The Terran Rangers/X-Men, Heather Ray [best fiction books of all time .TXT] 📗

and detect magnetic fields, and other cool stuff."

"I'm X-Ranger Two," said Kimberly, "I have a Gold uniform, and my powers are telepathy and telekinesis. I can read minds, project my own thoughts, and make things move with my mind, among other things."

"Intriguing," said Doctor Campbell. "So the original powers of your Zeo shards are masked by these new abilities imposed by Roma, who re-created the mutant abilities of two of your companions and gave you a carbon copy? How long will these new powers remain manifest?"

"Uh..." said Zack, frowning.

"He's asking how long you'll be the X-Rangers, instead of Terran Rangers," translated Billy. "Is this permanent?"

"Roma said that when the Zeo Crystal is recombined, the affects will wear off," said Kimberly.

"Does every universe have an M'Kraan Crystal as well?" asked Kat.

"Yes," said Zack, "and the Zeo Crystal is a part of it."

"So, when are we supposed to search for the M'Kraan Crystal, to unite both pieces?" asked Tommy.

"Roma didn't tell us," said Zack.

"Where's Adam anyway?" asked Kimberly. "Isn't he going to join us for breakfast?"

"He said he wanted to take a walk," said Billy. "He's not feeling well."

"Poor guy," said Aisha, "I feel so bad about taking his powers. Maybe I should talk to him or something."

"Maybe later," said Tommy with a knowing smile, "I've already asked someone to do just that..."
Chapter Thirty-Five

Adam gazed out at the lake, watching as the early morning's rays reflect off the calm waters. Usually, Adam would be practicing his martial arts, especially when he was depressed. But, due to present circumstances, he barely has enough energy to stand up, much less exert himself.

I can't believe I'm not the Green Ranger anymore! he lamented, sighing deeply, I've worked so hard to be the best defender of Earth I can be, and just like that...*POOF*

, I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time. If I was a foot closer to the portal, I would've been sucked in with Kim and Zack. If I had been a foot further, I would've only been knocked down by the energy release. But no, I had to be standing in the exact spot between the two, so my Zeo crystal could flash in and out of reality, and materialize in my heart. It's not easy being Green...

"Adam?" called a gentle voice. Adam was startled, and rose to his feet. He saw Tanya Sloan walk up to him, smiling warmly. Even though he was practically drowning in self-pity, Adam couldn't help but smile back.

"Hi, Tanya." he said.

"Tommy said I'd find you here," Tanya said. "So, how are you?"

"I'm okay, I guess," he said, sitting back down. Tanya sat beside him.

"No you're not," she said quietly. "Look, the guys told both me and Rocky the whole story. I'm so sorry you lost your powers. But it could have been worse. You could have died in the operation, or even before Billy got you to the CAC."

"I know," Adam sighed, "but, that doesn't really help much. It doesn't fill the void. Having the Power is a great rush, and suddenly losing it really hurts. And to top it off, I'm practically an invalid!"

"What do you mean?"

"I have a weak heart now. Doctor Campbell told me to take it easy."

"That just means that you need to recover! Its not forever! If you take care of yourself, you'll be fine."

"I guess..."

"Adam, being a Power Ranger isn't the only thing in the world. I know it's not easy, but you can deal with the withdrawl. I'm here to help you."

"Really?" he asked, somewhat surprised.

"Of course! We can get through this together!"

With that, Tanya clasped his hand between hers.

"Thanks, Tanya," Adam said with a smile. "That means a lot to me."

"Good," she said cheerfully, pulling him to his feet. "Now, come on! If we hurry, we can still grab some breakfast!"

Chapter Thirty-Six

Thousands of miles away, somewhere in the snow-covered Swiss Alps, a ball a fire crashed into the deep snow. Inside the crater lay a young man, with brown hair and a blue and yellow uniform. He lay motionless in the crater, until his right eye slowly opened. It flashed with yellow light.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

On the searing hot African plains, a lone figure walked. No animal would go near it, and the native tribes stayed away from this large seven-foot demon. Rumors had already begun to spread, about a red skeleton inside a yellow armor. It killed anything in sight.

Epilogue

A young man pulled himself to the shore, panting with exhaustion. The last thing he remembered was a bright white light, when his best friend focused telekinetic energy through the mysterious Zeo Crystal. The affects were completely unpredictible. This young man had crashed into the ocean. Fortunately, it was deep enough for him not to hit the seafloor, and at the same time close enough to shore for him to swim to land. He couldn't swim much further, with his armor constantly pulling him down.

Where am I?

he asked himself, looking up. In the distance, he could see exotically designed buildings, with roofs unique to a particular area of the world.

"Japan?!" he said aloud, standing up. He removed his helmet, and ran his hands through his drenched light brown hair. "Well, it's better than being dead."

To Be Continued In...

The Terran Ranger Saga Volume 4:

The Sandman

Excerpt from The Terran Ranger Saga Volume 4: The Sandman

December 31, 1985

The gentle drops of rain silently cooled the city of Nairobi. Inside the warm den of the Sloan family, Agatha Sloan, her husband Henry, and their only daughter Tanya were relaxing comfortably. The five-year-old Tanya was trying desperately to stay awake, hoping to welcome the new year. She sat on the floor in front of the television, watching as the time counted down. On the couch, her parents stared at the clock in worry. Finally, ten minutes to midnight, Agatha rose to her feet, and looked at her husband pleadingly. Henry frowned, and turned away from her gaze. Agatha sighed inwardly, and knelt on the plush carpet beside her daughter.

"Tanya dear," she said, taking the little girl's hand. "It's time to go to sleep."

"But Mommy," she yawned. "It's almost midnight! I wanna be awake when the year changes!"

"Honey, it's getting very late. You're tired..."

"Listen to your mother, Tanya," said Henry, lighting a cigarette. "The Sandman is coming, and if you aren't asleep when he arrives, you will regret it."

"The Sandman?" asked Tanya, staring up at her father curiously.

"Yes. He is a wicked creature, who throws sand on children's eyes when they won't go to bed. Then, he steals the children away who are awake to see his hideous face. He takes you to his magical kingdom beneath the Earth, and you will never be released."

Tanya gasped, and clung to her mother's leg. Agatha glared at Henry angrily, and lead the sobbing child out of the room. Once they were in Tanya's bedroom, Agatha tucked her in bed, and kissed her forehead. Tanya looked up at her mother, her eyes still wet with tears.

"Mommy," she said quietly. "Don't let the Sandman get me."

"There is no Sandman," said Agatha, smiling down at her only child. "Your father is just playing games with you, dear. Now, go to sleep."

Agatha once again kissed Tanya's forehead, and left the room. Tanya sat in bed, hugging her favorite stuffed animal tightly. But she couldn't fall asleep. She glanced at the clock beside her bed. At the moment the clock struck midnight, she heard a weird knocking from downstairs. She then heard two figures walking up the stairs -- one was her father, she could recognize the