once- then it’s lost forever.
AKURYU
Sounds valuable…
Suddenly, tendrils shoot out of the cloud and wrap around Yameneko, causing her obvious pain. Akuryu’s yells shake the room.
AKURYU
Perform the spell… NOW!
He pulls the tendrils back. Yameneko takes a moment to calm herself before reading the spell, her voice rising into a terrified squeak. The mojikara on the page turn to smoke and drift over to the two Ayukashi, swirling around and between them, binding their souls together. Akuryu chuckles in satisfaction.
AKURYU
Try to stop this one, Rangers.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Art Sr. and Jr. typing rapidly on his computers while the others stand or sit around. Takeru is pacing back and forth behind them.
ART SR.
Absolutely… no ranger signatures whatsoever within Rio Serena city limits.
TAKERU
Then expand the search, I want to find him.
ART JR.
That’ll take a minute.
TAKERU
Then stop wasting time talking!
The two type on the computers a little more. Finally, a grid pops up, showing the entire globe. The search comes up empty. Art Sr. sighs, turning around in his chair to face the others.
ART SR.
Nothing.
DUSK
Then where is he?
ART JR.
Either not on this planet- and he’s not that bad at Mojikara spells- or he’s in another dimension… which also seems unlikely-
RHETT
Or he’s somewhere that’s shielded from our grid. The Ryuji Cavern.
TAKERU
How could he have gone there? We don’t even know where it is!
DUSK
Maybe he… I don’t know, just thought Ryuji Cavern and assumed he’d end up where he wanted to go? He could be anywhere!
ART JR.
Admittedly, they could have spells over their cavern to toss anyone who tries to teleport in some random dimension.
He looks over the others.
ART JR.
We may never find him.
Dawn jumps out of her chair, crying.
DUSK
Well, we have to try! We can’t just sit here, waiting for-
Suddenly, an alarm goes off on the computer. They turn as the screens bring up an image of Seer Ayukashi attacking the city and Blindness Ayukashi attacking locals in a park.
PAIGE
What is it?
ART JR.
Not good. Looks like we’ve got two Ayukashi in separate locations. They’re also… transferring energy back and forth- that’s odd.
Art begins typing into the computer, but Paige grabs him by the shoulder.
PAIGE
I’m not going to pretend that I know what you’re doing, but we seriously don’t have time for this!
ART SR.
She’s right. Don’t worry, Rangers, get to your duties. I’ll finish the analysis and get back to you with whatever I find. Just keep them distracted until we know what we’re dealing with.
Art Jr. sighs, slowly standing and joining Rhett and Paige. Dusk seems unsure of what to do.
DUSK
But… Tobias… we-
RHETT
Dusk, I care about him too, but we have more immediate issues right now. Ok?
Dusk seems mortified, but brings herself under control and nods, joining the others. Takeru looks up.
TAKERU
Rhett?
Rhett spins around, chuckling sourly.
RHETT
We really don’t have the time to discuss this, do we?
Takeru eyes him oddly, but finally caves.
TAKERU
You’re right. Go to it.
Rhett joins the others as they get into the lift and head for the garage.
EXT. RIO SERENA, DESERTED STREET- DAY
The door in the Cliffside opens and the Samu-rover speeds out with fully morphed Red and Yellow Rangers inside. The Kami Stormer is right behind it, with Blue and Pink riding. The Kami Stormer pulls up alongside the Samu-rover.
RHETT
Art! You and Paige go after that… Gnome thing in the park! Dusk and I will take out the dragon!
ART JR.
Your wish is my command, oh glorified leader!
Art Jr. gives Rhett a thumbs up and speeds up, extending the wings, much to Paige’s dismay, who begins protesting loudly as it takes off.
INT. KENG’S HUT- DAY
Keng is meditating, in full armor, in the center of his hut. He springs up and begins showing off his skill with his sword and martial arts. There is a knock and he spins around.
STRANGER
The elders told me I could find you here.
Keng is surprised by what he sees.
KENG
What are you doing here? Is something wrong?
The stranger turns out to be Tobias, who walks in and eyes Keng seriously.
TOBIAS
I need to ask you a favor.
EXT. RIO SERENA, OBSERVATION POINT- DAY
At a fenced in, clifftop platform, Blindness Ayukashi is destroying random things with a contingent of Ryuji.
BLINDNESS
Yes! Fear me humans! Ha-hah!
Blindness grabs a random woman, spinning her around to look directly into his face.
BLINDNESS
You’ll do! Now, look into my eyes.
When their eyes lock, red energy flows out of Blindness’ eyes and hits the woman in the eyes. Rhett suddenly appears, leaping at Blindness with his Solstice Blade.
RHETT
Let her go, Freak!
Rhett’s attack hits the monster, making him seem to loose his focus. He lets the woman go and Rhett ushers her behind him.
RHETT
Are you ok?
WOMAN
I… I can’t see!
RHETT
A monster that… steals… sight? Wow, Akuryu is really starting to run out of ideas.
Dusk catches up to him, slashing her way through the Ryuji with her Solstice Blade and Eternal Star. Blindness gets up and immediately summons the energy form of the woman’s sight, firing it off into the distance.
DUSK
What’s up?
RHETT
Get this woman out of here- the monster, kinda… made her blind.
DUSK
What? Why?
RHETT
Like I know. I’m about to find out though! Hey! Ayukashi!
Blindness turns to face him.
BLINDNESS
Well, you caught me in a blind spot! But that won’t happen again!
RHETT
Why are you making people blind? That’s… completely pointless!
BLINDNESS
You’re the superhero! Figure it out!
RHETT
I’ll figure something out- Eternal Leonid! Duel Mode!
Rhett pulls out his shape, uniting it with his Solstice Blade to form the Eternal Leonid, then splits it into two swords and charges the Ayukashi. Dusk battles to keep herself between the Ryuji and the blind woman, who is completely hysterical at her sudden blindness and the battle going on around her.
EXT. RIO SERENA PRESERVE, PARK- DAY
Seer Ayukashi is kneeling in the center of a small grove of trees. He holds out his shield, which opens into a giant eye with lashes surrounding it. Blindness’ red energy floats in from the sky and is absorbed into the shield.
SEER
Yeah! More energy! I guess Blindness is having a field day, wherever he is!
ART JR.
Ayukashi!
Seer looks up at the voice as the Blue and Pink Rangers come up behind him. He grabs his shield, standing and turning to them.
SEER
Ooh! Two Rangers, pretty as you like! But you’re attacking the wrong guy.
PAIGE
What’s that supposed to mean?
ART JR.
Most likely just trying to distract us. Come on!
Art Jr. and Paige charge Seer and double team him, one high and one low, with their Solstice Blades but are unable to land a blow on him. He uses his shield to throw them back, then opens it and blasts them with the energy. They sit up a bit, having been hurt by the energy.
PAIGE
Any more bright ideas, cowboy?
ART JR.
Yeah. A few.
Art Jr. whistles and the Kami Stormer drives up. He uses it to climb to his feet, then jumps on.
SEER
Oh no you don’t! Ryuji!
Ryuji appear in the clearing with a flash of red light and charge them. Art Jr. offers a hand and helps Paige to her feet.
ART JR.
I go high, you go low?
PAIGE
Whatever. Just try not to hit me with that thing.
Paige rushes into battle. Art Jr. activates flight mode and takes off, circling the battlefield and firing blasts into the Ryuji while Paige rushes through, slashing at the disoriented Ryuji and flipping to avoid close blasts.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Takeru paces back and forth while Art Sr. works on the analysis on the computers.
TAKERU
Anything yet?
ART SR.
You know, just give it a chance to come naturally and-
The lift door suddenly opens and Lydia enters with a Kuroko warrior. Takeru turns to face her.
TAKERU
What is it?
LYDIA
We got a message from Keng involving our missing Ranger.
TAKERU
And?
KUROKO
He came to our camp just a few hours ago wanting to see Lord Keng. He was… he wanted to know… er-
TAKERU
Spit it out!
KUROKO
He was looking for the location of the Ryuji Cavern.
Takeru’s eyes go wide.
TAKERU
Where is he now?
EXT. CAVE- DAY
Tobias walks slowly across the beach towards a large sea cave, the ground covered in an unnatural mist. Yameneko appears as he draws closer.
YAMENEKO
Did you think you could just walk right up to our front door unnoticed, Ranger?
Yameneko activates her arm blade. Tobias pulls out his Caligraph Cell, squeezing it in his fist.
TOBIAS
What did you and your master do to my mother?
YAMENEKO
Your mother? Ah, yes, the long lost Mistress of the Chiaki Clan. What makes you think I had anything to do with that?
TOBIAS
You’re Akuryu’s toady- you know something! ANSWER ME!
Yameneko wags a finger at him as she circles.
YAMENEKO
Tsk tsk. Temper, temper. That’s not very… Samurai-esque, now is it?
TOBIAS
What do you know?
Yameneko eyes him intently for a moment before going into a battle stance.
YAMENEKO
That there are worse things to fear in the world than Akuryu.
Tobias suddenly notices that his back is to the cave and Yameneko is blocking his only escape. He morphs with an angry yell as Ryuji appear from the cave and rush him from behind. Yameneko charges in head on from the front.
TOBIAS
Eternal Pike!
Tobias activates his Eternal Pike and spins around, slashing at several Ryuji before bringing it back up to block Yameneko’s slash.
TOBIAS
You’re going to pay for what you did!
YAMENEKO
I assure you had nothing to do with it! You shouldn’t have come here, Green Ranger. For that… you will die!
Yameneko throws him back into the Ryuji. He begins trying desperately to throw them off while Yameneko watches, prepared for the possibility that he might escape, but smiling smugly at his futile efforts.
EXT. RIO SERENA, OBSERVATION POINT- DAY
Rhett continues battling Blindness, who is panting and trying to avoid the duel blades swinging at it. Dusk is barely able to handle the Ryuji, who are swarming her, the woman is still screaming loudly behind her. Dusk drops to a knee and pulls out her collapsed Eternal Star.
DUSK
Lady, would you give it a rest, already? Eternal Star, activate!
Her Eternal Star glows and folds out. She attaches Attack Frame Lemur to it and throws it off into the crowd of Ryuji, taking several out. Dusk continues battling with her Solstice Blade as she waits for her other weapon to return.
DUSK
Rhett! A little help!
Rhett is holding Blindness at the cliff’s edge with his Leonids. He turns at Dusk’s cry.
RHETT
Dusk! Jump high!
Dusk runs up a Ryuji and leaps into the air as Rhett throws one of his Leonids through the Ryuji, narrowly missing the blind woman, and taking out most of them before slamming point first through the concrete on the other side of the square. Dusk grabs her Star out of the air and, as she lands, slashes the remaining Ryuji away with her weapons, turning to the woman.
DUSK
Are you ok?
WOMAN
No! I can’t see! What happened?
DUSK
Just relax! Take a deep breath everything’s going to be fine! Ok?
The woman nods, trying not to hyperventilate. Blindness throws Rhett back, who folds his remaining Leonid into Framefire Mode. He opens his belt and six glowing orbs fly out, spawning into Attack Frames and loading themselves into the Leonid.
BLINDNESS
Now, wait, wait- can’t we talk about this?
RHETT
You’re a monster trying to blow up the city- goodbye!
Rhett blasts the Ayukashi, who collapses, energy sparking from it as it falls.
RHETT
There, that was a nice chat, wasn’t it?
Blindness laughs weakly.
BLINDNESS
Ranger… you have no idea who you’re messing with! I’m coming for you next!
Blindness falls over, laughing, and explodes. Rhett walks across the square, retrieving his other sword from the concrete. Dusk leaves the woman’s side, running over to him.
DUSK
What do you think that was about?
RHETT
I don’t know, but get ready. This guy should be growing in a minute or so.
EXT. RIO SERENA PRESERVE, PARK- DAY
Paige and Art are still using the same tactic from before. Seer finally enters the battle himself.
SEER
I’ve had enough of this! Goodbye, Pinky!
Seer blasts Paige with his shield and she flies back, demorphing as she lands near a cliff edge. Disoriented, she accidentally rolls off, and just barely grabs the edge as she yells in fright. Art sees her.
ART JR
Paige! No! Oh, that is it, Ayukashi! Fire!
Art focuses all of his firepower on Seer, blasting him back. He lands, getting up, but then grabs his head and falls to him knees.
SEER
What! But how… We’ll finish this later, Rangers!
Seer runs into the treeline, disappearing in a red flash. His remaining Ryuji follow. Art leaps off his Kami Stormer in midair, landing in the cliff edge. Paige looses her grip and begins falling, but Art grabs her hand at the last second. She looks up in surprise.
PAIGE
Art?
ART JR
Who’d you expect, Tommy Oliver?
Art pulls her up. Paige seems lost for words for a moment.
PAIGE
…Thanks.
ART JR
Don’t mention it… you are my friend, after all- it’d be, kind of, un-friend-like to leave you hanging there.
PAIGE
So… where’d the bug go?
ART JR
I have no clue, but I think this is our chance to check up on Rhett and Dusk. Come on.
Art takes off and Paige nods dumbly and follows, hugging herself.
EXT. RIO SERENA, OBSERVATION POINT- DAY
Rhett and Dusk are still waiting for Blindness to grow.
RHETT
Aaaany minute now… just wait for it.
Dusk sighs irritably and demorphs.
DUSK
Rhett, we’ve been standing here for-
Dusk checks her Caligraph Cell for the time
DUSK (cont’d)
-fifteen minutes now. I don’t think anything is happening.
RHETT
Just wait, it’s coming- I know it is!
DUSK
Whatever.
Dusk begins walking back to the car. Rhett turns to her, demorphing.
RHETT
Oh come on! I bet, as soon as we get in that car and start heading back, he’s going to do it! I know he is- he always does it!
Dusk’s Caligraph cell rings and she answers it.
DUSK
Yeah?
LESTER (OS)
I just wanted you to be the first to know, honey, but we’ve found Tobias.
DUSK
What? Where is he?
LESTER (OS)
Uh… you’d better get back here- get the others too- and be quick about it!
Dusk hangs up and turns to Rhett.
DUSK
They found Tobias! Come on!
Dusk races toward the car. Rhett is momentarily stunned, but follows as quickly as possible.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
Tobias is being held by the Ryuji as Yameneko paces casually before him. Tobias keeps fighting, but he can’t throw them off.
YAMENEKO
Well, well, well… what am I to do with you, Green Ranger?
TOBIAS
You tell me what you did to my mother, you monster!
Yameneko signals with an idle wave of her hand and one of the Ryuji slaps Tobias hard.
YAMENEKO
I had nothing to do with the ones who killed your parents- and you wouldn’t like the meet the ones who did.
TOBIAS
What are you talking about?
YAMENEKO
You think it’s all coincidence? Akuryu returns, but the prophecy is invalidated? The Rangers unite, but are oh so ineffective as a team? The Pink Ranger’s father left… your parents are killed before they can carry the family legacy on to you? You have no idea what my master is capable of… no clue what he’s planning!
TOBIAS
You’re lying! Paige never said anything about her father, and she-
YAMENEKO
Why don’t you ask her about her trust issues!
TOBIAS
If there was some big plan… why would you tell me about it?
YAMENEKO
Because… there’s nothing you can do to stop it… my master will win… and I’ll be free!
Tobias eyes her defiantly.
TOBIAS
You might want to rethink that theory.
Tobias yells as roots and vines fly out of the ground around him, throwing the Ryuji and Yameneko back. Tobias stands, pulling out his Caligraph Cell and draws a spell in the air that causes the roots and vines to tie Yameneko up before she can stand. Tobias then pulls out his Solstice Blade and holds it at her throat.
TOBIAS
Tell me what you did! Tell me what’s going on, or I end it now!
YAMENEKO
Alright! Alright, I’ll tell you, just-
Suddenly, a blast from behind sends Tobias flying and causes him to demorph. Seer walks over and uses sparks of energy to cut away the vines holding Yameneko down. She springs up and joins him, the Ryuji regrouping behind the two as they advance on Tobias, who is rolling on the ground, unable to get up, in the shallows.
YAMENEKO
Actually, I think I will rethink that… I’ll let you ask them yourself, Ranger!
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Rhett, Dusk, Art Jr. and Paige burst through the lift doors into the Workshop to find the masters, the Kuroko warrior and Desmond standing by.
DUSK
Where is he?
KUROKO
He came to Lord Keng, an hour ago, asking about the entrance to the Ryuji Cavern. Keng wasn’t going to tell him, but… there was a reason that our Lord agreed with, and-
PAIGE
Whoa, whoa, whoa, hold on. You guys knew the whole time where their base was- and you never told us!
KUROKO
You did not ask- besides, it is too dangerous.
DUSK
Then why did you let him go there alone?
KUROKO
There was a reason. Keng did not tell me, just to get you four immediately and send you there before it’s to late.
DESMOND
I still don’t get it, what exactly did he need to know?
PAIGE
Stay out of this, brat!
KUROKO
Keng said there was something he needed to learn, but he would not last long without the others. He also wanted you to know that a scroll has gone missing from our libraries.
TAKERU
What scroll! You never said anything about that!
KUROKO
Sorry, I was preoccupied. The problem is that… this scroll, is a spell. One for binding lives together, so one may not die while the other lives.
TAKERU
What!
RHETT
So that’s why he didn’t grow… but that means… Paige, Art did you take out your target?
ART JR
Naw, he got away.
RHETT
Oh great. See, Dusk, I told you we shouldn’t have left-
DUSK
And what about Tobias?
TAKERU
Enough!
Everyone turns to Takeru.
TAKERU
The lull in the battle has given us an opportunity, we need to go after Tobias, now. Master Caspian and I will watch for the Ayukashis’ return, but for now, don’t worry about it. You need to help Tobias, now!
Everyone nods. The Kuroko man approaches the team, motioning them to follow him into the testing room.
KUROKO
If you would, follow me. The spell is all set up, all you guys need to do is activate it.
The Rangers stand in a circle around a glowing white spell form on the floor, and join hands. They each close their eyes and call forth their own Haburial energies to activate the spell. The white light expands and consumes them and they teleport away with a flash.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
Tobias struggles to his feet as Yameneko and Seer approach him, but can barely stand. Seer grabs him by the collar and throws him back. The Ryuji fan out, cutting off his escape. Tobias stands up again and a few Ryuji rush him with swords. He tries to fight them off, but is too weak and they easily beat him down. Yameneko and Seer step aside to reveal Ryuji archers behind them.
YAMENEKO
Archers, fire!
Tobias struggles to get out of the way, but arrows hit and explode around him, throwing him again. He tries to get up again, but collapses. A blue-cloaked figure in a rice-farmer’s hat watches from atop the cliff.
CLOAKED FIGURE
No… come on, Tobias!
Tobias faints straight out and falls face first in the sand. Yameneko chuckles and begins walking toward him.
YAMENEKO
Now, to finish you off.
CLOAKED FIGURE
NOOOOOOO!
The Cloaked figure pulls out a kitana and dives off the cliff, powering through the Ryuji and knocking Yameneko and Seer back with a blast of green energy.
EXT. FOREST- DAY
The Rangers arrive in a flash of light.
RHETT
So, where is this place?
Dusk looks up at the sounds of fighting in the distance.
DUSK
I’d say that direction! Come on!
The Rangers race to the rescue.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
Yameneko gets to her feet to see all her Ryuji down and the blue-cloaked figure standing firmly between Tobias and her.
YAMENEKO
I don’t know who you are, but I’d step aside if I were you!
The figure, instead of speaking does some quick martial arts moves to show off her prowess.
YAMENEKO
Fine.
Yameneko creates a ball of energy and fires it at the figure, who knocks it aside with her kitana. The figure begins advancing on Yameneko when she hears the Rangers shouting in the distance. She smiles to herself. Yameneko rushes to meet the woman, but as she arrives, the woman teleports away, causing her to fall flat on her face. Yameneko jumps up and spins around wildly, looking for he woman.
YAMENEKO
Where is she! What kind of coward are you!
The Rangers come running around the cliff, just as Seer climbs to his feet. They see Tobias and run to his aid. Yameneko backs up, regrouping with Seer. Dusk drops down, shaking Tobias.
DUSK
Tobias? Tobias, wake up!
She slaps him and he groans.
TOBIAS
Dusk? What’re you doing here?
DUSK
Saving you, again.
TOBIAS
Crap.
DUSK
What?
TOBIAS
How many times do I owe you now?
DUSK
It doesn’t matter, I’ll just let you make up for it like this.
TOBIAS
Like, how-
Dusk kisses him, surprising the heck out of Tobias, who snaps fully awake, but is soon absorbed into the kiss.
PAIGE
Yeah, great, Hon, you got him up, can we fight now?
Dusk breaks away, clearing her throat and helps Tobias to his feet, who nearly collapses.
DUSK
You ok?
TOBIAS
Not really.
DUSK
Can you fight?
TOBIAS
I think I can manage it, yeah.
YAMENEKO
Great. Seer, I’ll handle the big guy, you take care of the color-coded pests.
SEER
But, I-
YAMENEKO
Just do it!
Yameneko rushes back into the cave entrance and teleports in a red flash. Tobias and Dusk join Rhett, Art and Paige and all five pull out their Caligraph Cells, preparing to Morph.
SEER
Alright then, let’s finish what we started.
TOBIAS
Yeah, lets. Ready?
OTHER FOUR
Ready!
ALL FIVE
Haburi, Unite!
The Rangers draw their symbols in the air and all five morph.
RHETT
Legend of the Eternal Fires, Red Lion Ranger!
ART JR
Legend of the Eternal Seas, Blue Dragon Ranger!
TOBIAS
Legend of the Eternal Forests, Green Ursa Ranger!
DUSK
Legend of the Highest Mountain, Yellow Lemur Ranger!
PAIGE
Legend of the Dawn Horizon, Pink Turtle Ranger!
ALL FIVE
Warriors of the Kagirinai, Saviors of the Earth! Power Rangers Eternal Sect!
The Rangers pose with their weapons and an explosion issues behind them.
SEER
Come on, then! Let’s finish this quick!
RHETT
No problem! Rangers?
The Rangers free their Solstice Blades and charge into battle.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Art Sr is typing furiously on his computer, which shows energy scans of the two Ayukashi.
ART SR
Dahah! That’s it!
Takeru, pacing in the background, rushes over.
TAKERU
What is?
ART SR
Apparently, these monsters were designed to take and use people’s sight as an energy source. Every time one made someone go blind, he transferred part of the energy to the other one, Seer.
TAKERU
How many people did they get to before the Rangers destroyed the one.
ART SR
According to the readings… about seven or eight… not many… but, because of that spell, the Rangers have to destroy the other one to revert everything back to-
Sensors go off and a screen pops up, showing energy gathering toward the point where Blindness was destroyed.
ART SR
-That can’t be good.
They also see the blind woman from before slumped down on a bench.
TAKERU
They completely forgot about her, didn’t they?
ART SR
Look, we need to get both the monsters together in the same place to make sure they’re both destroyed-
TAKERU
Don’t tell me, tell the Rangers.
ART SR
Right.
Art Sr. types a bit more into his computer.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
The Rangers are ganging up on Seer, Tobias and Dusk are taking him low from the front, Art Jr. and Paige are punishing him from each side. Rhett jumps up high from the back and slashes downward with a yell, his Blade glowing with red energy. Seer, trying to evade Tobias and Dusk, jumps up, right into it and goes flying across the beach, stumbling to his feet.
SEER
Please! I surrender! No- no more!
RHETT
I don’t think so!
The Rangers attach Attack Frames to their Sabers and prepare to attack when Art Sr. comes on Rhett’s comlink.
ART SR. (OS)
Rangers!
RHETT
Master Caspian?
ART SR (OS)
Listen to me, the other one has come back. Don’t destroy Seer there, we have no idea if we can take out Blindness before he comes back too. You need to teleport him back to the original battle site and destroy them both together, you think you can do that?
RHETT
Right!
Before the Rangers can charge Seer, Rhett steps in front of them with his Caligraph Cell.
RHETT
Wait, guys! New plan!
Rhett draws a Mojikara spell on the ground, then turns to the Rangers.
RHETT
We have to take him back to the city- just get him on that, but don’t destroy him yet!
PAIGE
What! Why?
RHETT
Paige, don’t question me! I’m the-
Seer chuckles to himself and fires a blast at them. Dusk activates her Eternal Star and runs between Rhett and Paige.
DUSK
Watch out!
Dusk throws the Star and, when it meets the Blast it freezes, spinning in midair, blocking it, but as Seer keeps it up, it slowly begins moving backward.
PAIGE
See what happens! I say we destroy it now, before it does worse!
RHETT
The other one’s come back, we have to get it to the city and destroy them both, while we have the chance. Otherwise, they’ll keep respawning, and we’ll have to keep fighting them over, and over, and over- are you up for that?
PAIGE
Ugh! Ok, fine, you made your point. Could have told me about the other one sooner!
She brings her sword up, prepared to charge Seer.
RHETT
Anyone else have any authority issues? No! Then hurry up!
DUSK, TOBIAS & ART
Right!
Art, Paige, Tobias & Dusk rush Seer, Paige and Tobias slashing with their Pike and Fan to completely negate the blast. Dusk runs past a second later, grabbing her Star.
DUSK
Thanks, guys!
TOBIAS
Uh… no problem, I think!
PAIGE
Come on, the sooner we finish this, the sooner I can take a nice relaxing bath!
Tobias and Paige join the others in attacking Seer. Art distracts it while Dusk runs behind him. As he turns to face her, she throws her Star at his feet and he jumps back to avoid it.
ART JR
My turn, boy!
Art Jr. fires blast after blast at his feet with his Ballista, causing Seer to jump back several more steps.
INT. RYUJI CAVERN- DAY
Yameneko approaches Akuryu, bowing to him.
YAMENEKO
My master, I-
AKURYU
Enough! You almost blew everything we built- everything we’ve worked for- on that Green Ranger!
YAMENEKO
But I-
AKURYU
Silence! Do you have any idea what’s going on up there? Do you!
YAMENEKO
Seer is distracting the-
AKURYU
The Rangers are about to destroy everything! Because you left him there, our entire plan is about to FAIL!
YAMENEKO
I had no idea! I will go back with a contingent of Ryuji, we will-
AKURYU
No! I’ll finish this myself!
Akuryu extends shadows tendrils toward the ceiling. Yameneko watches, excitedly.
EXT. CAVES- DAY
Rhett is waiting for the others.
RHETT
Come on, guys!
Art finishes his attack as Tobias and Paige spin past him on each side.
TOBIAS
My turn!
Before Tobias can do anything, however, the ground cracks open beneath Seer’s feet and shadowy tendrils wrap around him.
AKURYU
Playtime’s over, Rangers! You won’t stop me that easily!
TOBIAS
No!
Tobias places his Attack Frame Ursa on his Eternal Pike and stabs it into the ground. Vines spring up and, just as Akuryu begins dragging Seer into the earth, the vines spring out and wrap up Seer as well, halting his descent. Akuryu screams insanely Tobias struggles with all his might to hold it.
TOBIAS
Agh! Someone… do something! Quick!
PAIGE
Here’s something!
Paige places Attack Frame Lion on her Solstice Blade and spins it.
PAIGE
Meteor Shower!
Paige jumps into the air and points the blade at the hole. Fireballs shoot from the sword and hit Akuryu, causing him to loosen his grip. The vines spring back suddenly, tossing Seer into the air. Paige lands, using her Eternal Fan to create wind that sends Seer flying onto the spell.
RHETT
Ok, everyone, hurry! Get over here!
As more of Akuryu’s tendrils shoot out of the hole, Tobias pulls out his Caligraph cell, drawing a spell in the air, causing all the vines to reorganize into a bridge over the hole.
TOBIAS
Come on!
The Rangers run for it. Akuryu screams in fury and begins trying to rip it apart. Dusk, Paige and Art make it, just as Akuryu succeeds in destroying the bridge. Tobias then draws another spell, freezing him and freezing a large piece of the bridge into a ramp form.
DUSK
That won’t hold him for long, Tobias, hurry!
Tobias runs up it and jumps just as Akuryu breaks the spell with a yell and narrowly misses grabbing Tobias by the leg. Tobias lands by the others, and Seer, with a roll.
TOBIAS
Do it! Now!
Rhett activates the spell and everyone disappears in a flash of light as Akuryu’s tendrils descend upon them. He screams in frustration and returns into the hole, sealing it after himself.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
Takeru is pacing, running his hands through his hair as Art Sr. cheers.
TAKERU
That was way too close!
ART SR.
But, they survived to fight another day. That’s a victory in my book!
TAKERU
Yes, but they still have another one to finish. Let’s wait until that one’s over before we begin to celebrate, ok?
Art looks at him oddly for a minute, then spins his chair back to the computer, shaking his head, and brings up the window of Blindness, just as a white flash signals the arrival of the Rangers and Seer. Seer lands on his face next to Blindness.
BLINDNESS
Seer? What are you doing here? The plan was to remain apart at all-
RHETT
Plans have changed!
The Rangers appear a few feet away, landing on their feet and posing as a team. Rhett forms his Eternal Leonid.
RHETT
Now, we’ll try this again- and this time, stay down!
BLINDNESS
Seer! Get up, you fool!
SEER
The plan’s ruined anyway! Take my power! Avenge me!
Seer evaporates and the energy swirls around and is absorbed into Blindness, causing him to grow.
RHETT
See, I told you he would grow! They always grow!
RANGERS
Guardian Zords, arise!
ANIMATION: Five flashes of energy fly from the countryside and pass through each Ranger, the Zords, in geo form, flying out of the Rangers and folding out into the Guardian Zords. The Rangers jump into their cockpits.
RANGERS
Eternal Megazord, activate!
The Zords combine into the Eternal Megazord, which pulls out it’s sword and shield and faces the remaining Ayukashi. Blindness shoots a laser from his mouth, and the Megazord tries to block it with their shield, but the arm holding the shield begins shaking badly and the whole Megazord begins sliding backwards.
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
RHETT
This isn’t going to hold for long!
PAIGE
Yeah, we know! Now, unless you’ve got an idea, keep your mouth shut!
RHETT
Not really… but I wish this guy would keep his shut!
TOBIAS
Uh, guys…
Everyone turns to him as he pulls out the Attack Frame Hercules.
TOBIAS
I got one.
Tobias places it on his Solstice Blade and spins it.
EXT. RIO SERENA- DAY
The Megazord’s arm flies up in the air and the shield goes flying. The Blast flies over the Megazord’s shoulder and into the distance.
BLINDNESS
Now, you’re mine!
Blindness begins advancing, but the Megazord crosses it’s arms over it’s chest and pumps them out to it’s sides. An orange circle of energy expands around the Megazord, knocking Blindness back. The Megazord looks up and the circle of energy around it flies up into the air and spawns the Hercules Guardian, which lands in front of it. Blindness rolls out of the way and climbs to his feet. The Hercules Guardian charges it with it’s horns spinning and hits Blindness, knocking him down again.
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
TOBIAS
Hercules Guardian, combine!
RANGERS
Eternal Armor Megazord, activate!
Hercules Guardian combines with the Eternal Megazord to form the Eternal Armor Megazord, then poses, swinging it’s sword around dangerously.
BLINDNESS
That won’t make any difference, Rangers! You’ve never fought two Ayukashi in one, before!
The Megazord runs at Blindness, slashing at him repeatedly with the sword.
BLINDNESS
Ah! No, how is this happening!
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
RHETT
Sorry but your friend wasn’t exactly at full power when you absorbed him. Too bad, I guess! Now let’s finish this!
The Rangers pump their swords forward.
TOBIAS
Hercules blast!
EXT. RIO SERNA- DAY
The Megazord’s helmet closes and the horns begins spinning with energy sparking between them, forming an orange ball of power. Blindness holds up his hands to stop them.
BLINDNESS
No, don’t! There’s no need for that, now!
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
RHETT
Huh, I guess he absorbed his friend’s cowardice too! Ready, Tobias?
Tobias looks up, orange words and symbols flashing across the inside of his visor.
TOBIAS
Almost at full power guys… ok, fire!
The Rangers pump their swords forward again.
EXT. RIO SERENA- DAY
The Megazord fires the blast at Blindness, destroying him in a fiery explosion.
INT. MEGAZORD COCKPIT- DAY
The Rangers yell excitedly, slap each other on the back and high five as they congratulate each other and celebrate their victory.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, WORKSHOP- DAY
The Masters are all celebrating likewise. Desmond, at the edge of the party eyes them oddly and walks away, writing in his notepad.
EXT. SHIRASOTO MANOR- DAY
The Rangers walk back up to the door, still excited about their victory. Quinn comes running up the road.
QUINN
Wow, guys! That was amazing! I just saw the news!
RHETT
Aren’t you supposed to be at your classes?
QUINN
Ah, they cancelled after the first monster attack, so I thought I’d just stay in and watch a movie! Like I said, though- great job! Oh, Rhett, while I’m free, could you help me with that move I was having trouble with.
RHETT
Yeah, sure, but the master’s will probably want a debrief first, so-
QUINN
Oh! Fine, I’ll just wait for now!
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, PARLOR- DAY
Dusk and Tobias are talking and relaxing. Art Jr. is snoring loudly in an armchair.
DUSK
So… did you, uh… find what you were looking for?
TOBIAS
No, actually, I didn’t.
DUSK
Dead end then? You did all that for nothing?
TOBIAS
Not exactly… I’ll tell you about it later.
Tobias gets up and walks for the door. Dusk jumps up and begins to follow, but he puts a hand on her shoulder.
TOBIAS
Um, there’s something I need to do real quick.
DUSK
I’m not exactly sure it’s such a great idea to let you out of my sight for the moment.
TOBIAS
It’s fine. I’m not even leaving the Manor, I just… I’ll be back in a minute.
DUSK
Great. Hey, two out of three on Beast Wars when you get back?
TOBIAS
You’re on!
Tobias walks out and Dusk sighs, rolling her eyes and goes to set up the game.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, GREAT HALL- DAY
Tobias walks out just as Paige comes out of her room, toweling her hair dry.
TOBIAS
Hey, Paige… there’s something I wanted to talk to you about.
PAIGE
Yeah, yeah, you’re spells are awesome. Thank you for saving the day, rookie. Blah, blah, blah.
TOBIAS
I’m serious.
Paige sighs in frustration as she descends the stairs.
PAIGE
Fine… ask away.
TOBIAS
What exactly… happened to your father?
Paige’s eyes go wide and she walks right past him.
PAIGE
Question time’s over!
TOBIAS
Paige!
PAIGE
Shut up and go away!
TOBIAS
This is serious! I need to know the answer!
Paige stops, turning to him angrily.
PAIGE
And why exactly is that?
TOBIAS
Before you guys arrived, I was able to get a bit out of Yameneko… but I’m not sure I believe her. What she said about you is the only thing I can actually verify right now, so…
Paige looks unsure for a moment.
TOBIAS
Come on… for the sake of the team.
PAIGE
For the sake of the team? My dad left when I was a kid. Desmond was only four- I was six. Happy?
Before Tobias can ask anything else, Paige turns and stalks away.
INT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, LIBRARY- DAY
Rhett enters to find Takeru sitting alone.
RHETT
You wanted to talk to me?
TAKERU
Yes… congratulations on that victory of yours.
RHETT
Yeah, well… we’re a team and all that.
Rhett turns to leave.
TAKERU
Wait.
Rhett stops, turning back to him.
TAKERU
I know you were outside my office last night. And I know what you overheard.
RHETT
Then you know why I’m pissed?
TAKERU
Rhett-
RHETT
Me and the other four are the only ones out there who have even the slightest chance to stop this- you’d think the people who got us into this mess would root for us every once in a while!
TAKERU
And I do! But you and the others have to learn what it means to be a team! You can’t just go running off at whatever whim strikes your fancy! You guys never work together and you almost never think ahead! The least I could ask for is that those in charge of protecting the Earth would at least care about protecting themselves!
RHETT
Well… you wanted a team of Rangers… you got a team. I’ve got things to do- call me if a monster attacks.
Rhett leaves, leaving a worried looking Takeru behind.
EXT. SHIRASOTO MANOR, GARDENS- DAY
Quinn catches Rhett as he comes out of the library.
QUINN
What was that about?
RHETT
Ask me later. So, about that move…
Rhett and Quinn go off to practice.
FADE TO BLACK…
