Streaks of Purple Saga Volume Four, Heather Ray [accelerated reader books txt] 📗

the main battle.

Thankfully, the Rangers had driven the Misfit away from the high school and Youth Center, moving toward the more spacious park that stretched through the center of Angel Grove. Now, the creature had extricated itself from the depths of the lake, shaking off the moisture and throwing a venomous glare toward the Zords that had begun lining up at the water's edge.

^Rangers,^ Tommy's voice called, ^Check in.^

^Jason here,^ the former leader responded, ^I'm a little banged up, but otherwise okay.^

^I'm okay,^ Alexis returned, ^but I'm running out of Wing Blades, and that last volley of energy damaged my left wing. Either I fly around in a neat circle, or I'm grounded.^

^The Firebird and I are fine,^ Kim answered, ^He hasn't landed a direct hit yet, but my laser banks are getting low.^

"Zack here," the Black Ranger reported, his eyes still scanning the readout of his main system, "That last kick knocked me for a loop, but I think I'm up for more. No critical damage."

^Zack, you linger back,^ Tommy decided, ^We can't risk any damage to the Lion that'll stop us from forming a Megazord. Alexis, you should take cover. If possible get into a position that allows you to open fire. The Wing Blades aren't having much effect now, but we might need the distraction.^

^That'll just leave three Zords,^ Kim realized.

^We'll have to make due. Jason, you and I are going Battle Mode. Kim, you stay airborne and hit the Misfit whenever you have an opening. If you get a chance to use your Firebird Cyclone, then let it loose. That usually leaves the bad guy dizzy.^

^Good plan,^ Jason encouraged, ^Okay team, take your positions!^


Chapter Fifty

Adam Park was not

claustrophobic. He'd never had a problem sitting in a small space, even for long periods of time. Nor was he one to easily bow to the weight of anxiety.

Still, not even the closeness of an elevator could compare to the stifling monster shelter beneath the Youth Center. Due to the large number of patrons who had taken refuge in the hangout, the basement was exceptionally crowded... mostly with crying, shivering children.

Adam had tried his best to console the youths, and was greatly heartened when he was able to identify all six normal

children that were placed under his and Zack's care. Still, he had little experience with Power Ranger battles. He had no idea how to reassure the children that everything would be all right.

Ernie seemed more than equipped for the job, and eagerly distributed water and flashlights to help ease the discomfort. Adam tried to distract himself by assisting, but the cold fear in his heart only grew with each tremor that shook the enclosure.

Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. He made his way through the crowds to Ernie. "Do you know what happened to Aisha? I don't see her anywhere."

The kindly proprietor averted his gaze. "Your friend was dressed up as the Yellow Ranger, right?"

The sorrow in Ernie's tone made Adam's heartbeat quicken. "Yes."

"When those black monsters attacked Kim and Tommy, Aisha distracted them and led them out of the Youth Center. That's when we evacuated, and packed into this shelter."

Adam's eyes narrowed. "Aisha never came in, did she."

It wasn't a question. Ernie slowly shook his head. "I'm sorry, Adam... I haven't seen her. About a dozen other people followed us into the basement, including yourself... but there was no sign of Aisha."

He then squeezed the young man's shoulder. "Don't worry, though; the Power Rangers showed up not long after. I saw the White and Pink Rangers fighting when I took a last look in the Juice Bar to make sure we didn't miss anyone. They always make sure the bystanders are clear, so I'm sure Aisha's okay."

Adam tried to take the consolation to heart, but he couldn't shake the feeling of dread. Last time Aisha had gotten entangled with Power Ranger business, she'd received fifty-seven stitches for her troubles. "Where are Kim and Tommy?" he wondered, "Maybe they saw something?"

This time, Ernie shrugged. "You know, it's weird: I don't think I saw them down here, either."

Before Adam could ponder this latest piece of information, a sharp banging on the outer door drew everyone's attention. All the children froze in ambiguous fear, but Ernie hurried to the door, and pulled it open without hesitation.

Rocky stumbled into the enclosure, panting heavily.

"Rocky!" Adam called, rushing to help Ernie lean the exhausted teen into the nearest chair, "What happened?"

"We... were attacked by... by monsters," he gasped, struggling to catch his breath. Ernie set a small cup of water in his hand, which Rocky swallowed in one gulp.

"I'll get you some more," Ernie offered, leaving the two boys alone.

"Where's Alexis now?" Adam asked.

Rocky grimaced. "A Power Ranger told me she had been hurt, and that they took her away for treatment." His frown deepened. "She wouldn't tell me where, though."

Adam saw the frustration in his best friend's eyes. "What happened to the kids you were chaperoning?"

"I left them at the house we had visited. I figured they were safer there than roaming the streets."

Adam nodded, looking up to see Ernie kneel beside them. "Here," he urged, offering Rocky a refilled cup, "Are you hurt at all?"

"Nah, I'm fit as a fiddle," Rocky answered, this time sipping the water slowly. "Thanks a lot, Ernie."

The portly man smiled, and then turned his attention to his other 'guests.'

Adam took a deep breath before revealing the most unsettling news. "I don't know where Aisha is," he reported.

Rocky choked on the water he was about to swallow. After coughing viciously to clear his airway, he grabbed his best friend by the collar of his cowboy vest. "We've got to find her."

Adam's jaw set as he nodded in agreement.

Chapter Fifty-One

As Billy carefully adjusted the wiring in the Kerovan helmet, Trini hazarded a glance at the Viewing Globe. The Lion and Eagle had pulled back from the battle, leaving the Red Dragon and White Tiger, both in Battle Mode, to duel with the Misfit. The two anthropomorphic Zords were more agile than either Megazord, giving the Rangers a desperately needed edge. Still, while the Misfit was outnumbered, it was far from outmatched.

"Trini, please hand me-"

Before he could finish the request, the desired tool laid in his palm.

"Thanks," he murmured, his mind lost in quick calculations as he calibrated the tool to suit his needs. Trini turned her attention back to Billy, watching him reroute wiring and adjust circuit boards with surgical precision.

"And? that ought to do it," the genius reported, sliding the paneling back in place, "Now to make sure these modifications don't damage any brain cells."

Trini frowned. "How likely is that?"

"Not likely; I was very careful when making my adjustments. Still, I won't try an untested device on Skull. He is unable to give his consent."

"Then what are you?" She froze as Billy slid the helmet over his head. "Billy, you can't!"

"Our options are limited," he pointed out, fastening the clasp beneath his chin, "and so is time."

"Then I'll

test it!"

She returned his stare without flinching at its incredulity. "It makes sense," she defended, "If there are any adjustments that need to be made, you're in a much better position to make them than I am."

Billy stiffened, his eyes darting away as he visibly searched for an argument. Yet, he couldn't come up with a single convincing reason why he should take the risk.

I couldn't stand to see you hurt by one of my experiments!

He knew that irrational answer wouldn't suit Trini? or was he merely afraid to utter it?

"Trini, please let me do this."

She opened her mouth to protest, only his green eyes pleaded with her in a way words never could. She met his gaze for a long moment, oddly curious of its intensity. Her argument died at the tip of her tongue. "?okay."

The genius sighed in relief as he stepped away from her. "The kill switch is right here," he pointed out, "If I look like I'm in real trouble, and I'm unable to deactivate the helmet myself, please take the initiative."

"We're ready," Alpha spoke, standing next to Trini with a small scanner in his hand. "I'll keep an eye on your vitals to determine if you're in any danger."

"Good." Billy took a seat, held his breath, and turned on the helmet.

The initial sensation was most similar to wearing glasses far too strong for one's vision. The world became bizarrely sharp and bright, causing a dull pain to pool behind his eyes. He winced, squeezing his eyes closed to block out the discomfort.

"Billy? Can you hear me?"

Trini's voice was urgent, yet somehow it felt deafening.

"Yes," he murmured softly, "I'm okay."

Enhanced vision and hearing,

Billy realized, Part of this helmet's function is to amplify the soldier's senses.

And then suddenly, something else floated through his mind.

Billy, please be okay!

He opened his eyes again, staring at Trini in surprise. Only, her voice sounded different than just moments ago. It faintly echoed between his ears, like a whisper overheard.

He kept his eyes on her, waiting for her to say something more.

Why couldn't you let me do this??

Her lips hadn't moved. Somehow, he was hearing her thoughts.

I should've taken the risk. I'm far more expendable than you are.

The passing thought sent a chill through Billy. At a loss, he covered his ears with his hands, desperate the stop the violation of his best friend's privacy. And yet, he couldn't stop himself from peering even deeper into her consciousness, peeling back the layers of her awareness to those other thoughts that passed through her mind.

He shivered at the myriad of sensations: fear, concern, determination? and to his utter astonishment,