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Conquest of Evil Classic Part 9

by Shadow Ranger

Crossroads of Evil

Chapter 1: Crossroads of Evil 1

Disclaimer: The Power Rangers have changed hands several times since this series began. They are currently owned by Saban Brands. Charmed is the property of the WB. Mr. Merlin was a TV show that appeared in the early 1980's. CHIPS was a show created by Rick Rostner that aired from the late 70's to the early 80's. The WWF letters are in reference to the World Wrestling Federation owned by Titan Sports; it should be noted that WWF is a trademark of the World Wildlife Fund. Hannah Montana and related characters are property of Disney. Reference to the 'Silent Master' is in reference to the character of Snake-Eyes from G. (Action Force) which is property of Hasbro. Sei Tin is from the Devil's Due Comics version of G. . The name Okasa was from the T.V. Series 'The Master' as is the name McAllister-Keller, which aired on NBC during the 1980's for one year. Nash Bridges and related characters are created by Carleton Cuse and property of CBS and Carleton Cuse Productions. Fatal Fury/King of Fighters are owned by SNK/Capcom. ECW (Extreme Championship Wrestling) was a rival wrestling promotion created by Paul Heyman, the name now belongs to Titan Sports.

Prelude to Minion's Legacy Part 3 - Crossroads of Evil COE: King of Fighters '96 Special Guest Writer: John Chubb with contributions from Adam Safaran and Adam Pearlman (The Q Team)

Torture Cell A, Minion's Island. The Past

It has been said that history can be a subjective thing. But there have been other times where history can be altered, subverted, and twisted in ways that are hard to comprehend, or imagine.

And yet, there are moments in history that while seemingly different play out like they were intended toâ€¦ despite any alterations to time or reality.

Three days had passed and Minion decided it was time to see how his guests were coping. He ignored the VR Troopers and the Beetleborgs, the strange warrior known as Servo and a group of teenage hackers who had been dragged into things for some reason; the various super heroes that constituted what remained of the JLA, the Avengers and of course Spider-Man. He overlooked the injured Jesse, knowing that even if he could transform, the Masked Rider's powers had been damaged. Dex on the other hand would still provide some entertainment. First though he had his old adversaries, the Gem Coin Rangers, to pay his respects to.

This was Minion's favourite part of the Prison Dimension. He had altered the flow of time in the dimension so a few hours would seem like weeks to the Rangers trapped inside. All six of the Rangers he was holding in his prison were undergoing various forms of torture.

First off was Tanya. Minion had trapped her at the bottom of a long tube. Then he had sealed the sides, top and bottom of the tube so she only had a limited air supply. Then he had started to pump in a drop of water every thirty seconds. It was a slow torture. Tanya knew she could not escape and that eventually she would drown, but not before the dripping water drove her insane.

Next in line was Trey. Minion had decided to place the Lord of Triforia on a version of the rack and was gradually stretching the Gold Ranger until he was torn in half by the rack. Minion had but found the idea too unimaginative. Therefore, he had added his own subtle changes.

The rack had been modified so Trey was now seated with his hands tied to a series of pulleys. His legs and ankles were strapped to a set of bicycle pedals. The idea was that a small motor operated ropes attached to his arms would tighten the ropes and stretch the Lord of Triforia unless he pedalled fast enough to counter the effect. Minion had made an additional change. The system was now racheted so that if Trey stopped pedalling, he would be stretched, but even if he then started to pedal as fast as he could the ropes would not loosen.

It was the ultimate no-win situation. Sooner or later the Triforian would tire and when he did he would be stretched.

Adam had been strapped into a chair. On his forehead a metal device had been fastened. As Minion pressed a button, the device sent a signal to the muscles in Adam's leg, causing it to twitch. The sensation was not painful, but after a few hours of constant twitching Adam would be driven insane. Minion had seen the evidence of what constant exposure to the device would accomplish. Even the most iron willed prisoner would crack under the strain.

The device had been created years ago for use by bounty hunters wishing to interrogate captives to find their prey. Minion had been lucky to find a working model in Zedd's castle. Obviously Zedd had had dealings with either the Varox or the Bounty Hunters' Guild. He was not sure which but knowing Zedd, he was willing to bet the Bounty Hunter had not been paid for his work, or lived to tell about it.

Minion had modified the next cell especially for Kat using the technology he had gained from elsewhere. The room was set to play out random dangers at random intervals, stimulating her pain receptors without the physical injury. Minion had no intention of damaging Kat's body. He wanted Kat to be his personal slave and if she survived, he would enjoy breaking her further.

Minion planned to leave her a few more hours and then offer her a chance to end her pain. He doubted she would take him up on the offer first try, but faced with a life of pain or a life as his slave he suspected she could be persuaded to choose the latter.

Tommy's torture was simple but effective. He had been tied with his hands above his head and had a WD-Unit punching him at regular intervals. Each blow cracked his ribs causing him to scream in agony. But Minion had programmed the machine to allow enough time between blows for the youth's healing to take effect. For the robot it meant a few seconds of action followed by long periods of waiting. For Tommy it meant constant and nearly unbearable pain.

Travis' torture was perhaps the cruellest. He had been secured so he had a view of all his friends being tortured. Minion had injected him with a drug to paralyse his body and bound his limbs just in case. Travis could see and hear everything, but could not move any part of his body to help or even turn away or shut his eyes. Tears ran down his face from having to watch his friends being tortured, knowing he was free to intervene but unable to help them. He continued to sob, broken at the sight of his friends suffering knowing he had failed them.

"What's the matter Travis, can't you stand to see your friends suffer?" Minion asked softly. "You know, you could save them. Just swear total and undying allegiance to the forces of darkness and I'll let them go."

"Go to hell!" Travis spat. Struggling to speak due to the effects of the drugs.

Minion did not reply. He simply turned and nodded to the WD-Unit in front of Tommy. The machine understood the unspoken command and punched Tommy in the face, cracking his skull.

"You had better not say things like that Travis," Minion hissed. "Or I'll instruct the WD-Unit to crush his skull. I'll leave you to consider our offer," Minion told the distraught Ranger. "See you soon."

Minion walked over to where Tommy was hanging. Using some of the many fighting techniques at his disposal, he kicked Zeo Falcon several times in the chest and stomach, smiling in satisfaction as he heard the Ranger's ribs crack. When he finished, he cut the bonds holding Tommy's arms, then continued to kick and punch the fallen Ranger. He lifted Tommy to his feet and delivered a sharp kick to the Ranger's neck.

"Wait six hours and then resume," he said to the WD Unit as he teleported away.

Six hours was nowhere near enough time for Tommy to heal, but that was the idea. Minion promised himself he would return to beat Tommy a bit more when the other boy was awoke.

Minion enjoyed having so many prisoners because it gave him the opportunity to try as many forms of torture as possible before they died. They were his playthings and when they ceased to amuse him, he would toss them aside and move on to the next victim. This time he had not been creative, just brutal in his plans. He had placed the surviving members of the JLA and the Teen Titans together in the arena, surrounded by WD Units. If they defeated their opponents, he would let them go. He had no intention of allowing them to win.

He had deliberately made the stadium larger this time and provided the heroes with some cover. He mentally ran through those present and was satisfied they would be lucky to survive let alone triumph. The Flash had already proven how far Minion was willing to go; the human Masked Rider had proven that he could be merciful. What he had done to the Martian Man Hunter had shown them his vicious side, while slicing off John Stewart's fingers had shown his intelligence.

So who was left? Batman, Wonder Woman, Hawk Girl of the JLA - for there was no way the Green Lantern could defend himself at that moment - and Robin, Starfire, Changling, Raven and Cyborg for the Teen Titans. Some of them he had allowed to remain conscious, others he had deliberately incapacitated to prevent them from using their powers. In the end he decided that Wonder Woman, Hawk Girl and Cyborg would suffice. If this worked well, he would be sure to try it again with the Avengers.

Wonder Woman looked on as the WD Units surrounded them. She already knew that they could not trust Minion to keep his word. If he wanted them dead, they would die, and if he chose to spare them it would only be exchanging death for more torment. And the villain had already taken so much.

Themyscira was gone, the civilised world of the Amazons lost forever all due to Minion's. She remembered how his robotic army had fought their way through the island's inhabitants. And now Diana, last surviving daughter of her race found herself pitted in one of the villain's twisted games. She promised herself that she would not be another victim of his evil; she would not go easily, and like Wally she vowed to fight him.

Hawk Girl was angry and more than a little confused. She had once believed that she had known what evil was, her people having abandoned a dark entity long ago. But it seemed that Minion had shown her a new kind of evil, the type that from Batman and Robin's reactions, was uncommon but not unheard of on Earth. She held her mace at the ready, vowing that the first machine to cross her path would be scrap metal. Next to her she sensed Cyborg tense. The battle was about to begin.

When the robots attacked, the three heroes went on the offensive. Hawk Girl's energised mace smashed into the chest panel of one WD Unit as Wonder Woman used her lasso to throw one of the WD Units into its neighbouring machines. Cyborg unleashed blast after blast from his sonic cannon, using his vice like grip to wrench arms from torsos.

Minion had to admit they were an impressive combination. Wonder Woman's strength combined with Hawk Girl's anger and Cyborg's strong will, which Minion had to admit was exceptional for him to have survived all the hardships he had endured, allowed them to take down a good portion of his forces before the overwhelming numbers started to catch up with them. He was amazed when he saw Cyborg rip the bladed weapon from one unit and use it to slice the head off another. He had been hoping that what he had done to the Flash would have weakened their resolve, but if anything they fought harder.

"Open fire!" he commanded.

Viventallum bullets sprayed from the units' hands, causing Hawk Girl to cease her current tactic of lifting opponents from the ground and dropping them from higher up, and duck for cover. Cyborg and Wonder Woman worked together, she deflecting the bullets with her bracelets while he returned fire. When a WD Unit went down, it stayed down; Minion wanted to see how close they would come to victory before springing his surprise.

Batman watched the battle from his cell. There was little in his utility belt that could help them although the first aid kit had allowed them to wrap the cauterised stubs that were John's arms. The Green Lantern was still in a bad state, Flash was comatose.

In the next cell Robin had given up trying to break free from the cell and had instead turned his attention to other opportunities to escape. Starfire was in a state of shock, whatever Minion had done to her when he had insisted on separating the aliens from the rest of the JLA and Teen Titans, she had been almost catatonic when she had returned. Exactly what they had done to the J'Onn was unclear, but while he was alive, he was definitely not conscious; Raven had not been seen since she had been taken.

"Look," Changeling called, transforming back to his normal appearance for the first time since they had seen what had happened to the Flash. The brutality and callous nature of the attack had hit all of them, but Changling had lost somebody whom he viewed as a big brother.

"Look out, they're changing," Batman said as he watched the broken WD Units pool together into a new larger warrior.

"Oh no," Robin said, eyes widening as he saw the thin tubes appear from the Centaurian's body.

The WD Units fell back behind the larger robot and the three heroes were getting more and more nervous.

"Fire!" Minion ordered.

The many tubes unleashed a volley on miniature projectiles at its opponents, shredding anything in their path. Diana tried to block them but even her swift reactions could not avoid every projectile. As soon as the first bullet pierced her skin, the small point allowing it to easily break her skin, she started to slow. More projectiles were fired, most missing but some actually managed to strike their target. Eventually the blood loss was too much and she fell.

Cyborg had not been so lucky. His metallic parts were shredded by the tougher metal and it was only through chance that his human organs were not damaged. He continued to fire bravely, daring the machine to attack again and again.

Hawk Girl Had been hit, her wings damaged and her flight terminated. She had managed to land a single blow, which was more than her companions had accomplished. Still, like Wonder Woman and Cyborg she was beaten and as the massive metal fist made contact with her skull, it seemed the fight was no longer her problem.

"Cease!" Minion called. He didn't want the Centaurian to kill them, the pain didn't fade as much when he just killed them. He needed to break them first, all of them.

He walked into the arena area and made a point of examining the bodies. Hawk Girl would survive although like the Green Lantern and Masked Rider, recovery would prove difficult. Cyborg on the other hand would be lucky if he ever recovered from his injuries. Minion considered using Viventallum to repair the damage, knowing that in doing so he would have control over Cyborg. Oh the damage he could cause. Finally he came to Wonder Woman. The pile of bullets surrounding her spoke of how hard she had fought to survive. A quick scan of her aura revealed that she was alive. The pool of blood surrounding her raised questions about how long she would take to recover.

Then there was something, a flash of sensation of the very edge of his consciousness, a warning that one of the security spells he had placed had been disturbed. It took a moment for him to zero in on the distrurbance, a task made more difficult because the surrounding spells had not triggered. It was a curious impossibility that he resolved to investigate personally.

"We'll this continue later." Minion promised before heading toward his private chambers.

It was a disturbing thought that he was being played with, but Minion was certain that was the case. Whatever had disturbed his warding spells had waited until an instant before the door was fully opened and then vanished. The only clue had been a wheezing and grinding noise that almost sounded like an engine. He was surprised to find his chambers intact, the guards he had left there had not even been aware of the intruder. And it seemed that his visitor had left something behind.

His gaze fell on the package that now occupied a section of his desk. He moved forward to investigate, noting as he did so that somebody had been reading through his papers. ~No,~ he corrected himself as his eyes fell on the untidy scrawl, ~somebody has been marking them.~

Before he could touch it, the box opened, revealing its contents. The first thing he noticed was the strange medallion. It appeared to be of oriental origin, but his keen senses told him that the metal was not common to Earth. With that in mind he started to discount many of those he suspected were behind the intrusion. He was starting to suspect that instead of someone trying to save the prisoners, this was a fellow villain's poor attempt at a joke, perhaps to draw his attention. His eye fell upon the second item, a note in the same style as the attempted grading of his calculations. He wondered why somebody had gone to such lengths just to deliver a letter.

Attention Minion. You are cordially invited to attend a special tournament at my behest. A tournament unlike any other. Which would involve a journey unlike any other. Your presence is requested at the San Francisco Cow Palace to attend the King of Fighters tournament in the year 1996. You will be treated to sights beyond understanding. Heroes unlike any other, and the rivals they face in the name of personal glory. Minion just smirked at the letter before him, amused by what he was reading. What interest could this tournament have for one such as him? Out of that amusement he continued reading, and was interested by what he had read.

There will be old familiar faces as well. Warriors of the power. Ranging their skills in battle.

His mind picked up on the not-so-subtle references hidden within what the writer believed to be clever word play. 'Warriors of the power? Ranging their skills in battle?' It was clear the writer wished him to make the connection to the Power Rangers. The question though was whether the intention was for him to dismiss the possibility and attend to find out why they had made such a poor attempt to deceive him or conclude that the note was truthful and attend to find out how it was possible? It was with great reluctance that he realised either way the note had achieved its underlying objective and captured his attention. He continued to read.

A means of transportation is available for you to attend this tournament.

Co-ordinates of its location are written below. As is a key for entry.

It is my hope you attend this tournament as it could change your perspective.

Sincerely,

J., Doctor of Law.

Proprietor, The Fun Factory. City of San Francisco.

He had to admit that the writer was clever. He had been drawn in by what had at first been amusement, but had rapidly turned to curiosity. And now it seemed that despite all the mental discipline he tried to maintain and the logic he employed, he would be forced to take the bait and find out what this was all about.

He studied the box more carefully. Until now he had been distracted by the contents and had overlooked the container. The construction was clearly alien; he knew the wood came from a planet that Rita Repulsa used when crafting her wands. That in turn implied that despite the very boring and human sounding name of 'J.J. Chambers', the send was either an alien or had access to alien materials. And that led him to consider the location of the tournament. What was so special about San Francisco and why would this 'J.J. Chambers be based there?

He looked at the contents once more and studied the medallion in detail. ~Chinese if my guess is correct,~ he thought as he studied what he now believed to be the 'key' the letter had mentioned. A quick glance at the letter confirmed the co-ordinates where his transport was waiting. It was only then that he wondered why he would need transportation when he was capable of teleporting and he realised that the letter was suggesting that this journey would require a little bit of time travel.

Using the computers at his disposal, Minion rapidly zeroed in on the location. From the outside it appeared perfectly normal, but a closer check revealed that all was not as it first appeared. In fact beneath the deceptively normal looking building, he had found evidence that it was government owned. The evidence had been carefully hidden, but there were always a few small clues, especially since this was not a part of the United Kingdom's forces. The funding came from an offshore account and relied on several transfers but by tracing the money he found that the originally purchaser had been a front company. And by shifting his way through the elaborate attempts to deceive him about which government the front company belonged to, he eventually found the name UNIT.

From that point it had been a matter of hacking his way into the primitive network and locating the information he needed. His goal was to find out what was so special about that building, so he completely ignored the long and very interesting history that the site revealed.

~The Black Archives,~ he thought as his eyes scanned the filed. ~A repository of extraterrestrial artefacts that were either recovered, salvaged or confiscated from areas outside of the British Empire.~

His eyes widened as he read that last part, but he dismissed it. He didn't have time to consider the political intrigue at that moment.

~Why would my transport be left in the hands of the enemy?~ he wondered.

Several scenarios presented themselves including the possibility the his mysterious contact wished him to retrieve the property on his behalf, but decided it was just as likely that he thought that any guards would not pose a problem for one such as Minion.

Then he checked the co-ordinates again and noticed that the numbers were changing very slightly and a time had been included, which seemed to alter with each passing second.

~Ah,~ he realised as he checked the co-ordinates on the map. ~He doesn't want me to enter the valuts, just the grounds surrounding them where this transport is being moved.~

A noise caught his attention and Minion twisted in time to see that a set of photographs had appeared.

~Somebody is playing games with me,~ he concluded. ~When I find him he had better have a good reason or else he will pay.~

At first glance the 'transport' reminded Minion of a Chinese Funeral Box with an obvious section that had been removed right in the centre. ~Perhaps that is where the key should go,~ he pondered.

Another glance at the co-ordinates showed that the box was moving at speed. It was now about fifty miles from its original location. He also noticed that the time had changed and by his estimates was a few minutes into the future..

~An ambush then,~ he concluded.

He was being given the time and place where he could obtain his transport, but it required him to believe that the writer knew where the transport would be at any time. That required Minion to believe that J. had some means of time travel or future sight. Not an impossible idea, but it made him all the more cautious. Still there was little risk when he had others to carry out the task on his behalf.

"Silvo!" Minion called.

The powerful warrior appeared and Minion gave him his instructions.

"Take some of the spare WD Units to these co-ordinates. Intercept the convoy and retrieve its cargo. Then return here." As he spoke, Minion handed Silvo the pictures of his objective.

Silvo nodded in affirmative to his master's commands and withdrew to gather the forces he needed. In a very short time the small force teleported to a road in England, where Minion's ride to the King of Fighters Tournament of 1996 was waiting.

Time and reality are funny things. For the most part time travels in a single direction. A second passes into minutes, then hours, days and eventually centuries pass by. But where as time marches onwards, the events that take place are far more fluid. Every action leads to a reaction, every effect requires a cause. That need for the universe to make sense meant that while the order of events usually followed a set sequence, that order wasn't always chronologically correct. For the most part reality shifts and changes, adapting to the new events and circumstances as they happen. It was that sort of relationship that would allow a person glimpsing the future or the Zeo Rangers to see and elderly Tommy and Katherine together one moment and Tommy as an Archaeologist the next. But sometimes an event took place that was so devastating that reality could not cope.

Such an event had happened, would happen, was taking place at that moment. The splashing currents of time shifted and fractured. Existence sought and answer and could not find one. For a moment every reality became the Prime Reality as they met with oblivion. And then the moment passed, but the fallout of such events echoed backwards through time, reshaping events and causing the impossible to happenâ€¦

People, places, dates, means and reasons shifted and clashed. Reality could not cope with such contradictory changes and so it found a way to resolve the problem. The subconscious will of reality reached out and influenced an individual. He in turn influenced two more impressionable young minds. Curiosity was raised and emotions manipulated. Competition led to disobedience and intervention where things should have been left alone. Suddenly reality was part of something greater, something that had not been there before, but had been manipulated into existence to resolve an otherwise impossible problem.

One had become many. The universe had become a multiverse. Over time many of the fractures would ties themselves together as the differences played out and reached a point of integration. Others though were just too different and would either continue for eternity or reach a dead end and simply cease.

And while some were aware of the multiverse, most remained ignorant. And of those that were aware, there were some that seemed to shift between them without even realising it. Some had even fractured with reality and existed as representations of themselves as opposed to simple alternate incarnations. And a few, a very few of those that fell into the last category, were aware of their nature and used their peers' lack of perception wholly to their advantage.

In one such reality, there existed a being that was fully aware of the changes that had taken place, completely aware of his own nature and in the unique position of understanding the chain of events that had caused it all to happen. In that place time was more open to manipulation than in others, for this reality was one of several that could eventually surpass its point of origin and emerge as THE Prime Reality. And time had changed, multiple times, through either necessity or the whims of supposed 'gods'. It was a reflection of a reflection of itself. Skewed and a little strange to those that could sense the changes, yet regardless of the Who, Where, When Why and How, most things remained the same.

One of those constants of the universe was the planet Eltare, headquarters of the Galactic Council: a galctic body where the 'good' planets of the universe rallied together to promote freedom. peace and justice for all who sought it, as well as safety and security. The latter parts however were proving difficult to attain due to constant attacks from the United Alliance of Evil. Planets had fallen, people had been taken as slaves and valuable resources that could have gone towards the benefit of many worlds went to the select few under the rule of Dark Specter. Many had taken up the fight against the UAE, be it as Rangers, a part of the Council Military or even as politicians.

One such politician was the Triforian named Sygnus. Sygnus was the appointed Council Representative of Triforia granted power by the planet's Prime Minister Tirol after the tyrant Terr had been overthrown. Sygnus made it a personal mission of his that no further tyrants like Terr came into being again. Whether from Triforia or from a council world. The actions Sygnus had taken on the Council floor led to Triforia being seen with a newfound authority on par with that of Lord Trey, who was sadly still recovering in a cryotube on Earth. Nevertheless councillors felt Triforia was in good hands until Trey returned, whenever that would be.

In the meantime Sygnus had caught note of two councillors that he felt were 'not on the up and up' if he remembered the Earth expression correctly. Sygnus made it a point to know s much about Earth as he could as he figured S'Hera and Darkonda's plan centered around the planet Zordon of Eltar set up as his base. ~But what was that plan?~ Sygnus asked himself.

He had no answer. Only S'Hera and Darkonda had those answers. As he sat at his desk he wondered about S'Hera and Darkonda's whereabouts. Typing a series of schedules he wondered where the two 'councillors' were at this current moment. He was surprised when the answer came 'Off Planet'.

Sygnus realized S'Hera and Darkonda were no longer on Eltare.

~Where have they gone?~ Sygnus was left wondering. Wherever it was he knew it couldn't be good for Earthâ€¦ ~Or Trey~ he mentally added.

San Francisco

While it was considered an 'All American City', a great deal of magic and mystery contributed to San Francisco's history. How else could they explain the massive damage the city had sustained at one point that experts had clearly stated was not an earthquake? But in recent times things had gotten stranger; the appearance of the Power Rangers a few years back had acted as a catalyst for the previously contained supernatural behaviour. As the Ley Lines had reacted to the magic being used around them, the energies had resonated outwards, creating the area known by locals as 'the Freak Zone'.

However despite being within the geographical boundaries of the Freak Zone, San Francisco's inclusion had been disputed by those that acknowledged such things - mainly nerds - until the Power Rangers had appeared in the city to deal with a Cylon invasion. Their battles with Kali Yagami, a former replica of Trini Kwan who had embraced her newfound identity and accepted the dark power that seemed to reside within the Kwan family line had caused the Rangers to make front page news. After that the other mostly ignored stories of magical happenings within the city had started to emerge, events surrounding three magical sisters who preferred to keep their activities secret to the point where they were considered urban legends.

There were many stories that the Rangers heard. Most were urban legends that they knew better than to simply dismiss out of hand. Others, such as tales of the wizard Merlin living as a motor mechanic somewhere within the city were dismissed outright. It wasn't just the idea of a powerful wizard giving it all up for a life working with machines that caused their scepticism though. There were also the reports that Merlin had found tenure at one of the country's leading universities and gained funding to further his studies of the aura.

In the end the discussion was unimportant. The Rangers were not heading to San Francisco to seek out Merlin or trios. Three of their own would be competing in the King of Fighters Tournament. Since their numbers had swelled so much, the Rangers had split up and made arrangements to travel as groups. The Morphin and Zeo teams were travelling together although Kat had stated she would travel by her own means. She hadn't explained further and the Rangers hadn't asked.

As the plane set down at San Francisco International Airport, Inspector Nash Bridges waited with his ex-wife Lisa in the terminal to greet the Rangers, one of whom was their daughter Cassidy - the Silver Zeo Ranger.

"You know, this is probably the only time we've sat somewhere quietly and not argued for a long time?" Nash asked.

"I know." Lisa said eagerly waiting for the plane to arrive, and for their daughter to disembark. "I want to hear everything about what she's doing. Her being away is likeâ€¦"

"â€¦ something being torn out from you?" Lisa looked at her ex-husband and nodded at his choice of words. "I know. I'd love to be with her in Angel Grove. But Cassidy said she has to do this without us."

"At least she has friends." Lisa said. "A lot of them."

Nash chuckled a little at Lisa's remark as he remembered meeting all the Rangers. He had to admit, Cassidy had a lot of friends. Friends that were fellow Power Rangers and were going to be on the plane with her. He watched as the plane pulled up and docked at the gate. There was a short delay, but a few minutes later the door opened up and the passengers started to disembark. He waited patiently, watching the families on vacation, the hurried travellers eager to reach their business meetings and a large group of teenagers. He smiled as he identified some of the faces in the last group. It appeared that they had made it intact.

"San Francisco we have arrived." Zack proclaimed excitedly as he stepped off the plane followed by the other teens in their party. They exchanged amused grins at their friend's antics, but one of them reached forward and told him firmly to tone it down. The last thing they wanted was to be held up by security.

"Sorry Jase," Zack responded. "But this is San Francisco! This is the city that takes everything it has to give, and still keep coming back. It's kind of like us in a way."

Jason considered Zack's words and felt his friend was on to something. San Francisco did have something of a Ranger quality to it. A city that kept coming back from whatever anyone, or anything, had to throw at it.

"Yeah Zack, you're probably right." Jason agreed.

Many who visited the city claimed that there was a feeling of magic in the air. For the most part Jason agreed. He was not the most sensitive of the Rangers, but even he could sense the energy that seemed to flow through the city. He wondered if it was really magic or just the spirit of the people that lived there amplified through the minor Ley Line that branched throughout the area. Of course he was aware that beyond the background magic in the area, there were tales of real magicks at work within the city. Jason was certain that if those stories were true the area was as much a target for the forces of darkness as anywhere else.

~Good thing they have the Outsiders to protect them,~ he thought.

Thinking about the Outsiders caused him to think about one Jamie Zedden, member of the Outsiders and his current girlfriend.

While Jason was lost in his thoughts, Tanya was trying to deal with the odd feeling that she had come home. It was almost as if she was destined to live in San Francisco. For a moment she dismissed such thoughts, knowing that just because her cousin happened to live there along with her family didn't make it her home. But somewhere deep inside she felt a connection to the city and knew in her heart that one day she would come back and stay.

Trini meanwhile was feeling very uneasy. Something hold her that something would happen at the King of Fighters Tournament. She didn't know what was going to happen, but she knew it was not going to be a good thing.

"Trini?" Kim asked for the third time. "You okay?"

"Uhh, yeah Kim." Trini said.

Billy looked in Trini's direction and shared Kim's concern. Since discovering her Yagami heritage and the power it offered, Billy found he worried more and more about Trini. She was after all his closest friend, and he didn't want her to fall to darkness, especially when that darkness was already a part of her. So concerned was he about Trini that he didn't have much of an interest in sightseeing.

Samoht wasn't doing much sightseeing either, but for a very different reason. He knew the stories about San Francisco better than anyone. He had been there in 1903 when the alleged earthquake had happened. He had fought a monster there in a battle so fierce the whole city had shaken. He had used his magic afterward to help repair most of the damage, but he had been tired and the results had been less than perfect.

Nash and Lisa greeted the Rangers, shaking hands with those they had already met and introducing themselves to those they hadn't.

"Did Cassidy come with you?" Nash asked. He heard they planned to drive out, but since the airlines were restored after the Cylon attack he assumed the Rangers had decided to fly instead.

"Yeah Mr. Bridges. She should be coming out shortly," Jason assured him. "It was hard to get enough tickets to all sit together so we split up into smaller groups."

After a short wait they were eventually joined by both Zeo teams. Another round of greetings took place before Nash drew Tommy and Skull to one side. As team leaders they were best place to answer the questions he needed answered.

"Has my daughter been taken care of?"

Skull snorted. "Sir, I've learned first hand that your daughter is capable of taking care of herself." He added something about bruises, but Nash had turned his attention to Tommy.

"But that doesn't change the fact that we will always be there to watch her back," Tommy said. "Just as she has watched ours."

Nash nodded. It was the sort of answer he had been hoping for.

"She is her father's daughter," Tommy added.

"Careful bubba. That's not always a good thing," Nash warned with a slight smirk just as Cassidy finally disembarked and spotted her parents.

"Hey daddy!" Cassidy cried, rushing over to her parents and wrapping them in a fond hug.

"Welcome back sweetheart," Nash said as he hugged his daughter.

"I'm glad you're okay sweetie," Lisa said. "How's Angel Grove?"

"Great," Cassidy answered. "We still have a few monster attacks, but we've managed to fight them all off. One was kind of interestingâ€¦" She glanced around to make sure they were not being overheard before recounting her recent adventures with Astronema. She was very careful when she explained how the Princess of Darkness seemed intent on targeting her for some reason. Last thing she needed was for her father to go into the overprotective parent role.

She thought she had gotten away with it, shielding the danger behind her obvious enthusiasm, but it seemed Nash had simply been waiting for the story to end.

"So this villain decided to go after you personally?" Nash asked. "Did you do anything to her?"

"No, why?" Cassidy asked. Her father's reaction seemed more curious than overly protective.

"I've been keeping tabs on Ranger activities since you moved there," Nash quickly explained, realising that he really should have chosen a less public place. "According to reports, Astronema normally only attacks the Space Ranger team; Alison's team. So why did she suddenly change tactics and go after you?"

Cassidy shrugged her shoulders, but had to admit, it was a good question. "I don't know. To get at Alison maybe as she's an Astro Ranger and Astronema is supposed to attack that team. I really don't know why she'd be after me. It's not like I stole her boyfriend, if she has one." Cassidy was shaken out of her Astronema reverie when the other Rangers announced they had their luggage and were ready to leave the airport. Their ride was waiting.

"Cassidy, Laocorn has sent us a limo to take us to the hotel we'll be staying at." Kim said. "I take it you'll be going home with your folks?"

"With my mom actually." Cassidy said. "She still is leery of my father's death trap."

"Hey I resent my home being called a death trap!" Nash said.

"Well isn't it earthquake condemned?" Lisa asked. "Isn't it ready to fall after the next big quake?"

"They're doing a seismic shore-up in the coming weeks." Nash admitted. "It's all in the waiver I signed."

"Still I think our daughter would like to stay someplace that won't fall in the ground tomorrow." Lisa added.

Cassidy rolled her eyes. "Ahhh home sweet home," she said sarcastically.

"Take care Cassidy. We'll see you at the arena," Samantha said.

The other Rangers smiled and left, leaving Cassidy to ride with her parents in the Cuda waiting outside.

"So where's Alison?" Lisa asked as they travelled down the terminal. "Or is she travelling separately?"

Cassidy gave a half smile. "She's travelling separately. VERY separately."

A few miles outside of San Francisco six young people walked in the California heat. All were competitors in the King of Fighters tournament. Three of them were members of the Bogard family, the others were Power Rangers.

"Are we there yet?" Katherine Hillard asked as she walked in the heat sweating. She took swigs of water to keep herself cool, but she had to use it sparingly. Everyone did.

Terry told everyone this was a pilgrimage to the tournament. A journey full of hardship and sacrifice. Meant to purify the body, mind and soul for battle. Terry seemed to take the journey in stride. His brother Andy and friend Joe Higashi were having aâ€¦ little bit of trouble.

"You're enjoying this Terry aren't you?" Andy asked.

Terry just looked at his brother and hid a smirk. "The pilgrimage to the tournament is part of the training Andy. You know that."

"But do we have to walk?" Joe asked.

"The ancient fighters walked to their places of combat," Cassie Chan replied.

"But we're not ancient." Alison said as she opened a bottled water and took a swig. "Terry, I love you to death, but I'm starting to wonder if death may not be coming a little closer to you right nowâ€¦ thanks to one of us."

"Hopefully not from you Alison. You still love me right?"

Alison sighed as she realized Terry got her there.

"Hey guys, look." Cassie Chan said pointing to a street sign. It said 'San Francisco-20 miles'. The collective grown made it clear that the only person not upset at having so far to walk was Terry.

"Please someone. We need a cab." Joe shouted to anyone that would hear. No one did. Not even a CHP officer. Joe even asked "Where's Ponch and Jon when you need em?"

"Only twenty miles guys we can make it." Terry said with a little more enthusiasm than necessary.

The walk continued, each competitor driven on by their own reasons for entering the tournament.

For Kat it it was a chance to confront her Psycho counterpart. Formerly known as Kaat, now she was known as Ivy Howard and the adopted daughter of a psycho billionaire that Terry, Andy and Joe had a history with.

For Cassie there was also a former Psycho Ranger awaiting her: a female Yagami named Kali, formerly named Triini. And ever since Triini had become Kali she had embraced her newfound identity, as well as the power and insanity that came with it. If Kali had not accepted the blood feud, if she had rejected that part of her legacy, Cassie would have been allowed to let it pass. But Kali had accepted that role and since Cassie was a part of the Kusanagi, Cassie felt it was up to her to her to deal with the threat.

But even if Kali wasn't competing Cassie knew Kali would be there in some way shape or fashion. She also wanted to embrace her family legacy by taking part in the tournament.

Alison was a Bogard and she had a legacy to uphold. Even though she was also a Hammond now she considered the Bogard name just as important, as it was the name she grew up with. And as such she endured the training along with Cassie and Kat.

They walked a few more feet when a blue van pulled up. The door opened and the three members of Team Gorgeous came out. Blue Mary, King and Mai Shiranui Bogard stepped out. "Hey girls." Mai called out. "Anyone need a ride?"

"YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!" Alison, Cassie and Kat said in unison as they wasted no time getting into the van. Mai, King and Mary also rushed in leaving the guys dumbfounded.

Joe however asked "Hey girls. Can we come too?"

"Sorry guys, enjoy the walk," Alison said as she, Cassie and Kat closed the door on Blue Mary's van and pulled away leaving Joe, Terry and Andy behindâ€¦ for at least a hundred yards.

The van stopped and Mai opened the rear door. "You guys coming or not?" Andy and Joe wasted no time getting in.

"See you Terry." Andy said. "Pilgrimages across the desert are overrated anyway." After saying that Andy rushed into the van.

Terry sighed, realizing that he was outvoted. Following the lead of his friends and family he decided to take the ride as well. A decision Mary was glad Terry made as they rode the remaining twenty miles to San Francisco together.

Coming down yet another way, the Reid family limousine was barrelling down the I-5. Inside it were seven passengers, the Astro Power Rangers.

"Oh man I could get used to this." T.J. said feeling the plush leather seat underneath him.

In another seat Carlos also sat back enjoying the rich comforts.

"You do get used to them." Dan Reid, the White Astro Ranger.

Next to him sat Andros, Ashley and Sabrina, while across from them Zhane sat next to Carlos and T.J. but his mind was elsewhere. A lot of Rangers had their minds preoccupied.

Ashley was thinking of her sister Alison and their friend Cassie that were taking part in the KOF tournament. Alison had just come back into the Hammond family fold, and while their parents welcomed her back they were having concerns about Alison's fighting lifestyle. Concerns that if Alison left she might not come back again one day. They had gotten their daughter back. They didn't want to lose her again.

Ashley promised she'd stick with her sister like glue, and that Alison would not be alone. Her friends, or Terry, would be with her.

She had also been getting closer to Andros and hoped they could go on a date at the Embarcadero where Pier 39 was located. There were other sights in San Francisco as well she wanted to see, and hoped she and Andros could make a night out of it. Andros had slowly been coming out of his shell and Ashley wanted to encourage that.

Andros found himself becoming more and more attracted to Ashley. There was something about the Earth girl in front of him that just made himâ€¦ happy. He wanted to be there for her, but he wondered if he did open up to her would there be something to take her away? Like Dark Specter took away his parents? Or how he lost Karone?

Sabrina looked out the window of the limousine and saw the sun over the Golden Gate bridge as they came to it. Its glow almost illuminating it. She never tired of seeing the sight of the bridge as the sun cast its rays on it. It truly looked like a Golden Gate. Looking off to the side she saw the spirit presence of Anne, and she nodded in agreement. Something about the Golden Gate just seemed magical.

Breaking the monotony Sabrina turned to Dan and asked "So Dan, you seem at ease with the trappings of wealth."

"Not too at ease." Dan said. "Dad and granddad always encouraged me not to become too dependent on the trappings of wealth. That sometimesâ€¦ money doesn't save you."

"That's true." Sabrina said. "I've known many rich rulers and warlords. And when their kingdoms fell their wealth didn't save them. Their fortunes were still taken and the rulers still were executed." Dan looked wide eyed at Sabrina as he heard her say the words. As if they were from first hand experience. Like someone who had been there.

"Regardless, our family's 'extracurricular activities' kept our instincts sharp. And ensured that we remainedâ€¦ resourceful." Dan said the last line with a smirk.

Sabrina caught the smirk and seemed to nod. She knew Dan Reid was no pushover.

Changing the subject Dan then asked "So what does the UAE think of the KOF tournament? Do they have any thoughts on the matter?"

Sabrina sighed as she tried to think of an answer.

"The UAE always knew Earth had power, but they never really figured that humans of Earth could tap into it. At least not in a major way. So the tournament was disregarded for the most part. If any rulers caught a tournament they kept such findings to themselves. So I can't be certain what the attitudes of UAE members could be."

"Well Divatox's should be easy to predict." Andros said.

Sabrina chuckled a little as she heard Andros make a bit of a joke. She knew Divatox would only see the tournament as a beefcake show. ~Sometimes predicting Divatox is like trying to predict the weather when it's raining.~ she thought.

"You guys talk a lot about Divatox, but I never really met her," Ashley said

"Trust me you don't want to." Andros said. "But Sabrina's right. Any major discoveries the UAE made about this tournament the members seemed to keep to themselves. Same it seems with the Council."

"Man who do you trust?" T.J. asked as he wondered who was worse, the UAE or the Council.

Andros had an answer for that "Ourselves mostly. We'll all need to stick together. Both here and on our way to Aquitar."

Everyone nodded except Zhane, who was staring out the window. His mind a million miles away. Andros called to his friend as if shaking him out of his reverie.

"Sorry Andros. I was just thinking." Zhane said.

Andros asked "About Cassidy?"

"No. Although it will be great to see her again." Zhane thought about the hug he and Cassidy shared in Golden Gate Park and wondered if there wasn't something there. But his mind was on someone else.

"I was just thinking about Karone." Zhane said.

Andros nodded in understanding. "I miss her too."

"I never even said goodbye." Zhane wiped a tear from his eye and then rode the rest of the way in silence.

Back in Angel Grove the girl Andros and Zhane had missed was very much alive. However she was not the girl they once knew. At least not completely.

Karone Lanrydan sat at the juice bar watching the boy she had met, Leo Corbett, practice at the Angel Grove Youth Center. He was teaching a group of young students as a favour to the club manager Ernie. Ernie knew Leo and his brother Mike in passing, and had known the Corbett brothers had skills in Martial Arts. Ernie also knew of the youngest Corbett brother in the young genius program that Billy Cranston had been part of and had seen him take part in a few classes.

One day Ernie saw Leo come in and had mentioned that the regular Youth h Center Martial Arts instructor had to go out of town, and wondered if Leo or his brother Mike could fill in. Leo said he could, and invited Karone to come as well. Karone accep pted the invitation knowing that many Rangers used the Angel Grove Youth Center as a hangout, and figured visiting the place might give her an insight into the Rangers' mindset.

As she sat and watched Leo train some students, she sipped a smoothie Ernie had given her. Ernie looked at Karone for a few seconds before going back to business. Karone however caught Ernie's looks and wondered what was on his mind. "Something I can help you with?" she asked.

"Sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable." Ernie said. "It's just that I have an eye for exceptional youths. Having known a few of them." For a moment Karone wondered if Ernie didn't mean the Power Rangers but she asked "And you think I could be one of them?"

"You remind me of them." Ernie said. "But there is something different about you. Somethingâ€¦ a little darker. And yetâ€¦"

Karone let out a small smile and said "It's probably best you just see me as a regular smoothie customer. A customer here with a friend." She looked in Leo's direction and Ernie got the idea.

"You Leo's friend?"

"Yeah. We met in San Francisco. My boyfriend left me and heâ€¦ helped me deal." Karone said as she thought of how they met.

Ernie studied the girl closely. There was just something that bothered him about her but he couldn't tell what it was. "If someone dumped you he must have been an idiot."

Ernie's line got a chuckle for Karone as she took the flattery from Ernie.

"No, he's not an idiot," she said finally. "He justâ€¦ doesn't know any better."

"So that's when Leo came into the picture?" Ernie asked.

Karone nodded. "He's been great. Just as great as he teaches this class."

Karone watched as Leo looked at several of the students surrounding him. Some of them he knew. Nico Ramonos and Kayla Gordon were from an advanced class at the Angel Grove Youth Center. Also there was young Justin Stewart, who had recently been checked out of Angel Grove Memorial Hospital after being in an unexplained coma. Starting out Leo decided he would give a few tune up moves for the students to follow along. The students did so with ease, especially Justin.

Off to the side Karone looked on at the young kids working out dressed in a training gi with a purple belt on. Her mind turned to her training at the Ranger Academy at KO-35. The instructors there seemed to be rigid and hard lined as they put her and Andros through their paces. The logic being that the universe wasn't all that kind, why should they be? Leo was a contradiction to those instructors. He kind and considerate, helping the students perfect their skills without coming down on them.

~Yes there are some drill instructors that would just hate Leo.~ Karone thought. Just then the new generation of Angel Grove bullies Biff Bulkmeier and Loman Skullovitch walked in carrying on like they were big shots, just like their predecessors had done.

"Well, looks like we made it to the little dweebs club." Biff said throwing his imaginary weight around. "Where do we sign up to kick people's heads in?"

Loman followed up with "Yeah. Where do we sign up?"

Off to the side Ernie told Karone how Biff and Loman reminded him of two kids he used to know. Of course it wasn't hard for him to tell that Biff and Loman lacked the brains to be original and were simply emulating Bulk and Skull before the two bullies had cleaned up their acts.

Leo also knew the type of people Biff and Loman were. He and Mike had had to teach Willy how to deal with them. He looked at Biff and Loman and decided.

"All right I'll give you a few pointers. Will one of you come to the centre please?"

"Cool. Loman, you first." Biff said as he threw Loman in so hard that his friend hit the mat on the ground. As he quickly got u,p Loman found himself facing Leo, who launched three fakes towards Loman causing him to run from the ring and hide under a table, much to Biff's disappointment.

All the kids were laughing, except for Biff who hissed "sissy" to his friend.

"Do you think you can do better?" Karone asked standing up from the bar and walking to the centre of the classroom. Turning to Leo she then asked "Do you mind if I interrupt?"

"Not at all Karone. I'm sure the kids would love to see you teach them what you know," Leo answered.

"Karone?" Biff asked. "What sort of name is that?"

Karone stood her ground, looked him and the eye and enjoyed the uncertainty in his eyes as she answered: "Mine. Now are you going to come into the ring, or you going to send your friend in again?"

Biff stepped back wide eyed as he took Karone's statement as a challenge. As he regained his composure Biff walked into the ring and looked Karone in the eye believing himself a big shot.

"You're a girl. This shouldn't be so tough." Biff said arrogantly.

Karone smiled as she anticipated teaching Biff a lesson. Looking around she spotted a pair of bow staffs and picked them up. She handed one to Biff and wasted no time getting into a defence position.

"Attack!" she said at the very next second before lunging forward.

Biff started swinging his staff while Karone blocked all of Biff's wild blows. After a while Karone knocked the end of her staff under Biff's legs and threw him down to the mat. Biff got back up and picked up his staff again. No way was he going to get beat by a girl. ~Even if she's hot.~ Biff added to himself.

Karone decided to throw the staff away while Biff still had his. Immediately the young bully lunged towards Karone who sidestepped the charge, grabbed the staff to make sure Biff kept going, using his momentum against him, and Biff was sent into the Pachinko machine that was closed for repairs. The youths chuckled as they saw Biff all sprawled out.

"Think you had enough training?" Karone asked.

Biff and Loman decided to run out of the Youth Center as fast as they could.

Ernie chuckled. "If they decide to take up cockroach kung fu I'm going to Bosnia."

Leo walked over Karone's side. "Those were good moves there. Where did you learn them?"

"I had a few good teachers." Karone said. She then added with a little coyness "Maybe I could teach you a thing or two."

Leo smiled. "Maybe." As Leo and Karone got closer some of the class snickered, drawing the duo's attention. "Short break," Leo decided.

Before Leo went off with Karone however he noticed Justin off to the side and wanted to touch base with him. "Hey Justin, Jason and Rocky wanted me to ask how you were doing."

"I'm getting by," Justin said. "I do miss my dad though."

Justin Stewart had awoken from a mysterious coma months ago. He had been abducted from his home where his stepmother had been murdered, and soon after-his father. All Justin could remember was a feeling that he had been trapped in a living nightmare that he couldn't wake up from. And a figure looking on. An evil figure.

Then the nightmare ended, and a woman with a white porcelain mask said that Justin need not fear anything anymore. That 'they' would protect him. And so far no monsters came for him. For that Justin was glad, even if he didn't know who 'they' were. He was released from the hospital a week or so later where he was remanded to the custody of Little Angel's Haven children's home. A place where he met his friends Nico and Kayla. Little by little it seemed like Justin was getting his life back, even though his dad and the rest of his family, were gone.

"I know how you feel Justin." Leo said. "I lost my dad too."

"I lost both my parents, and my brother." Karone added. "I know what it's like to lose family. But I also know what it's like to gain one."

The last part Karone said with a smile leaving Justin confused. Karone happily explained.

"You're starting a new family with Nico and Kayla. As well as the other kids from Little Angel's Haven. The friends you make become part of your new family. Bound not by blood, but by friendship." Justin listened to Karone's words and thought she was right. Justin was making new friends, and they were becoming part of his new family. He hoped no one would take them away like they took him away and left his family to die.

"Take care Justin." Leo said being reassuring. "Any problems let someone know. Or me, and I'll come running" Leo smiled giving Justin a few moments to smile at Leo's reassurance.

Somehow he felt Leo meant what he said. He went to the changing to get dressed for the ride back. He then noticed Karone looking at a poster on the wall. A poster for a tournament in San Francisco, A tournament called 'King of Fighters'.

"Leo do you know anything about this?" Karone asked.

Leo looked at the poster. "Only that Jason, Tommy and Rocky went to San Fran to attend. Apparently they have some friends taking part in it. That's why I'm teaching this class, and Mike will be around to teach others." Taking another look at the poster Leo then asked "Are you interested?"

~Dark Specter mentioned something about this,~ Karone thought. ~But none of the other council members say anything about it. It's likeâ€¦ one of those topics grown ups only talk about.~

"Yes I'm interested Leo. Can we go?" Karone asked. "I'm very curious to see what this is all about."

Leo looked at Karone and then back to the advert. He made a note of the number and walked over to the pay phone and dialled. After some time in the queue he was able to get two ringside seats for the tournament.

"Looks like we're going back to San Fran again." Leo said. Karone however wasn't enthused when she heard the city of San Francisco again. The city that was home to the 'other woman'.

"Whoopee." Karone said with a touch of sarcasm. She didn't have anything against San Francisco itself, but it was where she saw Zhane with that man stealing Silver Zeo Ranger. She hoped to make her pay with the Talisman of Size, but that idea had backfired and it took a lot of magic for her and Astronema to undo the after effects.

She prayed neither Zhane or Cassidy Bridges crossed her path. Regardless she and Leo got on the next available bus to San Francisco. They would see the tournament and have some fun too.

10 miles from the U.N.I.T. Black Archives.

"Skywatch to Trap 1, do you read?" the pilot asked as he completed another fly over of the transport route. It was his task to look out for possible threats to the convoy that rolled down the road beneath.

"Trap 1 to Skywatch we are receiving. Go ahead." came the voice of the radio operator in the convoy below.

"Have completed final pass. All clear."

"Understood Skywatch. We'll be entering the no-flight boundary soon. You are free to return to base."

Normally the helicopter would remain on watch until the convoy had reached its destination. However the Black Archives operated within a strict no fly area. Even UNIT's own choppers were prevented from entering, not so much for the threat they posed to the installation, but rather the effect some of the equipment stored there could have on them.

"Roger that Trap 1. Over and out."

With the helicopter gone, the convoy consisting of three jeeps and an armoured truck travelled the rest of the way alone. Since it was only ten miles to the archives it was believed the convoy would be safe as they could call the Archives and they could have a force deployed within minutes if there was any difficulty. Of course just because they believed they were safe didn't mean that they were relaxed. These were difficult times and with all the recent problems UNIT wanted its artefacts secured. Therefore the guards were on full alert, ready for anything.

Unfortunately all the preparation and training they had received could not prepare them for what happened next. The lead jeep crossed a section of road and exploded as if the vehicle had rolled over a landmine. At the rear of the convoy a second explosion took out another jeep in a similar fashion.

The lead truck and the last jeep all stopped as UNIT troops disembarked. They took up positions wondering where the next attack was going to come. The answer came in the form of Minion's WD Units led by Silvo as they approached the soldiers. The Sergeant ordered the soldiers to fire. The bullets having no effect. The WD units continued to advance.

It was clear that they would win, but Silvo decided to have a little fun with the remaining soldiers. As the last round of bullets flew towards the WD-Units, he fired an equal number of projectiles back at the soldiers. He watched in amusement as his shots ripped through the oncoming bullets before continuing on a deadly path toward the soldiers. As he turned his back he knew that the bullets had connected and that every shot had resulted in a lethal head wound. With the soldiers dead, Silvo ordered the WD Units to secure the cargo.

In the main truck was the object sought. A black cabinet with a section missing. Silvo ordered the WD Units to bring the cabinet out of the truck and then called for Minion. "Master. The object has been secured."

"Excellent. Teleporting out now. Return at once." Minion ordered as in a streak of black the Black Cabinet teleported away from the ruined convoy. It's destination, Minion's Prison Dimension. Silvo and the WD Units followed.

Minion's Prison Dimension

~It seems so simple.~ Minion thought as he looked at the cabinet before him. ~Such a simple design, yet it's capable of so much.~ Minion hoped the cabinet would live up to the hype J.J. Chambers' letter said it was capable of. There were curiosities and concerns he wanted to address. This cabinet was the means to do just that.

"You may go Silvo. No one is to disturb me," Minion said in a tone that left no doubt in Silvo's mind that Minion wanted to be alone with his prize. A curious prize to say the least.

Silvo obeyed his master's command and left Minion with the black cabinet J.J. Chambers wanted him to obtain.

On the outside it seemed like it was nothing special. Just an ordinary cabinet from the Far East. Minion however figured that that which looked least likely could be considered the most dangerous. Or perhaps the most powerful. ~If anything this could be more insightful.~ he thought as he looked at the key in his hand. A key that could open not just doors but possibilities as well. And Minion wanted to know what those possibilities were, and what they had to offer.

Taking the 'key' Minion placed it in the missing section of the black cabinet. The door opened and Minion stepped inside. Once the door closed the cabinet then the cabinet hummed with power and swirled as it seemed to disappear into a vortex that seemed to stretch into time, space and reality. Inside Minion felt reality twist, turn and reshape. As if travelling was causing massive upheaval to him. Minion didn't mind however. He had found that pain was strength and the cabinet hummed with power. Dark power that could twist its occupants body, mind and soul. Minion however wasn't worried about being twisted into a monster. He already was one.

He also felt a familiarity in the power. A sense that he encountered this power before. ~In the Dark Dimension perhaps?~ Minion wondered. ~Could the creators of this cabinet have harnessed the power of the Dark Dimension so they could travel in time and space?~ The possibilities did seem staggering to Minion. The Dark Dimension could well be a realm that has no limits.

Soon the cabinet settled and Minion stepped outside. He had found himself in an abandoned store in Chinatown. The sign that said 'Going out of Business' seemed evident that no one was present. That and the locked front door. The conclusion that he arrived in Chinatown was drawn due to the Chinese lettering also on the sign saying the same thing as it's English counterpart, as well as the invitation saying that the tournament was in San Francisco where the most famous of Chinatowns were located.

Minion looked at the address on the invitation. The answers about who sent him and why were there, and he wanted them. Opening the door to the abandoned store and fusing the lock so no one would come after his travel cabinet he then started walking down the streets of San Francisco. As he walked Minion's curiosity became laced with purpose. Who sent for him, and how could he benefit?

Minion would get answers to those questions as he continued walking down the street.

Outside one of the most expensive hotels in San Francisco two horse drawn carriages had pulled up and seven people had disembarked. Six of them were fighters in the upcoming tournament. The seventh was one of the fighter's pregnant wife. On board were seven people. Six were fighters, one was a fighter's pregnant wife. They were also Power Rangers from another reality.

Jeffrey Kincaid was the leader of a Ranger known as the Night Rangers. He had been invited to participate in the tournament along with three of his current teammates and a couple of Rangers from the loosely affiliated group known as the Nightfighters by Shadow, a being that claimed to be a guardian of the Shadow Grid, a claim Kincaid was not certain he believed. It was not that he thought Shadow was deceiving him, but rather the nature of the Shadow Grid that cause him to be sceptical. He hadn't shared his views with either the McAllister-Kellers or Ken Tanaka. He was just grateful they had chosen to accompany him.

Shadow, the Shadow Guardian of good, had taken an interest in Kincaid it seemed. That was all well and good, but the Shadow Grid was by its definition a grey area and when approached by a being claiming to represent the good element of the Shadow Grid, Kincaid knew that the question should be: whose good? That Shadow saw Kincaid as a tool, a warrior that could deal with many important threats at least assured the Night Ranger that Shadow was honest.

But at heart Kincaid was just a man that wanted to live his life and not have to fight anymore. He had seen too much darkness and wanted a little light in his life. That was what his wife Mackenzie and their unborn child meant to him, the chance to live in the light for a while. But Shadow insisted Kincaid take part, for the exact reasons Kincaid wanted to hang up his morpher: his family.

And so Kincaid had reluctantly agreed to travel to another reality. In return Shadow had allowed his wife to accompany him, figuring that the least he could do was make Kincaid's stay as pleasurable as possible and had put him up in the most expensive hotel in San Francisco. Kincaid had to admit he would never have expected such generous treatment from those the claimed to be purely good.

It seemed that his companions were equally blown away at the sight.

"Oh my god!" Sarah McAllister-Keller said looking at the sight of the Waldorf hotel. "How much did reservations cost?"

"Probably more than I make in twenty years." Bruce Greene said as he took his bag off the carriage.

Cassandra Jensen seemed to agree with him "Treasure this stay guys. I think you won't stay in a place like this again."

"Unless you commit armed robbery and not get caught." Ken Tanaka said. Everyone flashed Ken a look, not entirely convinced he was joking.

"Go ahead and sack out guys. I'll catch up later," Kincaid told them.

While his five teammates walked in to get their reservations, Kincaid went to check on his wife who still sat in the carriage taking her time to leave.

"I'd ask how you were doing, but that's a stupid question right now isn't it?" Kincaid asked as he sat across from Mackenzie.

Mackenzie flashed a look and said "Ya think?"

"Regardlessâ€¦" Shadow said as he appeared in the seat across from Mackenzie, "I am grateful for you coming here. If I had another choice I would take it."

Kincaid sighed when he saw Shadow appear out of nowhere without warning. Not even he could pick up the Shadow Grid guardian, even with the help of the Night Spirits; Shadow just seemed to turn up.

"This threat better be as serious as you say it is." Kincaid said.

Shadow nodded. "I wouldn't have asked you to come if it weren't. Despite the ease you might feel passing between realities, keeping the path open is extremelyâ€¦ draining." He looked thoughtful. "The walls between realities that opened during your battles with Dagsyxx are starting to close again. In time the shards of the Nexus Crystal that you use will not be available to you; it will once again be the gift of godsâ€¦ and perhaps speedsters. Still, I asked and you came, and for that I am grateful. I realize this is inconvenient for you, so I have tried to make your stay as pleasurable as possible."

"Hence the expensive suite?" Mackenzie asked.

Shadow again nodded. "As well as the carriages you have so you can have a romantic night before the hellish day."

"You're leaving us the horse drawn carriages?" Kincaid asked surprised at the gesture.

Shadow nodded seeming to show a romantic side he had not used in a long time.

"No reason you and Mackenzie can't enjoy yourselves while you are here." Shadow answered. He noticed his answer had not convinced them and sighed. "I'll be at the tournament tomorrow. The carriages are paid for until tomorrow morning, so you can have a bit of a night together."

"Because tomorrow will be tough right?" Kincaid asked.

Shadow nodded. "Very."

Then he disappeared.

Mackenzie looked at the carriage and then at Kincaid and asked "Well?"

"I think I will need to rack out to be ready for tomorrow." Kincaid said. He then turned and gave Mackenzie a slight smile as he touched her hand. "But I think we can spare a little time."

Mackenzie also smiled, pleased that she had some together time with her husband. Something she hadn't had for a long time.

With that Mackenzie and Kincaid decided to take a ride and explore San Francisco. Two hours later they joined their teammates who were already asleep.

They didn't regret the evening they had. But Kincaid did wonder what else was going to happen at the tournament.

Chapter 2: Crossroads of Evil 2

Minion is the property of Shadow Ranger, however it is a derived work from a character that appeared in the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. The song 'Some Girls' is sung by Rachel Stevens. The song 'Rollin' is sung by Limp Bizkit. 'You don't Know me at all' is sung by Lillian Garcia. And 'Never gonna stop' is sung by Rob Notes: The reference to the San Francisco Earthquake comes from the records that clearly state there was no earthquake. Although this is now regarded as a city wide insurance fraud (mot claimants stated their buildings were damaged by fire from a neighbouring building. In some cases neighbouring shops set fire to each other at the same time).Additional Notes: The Minion shown in this story is the story from Conquest of Evil and not the Minion from COE: Reckoning. There are a number of differences between the two series when it comes to Minion and his Psycho Rangers. However where the Psycho Rangers are concerned it is best explained that in Conquest of Evil, Minion created the Psycho Rangers himself uses many different means and programmed them so that the required him to exist (something that has caused them to do very little ever since). In COE: Reckoning, the Psycho Rangers were originally flesh avatars created by Zordon to cover for the Rangers while they were occupied. Minion corrupted them and turned them into his Psycho Rangers. Since Minion is not only a visitor to this reality, but is also outside of his normal timeline, he is experiencing a little psychic feedback which allows him to interpret both set of events. Confused? So is Minion.

Prelude to Minion's Legacy Part 3 - Crossroads of Evil

COE: King of Fighters '96

By The Q Team

After some time, Blue Mary's van arrived in the city. There she dropped off Alison, Cassie and Kat. Terry, Andy and Joe decided to ride the rest of the way with Mary, King and Mai.

"We'll meet you at Grandpa's." Alison said. "We'll crash there and then head to the tournament."

"Okay Alison. But be careful," Terry said.

Alison just smiled. "Terry, this is my home town. What could go wrong?"

"The same things that could go wrong in Southtown," Terry answered. "And that's MY hometown."

Alison picked up on the warning and the genuine concern. She nodded and hugged her cousin goodbye before giving a similar hug to the others.

"See you guys there," she promised before the van drove off.

"Why'd you ask to get off here?" Cassie asked.

"Pier 39 isn't far from here, and I want to take in a little hometown fun before heading into the tournament," Alison explained.

"I never took you for a shopper Alison," Kat commented wryly. "Pier 39 has been known to have quite a few shops."

"That's not why I go there," Alison replied. "There's other things there too. Games, attractions. It's fun for me." Pausing she added: "And if I need to go shopping, which I'm not saying that I do a lot, I go there."

"Sure," Cassie teased as the three girls headed down to Pier 39 to have a day of fun before training, and the tournament. Once they arrived they noticed a new shop.

"The Fun Factory?" Alison queried. "That's odd. I know this shop is new here, but who would open up around here so soon after the Cylons attacked?"

"Alison the planet has been recovering quickly," Kat said. "Many cities have been offering Business Support Packages to help encourage new start ups."

Before Alison had time to reply, two elderly people came out of the shop, greeting the three young girls. "Ahhh welcome," the gentlemen said. "Welcome to the 'Fun Factory'."

"Thanks Mrâ€¦ uhhh."

"Popplewick." the man said, answering Alison's question. "Just Mr Popplewick. This is my wife Mrs Popplewick."

Mrs Popplewick just gave a smile and a polite nod in greeting to the three girls.

"Pleased to meet you." Kat said.

Alison however was still having problems with the sudden appearance of the new business. Something about it didn't seem right. She knew the way her town worked and while the scheme Kat mentioned would have been welcomed, red tape meant it would have taken much longer to start such a project. "So when did this place open, I didn't think a business opened this quickly?"

"Normally no," Mr Popplewick agreed. "But this project has been on the backburner for a long time and it was felt that now would be a good time to open for business."

"And what sort of business is that?" Cassie asked. "I mean I know the sign says 'Fun Factory' but what 'fun' are we talking?"

"Why fun from all corners of the globe," Mr Popplewick answered. "Our employer, Mr Chambers makes it his interest to teach those that come into the Fun Factory all sorts of games from all around the world. It's really sad that despite the world coming together in many ways there are still barriers that remain closed."

He shook his head sadly, his mouth pouting in an almost comical way.

"Mr Chambers seeks to open those barriers," Mrs Popplewick explained. "And what better way than through fun and amusement?"

Kat, Alison and Cassie looked at each other not sure what to make of the strange couple or why they were asking so many questions. It seemed rude to just walk up to someone and demand answers, as if they were intruding on their privacy. Yet something made them feel that it was important.

"Where is Mr Chambers?" Alison asked.

The look Mr Popplewick exchanged with his wife was so quick that they almost missed it. It was the look of somebody who had to think up an answer quickly and made the Rangers teens even more suspicious.

"He has a prior engagement he's preparing for," Mr Popplewick explained. "I'm afraid he'll be indisposed for the rest of the day."

That seemed odd that the business owner was away at a time when his input would probably bee needed constantly. It was then that something occurred to Cassie.

"Are you open for business?"

Mrs Popplewick shook her head. "No, we are still a few weeks away. We just thought we'd come and test the new lighting and maybe draw a bit of interest."

And suddenly one of the things that had been nagging them about the situation made sense. That was why there were no customers around or sounds of laughter. The Fun Factory was not open.

"Say, since you're here, why don't you have a look around?" Mr Popplewick offered. "Not everything is working yet, but it would be nice to get some customer feedback."

Alison, Cassie and Kat looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. What harm could there be in just looking? As they entered the Fun Factory store, Mr and Mrs Popplewick shared a look although the girls missed the delight gleaming in their eyes.

Once the girls stepped inside the Fun Factory they saw the Mr Popplewick had been telling the truth. The room was filled with games from different countries, and some were very old.

"Is that an old Mr Do game?" Alison asked looking at a vintage arcade game off to the side.

"One of Mr Chambers's collection," Mr Popplewick said. "We have others besides these, but will probably be rotating them between here and storage for some time."

Looking down the isle Alison saw that there were a number of classics on offer. Crazy Climber Crazy Climber, TRON, and its predecessor: Space Paranoids, stood out. She noticed there were a few fighting games like Mortal Kombat, Double Dragon, Street Fighter.

Kat however was distracted by a Pachinko machine off in the corner. "A Pachinko game? Where did you get this?"

"Mr Chambers is well travelled." Mrs Popplewick said. "He obtained this from one of his Far East excursions."

Kat studied the machine, noting a few places where it had been bumped. "Reminds me of a story a friend told me. He played Pachinko so much it got to the point where having fun was the only thing that mattered to him. Got his friends into trouble too, until they got out of it."

"Yes these things can be very addictive," Mrs Popplewick agreed. "Hm, perhaps something else would interest you. Ah, maybe this."

The Popplewicks led the way to a corner, motioning the girls to follow.

"What's this way?" Alison asked.

"A new game Mr Chambers has acquired and is testing," Mr Popplewick explained. "It is called 'Future Roulette'."

"Future roulette?" Cassie asked.

Mr Popplewick elaborated. "An electronic roulette wheel where one spin can tell you your future."

"Kind of like an electronic Magic 8 ball?" Alison asked.

"A little more accurate than that," Mr Popplewick answered. "The roulette wheel predicts to near pinpoint accuracy. Or at least it has so far."

"Would you like to see how your futures turn out?" Mrs Popplewick asked kindly as she motioned to a machine off to the side. It had a carnival like decoration around it, draped with curtains. But the centre of the device had a compartment that looked as if it had been shaped to fit the human hand.

Alison, Cassie and Kat looked at each other and shrugged.

"What could it hurt?" Alison asked.

"Brave words young one." Mr Popplewick said. "It's real simple. Stick your hand inside and the electronic wheel will reveal your future to you."

Alison, Cassie and Kat shared another look and Alison then asked the question they were all thinking: "All right, who's first?"

"I'll go first." Kat said as she put her hand on the slot.

There was a whirling noise as the section retracted into the machine, taking her hand with it.

Mrs Popplewick looked at the screen as the electronic wheel spun before her until it settled on what looked to be Kat's future.

"You will embrace your true self." Kat said quoting the message before her wondering what it meant.

"Think of it as a sort of fortune cookie," Mrs Popplewick offered. "The meaning is open to interpretation until it happens. Next please?"

Next was Alison as she put in her hand. Mrs Popplewick again looked at the screen as the electronic wheel spun. When it settled the screen said, "You have seen battle. You will see more, but you will not see them alone." Alison just shrugged as she removed her hand.

"Doesn't sound like anything new."

Finally it was Cassie who put her hand in the device. Mrs Popplewick looked at the screen as the wheel spun. As the wheel continued to spin Cassie then felt a sharp cut into her hand. "Owwww!" she said as she pulled her hand out. As she looked at it there seemed to be a deep gash across the top of it.

"Cassie you okay?" Alison asked.

"I think so." Cassie said. Holding her hand.

Mrs Popplewick looked surprised that Cassie's hand was cut. "Oh I'm so sorry my dear. Here, let me get you a first aid kit." Cassie nodded as Mrs Popplewick left to get the first aid kit then returned as quickly as she had disappeared. "Honestly had no idea how that could have happened." Mrs Popplewick said as she poured some antiseptic on a cloth to put on Cassie's hand. "We'll have to send the machine for repair. Can't have it cutting up customers."

Cassie nodded in thanks as she then looked at the screen to see her fortune. What she saw confused and scared her.

The message said: "One's gift can be another's curse."

Cassie felt a feeling of doom overtake her as she put the thought out of her mind and looked at her hand again. Her eyes looked on in amazement as the deep cut that was on her hand before was gone. Kat and Alison looked surprised too.

"Oh, well I guess it wasn't such a large wound after all," Mrs Popplewick said. "Blood has a nasty habit of looking worse than it really is sometimes. I guess we won't be needing this kit. Probably just as well. My apologies young miss. Mr Chambers will happily compensate you for any troubles."

"Don't mention it. I'm not interested in suing Mr Chambers," Cassie said as she then looked at her watch. "Look, I think we'd better be going. We have a tournament to get to."

"Well don't let us stop you." Mr Popplewick said. "Take care." Soon all three girls headed for the door saying good bye, all the while Mr Popplewick saying "Perhaps you can recommend this place to your friends?"

"We'll keep that in mind." Kat said as the girls left the Fun Factory. The Popplewicks smiled as the three girls walked away.

When they were gone, Mr Popplewick activated the intercom. "Do you have what you need Mr Chambers?"

The voice of JJ Chambers spoke through the intercom "Yes Mr Popplewick. I have obtained all I need from Miss Chan. Now we must leave. We too have a tournament to attend."

Minion's first act had been to find a new set of clothes. There was nothing wrong with his appearance as far as he was concerned, but this was not his reality and there was no guarantee that people would recognise the danger he posed. All it would take was one overly brave police officer to confront him and his presence would draw further attention that he could do without.

~I didn't come here to fight,~ he reminded himself. ~This time.~

As he entered a Goodwill store he looked for a new set of clothes to blend in with the environment as best as possible. Not that he fooled himself for a minute that changing clothes would be enough to blend in. But with the right attitude and a little magic there was a chance it would help others to ignore him. In the end he settled for a black suit with turtleneck, a black overcoat and a western ten gallon hat. All which gave him what he hoped was a 'man in black' look similar to what he had seen in an old Halloween movie. The huge hat and coat lapels, along with the turtleneck, obscured his face. He also selected a cheap pair of sunglasses to cover his eyes.

Before he left the store, he spared a thought for the shopkeeper he had battered into submission. He glanced down and used his magical senses to assess the damage he had caused.

"I get to take these clothes and you get to live," he said as he repaired a few of the broken bones. "A fair trade if you ask me. Don't get up. I'll show myself out. I hope you appreciate theâ€¦ even exchange."

And with that small demonstration of mercy, Minion walked calmly onto the streets of San Francisco.

He had always known there was something about San Francisco that was magical. Not in the Angel Grove sense of the word, but something deeper. It was an energy that very few cities seemed to possess. It wasn't the strength that defined it, it was the intensity. San Francisco, Tokyo, London, Geneva and Vienna shared that same feeling. New York did too, but it was smothered by the overwhelming strength of the Ley Lines. And then there were places like Cardiff where the feeling seemed to fluctuate wildly.

Minion also knew San Francisco had other qualities about it that could have been considered unusual. He knew the city had suffered a devastating earthquake at the start of the Twentieth Century and another crippling tremor less than a century earlier. Yet the city had somehow emerged seemingly unscathed and the damage could only be seen by looking in areas humans would not normally look. Vienna was a crossroads city between rival powers, a city where cultures co-mingled and where powers considered good and evil could interact briefly before rejoining their own worlds. Tokyo had its own power that made it a wonder of the world and a victim of monster attacks, which Minion suspected were more a side effect of mass exposure to magical energy and mass hysteria. London was a city of power and tradition that went back centuries. And Geneva, was known for being a world unto itself not answering to either force. There were other cities that could be described as special, but Minion foresaw days where many of those cities would fall by the wayside and the fate of the others was not clear, while the seven he had noted would live on forever.

Still despite all that, Minion wondered why had been chosen as host for the tournament. Was there going to be a major concentration of power in this location involving not just the Power Rangers?

~The answers will be at this tournament,~ Minion thought as he walked through the streets and made his way to the location of the King of Fighters tournament. Unfortunately despite his desire to remain unseen, he managed to draw the attention of a local street gang.

"Hey man it's the Shadow!" one of the members shouted. "Yo Shad, let me hold ten dollars."

Minion kept walking, not giving the gang members the time of day. If he had been hoping that his lack of reaction would dissuade them he was bound to be disappointed. The brush off succeeded only in angering the youths and unwilling to let somebody get away with brushing them off, the gang moved so they were blocking Minion's path. For his part Minion remained cool although he showed no sign of backing down, in fact his body language made it clear that he considered himself superior. He was not surprised therefore when the leader pulled out a switchblade knife.

"Yo Shadowman, I told you I wanted to hold ten dollars. You gonna give me ten dollars, or am I gonna take something more?"

The gang leader looked tough, especially when backed up by his friends. Minion however had seen worse. To Minion they were nothing more than a joke, parasites that used fear, juvenile attitudes and weapons to elevate their standing in a minor area of a city. They had no drive to go anywhere else. No ambition besides ruling over an insignificant corner. It was so pitiful that he couldn't help laughing.

"How pathetic," Minion mused. "You rule an insignificant corner, in an insignificant city, on an insignificant planet and consider yourselves important enough to get in my way. Do you even rule this patch or are you just claiming to own it?"

"Yo, Shadow we do rule here!" the gang leader said. "The Rollers Rule!"

Minion's smirk was hidden by the turtleneck and overcoat he wore, but he was amused, which for the moment meant he would probably let the fools live. He stepped forward and he could sense the fear around him. It was there niggling at the back of the gang members' minds. Whether they were capable of realising it or not, on some level they had accepted that Minion was trouble.

"Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?" Minion asked remembering the old radio tag line. "You don't want to know."

That had done the trick and as Minion stepped forwards, the gang tried to back away. Up close they could see the maniacal gleam in his eye, but when they were found an hour later, they were unable to say what had happened in the missing time. Paralysed by fear and in danger of dying from shock and exposure, the gang was rush to hospital for emergency treatment.

No one saw the man in black walk away from the sight. Although the words he spoke as he departed seemed to linger. "Never let it be said that Minion does not have a sense of humour." For years to come people would swear that they could hear an eerie laugh on that corner. The gang never returned.

The venue for the King of Fighters Tournament had been been carefully selected months before the event had been advertised. The sponsors for the year had brought forth enough money for the tournament to be held at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. And while some fighters had made reservations for lodgings, others had arrived at the arena early and sat in the locker rooms to prepare for the battles to come. The organisers had gone all out to cater to their fighters' needs. A gym had been put together for fighters to train if they did not wish to make use of the many private gymnasiums that had opened in the months leading up to the tournament.

Inside the Cow Palace Gymnasium, the team of ninjas Mirabilis had assembled for training. They had practiced, meditated, and kept their focus on their one objective: elimination of their adversaries. Focus was everything and dedication to their goal guaranteed success.

For Kane Okasa it would always be personal. The blood feud he had with the McAllister Kellers would never end until one or the other family was dead. His two partners were a means to that end.

Sei Tin merely sought to expand his influence in the ninja community. He had risen to power in the Red Ninjas, but he sought more. It grated that despite his accomplishments, he would always be eclipsed by the reputations of clans such as the Arashikage and the Koga. Nor could he rise above the academic excellence of the Hayate and Ikazuchi paths. Sei Tin heard that representatives of all four groups would be present and he longed to show what a power he was. He hoped in doing so he would receive an invitation to change his clan and become the well regarded ninja he was supposed to be.

Eiji Kisaragi also desired to make a name for himself. He had been desperate to compete in the tournament, but no one would train with him. When Mirabilis recruited him to take part as a member of her unique, team he saw it as an opportunity to have his name placed with greats like the Bogards, Joe Higashi, and even Geese Howard. For him the winning was important, being recognised as a competitor would do.

The three ceased their activities when Mirabilis entered the room.

"I trust you are ready?" she asked.

Kane nodded. "Hai."

He made no effort to hide his eagerness for the battle to come. He would destroy the McAllister-Kellers in this tournament once and for all. If his two teammates had agendas they could fulfil them for all Kane cared. As long as the McAllister Kellers, and whoever they got to fight along side them, fell. Sei Tin bowed indicating that he too was ready to fight and expand his influence. He had promised he would help when necessary, but had promised himself that he would only risk himself if it would enhance his standing. Eiji just nodded. He had made it to the tournament and would do what was asked of him in return.

"See that your adversaries, whoever they are, do not win. Do whatever it takes. And remember: I'll be watching." With that Mirabilis left, leaving Kane and his team to ponder how they would beat their adversaries.

There was a lot of money to be made at the King of Fighters Tournament and the organisers had over the years learnt the best ways to ensure that as much of that money as possible went to their pockets. While there were people willing to pay a high price for first class tickets, there were some that were willing to pay far more for their own areas. Private boxes that offered every luxury possible, security and complete privacy were expensive to provide, but far more expensive for those that wanted them.

The organisers and their clients referred to them as Shadowboxes and for the right fee the organisers could provide whatever their clients needed whether it was food, drink or other less legal items. Even extra companionship could be rented for the right price. Reputations, morals and criminal records were overlooked in exchange for hard cash. In short if they could pay they could stay.

A regular attendant to the Shadowboxes was Geese Howard. Unlike some of those that booked months in advance, he had booked his space for the next decade. It showed just how rich he was and made him one of the tournament's most influential guests. He hadn't purchased additional companionship for the evening, preferring the two whores he had picked up on his way to the event. But before he could allow the questionable ladies to satisfy his appetites, there was business to attend to. Ivy Howard and Daniel Kane were waiting for his blessing.

"My blessings come when you win." Geese said. "So do not fail me."

Ivy and Daniel both nodded leaving Geese to his recreations. He smiled as he surrendered to his companions' skills. Tonight was going to be quite a show.

Also in the Shadowboxes was another special guest to the tournament, Kali Yagami. Unlike Geese however she had to pay for her seat at the last minute. Fortunately though she had been able to arrange a last minute cancellation.

Kali took her seat and felt her belly. "Watch my child. Watch as you will see spectacles unimagined." She smiled as she said that last line as she knew those words to be true. Her only regret was that she would not be able to take part in the tournament herself, and face her hated rival Cassie Chan.

"Oh well. Cassandra will meet her end soon enough." Kali said as she laughed slightly to herself. A laugh that got only louder as she imagined the spectacle to come. Kali longed to see Cassie fight. She longed even more to see Cassie die.

After much walking Minion arrived at the Cow Palace. He checked his invitation and found the directions called for him to enter through the special seating entrance. Making his way through the crowds Minion arrived and was surprised when he was simply waved through, unlike the masses that still had to wait their turn. Identifying a young brunette woman, dressed in a skimpy outfit reminiscent of a Las Vegas magic act, as one of the event's escort, he walked over and offered his ticket.

"Ah yes," the escort said looking at Minion's invitation. "Your box is prepared Sir, please follow me."

If Minion had noticed the way he eyes seemed to blank when she had read his name, he didn't comment. Instead he followed the scantily clad hostess to his seat in the private area and was shown into a room with tinted windows and drapes. He didn't query the decoration. He figured some people just valued their privacy.

"Bullet proof," he noticed as his magical senses scanned the room.

"Some of our guests prefer a sense of anonymity." the hostess said. "As well as a measure of protection. The glass is tinted and bullet proof to keep attackers at bay. Some clients have made some enemies if you understand me."

Minion understood well enough. While they were not exactly the same, he could sense the magical signatures of some of those he identified as his enemies. He also figured there were other individuals here that would make potential enemies, and something inside his being told him he didn't want to make any new enemies for the time being. ~At least not until I return home and finish what I started.~

"If you have any requests, refreshments, company, please don't hesitate to call."

Minion noted the hostess was flirting with him but dismissed it as unimportant. Chances were that that was how they earned their tips. He dismissed her with a wave and took a seat on the couch to watch the tournament unfold before him. He would see for himself how much this tournament would affect his plans.

JJ Chambers had arranged it so that his Shadowbox overlooked Minion's location. He had paid extra to have cameras placed at certain points. Not that they would catch any incriminating activity, but he would be able to observe Minion's reactions and adapt his plans accordingly.

~Expect to see a great deal tonight my friend,~ Chambers thought. ~I'm sure you'll find something to love and a great deal to dislike. I hope you will agree that most of it will be useful.~

He settled his gaze on the arena floor, not bothering to look up when the Popplewicks entered the Shadowbox.

"Our other guest has arrived." he told them.

Mr Popplewick nodded his understanding. "Aren't you going to invite him here?"

"Not right away." Mr Chambers answered. "I want him to wet his appetite first. Let him see what is to be expected. You should do the same my friends," JJ Chambers advised, sparing the Popplewicks a glance. "If you are going to continue to take interest in this world, you should be aware of the powers, threats and wonders you might encounter."

Mr and Mrs Popplewick looked at each other and then turned their gazes to the tournament floor. They wondered what surprises and opportunities would present themselves.

Outside the Cow Palace, spectators lined up to gain entry. The queue extended almost a mile. Some of the spectators were fans looking for a fight unlike any other. Others however had seen a the tournaments before, or knew of them, and knew it would be a good idea to visit to see if any threats would arise that could not be dealt with.

In the line close to the doors Kanoi Watanabe and his wife Mirai waited with their son Cam.

"Are you sure of this?" Mirai asked, holding her son close as if trying to protect him from the tournament they were about to watch. "To expose Cam to this barbarism?"

"It is barbarism with power." Kanoi said, understanding his wife's concern. "When the Hayate Way decided to open the Wind Ninja Academy it was agreed that our students should be ready for whatever threats are to come. And to meet those threats we must be open to new techniques." Pausing he then added. "Besides, while Cameron may never hold a weapon in combat, he still has a role that he will play. By teaching him about the world we are giving him the tools he will need to fulfil his role."

It had been agreed very early in their son's life that he would not be trained as a warrior. Kanoi had agreed and had instead suggested that their son should become a teacher and developer of new techniques that would enhance the Hayate Way.

"Would it not be best to ask how they are done?" Mirai asked.

Kanoi shook his head. "Most would not be willing to share their secrets. Some may even take not sharing to dangerous levels. As such we are limited by what we can see, and understand with our minds. These fighters may have secrets, but we can observe and interpret those secrets with our minds and intellects."

Mrs Watanabe nodded hoping her husband was right.

Silently, Kanoi hoped he was right as well.

Off in the distance Kanoi saw Sensei Omano of the Thunder Ninja Academy. With his was his daughter Lee Ann and one other student. An Oriental boy. Kanoi assumed Omano was there for the same reason he was. Omano turned and gave a slight nod acknowledging Kanoi's presence. Kanoi gave a similar nod. Relations between the Hayate and Ikazuchi Clans were uneasy at best, however both had agreed to open new academies that would provide friendly competition instead of violent feuds. And despite the frosty relationship, the two clans would always have the backs of one another if things went bad.

There were other individuals in attendance who sought to learn about the King of Fighters and the powers its fighters seemed to have. Andrew Hartford of the Hartford Foundation, along with his butler Spenser, were looking to take an interest in the tournament. Hartford had hoped to view some of the fighters in action so he could see the powers they used. He had a project in the works that involved Power Ranger abilities, and he wanted first hand observation of abilities that he could incorporate.

Also in attendance was the Silent Master of the Arashikage Ninja Clan with his own apprentice Kamakura. The Silent Master was dressed in black and wore a hood over his face. His vocal cords were damaged in a helicopter accident that destroyed his face as well leaving him unable to talk. Medicine at the time had repaired his face, but had been unable to help his speech. Despite his silence he showed phenomenal skill that allowed him to elevate to the rank of Master. It was that skill that made him the leader of the Arashikage Clan during the absence of its true leader.

The Silent Master had visited several past tournaments and had formed friendships with some of the competitors. He had brought his student along to demonstrate that there were techniques that their clan did not teach. He hoped it would force his student to look for ways to overcome them and better himself in the process.

All three parties stood in line patiently, waiting for the doors to open. It didn't take long as as soon as they did so the crowd surged forward while those who had purchased their tickets the day before, calmly made their way into the arena. The excitement was contagious and soon the tournament was ready to begin.

The Zeo Rangers made their way to their seats to watch the ring below. The auditorium continued to fill up and Tanya wondered where the Astro Rangers would be sitting. They didn't have long to wait as Andros and his team came to sit behind them in the stands.

"Hey Cassidy," Ashley greeted.

"Looking forward to Alison, Cassie and Kat's fight?" Cassidy asked.

"About as much as you I take it," Ashley said.

Cassidy snuck a peak in Zhane's direction and the Silver Space Ranger winked at her. Cassidy rolled her eyes and sat back down in her chair. "The game of cat and mouse continues," she muttered.

"Yeah but there is one question." Emily said. "Who's the cat and who's the mouse?"

"That's two." Sabrina said.

Emily raised her hand as if saying sorry.

"I guess we'll just wait and see." Cassidy said as she turned back towards the ring. They were ready to begin the opening festivities.

"Ladies and gentlemen welcome to the King of Fighters Tournament!" a small man with blond hair announced. The crowd cheered. "Please enjoy the show. And now, your announcer for the evening, Michael Buffer!"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the King of Fighters Tournament," Buffer announced to a loud cheer. "As always the preliminaries have all been taken care of. We have sixteen teams here ready to do battle but only one of them will be this year's King of Fighters! So without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girlsâ€¦ for the thousands in attendanceâ€¦ for the millions watching at homeâ€¦" Buffer paused for a few seconds to build up the tension. "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!"

The applause after Buffer spoke was deafening and even the Rangers found themselves caught up in the energy of the event. After a good few moments of the crowd adulation the applause died down, and Buffer started to speak again.

"And now introducing the broadcast team. First your colour commentator - Paul Heyman!" A string of boos could be heard as a fat man with a King of Fighters hat and cheap suit walked down to the ring to sit at the announcer's table as a techno march was being played throughout the arena. Buffer then proceeded to introduce the play by play man. The Oklahoma Fight Song was heard throughout the arena. "And now, your play by play analyst, Good ol JR, Jim Ross!"

Applause was heard throughout the arena as JR made his way to the ring where the announce table was set up. Both of them ready to call the action for the people watching at home on Pay-per-View. The first King of Fighters tournament ever to be on Pay-per-view.

"Welcome everyone to the King of Fighters Tournament and its great to be here." JR said.

"It's great to be hereâ€¦ it's great to be here?" Heyman shot. "JR do you have any idea where you are right now? Do you even KNOW what King of Fighters is all about?"

JR shot his look at Heyman. "Well personally other than the fact that its just martial art fighting, I don't see this being any different from what I do in the World Wrestling Federation."

"Oh the great and powerful World Wrestling Federation." Heyman said sarcastically. "Where the BIG BOYS play." He then looked hard at JR. "Well let me tell you something JR. The competitors in the WWF wouldn't even last a MINUTE in fight with anyone of these fighters you are going to see here today. Even the stars of ECW would get beaten by the fighters here today."

JR looked surprised. "I never once in my life would think you would say that in public."

"And there is a very good reason for this. It's because I was here last year when I, like you are right now JR and like a lot of people watching at home, had no idea what King of Fighters was all about. Like all of you, I thought it was very much like wrestling, more like my own organisation in any event, but I digress. The point I am trying to make here, and I mean this, everything that you are about see live is real. There is no play acting, there is no cheap tricks, and there are no special effects. Everything that will happen here at King of Fighters is totally real." Paul Heyman said. "It's not fake, fixed or scripted in any way. In fact if somebody tried to give them a script, they'd probably shove it somewhere really uncomfortable."

And that made JR somewhat nervous. He had known Paul for years. He had been his mentor in the world of commentary. And while as characters they didn't agree, behind the scenes they were good friends. And he could tell from the way he was talking that Heyman believed every word he said.

Minion watched as the announcers took their positions. His eyes scanned the audience, searching for familiar faces. He had zeroed in on a few in the stands already and picked out the Morphin and Zeo Rangers. He knew Katherine Hillard would be appearing at the tournament as she was listed as a competitor on the tournament program.

~Katherine competing in a tournament?~ Minion thought for a moment. ~Interesting. I would have thought Jason, Tommy or Rocky would have been more ideal choices.~

He looked at the other names on her team. Alison Bogard and Cassie Chan. He didn't know those two, but figured they must be important. He was curious about Kat's opponents. Team USAâ€¦ he felt he should know them.

Already Minion had many questions he wanted answers to. Looking back at the stands where the Morphin and Zeo Rangers sat he saw there were other faces there he didn't know, yet were dressed in the same mono-colour outfits that identified them as Rangers.

~New recruits?~ he wondered. ~Or new teams?~

Minion tabled the line of thought as he focused on the tournament. Or rather the opening ceremonies. Minion however was impatient. He wanted the tournament to start now, as did most of the audience present. Minion had to smile at himself for a moment. Never did he think he would have something in common with humanity, let alone something as pointless and trivial as fan anticipation. He longed to see what the King of Fighters had to offer him. For him, and his conquests.

Before the actual battles began there were always the opening ceremonies to take place. These ceremonies often involved a performer to come out and sing the National Anthem of the country that was hosting the tournament. This year was no different as Michael Buffer took to the mike to introduce the performer that was to sing.

"And now, performing America the Beautiful. Platinum album recording artist Robbie Ray!"

Coming up to the stage was a tall man with a mullet haircut. A guitar in his hand. A stool sat in the centre which Robbie Ray used to sit on. He kept the guitar on his lap getting ready to play, after he scanned the audience to find the people he most wanted to play for.

He saw them. His wife Susan, seven year old son Jackson and five year old daughter Miley. Robbie Ray smiled a small smile and started playing the guitar chord.

Oh beautiful, for spacious skies

For amber waves of grain

For purple mountains majesty

Above the fruited plains

America, America

God shed his grace on thee.

And crown thy good. With brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

Robbie Ray left the stage as a second set of music filled the arena. A tune that signified the beginning of the King of Fighters tournament, and the march of the tournament participants. As Robbie Ray was leaving he saw several of the fighters walk past him. Some of them with a great sense of menace. He thought now was a good time to get out of dodge. Gathering his family he made ready to leave quickly.

Little Miley asked where they were going. "Aren't we going to see the fights?" she asked.

"Maybe another time Miles." Robbie Ray said.

He escorted his wife and family to the main exit where Geese was waiting. "Going somewhere Mr Stewart?"

"Uh yeah Mr Howard." Robbie Ray said trying to be as much of a gentleman as he could. "As glad as I was to sing America the Beautiful here, I don't think I want to expose my kids to what might happen. I think it's best I leave."

Robbie Ray moved his family to leave but Geese blocked the door flanked by two security guards that could have been best described as walking walls of meat.

"I must insist you stay."

"And I must insist I leave." Robbie Ray said determined to get his kids out of harm's way. Geese snapped his fingers and more intimidating guards stood behind Susan, Miley and Jackson. They didn't even try to look menacing, everything abut them suggested they were tough and had no problems hurting children. Miley and Jackson knew this as they hugged their mother for support.

"Terms of your contract say that you stay for the duration." Geese said. "You and those you invite, such as your family."

Robbie Ray was furious hearing Geese's words. "I didn't authorize that!"

"No your agent did." Geese said with a sneer. "He must have overlooked that little detail. Regardless, you and your family remain until the tournament's end. Besides, my daughter would love a victory celebration after she wins her tournament battles."

"And if I refuse?" Robbie Ray asked.

"Then you will be in breach of contract." Geese said as he looked at Jackson and Miley. Both children immediately held their parents tighter for protection as Geese seemed to sneer at them in intimidation. "And in so much debt your children will be paying it off."

Robbie Ray just shrugged off Geese's threat. "If it's about money I have more than enough."

"Oh it's not money I will seek Mr Stewart. It's your life, and the lives of your children."

"What are you saying?" he asked,y not liking what he was hearing.

Geese smiled coldly as he laid it on the line.

"Simple. One night, or the rest of your family's lives." Geese kept his eyes on Miley and Jackson. His mind focused on plans for their future. His plans for the Stewart children's future. Not theirs.

"I guess we stay then." Robbie Ray said with a growl vowing that the conversation was not over, whether it was with Geese or with Robbie's own agent.

Geese nodded. A wise choice, but if you are thinking of severing ties with your agent you should contact the rest of your family to see how they are. Your Aunt Dolly, your mother Ruthie, your brother Bobby Ray and his family Your darling daughter Miley and son Jackson. You never know when a tragedy will strike." Robbie Ray's blood ran cold. But Geese didn't let up on the threats. "Go ahead, sever ties with your agent. If you think it's worth it."

Robbie Ray stared hard at Geese not hiding his anger. "This isn't over."

Geese just smiled, not not the least bit intimidated by the entertainer's threat. "I assure you it's only beginning Mr Stewart. Now please allow these gentlemen to escort you to your seats."

Reluctantly the Stewarts followed and were guided to their seats in the Shadowboxes. Both Susan and Robbie Ray held onto their children for dear life. Especially as they watched the fighters in the ring circling it. Waiting.

Miley watched the fighters circle the Shadowboxes. One she saw terrified her. "Daddy there's a scary man over there."

Her brother Jackson added, "Just one?"

"You know I still don't know why seem to be so smug about this." JR stated.

"Well the look on your face when the opening match starts will be more than enough to make my day." Heyman replied.

Just then Buffer came back out again. "Ladies and gentlemen. It is now time to begin the Lottery."

"The Lottery ladies and gentlemen is real simple. Inside that sphere, sixteen identifiers, each one marked specifically with one of our sixteen teams competing in the tournament." JR stated for the audience watching at their homes. "Michael Buffer will pull them out of the cylinder one at a time. For every two he pulls out, those two teams will fight against each other in the quarter preliminaries."

"And I eagerly await to see how the luck of the draw will affect the tournament this year." Heyman added.

Circling the ring were the teams taking part. Some were seasoned vets. Some were newcomers. Each team took the opportunity to measure up the opposing teams to their own. Buffer then reached in and pulled out the first two identifiers.

"Our first two teams who will also fight in the opening match of the tournament, the Lonely Wolves vs Team France." Buffer said.

Terry looked across the ring to see who his competitors were. Team France locked eyes with the Lonely Wolves. The Lonely Wolves showed no intimidation. Team France tried not to show intimidation. But the looks the teammates gave one another showed they were VERY concerned about facing the Lonely Wolves.

"Our second match shall be Team Japan vs Team Yagami."

Kyo and Iori locked eyes. Another round in their blood feud. Each one wishing it to be the last for reasons of their own. Cassie also hoped it would be the last as she looked down from the stands. In her Shadowbox, Kali was having similar thought.

~After rivers run with Ranger and Kusanagi blood.~

"Our third match shall be Team Nightfighter against Team Destiny."

Laocorn looked over at Kincaid, hoping to size up him and his teammates, but found that they were carrying their emotions close to the chest, Kincaid especially. Laocorn could not read him.

And Kincaid liked it that way.

"Our fourth match shall be Team Lady Wolves vs Team USA."

The main rivalry of this team was not between its captains, but between two of its members. Kat and Ivy looked across from each other while Ivy and Cassie kept tabs on the Kane boys.

"Our fifth match shall be Team Night Ranger and Team Okasa."

All three members of Team Night Ranger, David, Sarah and Ken locked eyes with Kane. Sei Tin and Eiji figured that he was the threat the other team knew, which meant everything depended on them being unknowns.

"Our sixth match shall be Team Gorgeous against Team Korea."

Team Gorgeous did not look at Team Korea, but instead waved to the crowd soaking in all the applause. Team Korea vowed that Team Gorgeous would pay for treating them as if they were unworthy of their intention. And they vowed to do it with a victory, and several more to follow.

"Our seventh match shall be Team Mexico to face Team China."

Team China and Team Mexico just stared at each other. There was no great rivalry here. But that didn't mean that there wouldn't be one after the first round match was over.

"Our eighth and last quarter preliminary match shall be Team Ikari vs Team Thailand."

Like before there didn't seem to be much blood between the teams. But the night was still young. And both teams clearly were hungry for the win.

Minion studied Kat as she stood on the tournament floor. It didn't seem so long ago that she was being tortured in his own prison dimension. Already he was reconsidering his plans for herâ€¦ and for Kimberly. Still he was curious as to why Kat was taking part. He never knew her to be the karate tournament type of person. She was more for dance. Minion wondered just what circumstances would call for her to participate in a tournament such as this?

~And what would this participation entail?~ he mentally asked himself. He was still waiting for the answer to that question, eager for an answer.

He then studied her companions. A girl with brown hair with a lock of it green adorned with a green ball cap. By her side was a young Asian girl with a pink shirt dressed in some sort of fighting uniform. He did not know these girls, but wondered if there was not some sort of Ranger connection. Immediately Minion decided he would uncover the identities of these two girls and figure out what threats they could be to him. As Rangers or something else. He then viewed their names on the program he had with him. Alison Bogard and Cassie Chan. He would remember these names, and their faces. If they existed in his reality he would take steps to make sure they couldn't pose a threat.

As Minion sat back his eyes were drawn to the audience and locked onto a girl who looked to be a dead ringer for Alison.

~Curious,~ Minion thought. ~A twin perhaps?~

He also noticed that by the girl's side were her friends. And they were sat close to the Zeo and Morphin Rangers. He could sense that some of those seated near her were not quite human. He rapidly concluded that there was at least one team of Rangers there that he had not met and judging by the auras he could sense, Cassie Chan was likely a part of their little group.

He committed their faces to memory, determined he would find out their names and perhaps send either his Psycho Rangers or his lieutenants to pay them a visit. Minion wanted every one of his forces to know what threats there would be to him. So far even though the show had not started, Minion was forced to admit the experience had been educational. It was clear now that given time Earth would find additional Rangers and his task would grow more difficult. He resolved to put an end to his games with the captured Rangers as soon as he returned.

He then looked at the other competitors and their names provided for him on the complimentary program. He wanted to see what other names would leap out at him. Two caught his attention: Team Nightfighter and Team Night Ranger. The word Ranger was obvious but for some reason his mind linked the fact they included the word night.

As far as Minion knew there was no mention of the Night Rangers anywhere in the Council files, nor did anyone in the Alliance of Evil mention them. If such a team existed, why hadn't he heard about them before?

"Well there you have it ladies and gentlemen the eight quarter prelim matches." JR said.

"And what better way to kick off King of Fighters than to have such a team as the Lonely Wolves start it up for us? The only question I have to wonder is, will they be facing Team Japan or Team Yagami in the Quarter Finals?" Heyman said.

"Excuse me Paul but they still have to make it through this opening bout first."

Paul was incredulous. "Are you out of your mind JR? All of the fighters in this team are beyond incredible, especially Terry Bogard. A three time King of Fighters Champion mind you. This man is called the Lone Wolf for a reason and very shortly you'll see why he has earned that name."

"Ladies and Gentlemen, at this time I can reveal that the winning team of this year's tournament will receive one hundred million dollars and the title of 'The King of Fighters'."

The crowd cheered loudly. It wasn't the idea of their favourite stars winning a lot of money, it was the knowledge that with such a huge prize on the line the competitors were bound to fight harder than ever."

"Did you hear that JR?" Heyman asked. "Still think this is anything like pro-wrestling?"

"There's a lot of money to be made," JR agreed. "Let me run down the rules for the fans at homeâ€¦ Firstly each competitor has been given a badge featuring the emblem of the tournament. No matter what happens they must wear that emblem throughout their match. If they don't they will be disqualified."

"Excuse me JR," Heyman interrupted. "That isn't just a pretty badge. There are sensors inside that detect the heartbeat rate and blood flow of the participant while fighting."

"And of course for our home viewers, our computer experts will be converting those readings and using the data to calculate each competitor's battle ability, which will show on the big screen or your television sets as the Life Bar."

"If you see the Power Bar creep up you can bet your about to see something special," Heyman promised. "those badges also measure adrenaline if you get my drift."

"Rule Two: If the winning team has an injured member, they can select a substitute, but only from a team that has already been defeated."

"Rule Three: Each competitor has signed a waiver confirming that the Management takes no responsibility for any injuries or deaths that the participants may receive during this tournament," Heyman chipped in. "And believe me folks it's a good thing they have that clause."

"Now I should remind people that this arena has been specially reinforced to withstand all attacks and that the pillars around the area are used to absorb and stray energyâ€¦ are you kidding me?"

"You're starting to sound like Monsoon," Heyman quipped.

In the arena, Buffer had finished his speech and the show was ready to begin. "Ladies and gentlemen! LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!"

The applause filled the room as JR and Heyman made ready to introduce the first match. JR spoke first. "Well we have our first opening match according to the lottery. It is the team of the Lonely Wolves vs three newcomers in Team France."

Heyman seemed to laugh at the mention of Team France. "Oh JR I can't help thinking Team France is going to start wishing they were somewhere else very soon. I mean, Team France? What do these kids think they are going to get?"

"Glory for their country?" JR asked. "Recognition?"

"Oh they will be recognized all right JR" Heyman said. "But let me tell you. Team France is no different than a lot of other young bucks that came this way. They think winning a King of Fighters tournament, let alone taking part in one is a big thing. What they don't realize is that it's not winning the tournament that's important; it's surviving it!"

JR felt a chill as he believed Heyman knew what he was talking about. Regardless he went back to commentary starting with Team France.

"Well looking at Team France's roster. It consists of three members. Matthew Oulette, Colin Bauvair and their captain Francis Robain. All mixed martial arts specialist with Robain even doing a tour in the UFC."

"Oh JR by the time Francis gets through with this fight he will wish he was back in the UFC. And he will think the UFC is a cakewalk." Heyman said as an orchestra sound echoed throughout the arena. Three young Frenchmen stood in the doorway dressed in their national colours holding a French flag. The arena booed immediately.

"What is this the World Wrestling Federation?" Heyman asked. "Who let this circus act in here?"

JR didn't answer as the three fighters entered the ring raking in the boos as if they were in something that came from the bowels of sports-entertainment. They then demonstrated a few martial arts moves as if showing if they had some prowess, before they waited for their opponents to come.

After a few seconds of silence the song "Fly away my hero," filled the arena followed by a loud roar of the crowd. As the crowd went wild with applause the Lonely Wolves made their way to the ring. JR was amazed as to how much of a reaction the Lonely Wolves got. "It's like Hulk Hogan entered this arena." JR commented.

"Terry Bogard is light years away from Hogan." Heyman said. "And Terry has more hair than Hogan."

JJR nodded in agreement to that. All three Lonely Wolves were in the ring as Joe Higashi was demonstrating to the crowd, giving the audience a bit of a show. He then looked at the three Frenchmen who looked unimpressed.

~They will be very impressed after this.~ Joe thought as he went to stand with his team. "So who wants to go first?" Joe asked.

Terry looked over to his brother. "How about you start it off this time Andy."

Andy nodded. "Good idea. Especially considering who we'll most likely be fighting after this match."

Joe then grimaced as he realized it really didn't matter who won the fight between Team Japan and Team Yagami. It was going to be a fight to the finish against either of them and they needed to have Terry ready to go head to head against either Kyo or Iori.

~Put it out of your mind Bogard,~ Andy thought as he took the ring centre. ~Focus on the here and now.~

The three members of Team France talked and they decided that Francis would lead first. Francis thought he would lead by example as he destroyed Andy Bogard. Francis took the position across from Andy as the referee made ready to start the match.

"FIGHT!"!"

Francis crossed up to Andy and launched a series of front and side kicks followed by a reverse punch. Andy blocked most of the blows, but his life bar did take a drop. Andy did not retaliate yet as he stepped back, allowing Francis to get more space.

"What's going on?" Joe asked. "Why is Andy taking this guy's shots?"

Terry just smiled. He had an idea what to expect from his brother. "Wait for it."

Francis meanwhile was still giving his strikes with Andy still blocking. His bar still took some slight nudges, but nothing major. Finally Francis broke away milking the crowd as if saying "Look at me. Look at my superiority." That was when Andy made his move.

Andy came at Francis with a series of punches that knocked Francis off his game. So hard were the punches that the life bar registered Francis as taking severe drops in energy. Andy then followed up with a side kick and a roundhouse kick before giving his final strike.

"ZAN EN KEN!" Andy struck down Francis right in his jaw and he didn't even get up. Andy looked down in contempt at his opponent. ~Arrogant fool. Never let your guard down.~

"A NEW King of Fighters record for the fastest KO! Just over two seconds!" Heyman shouted from the announcer's desk.

Francis was escorted from the ring as Matthew came in. Since Team France lost their leader Matthew decided he would bring glory to France. The glory was short lived as Matthew gave his own punch kick combos that were blocked by Andy. Andy then rushed Matthew delivering his own combos weakening Matthew significantly, before delivering another finishing move.

"SHO RYU DAN!" Andy took Matthew down with his flying punch. Matthew also never got up.

"What the hell?" JR shouted.

Heyman just said "And there's still one left."

It was Colin's cue to enter the fight. He started by attacking with his own ki based attack.

"DRUID BEAM!" Colin shouted as it knocked Andy back. Andy took a severe blow knocking him back and allowing Colin to get in his own combos. Colin struck hard and fast knocking Andy down, but not out. Colin decided he would give Andy the Druid beam as his own KO. Then he would defeat Terry Bogard and Joe Higashi.

"DRUID BEAM!" Colin shouted as a beam came from his hand. Andy however gathered enough of his awareness to retaliate from Colin's strike.

"HI SHO KEN!" Andy then used his own ki move to counter Colin's Druid Beam which was negated and Colin was stunned. He tried to see just in time for Andy to handspring himself into a jumping kick to knock him back and then landed a Zan Ei Ken to finish the job.

Then, as quick as it started the match was over. Colin was KOed, and Andy stood as the victor. Terry and Joe never had to enter the ring.

"Winnersâ€¦ The Lonely Wolves!" Buffer said still in shock.

Heyman, feeling smug and full of himself, looked on at JR. "So NOW what do you have to say JR?"

JR was tongue-tied to say the least. "And that was only one guy. I shudder to think what the other two will do."

"Oh you'll find out soon enough JR. Everyone will," Heyman said. He was smiling. And JR knew Heyman was telling the truth about that.

On the viewing monitor Kincaid, Cassandra and Bruce were watching the first round match. Bruce and Cassandra seemed awestruck by what they saw. Kincaid however kept his poker face on.

"What the bloody hell was that?" Bruce asked.

"It was a power of some sort." Cassandra said. "I seemed to sense a powerful aura around the competitors as I was in the locker room."

"How powerful?" Kincaid asked.

"Well for some it wasn't that powerful, but with others it was plenty powerful. I'm not sure how we can win this thing with auras like that." Cassandra stated.

"We'll just have to be creative that's all." Kincaid said. Bruce and Cassandra both shot Kincaid a look of 'What?' and Kincaid quickly explained. "It's obvious we can't morph here. But Cassandra, you do have some civilian powers that can be used, namely your telepathy and telekinesis. You may have to be creative with them."

Cassandra asked how 'creative' she had to be and Kincaid quickly explained.

"Are you sure? I've never used my powers in that fashion."

"It'll work." Kincaid then turned to Bruce and said his peace. "You remember those special moves you were experimenting with?" Bruce went wide eyed as he understood what Kincaid was implying.

"I've only been experimenting with them Jeff. I haven't had a chance to try them in actual battle, or as it would seem to be here, 'competition."

Kincaid understood but said, "This will be the test."

"What about you Jeff?" Cassandra asked. "You do realize that you may have to deal with some of these ki users."

Kincaid let out a smirk and said, "Don't worry about me. I've got a few tricks up my sleeve yet." With that all three Nightfighters left the viewing room and made ready to go to their first match.

There was a strange mix of surprise and awe throughout the audience. Those that had seen a tournament before were a little taken back at the speed of the battle, while those who had not witnessed such an event were shocked at the demonstration of power. While some thought it was all an illusion, other recognised the skill involved in such a fight and were suitably impressed. The Rangers were no exception; Tommy and Jason were taken aback by how what they had thought to be a simply fight tournament was turning into a real eye opener. Though clearly different there were some similarities between the techniques they had seen and the methods used by the Morphin Rangers.

"Bro, I don't know what to make of that," Jason said wrapping the aftermath of the battle in his mind.d.

Tommy had to think about what he had seen. But his thoughts were turned in a different direction. Was it possible that some of the Rangers could do what Terry and the Lonely Wolves had done. He remembered something similar when they had fought the Dragon Master. Could they isolate those techniques and draw on them in civilian life? Something told him it was possible.

"Don't ask me why Jase, but I think there's a lot more to that 'Children of the Dragon' prophesy than we already know. I think we need to know everything there is to know about it."

Jason nodded in agreement. "You think the prophesy will have something to do with this tournament?"

"And us being part of it." Tommy answered. "We need to talk to Zordon about this as soon as we can."

Jason nodded remembering what he heard about the prophesy. How a few Rangers united by blood and friendship would band together in a show of power that would never be forgotten in a battle unlike all others. Now he felt that perhaps the tournament was where that battle would take place.

While Tommy and Jason were considering what the tournament might mean to them, the Astro Rangers were thinking about the glimpse they had been given into the world one of their teammates was now a part of. And for Ashley it was a reason to be even more concerned since not only was her friend involved, but her sister too.

"Man." Ashley said. "I didn't think people could do stuff like that."

"There's a lot of stuff humans can do," Andros said. "But even I have not seen anything like that. Especially in regards to Earth humans."

"Is that why villains are so hot to conquer Earth?" Carlos asked. "Because of stuff like that?"

"No, not completely," Sabrina replied. "It's not so much what they can do, but how much potential they have if they were to develop those powers further. And it's not just the UAE. This sort of thing has drawn the attention of other parties."

"Like those Q and Iblis?" TJ guessed.

"And others," Sabrina told him. "Despite how insignificant they claim this world to be, this planet has been making a lot of noise in recent years. It might even have drawn the attention of some that we haven't met yet."

That gave the Astros something to think about as they waited to see what would happen next.t.

Master Mao had watched the event with interest. The powers had been raw and unrefined, but it had shown what had had long suspected, that humans could tap the Power directly. He could see from the look on his friend's face that Master Phant had understood the importance of the last battle. His other companion, RJ, was too young to understand what he had seen, but like all present he understood that it had been spectacular.

"Whoa Master." RJ said after a while of replaying the battle in his mind. "What skill was that?"?"

"They drew power from the life force of the planet and channelled it through their bodies," Master Mao explained.

"Or at least one did," Master Phant corrected. "The other was using his own life force to accomplish the same thing."

"A powerful yet dangerous alternative." Master Mao agreed. "If their spirit is not strong enough to endure, exhaustion would kill them."

"Will I be able to do that?" RJ asked.

"One day, perhaps," Master Phant said. "But our way is more refined. We do not snatch the power around us or drain ourselves, we ask nature to provide us with a spirit guide, a link that we can draw on. In time you will discover you animal guide and learn how to use it safely."

Cam Watanabe did not think of the battle he had seen as a matter of spirits and flashing lights. He could see the energy flows as they travelled through the body and how they connected with the world around them. He was amazed by the patterns and the intensity. But it was an amazement not shared by his parents. They looked at the battle with a deep sense of concern. They had hoped that they would learn the techniques, but now they queried whether there was a set technique to what they had seen or whether the participants were making it up as they went along.

"Such power." Mirai said. "So wonderful and terrible at the same time."

Kanoi said nothing as he silently agreed with his wife. He did notice however Mirai holding onto Cameron for dear life.

Cameron for his part welcomed the embrace but wondered what the problem was. The Lonely Wolves won the first match. What could the problem be? Cameron would find out the problem soon enough.

"Is this really a good idea sir?" Spenser asked. He had watched the first fight and had been impressed, but couldn't understand why his employer found it so fascinating. "I mean: how does this help us?"

Mr Hartford looked up from his laptop. "That was just an example of what people are capable of Spenser. Imagine if we could find somebody with those skills to accompany us on the quest for the Corona Aurora."

"I can see the logic in that Sir, but I can't help but ask: are you sure that the Corona Aurora needs to be found? It seems to be doing just fine where is is/"

Mr Hartford shook his head. It was something he had asked himself repeatedly. "I hope not, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared, does it? Besides, I've been paying for one of these boxes for the last three years. It seems right that we actually use it."

Spenser nodded and sat back. Despite his reservations, it was an enjoyable show so far.

"They don't show stuff like this in Sunday School. Yee haw!" Jackson shouted.

In their own seats the Stewarts were stunned by what they saw. And it seemed that while Robbie Ray and Susan could see why this sort of thing wasn't shown in Sunday School, Miley and Jackson considered it to be one of the coolest things ever. Robbie Ray and Susan were wide-eyed with horror. Never had they seen a sight like they had before. The show of power. The brutality. There would have been some that would have called the King of Fighters, and what it's fighters could do unnatural.

~Unnatural or not I don't want to get on anyone's bad side if I can help it.~ Robbie Ray thought as he sat back down holding Miley. She seemed to be enjoying the show herself, which scared Robbie Ray. As he saw her cheer for what was happening he felt like he saw part of the little girl she was die inside her. As if the light of her soul was being replaced by a dark bloodlust, or was starting to.

Robbie Ray looked at his wife Susan and saw the same look of fear in her eyes. Fear for her children, especially Miley. They always believed it was her destiny to bring hope to the world. What hope could she bring if she embraced the darkness of the world to the point that it consumed her?

~Is this what Geese wanted?~ Robbie Ray wondered. ~To turn my kids into monsters that enjoy brutality?~

He would have left right then and there, but he caught sight of the two bruiser guards at the exit. And the sight of those guards caused him to remain in his seat. For now. Robbie Ray Stewart then decided he couldn't wait for the tournament to end. So he could get out fast, get home, and fire his agent for setting up the King of Fighters gig.

In her Shadowbox, Kali observed the reactions of the others. Terry Bogard had won his first round battle, but then what else was new?

Kali considered what she had seen and what if any new information she had learnt.

"And just think, the tournament is only beginning," she chuckled. "I can't wait to see what happens next."

It was a thoughtful Minion that stared out at the arena and tried to maintain his composure. He had seen many things during his campaign. He understood the power of the Rangers, the JLA and the other assorted heroesâ€¦ but he recognised that this was something he had yet to fully comprehend. It was new, it was different and it was a humbling realisation that he not seen everything. It was also slightly unsettling to realise he didn't know how to interpret this turn of events.

However he recognised that that it represented both a threat and maybe an opportunity. If he could learn to master the energy he had seen the gains would be sizeable, but until then there was a chance those power could be used against him. So it came down to a choice of either learning how to use the powers or finding a way to neutralise them.

His mind turned to Terry Bogard and his teammates. ~Your little demonstration has been insightful Mr Bogard. I guess in order to start a show one has to get the audience's attention. And you DEFINITELY have Minion's attention.~

There was much more to watch and to learn. Minion had no doubt that before he departed there would be more to learn.

Back at the announcers desk, JR was trying to find the words to explain what was just seen and what would come next. Heyman however had no shortage of words.

"Now JR if you thought the first match was off the chain, you ain't seen nothing yet," Heyman said. "Especially with the next match to come."

"I'm not sure I could handle another surprise." JR said.

Heyman managed to prevent himself from laughing "You'll have to JR because the next two teams have members that have been in a feud for a very long time. Team Yagami, and their leader Iori Yagami, have had it in for Team Japan's Kyo Kusanagi for years. This tournament has been the latest stop on their tour. But Iori will look to make sure it's Kusanagi's last stop if he gets his way."

In the corridor leading to the arena, Team Japan made their way to the ring. Off to one side team captain Kyo Kusanagi, along with his teammates Benimaru Nikaido and Goro Daimon, noticed the approach of Cassie and her teammates.

"Kyo!" Cassie said as she rushed to embrace her cousin. Kyo hugged Cassie back, wishing her luck.

Benimaru looked at Alison and nodded. "Good luck out there. This will be your first time you know."

"First time competing. Not the first time I've seen a King of Fighters fight." Alison said.

"Still be careful." Goro said. "All of you."

His gaze lingered on Katherine in her King of Fighters fighting gear. She looked like a fighter, but there still seemed to be a part of her that was out of place in the King of Fighters environment. He hoped it was first time jitters from Kat.

"I know." Kat said, sensing what Goro was thinking. "I may not know this type of fighting too well, but neither does Ivy. She may have been taught by Geese, and have Billy and Daniel to back her up. But I've had my own teachers, and I have some good back up of my own." She looked at Alison and Cassie.

Kyo nodded. He could sense that Kat at least believed what she was saying.

"Watch your backs, and each other's," he said.

All three Lady Wolves nodded indicating they would. Kyo then went to Cassie and took her hands into his own looking to say one last thing.

"Cassie whatever happens to me out there focus on only one thing: your match against Ivy. Promise me that."

"I promise." Cassie said hoping she could keep her word. She loved Kyo and didn't want to see anything bad happen to him. Kyo nodded and the rest of Team Japan went to the ring ready to begin their fight. Alison put her hand on Cassie's shoulder understanding her conflict. She had seen how battles between Kusanagi and Yagami could be, and knew Cassie had too.

"All we can do is hope," Alison said.

"Hope will not save your cousin.". Alison, Cassie and Kat turned and saw Iori Yagami, with his two lady teammates Mature and Vice by his side. Neither woman's demeanour suggested they were there to make friends. Cassie had heard the stories of Mature and Vice from Kyo, so she knew they were the very definition of cruel and ruthless. That they were women just made them more eager to prove how vicious they could be. Close up, Cassie agreed with Kyo's description.

Iori walked over to Kat and offered his hand. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure. My name is Iori Yagami."

"I've heard of you." Kat said placing her hand in Iori's as Iori then kissed it like a gentleman.

"That's probably the last civilized thing you will see Iori do," Cassie warned.

"I am besieged by Kusanagi." Iori said in contempt as he noticed Cassie.

"Newsflash Iori, you're no prize either." Alison said.

Iori glared at Alison who didn't back down. In the end he smirked. "Bogard has taught you well. You show no intimidation." He then looked at Cassie. "It is a shame you are of Kusanagi blood. It means when I kill Kyo I must kill you next."

Like Alison, Cassie showed no intimidation. But her next words shocked Iori. "You're welcome to try, if your cousin Kali doesn't try to kill me first."

That got Iori's attention. He spun back around and looked at Cassie curiously. "What are you talking about? Who is this Kali and why do you call her my cousin?"

"She is a Yagami that has your power, and your insanity," Cassie explained.

Mature and Vice shot each other a look for a second, but Iori was in disbelief. "No. Impossible. There are no female Yagami."

"There are too Iori." Alison said as the Lady Wolves turned and walked away leaving Iori and his teammates with much to think about.

~A female Yagami? Alive?~

"Where?"

"She's around somewhere." Alison said. "I won't say who it is though. None of us will."

"Why not?" Iori asked with a touch of anger in his voice. His hands enveloped in purple fire.

"You really want me to answer that?" Alison asked. "Would you tell Cassie if the situation was reversed?"

Iori snorted and then brushed off the Lady Wolves as he, Mature and Vice walked to the ring. They had to prepare for the battle.

Alison did give one last call out to Mature. "Nice knockers."

Mature didn't respond.

The music played as Team Japan entered the ring. Heyman introduced Kyo, Benimaru and Goro as they came to the ring. Applause filled the air as Team Japan stood in the entranceway.

All three members took in the applause as if they were gifts from their fans. Kyo smiled, taking in the love and affection. As did Benimaru and Goro as they came to the ring and turned back to the entrance. They wanted to get as much applause as they could until their opponents came out, which they knew would be soon.

Suddenly the arena then became deathly silent as Iori's music filled the arena. Team Yagami was making its approach. Iori Yagami took the lead flanked by Mature and Vice. The expressions of Mature and Vice were all business. While Iori's was contorted into a mask of rage and anger directed towards his adversary, Kyo Kusanagi.

His attention was diverted for a brief moment as he sensed a presence. He looked up at the audience sensing someone. Someone familiar. Someone of Yagami power. He thought he sensed someone in the shadowboxes, but couldn't tell who. Iori continued to look around until his eyes locked with someone else in the stands.

It was Trini Kwan.

Trini and Iori locked eyes as if seeing into one another's souls. Neither one truly understanding the bond between them. But Iori knew enough. Trini was of Yagami blood, even though she did not truly embrace her power yet. Iori then walked to the ring breaking the gaze. He laughed the rest of the way.

Back in the stands Kimberly looked at Trini concerned for her friend. "Trini, you okay?"

Trini turned to look at Kim and just looked like a deer caught in the headlights. "I don't know Kim. I don't know what I felt."

Trini had a hard time putting her feelings towards the gaze into focus. It was like she was staring into the eyes of rage and madness. And the fire, Trini felt the fire burning not only in Iori, but herself as well.

And the horrifying thing about it was that Trini liked it. It was a part of her. A part calling to her.

~No. You promised your mom. That path leads only to darkness.~ Trini thought. She then turned her gaze back to the fight. Wondering what would happen next.

But for a brief moment she looked down at her own hand. For a second it glowed with purple fire. Tempting her, until she turned back to the match.

Iori and his team made it to the other side of the ring facing Kyo and Team Japan. Iori then stepped forward looking to start things out. JR mentioned that perhaps Iori had some chivalry in him as he didn't want the women Mature and Vice to get too horribly beaten by three men.

"Chivalry JR?" Heyman all but laughed at that. "There's nothing chivalrous about Iori. He just went first because he wants Kyo Kusanagi. And if he has to go through the rest of Team Japan to do it, he will."

Iori stood in the fight circle. Benimaru and Goro were talking with Kyo indicating that they would start first in order to protect Kyo. Kyo shook his head no. "You don't need to sacrifice yourself for me."

"Won't be much of a sacrifice if we soften him up for you." Benimaru said as he went to the fight circle. He faced Iori looking to start things out.

"FIGH-!"

"NO!" Iori called out as he looked at Benimaru. "I will not fight you." Benimaru looked confused until Iori pointed at the person he wanted to fight. Kyo. "Leave the ring." Iori said. "Get Kyo in here. Or I will not be merciful to you."

Benimaru was about to tell Iori what to do with his orders until Kyo grabbed his shoulder.

"It's all right Ben. I'll do it."

Benimaru then went back to the side as Kyo took his place facing Iori. The referee then signalled for the match to restart.

"FIGHT!"

"SHIKI ONIYAKI!" Iori shouted as he leapt into the air in a spinning motion leaving a wide trail of flame following his hand. All of it directed at Kyo who ducked out of the way of the lethal flaming strike and followed it up with a simple uppercut. Iori was left flying back across the ring and landed hard on the ground at the feet of Mature and Vice.

To say that Iori felt humiliated was an understatement. Such humiliation filled his rage even more than his hatred for Kyo did alone. Iori went back to his feet only for Kyo to land in a few rapid strikes. Crosses, uppercuts, even punches no one could even think of naming. Kyo then followed it up with another ki move.

"SHIKI DOKU KAMI!" Kyo shouted as he launched straightforward flaming fists. Kyo's fists hit Iori hard. Iori was disoriented.

Up above in the Shadowbox Kali glared at Iori. "Finish him Iori! Don't let a Kusanagi get the better of you."

Iori seemed to hear the words as he launched his own strike "AOI HANA" at Kyo. Soon Kyo was knocked back with two uppercuts and an axe handle blow.

Kyo and Iori then went at it neck and neck. They fought with flame powers and regular fighting skill. Each one not getting the better of the other. Each one keeping it dead even. Kyo then looked at the clock and found time was running out. Kyo decided to end the fight quickly.

"ONI-YAKI!" Kyo then struck at Iori with only a few seconds left.

Unfortunately it had been a ploy set up by Iori. He jumped back and attacked, "YAMI-BARAI!"

Kyo couldn't defend until he landed and when he did the projectile struck him.

Iori could smell blood. "This is the end Kusanagiâ€¦" he promised as he charged up all of his power and prepared himself. "SHIKI YAOTOME!" He was using his Desperation Move, the Maiden Smasher. He started to savagely attack Kyo with his hands there like claws as he just kept cutting into Kyo's body and causing injury to him until finally the attack had an explosive ending and Kyo was sent to the ground hard.

Iori just smiled down at the fallen Kusanagi. In fact, he was about ready to start his infamous laugh until Buffer announced, "Winnersâ€¦ Team Japan!"

Iori's head snapped forward as he rushed Michael Buffer and grabbed him by the throat. "WHAT? WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?"

"Iâ€¦ I don't make the rulingsâ€¦ the referee didâ€¦" Buffer pointed to the one that told him the decision. Iori threw Buffer down and approached the referee.

"Time expired before your last move hit and you attacked him even after it was over. None of the damage your move caused counts. And since his bar was greater than yours, Kyo Kusanagi and his team are the winners. Now deal with it boy."

It was then that Paul Heyman took off his hat and said a prayer for the referee. JR asked what he was doing. "Just watch for another ten seconds you'll see why I just said a prayer." Heyman responded.

Iori's own anger was just over flowing at this. "How dare youâ€¦ how dare you, you pathetic excuse for a manâ€¦ ONI-YAKI!" Iori attacked the ref with his move and on impact he shattered four of his ribs. When the ref landed on the ground he was not moving. Iori then went over to Kyo's body and started to kick it. "Get up! Get up and face me damn you!"

Kyo wasn't moving.

"Our war isn't some stupid contest Kusanagi! It has no pathetic rules like this one! How you obtained your victory so cheaply! I beat you Kyo Kusanagi! And when we fight again outside of this tournament I'll finish the job by killing you!" Iori shouted. Vice and Mature finally came over and started to pull him away but then Iori knocked them aside and grunted before walking off.

Some people were stupid enough to try to jump him. Such as gun happy security men or crazy as hell fans. They should be thankful he only beat them with one move instead of killing them.

"YAMI BARAI!"

The area around Iori was left with bodies of security men and fans that woke up to reality. Painful reality. Iori then turned away and walked through the entrance. Watching him walk was Trini.

"You all right Trini?" Kimberly asked again.

Trini looked on at what happened in horror and disbelief. She wasn't even sure she would ever be all right again. She saw what Iori had done. And what Iori had done was something Trini herself could do. If she allowed herself to.

~I understand Mom. I really do. I will never embrace the Yagami power in me.~

She hoped that she would be able to keep that promise.

Up in her Shadowbox however Kali looked at what Iori had done, and smiled. Yet she had also been disappointed in Iori.

"Oh Iori. Your fire could burn so much brighter. Just as bright as mine." She then looked at her own hand as it was engulfed in purple flame. She then cast a look down in the stands to where Trini was sitting.

"Just as bright as yours will cousin." Kali promised as she sat back in her chair and laughed. She stopped briefly as she felt another presence as she looked around the Shadowboxes. Her gaze falling on one in particular.

For a brief moment she felt a wave of fear. The next moment she resumed her hysterical laughing.

Minion saw Iori Yagami's show. Intense was one word he would have used. Insane was another. But he noticed that Iori took notice of a voice shouting out to him. A voice Minion himself knew. ~But that cannot be. Trini is in the stands with her Ranger friends. Not in the Shadowboxes.~ Minion had his suspicions about who the voice belonged to, but he didn't see how it could be possible. What would one of his Psycho Ranger replicas be doing here? ~Curious.~ he thought. He seemed to be thinking that a lot.

Looking around the Shadowboxes, Minion took a look at the clientele that were watching from the special balcony section. Many boxes were sealed with tainted glass, but there were a few faces he could detect. None of them seemed familiar to him though, until he saw one box in particular.

Or rather the occupant of it. He recognised the magic surrounding her even though it had clearly faded over time; it was his own.

"Triini?"

Minion noticed the former Ranger duplicate sitting with an entourage beside her. She looked so different from the being Minion had corrupted. When he sabotaged Zordon's flesh avatar replicas of the Power Rangers and created Triini she was created to be a dead ringer for the Yellow Morphin Ranger, but her personality had been a makeshift distortion of the original Trini Kwan. There had been no finesse, he had just ripped away the parts of her personality that resembled Trini and emphasised the negative aspects.

~No, that isn't how it happened,~ he reminded himself. His eyes widened. It was clear he was remembering events from not only his reality, but those that had occurred here too. The Triini he had created had been a complex creation, so complex he couldn't say which of the many methods he used had finally dominated her genetic makeup. In this reality though Triini had been a creation of Zordon corrupted by Minion based on the spell that had created him.

Trini Kwan was a smart individual who assisted Billy with experiments, translated his tech-speak for him and even loved him, albeit from afar. In his reality he had taken that love and had twisted it into lust.

Taking a look at Triini, Minion noted that she was different from either set of memories. Her hair was cut short and purple. Her eyes looked blood red and had an insane tint about them. It was clear that she had become more than he had originally intended. And as he assimilated the foreign memories into his own he realised that one of the reasons was his own failure. In his reality he had built the Psycho Rangers with himself as their primary focus, destroying the Power Rangers as a secondary purpose and survival as a close third. It seemed that his other reality counterpart had focussed on the need to destroy the Rangers as their sole priority. That meant that when they were left without his guidance, they had continued with their task and adapted to complete it.

This clearly was no longer just a flesh replica. Triini was now a whole new person. And as Minion looked on he saw the logo on her jacket, the same logo that Iori Yagami had worn, another piece of the puzzle slotted into place.

~What is the meaning of this?~ Minion asked. ~What has happened to Triini?~

As if sensing Minion's presence and questions the replica Triini, or as she was known now, Kali, turned in Minion's direction and smiled as she waved a glass of champagne in salute. He could see the slight mocking in the gesture. It was clear she did not consider him her master. She then brought forth her hand and ignited the purple flames that were part of her power and a part of her being.

Despite the aggravation of seeing the changes Triini had been through, Minion was intrigued by the flames that came from her hand. They were the same flames that came from Iori . It was clear that she was sending him a warning that she believed she could harm him. And as he searched his memory and found that this version of Triini did not have the spells placed on her to punish disobedience, Minion had to believe that her threat had some merit.

Still, Minion wondered if she had not inherited the madness from the fighter below, Iori Yagami. Minion then decided she must have if she broke away from the program Minion laid out. Or not. As he thought about it he realised that his creations had been programmed to act in a certain way and to serve him. But if he had somehow died? That would explain the changes. Triini hadn't changed. She had evolved.

And with that settled for the time being, Minion started to see the possibilities.

He thought of the idea of Trini having such a dark power within her. The possibility was intriguing and unexpected. Minion always felt that if the Rangers fell from the inside it would have been Tommy that caused it. Never did anyone consider Trini as capable of such evil. He thought of his Triini and tried to compare her with the insane monster sitting not far away from him.

In the end it came down to one question: ~How did Trini come to possess such dark power?~ he asked himself.

Minion did not need to ask why if she knew about the power, Trini had never used it? He felt the answer there was obvious. But Triini would likely see it as a means to an end and happily use it to her advantage. Minion's eyes travelled to Iori Yagami as he considered Trini and Kali. He didn't have ALL the answers to this strange puzzle of power, but his mind was already turning as to ways of how the power could be put to use.

If Miley and Jackson thought the first match was exhilarating they were horrified after seeing the second. Especially as they saw how brutally Iori attacked Kyo. Miley then hugged her father and pleaded "Daddy take me home. I don't want to see anymore."

Robbie Ray held his daughter tight. He didn't want to see anymore either, but he and his family had to stay until the end. "Patience darlin'. It'll be over soon." he said as if promising her.

He only hoped he could keep that promise.

Back in the ring Benimaru and Daimon were by Kyo's side. They tried to see if he was awake and coherent. Slowly but surely he was coming to consciousness.

"Did I win?" Kyo asked with a smile.

"You don't look like a winner, but yeah you won." Goro said. Benimaru however was concerned about Kyo's health. "You sure you're okay?"

"Just let me rest for a bit." Kyo said. "I'll be healed enough for the next match."

"Good luck." Benimaru said. "That will be against Terry's team."

Kyo smiled. "Good, at least we get worthy opponents."

Benimaru and Goro laughed at Kyo's remark and knew he hadn't lost his sense of humour. They knew he would be okay by the quarter-finals.

As Kyo was helped up by Benimaru and Daimon, he could only wonder what was to happen next. Not just in the tournament, but in his own life.

"Oh man." Cassidy said as she looked down from the rafters.

"You're not kidding." Zhane said.

"Shouldn't you be with the rest of your team or something?" Skull asked, noting Zhane's arrival.

Zhane tried to look innocent and said, "I'm just looking for the right place to get snacks. I'm told they are good on this side."

"That's not the only thing on this side right?" Bulk asked sarcastically as he looked at Cassidy, and then at Zhane, who appeared to be trying to do an impression of a puppy dog. Cassidy noticed and rolled her eyes.

"Zhane now would not be a good time to flirt with me." Cassidy said. Zhane backed away as Cassidy gave a small smile out the corner of her mouth. ~Didn't mean I didn't like it.~

In the seats at ringside Karone spied Cassidy and Zhane. Zhane was being his usual charming self as Karone put it and Cassidy seemed to be indifferent, but she knew Cassidy was enjoying it. ~A woman knows these things.~ Karone thought.

Especially in regards to Cassidy Bridges. Karone had unfinished business with herâ€¦ or at least Artemis did.

"You okay?" Leo asked shaking Karone out of her mental state.

"Yeah Leo. Just thought I saw someone." Karone turned her attention back to the tournament as she thought about her next plan for Cassidy. ~Turning her into a spider might not be a bad idea. Or better yet, a spider monster.~

Karone decided she would table that line of thinking for now. She was with Leo and wanted to enjoy that. The fights however were satisfying her curiosity as well.

Especially since one of the fights would feature two of her Astro Ranger adversaries.

Outside the dressing room of Team Japan, Alison and Kat stood waiting for their third team mate to exit. Few seconds later Cassie had come out of the dressing room.

How's Kyo?" Alison asked.

"He'll be okay." Cassie said. "Iori worked him over good, but he'll be up to facing Terry."

Alison nodded hoping Kyo would be okay. Terry may have been her cousin, but that didn't mean she wasn't concerned about Kyo as well.

"We'd better get ready for our match." Kat said.

Cassie and Alison agreed as they walked down a nearby hallway that led to a loading area.

As Cassie, Alison and Kat were making their way to the ladies locker room they came across Kincaid's red motorcycle parked nearby. It closely resembled a Harley Davidson, but there was something about it that caught the attention. Cassie and Alison seemed taken in by the bike and Kat followed them.

"Wow look at this ride," Alison said, looking over every part of the bike. "I wonder whose it is?"

Kat however seemed to recognise. For some reason it seemed familiar to her, as if she had seen it before but couldn't place where.

"You're right Alison, this bike is cool. I wonder who the owner is," Cassie remarked.

A voice then came from behind. "That would be me." Cassie and Alison both looked up while Kat turned around, her mouth dropping open when she saw who it was.

"You!" she said. "I saw your name on the roster, but I didn't think it would actually be you."

"I was invited," Kincaid told her with a shrug. "The person who sent me the invitation said something was about to happen and that I needed to see what it was. These are my two teammates, Cassandra Jensen and Bruce Greene."

Cassandra and Bruce introduced themselves and Alison and Cassie returned the greeting. Kincaid stared at Alison and Alison wondered why he was looking at her like that. "I hope you're not thinking of doing something you're not supposed to be doing."

"No," Kincaid said. "It's just that you remind me of someone I know. Can you tell me a little about yourself? I want to compare you to the you I know."

Alison had a puzzled look on her face as she tried to make sense of his words. But she couldn't see any harm in answering and soon told him her life story. When she was finished Kincaid nodded.

"I guess she did turn out better here than where we came from," Cassandra stated.

"No," Kincaid corrected, "just different. In either case she made the best of what she had with what she was given."

Alison looked like she was going to ask what he meant by that, but Bruce warned her not to. "Better you don't know. Let's just say the story Kincaid would share is not as pleasant."

Then he and Cassandra made their way to the ramp that headed for the ring as Kincaid got on his Harley and started it.

"It was good to see you Kat," Kincaid said. "Break a leg."

Then he rode off towards the ramp ready to make his entrance leaving Cassie, Alison and Kat staring wide eyed.

"That is one scary guy," Cassie said.

"You said it." Kat added. "And believe it or not that was him when he is trying not to be scary. You should see him fight." Kat then began to explain how she had met Kincaid and the events that had led to Jessie Belle's death at the hands of Robert Harper, a man that had killed her for no other reason than hurting him.

"That Harper sounds like a sicko." Alison said. "I hope the Harper isn't related to him."

"Your Harper is probably more well balanced than the one I saw." Kat said. "Now let's find the locker room. This is one fight I want to see," Cassie and Alison all agreed and proceeded to find the girls' locker room post-haste.

Minion sat waiting for the next match to start. As he sat he read the program looking through the names of the teams, and the names of the participants on those teams. Two of those team names captured his attention, especially as he saw the name of someone he knew who was on Team Destiny: Katherine Hillard.

His mind was still turning as to why Kat would be in one of these tournaments, let alone on a team. Could this be another show of power? This strange power seen from the Lonely Wolves and Iori Yagami? Could Kat have a similar power? As Minion continued to think about Kat and her teammates his mind turned to the team she would be facing.

"Team Lady Wolves vs. Team Destiny," Minion said looking at the program again. He may have had questions about the teammates Kat had been allied with, but he did not know anything about the opponents. This Team USA. He saw the names on it: Ivy Howard, Daniel Kane, and Billy Kane.

He didn't know anything about the three names on this Team USA, but he saw they may provide Kat and her suspected Ranger allies a challenge that would allow him to gauge their skill. ~And answer the question about what Kat is doing in a tournament like this,~ Minion added.

When the time came Minion would watch Kat fight very carefully. But there were other things to look at first. Other fighters who were mysteries. Mysteries Minion needed to have solved. Team Nightfighter and Team Destiny were next. It was again time to learn more.

At ringside JR and Heyman were giving their promo for the next match to come. Team Destiny vs. Team Nightfighter.

"You know Paul." JR said. "I've been trying to find information on Team Nightfighter, but I can't find any information on them. All we've got are names, but no records. No fight history. No nothing."

"I know JR" Heyman said sharing JR's confusion. "Team Nightfighter is a mystery. No one knows who these fighters are. All we do know is that they have been personally invited by the tournament sponsor for this year. We do have names though, and I was able to see the team leader Jeff Kincaid undergo his training regimen. Let me tell you, I know several ECW competitors who would run scared from this guy. And that's saying something. He looks at you and you get chilled. Not to mention what he had done during his training session."

"And what about the other two?" JR asked. "Cassandra Jensen and Bruce Greene?"

"Greene and Jensen are both unknowns, as is Kincaid. Which will serve to their advantage. For even though Team Destiny, led by Laocorn Gaudeamas, has amassed a record in itself, even they don't know what Team Nightfighter is capable of. They could be going against a dangerous force, or a couple of pushovers."

"Well we'll know in a minute as we are greeted by Team Destiny as they make their way to the ring."

At the conclusion of JR's sentence the theme music for Team Destiny filled the room and Laocorn, Panni and Lyla made their way to the ring. A symphonic melody that reminded Laocorn of his sister Sulia. A song done in her memory.

Laocorn, Panni and Lyla walked to the ring with an air of confidence and integrity. They stood as symbols of strength and discipline. Even if the crowd had given them a mixed reaction. For while half the crowd cheered Team Destiny the other half booed them unmercifully.

"Some of them know." Laocorn said.

"Not the specifics Lord." Panni said. "But they do know that you had made some bad choices in life. Some are not that forgiving."

"Just focus on the battle at hand Laocorn." Lyla said. "Maybe that will win some of them over. Besides we know nothing about these guys."

"Yes." Laocorn said. "This Team Nightfighter is a mystery. We shall see an answer soon enough." Laocorn however noticed a few signs in support of Team Nightfighter, even if none of the fans knew who they were either. Laocorn however believed that they were not supporting Team Nightfighter, but supporting Team Destiny's decimation. The fans just didn't care who decimated them.

After the music ended as well as the fanfare the three members of Team Destiny turned to see their opponents come to the ring. The music of two of the members filled the air.

"Let the bodies hit the floor. Let the bodies hit the floor. Let the bodies hit theâ€¦ FLOOR!"

Bruce and Cassandra came to the ring to the music of Drowning Pool. Nothing they did gave away their secrets and they like it that way. So it appeared did Heyman as he mentioned how the team was playing up the mystery.

"Psychological warfare JR," he guessed.

"I'm not sure it's working yet," JR replied. "Although it does raise the question about where the third member of their team has gotten to? Where is Jeff Kincaid?"

To be continued

Chapter 3: Crossroads of Evil 3

Miley Stewart observed the reaction to Laocorn and was confused. "Daddy, why are they booing him? Did he do something wrong?"br pRobbie Ray had heard the stories of Laocorn Gaudemas, as much as the general public was allowed to know at any rate. He knew the man had some questionable dealings, and that his sister died as a result. And because of her death he became devoted to making the world a better place for all. "Yeah darlin," he drawled. "He did do something wrong. But he's trying to make up for it."br p"What did he do?" Jackson p"Something that cost him his sister's life."br pJackson looked at Miley and wondered what would have happened if he lost his sister. Sure they fought at times, but he couldn't imagine a world where Miley wasn't there. Despite everything Jackson would have his sister's back, just as he knew Miley would have pMiley looked down at the ring and found she admired Laocorn Gaudeamas. This was a person who had fallen from a great height and yet had found the strength to pick himself up and make the world a better place in memory of his sister. Someone who did good for the world, and persevered. The sort of person Miley hoped to pFrom her spot within the first class balcony section Kali looked down at Bruce and Cassandra walking to the ring. Their music was playing in the background and even though she did not know where it had come from and who sang it, she felt it was very appropriate for what was to p~Let the bodies hit the floor indeed.~ she thought and then laughed as she thought of the scene that would unfold pAt ringside Karone and Leo watched as Bruce and Cassandra made their way to the ring. They stopped short as they looked at the doorway waiting for their third man to pThen a gong was heard and a drum beat. The lights went out and two words were p"Deadman walking."br pJR was stunned. He knew that music as he had heard it plenty of times before. It was the music played whenever the Undertaker made his way to the ring. But the Undertaker was not there, Mark Calloway had not entered the tournament. But the energy, the reaction of the crowd. It was almost the pThen the arena erupted in a plethora of sound and light as the music filled the arena. "Keep rollin, rollin, rollin, rollin. Rollin, rollin, rollin, rollin. Rollin, rollin, rollin, rollin. Rollin, rollin, rollin, rollin."br pIn the Shadow Vortex, Shadow smiled as Kincaid rose out on his motorcycle to Limp Bizcuit's p"If you are going to use someone's entrance music in another dimension, then go with the Undertaker's" he said quietly, nodding in pIn his Shadowbox Minion sensed the power of Jeff Kincaid. He sensed that this was a Ranger, but there was something different about him. His aura was wild, vengeful and reminded Minion of an untamed beast that bound in place only by the sheer power of Jeff Kincaid's will. He could sense a connection to the Morphin Grid, but instead of sensing a totem animal, he felt some sort of supernatural force. And for the first time since his emergence, Minion felt reluctant to encounter this Ranger in person. It wasn't fear - for Minion had faced an angry demon and been made fully aware of his own mortality. This was a deep rooted feeling that there was more to lose by encountering Jeff Kincaid then he could hope to p~He's a threat,~ Minion admitted after some soul searching. And in that moment he realised that his reluctance stemmed not from any fear of losing, but the lack of absolute certainty that he would triumph. He sat back and watched events unfold. Now was the time to see how much of a threat he pTeam Destiny looked at Kincaid as he stood on the ramp gunning his engine. He rolled his bike down the ramp way towards the ring. He circled the ring with Team Destiny inside, like a man marking his territory. They were thrown by the dark entrance and were rocked by the explosive music that followed. Not to mention the ride to the p"He's trying to intimidate us lord." Panni said. "He shall not succeed."br p"On that we agree Panni," Laocorn said. "But he shall not be an easy person to beat. He is a man caught in a cycle of pain that drives him onwards."br pAfter Kincaid's ride around he noticed two figures sitting at ringside. Two he was not expecting, nor expecting together. He stared at the two for a good minute and then roared his motorcycle engine looking to give the crowd a show before he turned away from Leo and Karone. It was time for business. His team had a fight to pThe two Kincaid was staring at however, Karone and Leo, immediately felt nervous as if looking into a deep dark pit of darkness and p"Is it just meâ€¦ or is he staring at us?" Leo asked nervously. He glanced at Karone and noticed that she seemed to have shrank back and was huddling right beside p~By the Power and by Darknessâ€¦ what is he? What is it that he is putting out! I've never felt anything like that!~ Karone gasped as she then admitted to herself. ~He scares me. HE scares ME? How is that possible just from a look?~br pOn the screen in the back room Alison, Cassie and Kat gathered to watch Kincaid p"Kat, what do you know about this guy?" Alison p"I saw him fight during the ID War." Kat said. "He's very hard edged; if he sees his opponent as doing something wrong he willâ€¦"br p"â€¦ will what?" Cassie p"Not hold back. When Harper killed Jessica and Katie, Kincaid threw him into a pit of fire below. Granted the monster brought it on himself, but Kincaid played for keeps." Kat p"Will he cut loose on Gaudeamas?" Cassie asked. Kat had no answer for pKat, Alison and Cassie stared at the screen mesmerized by what was to come. It would not be for the weak of p"Hey, you guys okay?" Cassidy asked. The Morhpin and Zeo Rangers had turned pale when Kincaid had emerged. "What's wrong?"br pRocky shook his head. "Nothing, really. It's justâ€¦ we never expected Jeff Kincaid to be here. Never thought we'd see him again."br p"So you know him then," Cassidy p"Yeah," Adam said. "We've met him before." It was difficult to decide whether Adam was pleased to see him or not. There were a range of emotions running across his face and it was clear that even though he wasn't angry to see Kincaid, he wasn't jumping for p"He was there, the day Jessica was killed," Tanya pImages flashed through Cassidy's mind, recalling the information she had received from Jessica in a dream. She had always known that Jessica had been killed to teach somebody a lesson, but until now she had never been able to witness the whole memory. But this time there was more detail, secrets unlocked by a name. And as she saw Jessica's death play out one more time she recognised the man that needed to be taught to know his place s Jeff p"It was Kincaid wasn't it?" Cassidy said. "He was the one Jessie's killer tried to humble." The other Zeo and Morphin Rangers nodded solemnly. They didn't blame Kincaid for her death. They couldn't. To do so would mean they would need to hold themselves responsible for every death that occurred during a monster attack. Not that some, namely Tommy and Rocky were not already experts at blaming themselves. Cassidy however couldn't help but stare at the young man on his motorbike. He was a mystery, an enigma. Had the Rangers even scratched the surface of the mysteries he held? She doubted it. And that made her determined to find out who he really pIf Cassidy Bridges was curious, Minion was intrigued by Jeff Kincaid. He sensed that he was a Ranger of some kind. But not like any Ranger he knew. Certainly not Morphin, or Zeo, or any of the new Power signatures he was picking up in the arena. Some of them not realized yet. No, that wasn't true. It wasn't that Kincaid's aura didn't matched the established powers. It did. He was clearly drawing from the Morphin Grid. It was the nature of that power that seemed pMinion had a keen mind and was able to piece together information from only the smallest clues. But Kincaid's power defied everything he knew about the Morphin Grid. The closest thing he could recall was the Evil Green Ranger. But even then the aura had not been so dark, so wild, soâ€¦ dangerous. It a way it reminded him of how his aura had been when he had morphed using the Blue Power Coin. But though the power had felt equally wrong, it had not been as p~Could Kincaid be using an evil power source?~ he pNo, that didn't didn't make sense. Even if the device was evil, the power it was drawing from would be the same and Kincaid would still not possess that aura. It was almost as if he was deliberately drawing the power from the darkness. But as he watched, Minion could not believe that was the case. Such an act would drive the user to the brink of insanity, not to mention turning them dark. But he could tell that Kincaid was a Power Ranger, not just pretending to be a Power Ranger and that whatever he had done had driven him neither insane nor evil. He was just dark. Impossibly so. From what he knew of the searches Grid Masters used to recruit Rangers, Jeff Kincaid would never have been considered under any circumstances. The Power should have rejected him, and yet it was clear that he was in control. It was almost amusing to picture some of the more zealous Masters and their reactions, but it was also a little frightening to realise he had no idea how to deal with such a foe. How could Kincaid be allied with the forces of good? How could the forces of good be allied with someone like Kincaid?br pBut as Minion thought about it he realized that there would be some that would want the forces of good to have someone like Kincaid in their ranks. Someone to do the 'dirty work' the 'good guys' could not do for one reason or another. Someone to spread spread confusion through the ranks of the dark p~Someone that cannot be defined easily, leading to fear and speculation. And that fear would be passed down as stories told to children.~ Minion thought amusingly. ~Behave or the Night Man will come for you.~br pAnd at that moment, Minion knew that was what Kincaid was. He was the basis of the monster one told their kids bedtime stories about. He had the look and the feel about him. But there was more. Deep inside Minion wondered if perhaps Jeff Kincaid didn't just look and feel like the boogie man. Perhaps he was the boogie p~Yes, he is a threat, a REAL threat.~ he thought, realising that he although he knew next to nothing about him, Jeff Kincaid had somehow managed to scare him. ~I doubt he noticed me, so the effect is not deliberate. It's something he can't controlâ€¦ or can control but chooses not to.~br pHow could he deal with an enemy that he knew next to nothing about yet seemed to fear? He could explain the fear away as an effect of Kincaid's aura, a bonus that helped to spread the fear that he somehow knew Jeff and his kind wielded so effectively. Power would not do it, nor arcane magic, nor even high science. It would take a very carefully laid out plan to defeat him. Fortunately planning was something that Minion was good p~Perhaps coming here was worth it,~ Minion thought, ~just in case there is a Jeff Kincaid I have not met yet. Finding a chink in the armour I can exploit would allow me to prepare.~ With a supreme effort he managed to drag his thoughts and eyes away from Kincaid, searching through the stands to the spot where Kincaid had been looking. There his attention was drawn to a blonde girl he found familiar and a boy that sat by her side. The girl's face looked familiar and since it seemed Kincaid knew her he assumed she had some involvement with the Power p"She is a special one," a voice whispered. "One of Dark Specter's chosen, a Princess of pMinion did not know who Dark Specter was but that didn't bother him for too long as the voice continued, filling him in on the facts. Stories of a powerful villain that had compiled a list of girls from which to select his special heir. Girls with great potential. Girls of power. Of those candidates one had been chosen, and Minion knew that the girl in the seats was Dark Specter's first choice to be his heir. But he also knew there were others who Dark Specter had chosen, or were rumoured to be chosen. He shook his head. It was all very well to know such things, but raised the question about how he knew? He had never heard of Dark Specter. As far as he knew there was no such being. And he was certain that if such a being existed then Mistress Repugna would have been seeking his p"And yet you can't deny what you are hearing," he thoughtâ€¦ No, he hadn't thought that. It was the voice, somehow interacting with his consciousness. "And there is so much more. Rumours of other chosen to act as replacements if needed. Girls that attained their evil standing through other means."br pHe saw them. Somehow he could picture them in his mind. One through technology. One through magic. One through nurturing, and one through nature. Minion silently was amused at the idea that Dark Specter would find a Princess naturally born evil. Oh there were villains born all the time, but to be truly evil, truly powerful and to have the beauty that Dark Specter seemed to desire? It was possible, for the possibilities were endless, but highly improbable. As he studied her, Minion decided that in the end Dark Specter had decided to reject nature in favour of something p~Wait, there were five princesses," Minion realised. ~The one that was chosen and the four that were to act as replacements. So if she is not evil by nature, nurture, magic or technologyâ€¦ what is she?"br p"Can you not see? Are you that blind to the things around you?"br pThe voice was starting to annoy him. But as he thought about its words he realised there was another option: evil by p~Of course!~ It made sense in a strange way - any of the other four could have been in her place, if they were offered a choice in the matter. But then why was she here, and not with her master? The answer came to him very quickly: ~She's here to learn, just as I am.~ Yes, now he thought about it he realised that aside from those that had come to see the tournament just for the fighting, there were many that had turned up to learn the capabilities of those they would either fight or perhaps aid in pMinion turned away from the Princess and decided to study her companion. Was he a servant, an ally of the Princess. Was he even Dark Specter himself disguised as a human in order to watch the tournament. No, he was just a human. A human with potential for certain, if the undeveloped link to the Power was an indication, but still pIt made Minion think of the old time travel dilemma of the traveller thrown back in time and came across an infant that would grow up to kill millions. Would that traveller save those millions if that infant was killed before it became a threat? For a moment he wondered if he wasn't being offered the same dilemma of whether to destroy those he sensed could become a threat in the future. Only this time it wasn't a soon to be monster that Minion thought of killing, it was a potential Ranger. The longer he thought about it the more convinced he became that sooner or later the boy would wield unbelievable power, capable of cutting down some of evil's greatest p~But the trouble with such actions is that the act of aggression might be the trigger that turned them into the thing you wish to avoid,~ he realised. Besides there was also the question of why he was in the presence of an evil princess. Did he know what she was? Did she know what he had the potential to become? How could she not. His link was weak, but just his aura should have clued her in. ~Is he trying to corrupt him?~br pThe was a long pause as his thoughts seemed to blank. And then somehow he knew it was not her intentions he should be questioning. It was the boy who was corrupting the p~How can this be?~ Minion wondered. ~How can he be turning her from evil and not even realise it? He's not even a Ranger, yet he's affecting pAnd then he happened to catch a glance at the princess' aura. She too bore a connection to the Power. She also possessed the ability to become a Ranger, perhaps the same sort of Ranger as the boy she was p~Teammates?~ he wondered. As he looked closer he could sense what made her special and gave her the ability to truly choose. She had two auras! One was twisted and dark, and fading. The other seemed to be growing stronger, nurtured by the proximity to the pMore questions than answers. Minion was starting to hate the questions coming to his mind. He wondered if this reality wasn't better off being done away with and to just be finished with it. For that matter maybe all realities should be done away with to spare himself the questions that overwhelmed him. And for a moment he found himself agreeing. But then the feeling was gone, leaving him to worry over the state of his mental health. He was aware enough to realise that events had damaged him. His mind was not as stable as it should have been. Could the thoughts of wiping out everything around him represent a deep seated desire to end his own existence? He wasn't sure. But if whether it was some expression of self-loathing or not, he couldn't help but consider pMr Popplewick studied Karone with some degree of interest. It had been a long time since he had last seen her and he had to admit he was curious about the way she turned out. He looked up as he sensed Mr Chambers scrutinising him. It was an uncomfortable feeling since it seemed there was very little Mr Chambers could not discern with his p"There's a story there," Mr Chambers told him before pointing over to Karone and Leo, "With those two."br p"What kind of story?"br pMr. Chambers didn't answer right away as he seemed to consider his answer. It was clear he knew exactly what he meant but perhaps was considering how much to disclose. "Let's just say the girl who was chosen first is realizing her destinyâ€¦ finally, and leave it at that for the time being."br p~So the girl was the first choice, just as I hoped. And now she is the Princess,.~ he thought. Then he frowned. ~What aren't you telling me?~br pIf Mr Chambers sensed his companion's unease however he showed no signs of helping. His mind was focussed on other matter as he carefully allowed thousands of alternatives to play out in his mind. Events were following the path he had foreseen, but things could change so quickly. There were enemies present and the arena was abuzz with emotion. All it would take was a chance meeting or a wrong word and events could spiral out of control. Shaping the destinies of so many without revealing his intentions was growing more and more difficult. He mentally prepared himself that before the tournament was over he might be forced to reveal a few of his less important pAfter revving the motorcycle's engine a few more times, Kincaid parked the bike on its kickstand and made his way to the ring. He had experience of entertaining a crowd and knew how to work the emotions in the air. He raised hi right arm in a biker salute and was pleased that the crowd reacted favourably. The more they riled the crowd up before the match, the better. And it helped send the message he wanted. He had shaken them with his initial appearance and proven that he could play nice. Now it was a matter of demonstrating why they should prefer the playful Kincaid to the scary fighter that lurked before the p"Who were you staring at?" Cassandra p"Leo Corbett and Karone," Kincaid answered. "It looks like they're here together."br pBruce seemed taken aback by that. "Isn't he supposed to be on Terra Venture? And isn't she supposed to be the Princess of Evil? Or the Pink Galaxy Ranger?"br pKincaid shook his head. "Different reality, different point in time, and different people. That's the problem with crossing over: you can never be sure the people you know are still the people you p"We are a little early in the timeline," Cassandra agreed. "Terra Venture probably hasn't been made public knowledge yet and Karoneâ€¦ I don't know. I'm getting mixed feelings from her. I think things will run a little differently here." She paused. "They already are actually."br p"Mixed. Like she's somewhere between good and evil?" Kincaid pCassandra pKincaid thought a moment about the Karone of his own world. She had been chosen to be Astronema unwillingly, but had been saved. She had later become Pink Galaxy when Kendrix Morgan was killed by Psycho Pink. However his Karone had never shaken the effects of the darkness despite her best efforts. Fighting the darkness of her past had proved to be a constant struggle and Kincaid brought her into the Night Rangers, hoping that darkness would be put to good use. Karone had accepted and had been a welcome addition to the Night Rangers ever since. But the Karone he had just seen was different. This one didn't appear to be a good person struggling not to be evil or an evil person struggling to subdue the good hidden deep within. This Karone was unaffected by spells or powers or any outside influence. No this conflict was one of ideas and the deciding factor would be p"Let's think about this later. We've got a fight to win." Kincaid said as he turned to face Team Destiny. In truth there was very little he could do and probably even less that he should do. Involving himself could be the catalyst that pushed her one way or the other, disrupting her choice. He knew that if Dana Mitchell had been with him she would have tried to influence the outcome. ~That said one of the Dana Mitchell's we met would have just executed her to prevent the possibility of her becoming Astronema.~ But that was not his way. He was a guest in this reality and realised that he really didn't have the right to make decisions for those that lived pLaocorn Gaudeamas, Panni Citrine and Lyla Topaz stood ready for battle. Lyla stepped forward indicating that she would fight first. Bruce stepped forward, indicating that he was ready to start for their team. And so with Lyla and Bruce assuming their positions, the battle pBruce and Lyla moved around the ring, staring each other down. Both waited for the other to make the first move. Lyla felt her anticipation building while Bruce remained cool. He was a seasoned veteran when it came to fighting and knew that as they watched the clock tick, the tension would p"FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" the fans yelled, adding pressure on the pLyla could feel her blood rise with the chant. Bruce was feeling the same thing although he was able to hide it better. Finally the adrenaline overcame her and Lyla threw the first punch, which Bruce dodged and responded with three punches to the solar plexus. He followed up with a wheel kick, knocking Lyla down on the pLyla looked up at Bruce and smirked. He looked calm, but she could see that he was just as eager to fight as she p"That's how it's gonna be huh?" Lyla asked. She smirked. "Cool by me."br pThen she attacked again with a series of Kung-Fu moves that Bruce dodged efficiently. Lyla felt her strength wearing out as she continued to throw punch after punch at her opponent. It didn't take a genius to tell her that she was wasting her energy with all the moves that missed their target, or that by allowing her frustration to drive her onward she was wasting even more energy. It was also abundantly clear that Bruce knew that she would tire from the ferocious nature of her pAnd then it was as if somebody had flicked a switch and Bruce changed from defence to attack. He launched a side kick followed by a series of rapid punches that moved so fast Lyla wasn't sure she saw any of them. They were so fast that Lyla made the mistake of thinking the punches were some sort of ki attack. In reality they were just fast punches, but Lyla didn't know that, which caused her to cut loose slightly with a small ki move of her p"FIRE KNUCKLE!" Lyla cried unleashing a minor energy attack on Bruce. Bruce was able to dodge the incoming ball of fire and come back into the game with an upper cut knocking her p~Okay, she's got funky kind of power, let's change the rules a little.~br pBruce ran forward, ducking under a clothesline Lyla sought to throw. He turned around and ducked as he rolled forward before leaping into the air and crashing his entire body hard across Lyla's chest in a perfect example of a Lou Thesz Press, all made more appealing by the gymnastic somersault he had thrown in for good measure. The impact was devastating as Bruce's Rolling Thunder seemingly paid pThe audience had started to get into the fight somewhat, and the chants for Bruce were causing Lyla's adrenaline to rise. So lost in the rush of emotion and her body's responses that when Bruce decided to do a finishing rush, Lyla cut loose with three successive flame bursts that would have pulverized a normal p"HELLFIRE!" Lyla shouted as three bolts shot pThe shots connected and a normal person would have gone down. But even the weakest entrant in the tournament could not be described a a normal person and Bruce was far from the weakest. So despite the fact he was hurt, it was not too surprising to see that he was still standingâ€¦ pSensing the opportunity, Lyla decided to finish him p"FIRE BLAST!" She bellowed, firing a bolt to finish Bruce off. The burst of flame hit Bruce knocking him back out of the tournament ring and onto the ground below. He landed hard. So hard he did not get back up when the time pIt was a hard fought battle but Bruce was eliminated, although to his credit he did not go down easy and it was clear the victory had taken a lot out of Lyla as well, as her bar indicated that she did not have much left either. If the last attack had not taken him down, there was no guarantee she would have pAnd despite the win, her moment of triumph seemed hollow when Laocorn told her something he observed from Bruceâ€¦ Her opponent had no ki ability. He was a good fighter, but he didn't use any energy attacks. It was possible, ~No it was very likely~ Lyla thought, that her opponent had no ki ability p~And I had to resort to a ki attack to beat him~ she thought. ~Hardly a victory.~br pBut a win was a win and the fight had to continue. So Lyla just stood and waited for her next opponent. Seemingly the girl in pCassandra was about to step into the the ring, but Kincaid grabbed her shoulder and shook his head no. Cassandra looked confused as to why Kincaid was holding her back until he said "I don't want to tip our hand completely."br pCassandra nodded as Kincaid's words made sense. So she stepped back and allowed Kincaid to enter pBruce looked on from the corner as Kincaid and Lyla stared each other down. Both refused to be intimidated. It appeared that Kincaid was showing a little caution despite having the endurance advantage. Finally Lyla decided to break the stare down and held up her hand, challenging Kincaid to a test of strength. Kincaid looked at the outstretched hand and accepted the challenge. From his face it appeared he was slightly pAfter locking their hands together they started to mount some pressure. Considering that she had already battle Bruce and was smaller than him, Kincaid was surprised that she managed to hold her own so well. And then it seemed she gained the advantage as she started to push heat through her hands, using the extras pressure to bolster her strength. Kincaid's eyes narrowed as he caught on to her plan. The heat would help to wear him down, making his body work harder. But two could play at that game and with a small smirk he tapped into his own primal force and brought the fire within him to the surface. The heat started to build and build, and soon Lyla felt herself being driven p~Oh man talk about power!~ Lyla thought as she tried to focus her heat energy into driving Kincaid down but Kincaid only seemed to get hotter. As the heat intensified Lyla was driven down to one knee as Kincaid continued to mount the pressure. Realizing that she could hold no more Lyla broke the grip and then twisted around to kick Kincaid in the head to give herself some pThe kick connected but all it succeeded in doing was disorienting Kincaid for a few seconds. Fortunately Lyla only needed a few seconds to deliver a devastating side kick to Kincaid's jaw knocking him back down. She stood waiting for his next move, wondering what trick Kincaid was going to pull next. Although so far she had been the one to dip into her bag of tricks and he had just pKincaid however decided to go on the offence by wrapping his legs around Lyla's chest, throwing her off balance and down to the floor hard. Kincaid was on top in a position ready to hit her with but he soon got back up and offered his hand to p"What is this?" Heyman pJR commented "Well it looks like we know one thing about Jeff Kincaid. He's a gentleman if nothing else."br pLyla took the offered hand and she was back on her feet. Both then took the fighting stances ready to fight again. Lyla waited for Kincaid to make the first move, he didn't. So she decided she would. She launched a side kick towards Kincaid, which he dodged. He ducked down and delivered a wheel kick to the back of Lyla's foot. Lyla hit the ground on her shoulders using her arms to cushion the fall. Kincaid nodded at Lyla's skill. She seemed to know how to fall gracefully. Looking up he also noticed how it took some life out of her bar. If the indicators were accurate then she was practically running on pLyla then decided to try linking a series of punches with a few frontal and side kicks thrown in for good measure. Kincaid allowed several to connect, but blocked the last punch. He changed his posture to a more aggressive stance and launched a volley of his own. He landed a series of lefts and rights, knocking Lyla back, and followed up with an axe kick to the side of her head. Lyla fell, but got back up p~All right, let's do the heavy artillery.~ "FIRE BLAST!" Lyla shouted as a burst of flame shot out from her pKincaid however balled his own hand into a fist and let loose a fireball of his own, which upon impact decimated Lyla's flame. The shockwave sending her back to the outside of the ringâ€¦ pWhen Lyla got back up she was staggering. She crawled back into the ring and met with a flaming clothesline the moment she stood. The move struck Lyla dead in the face. The fire was hot to the p"As Joey Styles would say OH MY GOD!" Paul Heyman cried of Kincaid's move. "He didn't even call that out!"br pKincaid then decided to end the match picking Lyla up for a tiger bomb. Picking up her body she brought it down hard to the ground landing on the back of her shoulders. The wind sufficiently taken out of her sails. Lyla didn't get back up. The referee counted and Lyla was pWhen Panni saw Lyla hit the ground, she didn't even need to look at the damage bar in order to tell that she was out of it. She glanced at Laocorn who nodded his agreement and stepped in to face Kincaid. As she did so she took a moment to try to read Kincaid's face. Cold and impassive, it told her nothing. She could tell he was strong although she had already guessed that from his first fight, but there was also a strength she had never known before. She doubted she could take him in a fist fight so she cut loose with her own p"TSUNAMI DRAGON!"br pAs Panni called forth her power, she sent a monstrous water construct down on Kincaid with devastating force. She knew that this was a desperation move, but she had little choice is she wanted to take down Kincaid. However if she had expected it to work, she was in for a disappointment as Kincaid seemed to take the full force of the blow. Steam erupted from the area Kincaid was standing p"Oh man. It's really getting hot." Bruce said wiping the sweat that was forming on his p"And it's only going to get hotter." Cassandra added as Kincaid increased the heat pAll too soon the water dragon had dissipated, leaving only Kincaid glowing slightly from the residual heat of his aura. And then aura seemed to erupt again, taking on the appearance of unnatural flame. Panni felt herself swallowing down a lump in her throat as Kincaid took several steps towards her. The icy stare in his eyes gave Panni cold pShe had to try the Tsunami Dragon again. She waved her hands into the air as she prepared to call forth her monstrous construct. She only got as far as "TSUNAMIÃ¢?â‚¬Â¦" when Kincaid charged her with a running clothesline. The heat upon impact was scathing as Panni felt a burn on her upper chest. Quick to recover, Panni tried to regain the advantage in the fight but a kick to the stomach and a neck breaker took the wind out of Panni's sails. She was staggering as Kincaid made ready to deliver a finishing pHe balled up his fist he and allowed the heat to form a red flame around it. He brought his fist up in a fast motion and clocked Panni with tremendous force, which sent her flying out of the ring and down onto the ringside floor near to Laocorn and Lyla. Panni had been eliminated from p"Panni!" Laocorn exclaimed as he rushed to his love's pLyla also moved to her teammate's side to see how she was. Both were oblivious to the referee checking on Panni and then the indicators before declaring her eliminated from the match. It appeared that Kincaid's blow had been so unusual that the sensors were unable to calculate the damage it had p"Panni! PANNI!" Laocorn shouted as if trying to will her to live. Kincaid stood by the ring watching as Lyla and Laocorn tended to their pPanni then opened her eyes and looked up at her love. "I am all right my lord. This was just par for the course in a King of Fighters tournament. Now go into battle Laocorn, our honour is at stake."br pLaocorn nodded and looked up at the ring. As he stepped in, Kincaid was dead in his sights, and Laocorn was allowing this battle to be very personal indeed. If Kincaid noticed he didn't show it, if he was afraid he covered it well, for as Laocorn climbed in, the other man just waited patiently. The crowd was growing anxious, the clock was ticking away, someone had to win pLaocorn wondered what should try. There were several techniques that he had mastered over the years, which could be used, but he figured that nothing would be as satisfying as going full tilt against him. So he attacked with a series of rights and lefts, causing Kincaid to fight back. They held nothing back, each willing to beat the other into pIt seemed like it would be easier said than done as Kincaid seemed to withstand a lot of punishment, but Laocorn thought he saw a weakness in Kincaid's defence as his solar plexus was left exposed. Laocorn called for one of his ki attacks, using his anger to feed the attack and grateful that it was an attack the relied on power, not p"HEAVEN'S FIST!" Laocorn pThe energy shot out, forcing Kincaid to draw back a punch. As he threw the punch with all his might, it connected with the energy, which seemed to dissipate in the wake of Kincaid's fiery power. Laocorn looked wide eyed as he saw p"Impossible."br pKincaid didn't respond. He just stood and waited for the next strike. A glance at the clock told him they had a minute and a half left to finish things. That caused him to change his plans by delivering a fast side kick that came out of nowhere. Laocorn blocked the kick and countered with a leg sweep. When Kincaid got back up, Laocorn went on the attack with a series of rights and lefts, which Kincaid blocked. He responded up with some more rights, lefts and finally an uppercut that Laocorn barely dodged. The seconds ticked away. Laocorn and Kincaid were giving their all. Both turned to look at the screen. Their damage bars were neck and neck, they had used every trick they could think of to get as far as they had and there were only twenty seconds left on the p"Time to end this," Laocorn said. Energy built up in Laocorn and Kincaid knew this wasn't a good thing. "RAGE OF THE INFERNO!" Kincaid motioned to Bruce what was to come next. Bruce knew what Knicaid had in mind as he cupped his hands together forming a foot launch. Kincaid stepped onto the waiting hands and used it to jump high into the air, avoiding Laocorn's pThe crowd fell silent as Kincaid seemed to fly over the blast. Even Laocorn was surprised until Kincaid manoeuvred his body so his legs were facing Laocorn. It was at the moment he realised what Kincaid had in mind that he also realised it was too late, as the full brunt of Kincaid's drop kick pAnd then the bell rang and the crowd seemed to come alive once more. Kincaid and Laocorn turned to look at the damage boards, knowing that the sensors would calculate the winner based on the damage they had recorded. It was a little like fencing in that regard, contact set off a sensor that recorded a hit that determined a winner. Kincaid was slightly ahead of Laocorn by a nudge, but it was enough for his team to win the match. "Here are your winners: Team Nightfighter!"br pBruce and Cassandra entered the ring and their hands were raised in victory alongside Kincaid. The song "Rollin' hit the arena as the crowd looked on in awe and suspense. Some of them even applauding. Kincaid looked over at Laocorn, Panni and Lyla, and then walked over to them with his hand extended. Laocorn wondered what Kincaid meant by this gesture, then he remembered how he was a gentleman with p"I'm sorry about your girlfriend." Kincaid said. "It was in the heat of competition. No pun intended." He then extended his hand out offering a symbol of trust and good pLaocorn looked at Kincaid sceptically then after a moment took out his own hand as the two combatants shook hands as if they were complementing each other on a good match. Kincaid then raised Laocorn's hand in victory as Cassandra raised Panni's and Bruce raised Lyla's. The audience roared in approval at the show of sportsmanship and respect of Gaudeamas and Team Destiny, who were considered KOF fixtures. Even the Rangers in the stands applauded at the show as the music played pThere were a few however that didn't applaud. Some on other fight teams that hoped they wouldn't have to face Team Nightfighte and a few in the Shadowboxes pbEnd of Part/b

Chapter 4: Crossroads of Evil 4

Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers, they belong to the current copyright owner.

Crossroads of Evil - King of Fighters Part 5

Minion walked along the hallway that linked the Shadowboxes together until he came to the one specified in the instructions. Opening the door he walked in. Inside he saw three individuals sitting watching the tournament before them. The man in the centre turned and looked at Minion saying "I might have been expecting you, but didn't you ever learn to knock?"

Minion stared at the man, wondering why he would ask such an obvious question. He was Minion, he didn't need to knock. He could sense an aura of power about the man. His appearance was tailored to make him look important and, if Minion had been asked to guess, to demonstrate some sort of superiority over his guests. His suit was certainly a more elegant version of the suit Minion had been given. His face suggested intelligence built on knowledge and experience. There was also a great darkness about him that Minion admired and fear. Not the evil aura that Lord Zedd, Rita Repulsa or even Dark Specter possessed. No, this darkness was moreâ€¦ cerebral, if such a thing was possible.

With a shrug, Minion dismissed the thought and decided to move on. "JJ Chambers, Doctor of law I presume?"

The dark haired man nodded as if acknowledging Minion's assessment, a small twitch showing his amusement. He motioned Minion to a seat next to his two associates. A middle aged portly man with silver hair, and a woman with a thin build, but also appeared middle aged. Minion took the offered seat and looked at the tournament below him.

"Did I miss much?" he asked.

"You just missed a battle with Ninjas." Mr Chambers said. He tossed a data crystal to Minion as he said "It's been recorded if you want to watch it later."

Minion looked at the crystal and pocketed it. He would definitely watch it later. In the meantime Minion wanted answers. Answers as to why he was here, and why this Mr Chambers summoned him to this place and time.

"I know you have questions. Understandable." Mr. Chambers said. "But everyone we need to see is not here."

"Everyone we need to see?" Minion asked. ~Who else is he expecting?~

"We are waiting for one other to come." Mr. Chambers said.

Just then another figure appeared in the doorway. It was Kali.

Minion stood, taking the opportunity to study Kali up close.. It was not long ago that she had been the Psycho replica known as Triini, created to be a darker parody, if not insult, to the original Trini Kwan. And now here was that replica, but not a replica anymore. She wasâ€¦ Minion did not have an answer for what Kali was. It was one thing to hear and see what he could from a distance. But now that he was up close and personal with her. ~This is not what she was supposed to be.~ he thought.

"Triini?" Minion said looking at the former Psycho Ranger before him.

Kali looked at the stunned reaction of Minion and laughed loud. When she stopped she said "Ah the high and mighty, all powerful Minion, stunned to mindless stuttering at the sight of his own creation. Maybe my coming here was worthwhile."

"What are you?" Minion asked, not bothering to hide the hatred in his voice. This was not his creation. It was an insult.

"I'm someone who has outgrown you Minion." Kali said seductively as she walked closer to him. "I have grown beyond being that ditzy replica I was made to be. Just as you have grown beyond being a duplicate yourself. Can you not afford the sameâ€¦ courtesy that was afforded to yourself?"

As Kali walked forward, moving in to kiss Minion, Minion found himself unable to work. He could not believe his own replica would act this way. She was not meant to be as she was before him.

It was then that Kali had struck as her hand became engulfed in purple flame and she struck Minion down hard knocking him to the ground. Quickly he reoriented himself as he got up and looked to face Kali.

"You'll pay for that Triini." he growled, backhanding her with a pulse of dark energy.

Kali smirked at Minion as she shook off the impact. While it had obviously shocked him to find that she could and would hurt him, she had never doubted that he could harm her. Her hand still burning a purple flame, as if letting him know in no uncertain terms that she was more than willing to fight him. She was her own villain now, with her own power.

Minion seemed ready to attack when Mr Chambers stepped in. "Stand down, both of you."

Minion glared at Mr Chambers. How dare this person tell him to stand down? How dare Triini strike him the way she had? How could she recover so swiftly from his power? And what was with those purple flames?

Purple flames? The same power Iori Yagami had. And he did not seem to be of rational mind. Trini Kwan never had this power. Had she? And for it to show up in his replica of her? A replica that seemed even less rational than Iori.

"Surprised?" Mr. Chambers said. "Understandable. You have a lot of questions. Not to mention a lot of anger. Anger that isâ€¦ justified I suppose."

"Anger does not begin to describe my feelings." Minion said. "I have seen abomination after abomination since I arrived here. And for Triini to strike me as she did. Well she must learnâ€¦"

"Learn what Minion?" Kali asked defiantly. "To be afraid of you? To tremble in your name? Look at that audience below. Who's down there?" Minion looked at where Kali was pointed. Kali pointed at where the Power Rangers were seated. Kali then asked "Now who isn't there?"

Minion felt his anger rise as he knew the answer to Kali's question. Minion was not here. At least not the version this time line was supposed to have. And again Minion felt his anger rise as Kali continued to bait him.

"You wouldn't strike a pregnant woman would you?" Mr Chambers asked. "Especially one that could help bring aboutâ€¦ the End of the Rangers?"

"I think he's already demonstrated that yes, he would," Kali sneered.

He comment was ignored as Minion concentrated on what Mr Chambers had said. "The End of the Rangers?"

Mr Chambers nodded. "With your help I can almost guarantee it. And if you can hold back your anger and refrain from striking Kali again - for that is her name now, not Triini - I will explain."

"Kali?" Minion asked, "Just as Kaat is now Ivy and Daavid is now Daniel?" Minion asked.

Mr Chambers nodded. "They have had to grow beyond what they were."

"And what of Toommy?" Minion asked as disgust filled his voice. "What is he calling himself now?"

"Tyler," Kali answered. "His name is now Tyler."

Minion rolled the name in his mind. ~Tyler.~ He wondered how much like Tommy his replica truly was. ~Probably too much like him.~ he thought with disgust.

"In case you are wondering there are some Psycho Rangers that haven't evolved." Mr Chambers said. "But they are barely able to come together, especially with the power here."

Minion sighed as he asked "How did this power come to be? How can it come through this universe?"

"Refrain from further violence and I will tell you," Mr Chambers said.

"Fine," Minion agreed. He saw the sneer that appeared on Kali's face and knew she was gloating at him. "For now."

Minion decided he would let Kali have her show of independence. ~For the time being.~ But he would remember Kali's disrespect, and make her pay for it somehow. He then turned his attention to Chambers and his associates.

"What do we have to talk about Mr Chambers?" Minion asked. Looking in Chambers' direction he added "If that is your real name."

Given recent discoveries he would not have been surprised to find that JJ Chambers was not what his letter suggested.

"Good to know your intellect has not been dulled by the journey here. You are as perceptive as I expected you to be. Yes, perhaps an alternate title would beâ€¦ better suited."

"What shall we call you?" Kali asked.

Mr Chambers paused as if considering the answer. "You may call me Valeyard," he said after a moment. Neither Minion nor Kali believed him. "And now I shall tell you a story. A story of Gods and Men and how their actions now shape the universe. Past, Present and Future."

"Whoa!" JR said. "That battle was high octane. Pity it ended in a draw."

"Oh well I guess it isn't a total loss." Heyman said. "As we find out next Team Gorgeous will have its hand full with Team Korea. And the winner of this match will get an automatic by to the semi final matches and face whoever wins the quarter final match. Whether it be Team Mexico against Team China or Team Ikari against Team Thailand."

"Well I guess we have Team Gorgeous versus Team Korea to look forward to." JR said. "And from what I gather Team Gorgeous has a bit of a legendary status of their own in terms of the King Of Fighters."

"Oh JR they have more than just legendary status," Heyman replied. "Team Gorgeous would be a team Jerry Lawler would want to have with him."

In the locker room Team Gorgeous had a problem. Their music was out. The tape destroyed.

"Oh man. What do we do for an entrance?" Mai asked.

Just then Yuki entered the room. A tape in her hand.

"What music is this?" King asked.

"Something the tournament sponsor dropped off," Yuki said. "Said he would like for us to use it going to the ring."

Mai put the headphones to her ears and listened. The song did have its appeal and seemed to reflect the personality of Team Gorgeous quite well. With a smile she said "Well then if the sponsor would like us to use it who are we to say no?"

Soon Team Gorgeous walked to the ring after they dropped off the tape to the sound stage.

Back at the arena Team Korea was entering the ring. They had a traditional Korean theme music used for the 1988 Olympic Games that still seemed to play well to audiences. Or so Team Korea thought. In truth the crowd didn't seem to get into the music as they thought it was boring. As all three members stood in the ring, the audience reaction was lukewarm.

In the stands Carlos decided now was a good time to make a fast exit toâ€¦ take care of matters. "I'm going to use the bathroom. I'll be right back."

"But Carlosâ€¦" T.J. said. Carlos however was gone as he couldn't wait any longer. Nature called, and it wouldn't wait any longer. T.J. thought is was a shameâ€¦ as Team Gorgeous was about to fight next.

Everyone's eyes were glued to the entranceway as Team Gorgeous's music filled the auditorium. It was by a singer named Rachel Stevens called 'Some girls'. And behind a silhouette wall was a female figure waving her arms. Two more sets of arms followed.

The arena erupted with roaring applause which Team Gorgeous took in.

And then the fight began.

After a few minutes Carlos returned to his seat. "What did I miss?" Carlos asked. "I didn't miss Team Gorgeous did I?"

"Too late." Andros said. "They've been and gone." Carlos was ready for his jaw to drop on the floor.

"You should have seen it." Dan said. Mary did this crazy wrestling move followed by King giving her own move.

"And Mai with the fans wasn't bad either." Sabrina said with a slight smirk.

"Also you missed two other battles." TJ said. "Team China flattened Team Mexico."

"And Team Ikari beat Team Thiland."

Dan added. Carlos looked on wide eyed and cursed silently. "Damn! That's the last time I have three Cokes in a row."

"Carlos that wasn't nice to say." Ashley said as Andros placed his arm around Ashley's shoulder. A move Ashley approved of as the smile from her was a good indication. Andros had been slowly catching onto Earth human dating rituals, much to Ashley's delight.

"Besides the next fight is a good one. It has Alison's cousin in it." Sabrina added. Carlos then took his seat looking forward to the fight starting.

All the Rangers from around the ring were looking forward to this one. As well as others. The Watanabes, the Order of the Claw, Andrew Hartford, even those in the Shadowboxes.

It was time for the Lonely Wolves to shine.

In their seats Leo and Karone were trying to contemplate all they had seen. The battles, the show of power, the fighters. Leo was amazed by what he saw, seeing shows of power and Martial Arts he had heard about through rumour, but Karone was left with much to consider.

She had heard many opinions from experts within the UAE regarding Earth. Most had taken the stance that it was a primitive backwater inhabited by a evolutionarily backward species sitting on the greatest source of natural magic in the universe. A species whose only useful purpose once conquered would be as a slave pool for the UAE's labour camps. Of course there were also those that considered all Earthlings as not being worth the effort of breaking and that sterilising the planet was a better option.

Surprisingly apart from how to treat the natives, the Council held the same view. They also seemed to believe that Earth should not have had a Ranger team, and it was only through Zordon that Earth had qualified. Let alone having the number of Rangers Earth had now. S'Hera seemed to be the biggest councillor to spearhead this line of thinking, although exactly what the council could do about a world outside of its jurisdiction without brining the planet into the Council and therefore granting them more rights than any councillor believed that they deserved, was unclear.

One thing was for certain, Karone would not underestimate the humans of Earth. She was not as blinkered as the experts and could see that many Earthlings could prove useful to the future of the UAE. That of course was dependent on whether she decided to remain a member of the UAE. If she left she would probably end up protecting the planet not only from the UAE, but also from the Council.

She glanced up at the Shadowboxes and suppressed a shiver. There were some powerful auras hidden within that section of the arena. Most of them were dark and oppressive, but a few were downright evil. One of those there would have given Dark Specter a run for his credits.

Some of the fighters she had seen so far, and a few of the individuals in the Shadowboxes that she had not seen had made her realise that the experts were wrong. And as she regarded the champions whose courage rivalled that of Power Rangers, she wondered if such an oversight was possible or whether the experts had lied.

Such champions, like the Lonely Wolves, who were about to head to the ring.

Minion listened to the Valeyard's explanation and what he had heard was was difficult to believe. The complexity of what the Valeyard described was beyond Minion's comprehension and Minion prided himself on his intelligence.

"But do you find it hard to imagine?" the Valeyard asked, interpreting Minion's problem.

Minion shook his head no. Regardless of the complexity, what was being said was possible, just highly improbable.

"So you are saying that there are these God like beings playing games with the universe. There is another group trying to stop them, as well as a third group that helps the second group but has their own agenda?" Minion then asked. "Just this universe or my own as well?"

"Ah very perceptive question, but on that point I can set your mind at ease. While I have no doubt that some of those forces might have tried to interfere with your universe and that some certainly exist there, your universe is currently free from that level of intervention. I would not be surprised to find there are a few that that have tried, but they are mostly held in check." Valeyard looked for a moment as if he was going to add something, but given Minion's growing agitation, he decided against it. "Know this Minion: if there were a creator god for this universe, he would have your face. Your actions caused this universe to exist. The decisions you have made and will make caused an impossible sequence of events that led to the creation of this universe and in turn led me here. If you decided to do so I have no doubt that you could erase this entire reality." He waited for Minion to ask him how to accomplish such a feat and was relieved when the question went unasked. Clearly the knowledge that such events could be averted were enough for now. "It was the nature of this universe that made it vulnerable to the actions of outside forces such as those I described to you. Already their actions have caused ripples in reality." the Valeyard said. "Their presence shifted events slightly, causing Aisha and Tanya to change places. Instead of Tanya, the Minion of this universe had Aisha in his torture chamber. Tanya became the Purple Morphin Ranger giving the Yellow Zeo Crystal back to Aisha, until Aisha became the Carrier Ranger."

"Carrier Ranger?" Minion asked as he wondered just what type of Ranger a Carrier Ranger was.

"The controller of Zords like Titanus, or Tor the Shuttlezord. It is theorized she can even control Pyramidas as well as the Delta Megaship of the Astro Rangers."

"The Astro Rangers," Minion said letting the words come out of his mouth as if sampling them. He then looked in the direction of Alison Bogard's twin and her friends. He had no doubt these were the Astro Rangers the Valeyard had mentioned.

"The Carrier Ranger is also known as the Brown Ranger. Although she had been referred to as the Grey Ranger in some previously altered reality. Hard to tell as the actions of the Q have sent ripples throughout reality causing chaotic changes. Changes that could be veryâ€¦ problematic for fighting a war." The Valeyard let the last words drift off before speaking, as if allowing himself to relive a series of memories he would have rather forgotten. ~A war for all of creation.~ he mentally added. "Time in this universe has been compressed. Events are taking place now that should not come to pass for years. It is a problem that will grow worse as events progress."

Valeyard was walking a very fine line between revealing to Minion the information he needed to impart and not revealing his own role in recent events. As long as Minion believed that the Valeyard was a native of this universe, he would believe the story he was told. At least that was what the expert Valeyard had found especially to anticipate Minion's reactions had revealed.

Minion continued the questions. "So this Terry Bogard. Is he one of these ripples?"

Kali made a face as Terry's name was mentioned.

Valeyard answered. "Hardly. He's part of the agenda."

Minion looked wide eyed as he asked "The agenda?"

"The agenda of one of the factions of gods that has chosen to interfere." Valeyard then set a holo display on the table in front of him. Once he activated an image of a young brown haired girl in gray robes and a circlet on her forehead. A sash also adorned around her neck and looped down her front. Minion looked at the image and thought "Pretty." Kali just looked at the image in disgust.

"This is one of her guises." Valeyard said. He then switched the image to the same girl only she was now dressed in a black leather jacket, plaid mini skirt with black knee length boots and a red top. "Her name was once Jennifer Summers." Valeyard explained. "Until she was possessed by a witch from an accursed island called Lodoss."

"A witch?" Minion asked.

"A witch with bad fashion sense," Kali added.

Minion and the Valeyard paid Kali's comments no mind.

"Her name is Karla, a Gray Witch who somehow acquired a series of Ranger powers." Valeyard changed the image again to a woman in a black and red Ranger suit with a jagged red arrow on the center. "A Gray Witch with the powers of the Quantum Ranger."

"The Quantum Ranger?" Minion found the questions to be more and more annoying. Any more unknown terms and he would be demanding a glossary.

"A sixth Ranger in a force of Time Rangers." Valeyard said showing another image of a Ranger team. "A team in which the girl Jen was a Pink Ranger before herâ€¦ possession and ascension. An ascension brought about by Rassillonâ€¦ of the Time Lords." Or that was what Jen believedâ€¦ although belief accounted for a great deal.

Valeyard then launched into the story of how Jen became Karla, and was then empowered by the energies of a black hole granting her immortality so she could serve as Rassillon's apprentice. Karla also appointed two other guardians to represent good and evil respectively. When Valeyard described who the identity of the Guardian of evil was, Mr Popplewick was left seething.

"Ecliptor?" Mr Popplewick asked as if recognizing the name.

Valeyard nodded absently. "Mirabilis now." The image showed the black robed image of the former guardian of Astronema. "As for the Guardian of Good I believe you are intimately familiar with him Minion. As are you Kali."

Kali nodded as she saw the image before her. "If you expected some sort of reaction from me you will be sadly disappointed. I sent the replica based on him into a world of hurt. I can do the same thing to the real thing."

Minion was not so dismissive as he stared at the face of Billy Cranston. While Kali could bury her feelings, Minion hated Billy with a passion. It was a hatred that was only surpassed by his feelings towards a few others. "He's not from this reality?"

"No, but he's very similar to the Blue Ranger you know," Valeyard told him. The image changed again. "His interest in this reality is difficult to guess, but he has shown an interest in Jeffrey Kincaid and his Night Ranger team; he's appointed himself as their mentor."

"Appointed himself?" Minion asked interested as if detecting a weakness like a shark smelled blood in the water. "He isn't keeper or creator of the powers?"

Valeyard shook his head. "No if anything he is an opportunist. He saw the power Kincaid possessed and the potential he has shown in the past, and sought to use him as a tool for his own agenda. Just as he is doing now."

"So what does this Triad have to do with Terry Bogard?" Minion asked. He would get back to Kincaid later. Something about that name worried him.

"Ah yes. Perhaps I was getting ahead of myself mentioning the Triad first," Valeyard explained. "This is a story that begins with a race known as the Q. Some see them as demigods, others as the personification of chaos. Amusing really that for a race that brings discord wherever they appear, the majority lead very ordered lives. Still I digress. To alleviate the tedium of their existence, some members of the Q developed a game using whole realities as the playing board and those that lived there as pawns." The Valeyard then told Minion the story of how the Q's interference had shaped the events surrounding the Power Rangers and their allies with no regard for the life and death situations they were faced with. "This lack of responsibility and compassion angered another race of demigods that value the sanctity of life and its worth."

"And what were these demigods the Q angered called?" Kali asked.

"They have been known by many names," Valeyard explained. "The Seraphs, Seraphim, the Guardians, but I believe the name that applies to them more is the Lords of Kobol, as they were the first of their kind to evolve. They also believed they had the responsibility to protect the sanctity and evolution of the species they had come from. Especially as the world they had come from was dying. The surviving tribes of Kobol set out amongst the stars to seed new worlds. One tribe, the 13th, settled many worlds during their journey. And in turn settled others growing throughout the cosmos, which is one reason why there are so many human civilizations in the universe. This 13th tribe however reached its final destination. The very planet we're standing on. All the while the Lords of Kobol watched the human race develop, until the Q interfered with their game. In a way the Lords of Kobol are just as bad as the Q. They might be able to rationalise their intervention by hiding behind rules, but they are still interfering."

"Let me guess," Minion said. "The Q's toying with life offended the Lords of Kobol so much they sought to put a stop to it."

"Correct," Valeyard replied. "But they were bound by laws they couldn't break. Not without serious repercussions. One however had his own plan for humanity and broke away seeking them to follow his lead. This Lord was called Count Iblis."

"Count Iblis?" Minion asked as if knowing the name from somewhere.

"He was a lord banished from the Kobollian order along with his followers and led to the development of the Cylon Empire from a race of lizards to a terrifying force of cybernetic machines. Machines that sought the destruction of the human race," Valeyard said.

Mrs Popplewick muttered under her breath. "He wasn't the only one."

"What does this have to do with the Q and this Triad?" Minion asked impatiently.

Valeyard nodded understanding Minion's wish to get to the point of the story. "Iblis arranged the destruction of the game board, allowing humanity to choose its own destiny once again albeit under his more subtle guidance," Valeyard explained. "Since Iblis was no longer a member of the House of Kobol they were no longer responsible for him and his followers, although he is still bound by many of the House's laws. It was due to those laws and the possibility that his actions to have repercussions for their entire race that the House of Kobol sought allies to operate."

"Which is where the Triad comes in," Kali guessed.

Valeyard nodded. "Since they had their power from a different source they could operate in areas where the Lords could not. But the Lords would quickly find the Triad had an agenda of their own. An agenda that had them playing with life on Earth much like the Q had done, but with a more benign intent. They didn't use a game board to do it either; the moment they tried to use a board, it was destroyed."

"Sounds like game boards don't last long," Kali said, laughing at her joke.

Minion just looked annoyed.

Valeyard however continued. "The Triad has interfered with the lives of many on Earth, leading to the events you are seeing now. And the Lords aren't happy about it either as they see the Triad manipulating life much like the Q were. Even if they are pursuing a seemingly benign intent. They used one of the Lords to create the power that flows through Kali, Trini, and Cassie Chan. Cassie's ancestors were a part of the favoured family while and Trini's were considered lacking, leading them to give into jealousy and insanity, which eventually manifested itself in Kali." Valeyard paused, scrutinising Minion while trying to decide how to continue. "There was another reason the universe allowed Karla to come into being. She has her own tragic story to follow."

"Oh?" Minion asked.

"Things are not always as they seem Minion. This universe is here for a reason, as are most alternate realities. They allow decisions to be played out, true enough, but they are also the dumping grounds for unknown elements that could threaten existence. This universe exists because of something you did. Where better to place a dangerous unknown like the Triad?"

There was much more to it than that. This universe was as real as it was temporary. For it had a definite end point balanced between two possibilities, neither of which would occur if events proceeded as Valeyard expected. The truth was that Karla represented a role that could not be filled by the Time Lords, for the Time Lords of this universe were a pale reflection of those Valeyard knew. Luckily they would never be in a situation where they would discover that.

"She has been trained by the Greatest Time Lord in their known history, not only to act as his representative in matters of good, evil and shadow, but she was also trained to face a former comrade, who came across his own power and mentor. In a world of Anti-Matter this other mentor seeks to use his apprentice to bring about the end of all in a crusade for wild revenge."

"And Karla is to stop it?" Minion asked.

Valeyard nodded. "There is a prophecy that when that happens there will be a reckoning. All the higher powers will face judgement for the manipulations brought about in the universe. A reckoning the Rangers will bring about. This universe was created for a reason and that reason has been subverted. Sooner or later that will be corrected."

Minion took a heavy breath as if trying to control a growing anger. An anger that came from a realization that the Rangers survived his tortures and attacks. He had suspicions as to what became of himself in this time line and he did not like the answers. Even more frustrating was that the ranks of the Rangers seemed to grow since he knew them. New faces. New teams.

Valeyard picked up on Minion's unease and added, "and that's not all. There are other potential Rangers here. Not just that Corbett boy and the Princess of Evil you saw. More are here."

"A potential Ranger?" Mr. Popplewick asked. "I thought she was already a Ranger?"

"Yes." Valeyard said. "But she can become one again."

He took out several pairs of theatre binoculars and scanned the crowd pressing a switch on the handle several times when it seemed like he saw someone of interest. When the Valeyard was done he handed the binoculars to Minion.

"Take a look and you will see individuals that have potential to be part of Ranger teams. Right here in this arena."

Minion used the binoculars to see the people around the audience. The Rangers definitely had their auras, but he noticed others with auras of power about them.

"See a few already?"

Minion nodded.

"Most of them are the mentors of Ranger teams yet to come." the Valeyard explained. "That man there in the red aura? That is millionaire Andrew Hartford who is looking to create his own exploration team of Power Rangers in order to seek out an object of unbelievable power." Valeyard then pointed to another group of individuals. "They are members of the Order of the Claw. Guardians of a spirit called Dai Shi. They too will have a team of Rangers come to their defence. And themâ€¦" Valeyard pointed to another group of people. A family with their son. "They will be part of a Ranger team of Ninjas."

"And of course there's the Rangers' allies," Kali added. "With more in attendance."

She pointed to a man in black in the stands. "He's a soldier, and a ninja. He works for a General in Washington named Abernathy who is trying to keep a corrupt group of Generals from undermining another Ranger team that will be based in Mariner Bay. A team Billy's cousin Dana will be part of."

"Enough!" Minion shouted. "I get the picture. The Rangers will live on no matter what is done. There is no plan that will destroy them utterly."

"Oh I have a plan." Kali told him smugly. "A plan to defeat, and destroy the Rangersâ€¦ and their allies."

Minion looked at Kali curiously. How could an insane replica have a plan to defeat the Rangers when others had clearly failed?

"Rest assured she does," Valeyard said, anticipating the question yet again. "And it involves the power you have seen and experienced here." Pausing he added, "and the corruption of one other."

Minion liked what he heard. But he also heard Kali who seemed to go from flighty to completely insane. For a moment he actually dreaded for the child Kali was carrying. "Triiâ€¦ or rather Kaliâ€¦ does not fill me with a lot of confidence."

"But you see potential in what she has to offer?" Valeyard asked.

Minion was silent as he considered the question.

"You should known Minion that your presence here today was for the sole purpose of showing you the things to come and to tell you of the choice that you will make. For despite what the Triads, and Q and Lords of Kobol might think, you are the only being capable of destroying this reality. Your actions when you return will determine whether this universe shall even come to pass. And now you know what is at stake and the potential that would go to waste should you make the wrong decision."

"Potential?" Minion asked. "While I have seen a pretty spectacular show of power I have yet to see much potential."

"But you are intrigued aren't you?" Valeyard asked. "And you also see a chance to defeat the Rangers, something you will never accomplish."

There it was done. With that one sentence Valeyard was certain that he had succeeded in manipulating Minion into making the correct choice.

"It's a simple enough choice Minion: will this universe come to be or will you take all the steps needed to prevent it. Even now I know you can see the options laid out before you, but which will you choose?"

"You make it sound so simple," Minion snapped.

"Oh but it is simple. As simple as a fork in the road. Turn left, or turn right. The simplest of choices, yet it is where spectacular events can happen, or become part of the what if of possibilities. Choices have more power to them than any wave of a magic hand can do. Think about it. You can let Kali's plan flourish with the possibility of the End of the Power Rangers becoming real, or you can make a choice denies this universe existence universe."

He didn't mention what the decision entailed. Far better to allow Minion to make the choice himself.

Minion heard the Valeyard's words. He was definitely thinking about what Valeyard said. And the choices he would make. But the Valeyard had more to offer. And he was about to sweeten the pot.

"If you wish for more power I can give it to you," Valeyard said. "I realize that you can't just spare this reality without some sort of fair trade. Perhaps I can give that trade to you."

The Popplewicks and Kali were looking at the Valeyard curiously. What else did he have to offer? The answer came in another form of data crystal that he held out to Minion.

"On this crystal is information to a special kind of chamber. A chamber that holds sleepers that hijacked secrets of the Time Lord Matrix. Long ago they fled to this world and the Time Lords of this universe pursued them. They pulverised the planet in an attempt to find the sleepers and left believing that they had succeeded. The reason this world seems so primitive is because it was reduced to that state to protect a few secrets.

And within that Matrix, the Font of Knowledge, lies the knowledge of the Time Lords of Gallifrey. All their knowledge waiting to be deciphered, and their secrets revealed. At least before the Time Lords discover it survived." The Valeyard could tell the Minion was not in the correct state of mind for a long tale. "Do not worry what the Time Lords had done was already undone, and made to have never happened. But the Chamber still exists though. Ready for the secrets to be taken. How it will be done is up to you."

"How?" Minion asked.

The Valeyard then smiled as he believed a universal truth came to his mind.

"Such a simple thing - choice. Do we turn left, or turn right? What will our futures be like if we go one way and not the other? Will anything be different? Such monumental responsibility revolving around a simple thing."

"Meaning?" Minion asked again becoming annoyed with the Valeyard, almost as annoyed as he had been with Kali.

"Meaning the Chamber still has a role to play in the future." Minion listened to the Valeyard and thought he detected something in his voice. Something in regards to the Chamber he mentioned. Immediately Minion knew that Valeyard had more than a passing interest in the Chamber he mentioned. It was personal.

"Of course it is not just the events I know of," Valeyard said. "The Chamber will become a battleground between that witch Karla and another powerful being with ties to the girl she once was. A being that holds great power himself, learned from a vengeful and misguided master. A power YOU could have, so long as long as no one was any the wiser."

Minion listened to the words and could not detect any deception. It seemed that despite holding things back, the Valeyard was telling the truth. Very interesting.

"The secrets of the Time Lords," Minion thought rolling the idea in his mind. He had never heard any mention of them before except for a few passing references. The Time Lords just seemed to be a race consigned to myth. Yet they were also credited with the creation of the Super Nova that created the Crab Nebula. It was also said they obtained their power through that explosion and then retreated into a life of observation and seclusion. And here was this individual offering a chance to obtain that knowledge with the only catch being that no one could know he had it?

~As the humans say, what's his angle?~

"So I can either destroy this universe or I can allow it to survive and use the knowledge you have offered me to become one of the most powerful beings in existence?"

"Oh so much more than that," Valeyard explained. "The Matrix might be the sum of the Time Lords' knowledge, but that knowledge is built from a database of knowledge acquired from races and worlds throughout time and space. It is not simply a repository for knowledge, it is the repository. Did you know that there is a race out there, or rather a collection of races led by a being called the Trickster, that believe reality can be altered through choices made. And when those choices are altered, especially choices at events that hold great power yet seem inconsequential, chaos energy can be released - energy this race feeds on?" Before the question could be asked who this race was the Valeyard answered the question. "They are called the Trickster's Brigade."

"I take it the choice I am looked upon to make is not one to benefit them?" Minion asked.

The Valeyard smiled as if agreeing with Minion's assessment. The Valeyard knew Minion possessed a well developed mind, even though his mental state was questionable. It was also clear that he was capable of understanding the answers he was given and drawing conclusions of his own from that information.

"Before you make your choice Minion, I should tell you that if you allow this reality to continue, I guarantee the Power Rangers will be defeated."

"And what would happen if I said I choose to destroy this world?" Minion asked. "What if I deny this reality its purpose by taking the knowledge you offer and then using it to destroy this place?"

"This universe was created to fulfil a purpose. It has already done so and should have collapsed. Instead the interference of outside forces had given it new purpose. But while it was originally protected by its purpose, I cannot say if it would survive such a turn of events. But know that the plan Kali has to bring the end of the Rangers would succeed. Think of it Minion, a choice that would allow you to not only conquer the Rangers where you are from, but to have a hand in the destruction in the Rangers of this universe as well. And all you have to do is make the decision to allow this world to exist."

"And either way you would survive," Minion guessed. "If this world dies and this universe ceases, you would simply move on, wouldn't you?"

"Very perceptive," Valeyard agreed. "I am not of this universe. Nor am I truly a part of yours. As I once said a long time ago, I walk in eternity. For me that is more true than it ever was. One timeline ends, another beckons for me." Pausing the Valeyard said his final piece. "This is the power you have Minion. The power of life and deathâ€¦ of worlds and possibilities. And this power is not through a magic wand, but through the choice made right here and now."

Minion considered the words of the Valeyard and found the possibilities before him intriguing. He also found the power he had in his hands intriguing as well. Power that was given not through magic or weapons, but through a simple choice. Perhaps the Trickster's Brigade knew what they were talking about after all. Minion however knew he would not let the Trickster's Brigade benefit from whatever decision he had made. The moment would be Minion's, and Minion's alone.

The theme Fly Away My Hero filled the arena. The theme of the Lonely Wolves: Terry Bogard, his brother Andy, and Joe Higashi. Their opponents were in the ring ready to fight.

Andy and Goro stood within the confines of the ring and bowed to each other. With that, the referee shouted, "Start!"

Andy dashed at Goro and elbowed the larger fighter in the gut. Goro reeled a little but it was barely enough for Andy to avoid Goro's grab. Andy gave Goro a backhand in the gut before finishing with a reverse kick.

However, these attacks did not seem to even stun Goro who retaliated with a powerful punch that sent Andy flying backwards.

Andy slowly got up, blue ki crackling around his right hand. Suddenly, he launched a blast of blue ki at Goro. Goro immediately blocked the blast but Andy anticipated that and was already flying through the air with both his feet aiming at Goro.

As the attack connected, Goro spat blood and reeled back. Andy immediately decided to press his advantage but Goro quickly recovered and grabbed the shirt of the younger Bogard. He gave Andy a classic judo throw, which sent Andy smashing into the ground.

Andy rolled in pain as he felt like his ribs had been crushed. Goro then grabbed Andy by his back collar and threw him towards the ground again. Then, Goro raised his massive hands into the air and slammed them to the ground, creating tremors that sent Andy flying off the stage.

As Terry took Andy to one side, Joe got onto the stage, really to battle with Goro. Goro eyed the Muay Thai boxer cautiously before jumping into the air.

Joe did not expect the leap and barely avoided being crushed by Goro's massive body.

"Let's do it!" shouted Joe as he began his attack with a solid punch to Goro's head. This was followed by a knee to Goro's chin. Then, Joe did a short leap and landed with an overhead kick to the back of Goro's head.

Goro was dizzied by these powerful and devastating attacks.

"SLASH KICK!" shouted Joe as he leaped forward towards Goro and kicked Goro in the face. The judo giant finally crashed onto the ground, unconscious.

"Benimaru! Benimaru!" the female fans chanted to their idol. Benimaru just soaked in all the cheers.

"Hey! That's too noisy! Shut up!" shouted Joe.

"These girls have good taste." said Benimaru with a smile as he straightened his hair with a jolt of electricity.

"Are you saying I'm uglier than you?" demanded Joe.

"Well, if you say so," said Benimaru with a smile.

That was the last straw and Joe charged at Benimaru in a fury unmatched by anything in human science.

"You're beautiful." said Benimaru, flashing his megawatt smile. He then sidestepped Joe's attack and punched him in the head. Placing his hand on the ground, Benimaru spun around, knocking Joe onto the ground.

"That the best you can do?" asked Joe as he slowly got up.

"Of course not. With the next move, you lose," Benimaru replied.

"What?!" exclaimed Joe in disbelief. Then, he closed his fist in anger. "We'll see about that!"

Joe launched forward at Benimaru. Once more, Benimaru sidestepped the attack. However, this time Joe expected that and spun with a backhand.

"Too slow." Benimaru mocked as he ducked under that and punched Joe in the gut and then, suddenly shouted, "REIKOUKEN!"

An electrical burst ignited and electrified Joe. He bit his lip as the jolt caused him immense pain. Finally, Benimaru jumped back but was shocked that Joe was still standing there.

"One more move eh?" muttered Joe, obviously in pain. "Well, take my moveâ€¦ SCREW UPPER!"

With that, Joe swung around and did an uppercut at Benimaru. Benimaru jumped back to avoid the attack but was unprepared for the orange-coloured hurricane that followed the attack. Benimaru was immediately engulfed. Unfortunately Benimaru had been able to survive the finisher while Joe was out.

"Well I guess that ends that losers run." Benimaru smirked.

"BURN KNUCKLE!"

Benimaru didn't even have time to blink before he found himself on the receiving end of Terry's Burn Knuckle. He went out like a light.

Kyo sighed. ~Baka. You run your mouth off too much sometimes.~ He put the realization out of his mind as he stood to face Terry next.

Terry and Kyo stood opposite each other. Terry adjusted his cap and smiled at Kyo. He was ready for the fight as was Kyo.

Kyo just brushed his hair and smiled. "Ikuze!" Then, he suddenly swung his left arm, "YAMI-BARAI!" His trademark flame attack went right at Terry.

Terry just jumped over the flame and in the air somersaulted and stuck his right leg out. "CRACK SHOT!"

Kyo immediately retaliated by jumping into the air with his flame engulfed left arm aiming at Terry's leg.

Terry's experience told him that he was in for a world of hurt if he did not counter this move. So, Terry thrust out his left leg at Kyo's arm. Using the impact, Terry somersaulted away from Kyo before Kyo's attack could hit him. However, the minute he landed, Terry stamped his foot to put out the fire that engulfed the sole of his shoe.

But Kyo was not about to give Terry time to regain his footing. He dashed at Terry and swung out his elbow. Terry managed to block the elbow but did not expect Kyo to grab him. With a smile, Kyo released another Yami-Barai at Terry.

Terry flew back and rolled on the ground to put out the flame. Kyo jumped into the air, intent on pressing his advantage. Terry noted this and, using his hands, launched himself into the air, leg upwards and fist clenched in a sort of cross formation. "RISING TACKLE!"

Kyo flew back as Terry's leg connected. As he landed, Terry was already charging at him. A fist to the face, a knee to the ribs and a round kick to the chest. Kyo felt all these as he landed onto the ground.

Rolling away from Terry was all Kyo could do but it was enough to allow Kyo to get up and get into his guard position. Terry pulled back his right arm and slammed it into the ground. "POWER WAVE!" Immediately, Terry's trademark golden ki wave streaked towards Kyo.

Kyo blocked the energy burst but was unable to defend himself against what came next. "BURN KNCKLE!" Terry's ki-filled fist slammed into his face. Kyo immediately spun and connected with kick to the back of Terry's head before hitting the floor. Terry hopped forward from the hit but managed to recover quickly.

The two spun to face each other. Both charging their ki in a final assault that would end this match.

Kyo pulled his left hand back and flame engulfed it. "Sorry Terryâ€¦ but I have to defeat you!" Then, with a swing, he swung out a curtain of flame. "OROCHINAGI!"

Terry just sighed as he knew he had to end this. ~Sorry Kyoâ€¦ ~ Terry's eyes then snapped open and glowed a bright blue.

Kyo, while still moving toward Terry saw the change and was confused. ~WHAT THE HELL?~

From the sidelines Mary and Mai went wide eyed which caused King to ask what was Terry about to do. "He's about to use the newest and most powerful technique in his arsenal." Mary replied.

"BUSTERâ€¦ WOLF!" Terry cried as he used his third and most powerful Desperation Attack against Kyo.

The two fighters striking fists connected and then a war of energy began. The Crimson Flames of the Kusanagi clashed against the pure blue white ki that was being generated by Terry's fist. It was Orochinagi versus Buster Wolf. The power that was being generated by the two finishers were causing the ground shatter and crumble under them but still Terry and Kyo kept the pressure on each other, neither one surrendering. Something had to give.

And it did.

"AH!" someone screamed as a massive explosion occurred causing everything to go bright. Everyone covered their eyes to shield themselves from the light of the explosion which fadedâ€¦ after a few moments.

Once the dust settled all saw what had happened to the ring. There was now a crater of near ten foot radius now. Terry stood in it and Kyo was lying unconscious.

The referee had no trouble declaring the winner.

"Winnerâ€¦ Terry Bogard and Team Lonely Wolves!" Buffer shouted.

The referee went to raise Terry's hand but he refused. This was not a victory he wasn't exactly proud of. It wasn't until the end right before Kyo attacked that Terry saw the look in his eyes and knew there was a reason other than just winning the tournament for Kyo's being there. And now he wondered if his victory had cost his friend something he wanted.

Kyo's mind was not on the defeat he had suffered. It was on something else. Or rather it was someplace else. A dreamscape of sorts.

~You will not need to fight any more in the tournament to gain your answers Kyo.~

Kyo spun around in this dream world. "Who is that?"

~I am here. Find me and you will gain your answers.~

A light shone in the distance, Kyo went towards it.

Kyo then found himself back in the real world looking up at the ceiling lights. He saw Terry then standing over him. A smile on his face offering congratulations for a hard fought battle.

Terry gave his hand and then helped Kyo up. The two fighters, as well as friends, stood at each with more respect than ever before.

"Thanks for the match Terry," Kyo said before he turned around.

"Kyo where are you going?" Terry called out.

Kyo simply turned his head to look back at him. "To find out who was calling to me." With that he left the ring but not before telling his partners not to follow him. He had to do this on his own.

~Alrightâ€¦ the time for games is over. In way I should be glad I lost to Terry.~ Kyo smirked to himself. ~Now I don't have to fight through this tournament and get ambushed like the last two years.~ his face then became serious. ~It also means I can find out who this force is without having to play by any rules save my own.~

With that decision made the Heir of the Kusanagi Clan began his search for the force that he had felt.

"Is it over yet dad?" Miley asked as she watched the last couple of battles.

"Almost darlin'," Robbie Ray said hoping he was right. He knew the final matches were getting closer and that then he could take his family home and forget about the night. ~I won't forget about firing my agent though.~ he thought. ~He booked me at thisâ€¦ fight club where my kids had to watch too.~

"Dad. I need to go to the bathroom." Jackson then said. "Can I go?"

Miley then thought and asked "Me too dad?"

"You'll have to ask the guards." Robbie Ray then said. Miley and Jackson then got up to leave when Geese's bruiser guards stood in the way. Miley and Jackson looked at the bruisers and Miley said "We're just using the bathroom. We're not escaping." The bruisers looked at each other and nodded.

"You can go, but one of us will escort you back," one guard said.

Miley and Jackson both nodded as they left for the bathroom. One guard following trying to keep up with the two little kids. When the guard rounded the corner he saw Miley and Jackson standing over six fighters. Six tournament fighters. The guard then informed Geese as he knew who the attacked people Miley and Jackson found were. Team Ikari and Team China had been attacked.

Back at the announce table JR and Paul Heyman had received the news. Team Ikari and Team China were unable to compete in further matches. In his Shadowbox Geese smiled as he heard the news. It meant he would not have to wait too long for the main event. Truth be told he was tired of more battles anyway.

"Well Paul it looks like Team Gorgeous has another by up to the final bracketing." JR said.

"Who's running this tournament anyway?" Paul asked. "I mean it's nice to see pretty girls like Team Gorgeous win. But to have them skate through to the final match?"

"Well regardless Team Gorgeous will be facing whoever wins the semi final match. Team Lonely Wolves against Team Nightfighter."

"Oh now this is going to be sweet!" Heyman said. "Two super teams. The battle will be EXTREME!"

In the Valeyard's Shadowbox the Valeyard, Minion and Kali continued their discussion. The Popplewicks continued to watch the tournament battle curious as to what they were seeing, and wondering how it could be used to their own advantage. The Valeyard however had a grander imagination which he shared with Minion and Kali.

"How familiar are you with the concept of time?" the Valeyard asked.

Minion looked at the Valeyard and asked "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Modesty?" the Valeyard smiled. "I can respect that. Or perhaps you don't want to tell all that you know. I can understand that too as my own people can be soâ€¦ secretive. But I digress, my people believe that time is a pattern that can be twisted, turned and misshapen in so many ways so that new worlds can be created. New possibilities explored, new wonders created. New origins for old races, but through it all there are some certainties. Moments that must never be altered."

"And this has to do with the Power Rangers how?" Minion asked.

"Every story has an ending somewhere," the Valeyard answered. "Even the Power Rangers must succumb to the universe constant that is change. The old guard makes way for the new teams take their place. You've seen some in the audience, and some that will be part of those teams in the future. The Morphin and Zeo teams cannot be around forever. Nor can the Space team."

"The team that Kusanagi bitch is on. And that Bogard girl." Kali said.

Minion shook his head at Kali's statement. It was clear that she was obsessed and confirmed that his earlier decision was correct. As soon as he got home he would be taking steps to ensure his creations would never evolve. He failed to notice the smirk that crossed Valeyard's face at that moment.

"So the defeat of the Rangers has to happen? It is inevitable?"

"Of course not. Although sooner or later even the greatest army can suffer a defeat. But I assure you the Power Rangers will end," Valeyard answered. "If that end happens in defeatâ€¦ well, at least the end happened."

Minion picked up something else in the Valeyard's words. There was something else he knew. "You said the end of the Rangers was a certainty. Are their others?"

"There are prophecies that have proven very exact throughout the ages," Valeyard allowed. "Those prophecies tell of battles to come. And while they are not completely reliable, most talk of the fall of Zordon."

This brought a look from both Minion and Kali. "The death of Zordon?" they asked, united for the first time.

"Yes," Valeyard said, pleased that they had missed his earlier point. "Many predictions state that Zordon will die before his students and that from his example the forces of light will be bolstered and with one exception, the dark forces will never again know the success that the UAE had."

"One exception?" Minion asked.

"On prediction spoke of the world falling to the power of machines. Not alien machines, but those built on Earth. The prediction lists many causes including computer viruses and mankind's own arrogance. Regardless, if it comes to pass it will decimate the world, but that's another story."

Minion quickly was becoming annoyed with the Valeyard and asked: "How do you know all this?"

"There is much I know about time and the patterns history will follow," the Valeyard said. "Just as I know the UAE will invade Earth soon. Just as I know the Rangers have to end their fight so others can take up the causes they fight as well as their own enemies." Pausing he added: "Just as I know Zordon will fall. But how these events can happen can be open to interpretation."

"Interpretation?" Kali asked.

Minion however seemed to get what the Valeyard was saying. "Of course. What if the fall of Zordon didn't mean his death, but the destruction of his Citadel? And the end of the Rangers did not come through an end of the crusadeâ€¦ but a breaking of the spirit."

After a pause the Valeyard replied: "And Kali already has a means of breaking that spirit in mind."

It was then that Kali had gotten the message. "Trini, and the embracing of her Yagami power."

"Trini becoming evil could yield some interesting possibilities," Valeyard agreed.

Minion did have to admit Trini, not a duplicate of Trini, becoming consumed by an evil power did have its appeals. "And we always focused on Tommy being an end to those Rangers. But Triniâ€¦"

"No one would see it coming," the Valeyard answered. "Even if the writing is on the wall."

Minion was starting to see the potential of Kali's plan. Trini becoming truly evil, bringing about the end of the Rangers. Bringing about the death of Zordon? The potential, and the promise were all there. But the choice, as Valeyard pointed out, was Minion's to make. Should the end of the Rangers come this way, or another? It was a fixed point. Wasn't it? The end of the Rangers and Zordon was guaranteed, right? "It's not guaranteed is it?" Minion asked. "The end of the Rangers and Zordon?"

"No," the Valeyard admitted. "Predictions and prophecies can be averted. There are very few events that are completely set in stone. Then again too many changes is not good for the universe." The Valeyard then chuckled as he made his little joke.

"Perhaps I should change those fixed points." Minion said.

"There is only one fixed point you need to concern yourself about," Valeyard answered. "The point at which your actions will either create this universe or deny it existence and the opportunity to put an end to those that will defeat you."

Again the Valeyard saw the small twitch that indicated that Minion had gotten the hint. This venture was turning out to be more amusing than he had hoped.

"I can make it happen." Kali promised.

Minion looked at Kali curiously. Even though she clearly was no longer the Psycho Ranger he had created, a dark duplicate, he now saw she was a being of evil in her own right. Somehow he knew she had a plan to bring the end of the Power Rangers about. A terrible and hideous plan. A plan he was seriously considering more and more as the reality hit him that the Rangers still livedâ€¦ and Minion was no longer present. What didn't occur to him was that this was not his Triini at all. This was a different Triini created under different circumstances. That oversight was something the Valeyard was relying upon.

~Fools,~ Minion thought. ~They think I haven't realised that my defeat is what leads to this reality. Minion will not be defeated, no matter how many plans they make.~

The Valeyard hid a smile cross as he looked in Minion's direction. He could almost see the thoughts flowing through the villain's mind. Just as he had been warned. But it didn't matter, he was certain that Minion would grasp the bigger picture before his time ran out.

Chapter 5: Crossroads of Evil 5