“This is so not good, Kapri!” Marah said, her eyes glued to the monitor. The Wind Ninjas had not been fairing well against Lauthore’s forces, who continued to make their way through the city. One by one, the ninjas were falling, overpowered by their opponents.

“Ok, that had to hurt!” Kapri exclaimed, as she watched Beevil kick Mei Lien hard in the stomach. “Cat-girl is so going to feel that in the morning”

“If she makes it to morning,” Marah added. “Beevil is seriously tough!”

Watching the screen, Kapri knew she was right. Beevil had already beaten down six of the most skilled ninja she knew, and Mei Lien was not fairing much better. Fatigue was obviously getting the better of her, as Beevil continued to land punch after punch Finally, Kapri had to turn away as Beevil landed a vicious roundhouse kick to Mei Lien’s face, sending the ninja collapsing to the ground. The sound of her head bouncing off the pavement echoed throughout the room.

“We have to do something!” Marah cried as Beevil raised her sword over a dazed Mei Lien, ready to strike.

Suddenly, a burst of energy from off screen sent Beevil flying down the street.

“That was great, Kapri!” Marah shouted happily.

“Yeah,” Kapri agreed. “Too bad I didn’t do it.”

Tapping on the keyboard, Kapri scanned the area for the source of the attack. What she found filled both her and Marah with excitement. On the screen, six familiar figures appeared on the smoke filled street.

The Power Rangers were back.

Lauthore glared as the six stood before him. Are they so arrogant to think that they stand a chance? Especially after being beaten so thoroughly? He watched as the Red Ninja ordered his fallen comrades to evacuate the area. It doesn’t matter if they were there, or thousands of miles away. He was going to crush them all in time.

“Why delay the inevitable?” Lauthore asked as the other ninja vanished, leaving the six alone to face him. “Haven’t you already learned that your skills are useless against me?”

“Don’t be so sure.” Blake told him. “We still have a few tricks up our sleeves.”

“OK, guys,” Hunter stated. “Let’s show this joker some real power.”

“Ready?” Shane shouted, thrusting his morpher-clad arm forward.

“Ready!” the others replied in unison.

“Ninja Storm! Ranger Form!”

“Thunder Storm! Ranger Form!”

“Samurai Storm! Ranger Form!”

“HA!”

Lauthore winced as brilliant light surrounded the six ninja. When the light subsided, he came face to face with a sight that he never thought he would see again. Where the six ninja once stood, now stood six warriors, each clad in multicolored armor. Just as they did…all those years ago…

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Water!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Crimson Thunder!”

“Navy Thunder!”

“Samurai Power!”

“Power Rangers!” The six stepped forward, hands at their weapons.

“Interesting.” Lauthore stared at the six Rangers. “I commend you for making it this far. A pity it won’t make a difference.” The evil ninja turned towards the army of monsters behind him. “Destroy them”

The horde of creatures charged forward, as the Rangers drew their weapons, bracing for battle

Vexacus stepped back into the shadows as he watched the battle unfolding before him. This was certainly unexpected, he thought. He had never expected that the Rangers would somehow regain their lost Powers. He should have known better then to underestimate them.

He would not reveal himself yet. Best to see what the Power Rangers were now capable of, if he hoped to stand a chance in obtaining the Karmanian power. He would not let history repeat itself this time.

Smirking, he wondered if the same could be said of Lauthore.

Flipping over a monster’s head, Shane leapt into the fray. As he slashed at a group of Kelzaks with his ninja sword, the Red Ranger couldn’t remember a time when he felt more charged, more exhilarated. Turning, he kicked a nearby creature in the face, sending it crashing into another group of Kelzaks.

“Now that’s power!” Shane exclaimed

“It’s on now, Red Ranger!”

Shane turned, alerted by the oncoming stench of Toxipod, who was charging towards him with a group of monsters at his side. Smirking beneath his helmet, Shane brought his palms together.

“How about a taste of your own medicine, Toxipod!” Thrusting his palms forward, Shane fired a cyclone into the crowd of monsters. Unable to withstand the sheer force of the winds, the creatures rose up from the ground. As the cyclone sped up, the screaming monsters were sent flying in all directions across the city.

Dustin twisted his body around, sending his Lion Hammer into the gut of one of Lauthore’s creatures. With a swing, the Yellow Ranger raised the hammer, sending it crashing into the monster’s chin. Spinning around, Dustin sent the creature flying with another blow from his hammer.

Turning, the Yellow Ranger was confronted with a horde of Kelzaks. “You know what they say.” Dustin told his opponents with a laugh, “The more, the merrier!” Concentrating his power, Dustin split himself into two.

“Lion Hammer! Power up!” The Yellow Rangers said in unison. With a twist of their wrists, their hammers were charged with bright yellow energy. Moving in perfect unison, the Yellow Rangers crashed their hammers into the ground, creating a powerful tremor that blew the Kelzaks apart like bowling pins.

“Water Blast!”

A torrent of water cleared the path as Tori jumped into battle. Moving with fluid grace, the Blue Ranger made short work of the Kelzaks. Surveying the situation, Tori saw the endless number of Kelzaks that still awaited her.

“It’s time to step things up a bit.” Tori pressed her palms together “Blue Ranger! Flood Attack!” In an instant, the ground beneath the Kelzaks was replaced by rushing blue water. Tori smiled as she and the army were pulled underneath. Surrounded by her element, she knew the Kelzaks didn’t stand a chance. Shooting forward like a missile, the Blue Ranger struck with precision, taking down the army of Kelzaks in a shower of sparks.

As the Wind Rangers dealt with the evil army, the Thunder Rangers joined with the Green Samurai Ranger in facing Lauthore himself. Rushing forward at breakneck speed, the Thunders struck their target with their staffs, giving the villain no chance to react. Following his teammates, Cam leapt into the fray, swinging his sabre at the dark ninja’s midsection. The evil ninja countered by grabbing the blade before it could make contact. With terrible force, Lauthore sent the Green Ranger flying into the side of an overturned car.

“Cam!” The Crimson Ranger rushed to his comrade’s side, as the dark ninja approached ever closer. Without warning, the dark ninja flung his arm backward, suspending an oncoming Thunder Blade in mid-air.

“No!” Blake shouted. The Navy Ranger had hoped to catch his enemy off-guard with a surprise attack. A plan that was obviously unsuccessful.

“Nice try, Navy Ranger.” The dark clad ninja remarked, reducing the Thunder Blade to splinters with a squeeze. “Haven’t you learned by now that you are no match for me?”

“We’ll see about that!” Hunter exclaimed, drawing forth his Crimson Blaster. Lauthore thrust his palm forward, deflecting the blasts in mid-air. Joining the assault, Blake swung his head around, firing his electric pincer beam from his helmet at the dark ninja. Lauthore countered, deflecting the beam with his other hand.

Watching as the Thunder Rangers continued their combined attack, Cam knew this was his moment to strike. “Samurai Sabre! Power up!” With his weapon pulsating with energy, Cam swung the blade forward, striking the evil ninja square in the chest and sending him flying down the city street.

“You guys okay?” Tori asked, as the Wind Rangers regrouped with their teammates

“You bet we are.” Blake told her. “You?”

“Those freaks are history,” Shane replied, watching Lauthore rise to his feet. “What do you say we make sure their boss ends up the same way?” Stepping forward, the Red Ranger thrust his morpher-clad arm forward. “Battlelizer!!”

As the armor fused to his body, Shane could feel his strength and power increasing. From the look on the dark ninja’s face, he could tell that he did not expect this turn of events. The armor clad Ranger leapt into the air as the wings of the Battlelizer fused to his back, completing the transformation.

“Laser!” Shane shouted as the turbines on his wings began to charge. He wasn’t about to give Lauthore the chance to react this time. “Fire!”

The dark ninja raised both arms, attempting to shield himself from the oncoming blast. He was surprised to find his strength waning under the onslaught of the Red Ranger’s attack. “This is not possible!” he shouted as his force shield shattered, causing the evil ninja to take the full brunt of the blast, resulting in a huge explosion.

“Dude!” Dustin exclaimed as Shane landed. “You did it!”

Shane just smiled as his friends gathered around him. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt this good. They had their Powers back, for good this time. No they had managed to take down one of the most powerful villains they had ever faced, reducing him to pile of smoldering ash.

The smile soon left the Red Ranger’s face when he saw that said ash pile was still moving.

“Did you think it would be that easy?” Lauthore panted as he struggled to his feet. “The Ancients themselves could not destroy me!” With a hellish growl, the ninja crossed his arms across his chest and lowered his head in concentration. Within an instant, Lauthore had grown to city-wrecking proportions The giant ninja thrust his arm downward, releasing a giant force wave that sent the Power Rangers to their knees.

“We aren’t done yet, freak!” Shane shouted upward, as he struggled to his feet. “You guys ready?” he asked, turning towards his teammates. The five nodded in agreement. Shane then raised his wrist, and shouted into his morpher, “Zord time!”

On command, the HawkZord soared across the horizon, while the LionZord and the DolphinZord sailed onto the scene. The Crimson InsectaZord and the Navy BeetleZord soon joined them, followed by the roar of the Samurai Star Chopper in the skies overhead.

“Let’s do it, guys!” Shane shouted as the Rangers leapt into their Zord cockpits. Taking the controls, the Red Ranger stared at the dark ninja. “Let’s take this freak down.”

Concentrating, Lauthore transformed his arms into a pair of sickle blades. “I won’t waste time playing with you anymore. Now, I will destroy you!”

“Time to chill this dude out!” Dustin declared, pressing a button on his console. “Cyclone attack!”

The LionZord’s mane started spinning faster and faster, creating a whirlwind that stopped the dark ninja in his tracks. Firing its thrusters, the Zord shot forward like a missile, rocketing through the wind towards its target.

“Pathetic.” Lauthore smirked. With a swipe of his bladed wrist, the LionZord was sent flipping into a nearby office building.

“Dustin!” Tori shouted.

“Guys, we have to work together!” Hunter said

“Let’s show him how it’s done, Bro.” Blake exclaimed. Steering the BeetleZord behind Lauthore, he fired the Zord’s pincers, pinning the dark ninja’s arms against his midsection. Before the evil ninja could react, the InsectaZord stormed in, firing its cannon.

“You’ll have to try harder then that.” Lauthore laughed. The dark ninja suddenly began spinning in place, lifting the BeetleZord into the air by its pincers and sending it slamming into the InsectaZord.

“We are going to have to take this up a notch, guys.” Cam concluded. “Form the Megazords!”

Vexacus watched as the fleet of Zords combined into their respective MegaZords. The Power Rangers were fairing much better then he had expected against Lauthore. Not that it would make a difference. As long as Lauthore holds them off long enough for his armies to rise from the Abyss, then it won’t matter if they destroy him or not They won’t stand a chance against the ancient army. The Karmanian power would soon be his. As the MegaZords braced for battle, Vexacus teleported away, his laughter echoing across the city.

“Blizzard Attack!”

The Storm Megazord turned, firing laser blasts from its lion head shoulder at the dark ninja Lauthore, laughing, flung his palm forward and deflected the blast, redirecting the bit at the Thunder Megazord, which barely managed to leap away.

“That was a fatal mistake, Rangers,” Lauthore seethed. “By lowering your numbers, you are making it that much easier for me to destroy you.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure of that!” Cam shouted, as the Samurai Star Chopper dove towards the evil ninja. In the cockpit, the Green Ranger shifted the controls to the left, turning the chopper on its side. Firing its thrusters, the chopper shot forward towards Lauthore, its rotating blades spinning at dangerous speeds.

“I’ve never known a Samurai to be so thick headed.” Lauthore smirked Grabbing the rotating blades in his hands, the dark ninja brought the chopper to a complete standstill. Before Cam could retaliate, Lauthore had flung the chopper away like a rag doll.

“Megazord mode!” Cam shouted. As the transformation took place, the Green Ranger fought to regain control of his directional systems. He just barely managed to miss ramming the Storm Megazord as he landed the Samurai Star on its feet.

“No one messes with our friend!” Tori said, determined. “Dolphin Laser!”

Raising its arm, the Storm Megazord fired a continuous volley of laser blasts at their opponent Lauthore simply laughed as he deflected the blasts. Behind the dark ninja, the Thunder Megazord began firing shot after shot from its waist cannons.

“Is the inability to learn a common trait among humans of this era?” Lauthore jeered, as the attacks bounced harmlessly away. “You’ll never defeat me with these same tired tricks.”

“Then let’s go with what works!” Cam declared. “Bee Spinner! Locked and Dropped!”

The Green Ranger loaded the power disc into the slot. Instantly, a power sphere appeared in the Megazord’s hands and deposited the Bee Spinner. Cam knew he had to strike now, while Lauthore was distracted. The Samurai Star flung the weapon forward, slamming the spinning bee into the dark ninja’s stomach, sending him flying backward in a shower of sparks.

“That’s the way to do it!” Dustin cheered from his cockpit.

“Then let’s keep it going,” Shane added. “Lightning Megazord! Power up!”

On command, the Storm Megazord transformed, shedding the excess weight and forming a sleeker design. Bouncing on its feet, the Lightning Megazord was ready for battle.

“Remember, you only have 60 seconds,” Cam warned. “So make them count.”

“Not a problem,” Shane said confidently.

Drawing forth its dual blades, the Lightning Megazord leapt forward with amazing speed, striking at Lauthore as he struggled to his feet. The weakened ninja managed to match his attacker move for move but, as the Zord continued to pick up speed, he soon found himself overpowered. With a slash to the kneecaps, the Lightning Megazord sent the dark ninja collapsing to the ground.

“Ten seconds left!” Tori announced, as she watched the evil ninja trying to pull himself up to his feet.

“Ramp Attack!” Shane ordered.

The Lightning Megazord leapt high into the air. As a virtual ramp appeared beneath them, the Zord outstretched its arms, its twin blades growing larger until they formed a large circle around the Megazord. Twisting in mid-air, the Zord landed on the ramp and began careening towards the dark ninja at breakneck speed. Before the dark ninja could react, the Zord plowed into him with tremendous force, sending him crumbling to the ground in a shower of sparks.

Marah squealed as she monitored the battle over Kapri’s shoulder. “I knew they could do it!!”

“Shyeah!” Kapri exclaimed. “What did you expect? I mean, they beat us lots of times!”

“Please!” Marah chided her sister. “This guy is a lot scarier then we ever were!”

“True!” Kapri nodded, smiling. “Heck, this guy makes Uncle look like a puppy dog.”

Turning back towards the screen, Kapri’s smile quickly faded. Both girls were horrified as they watched Lauthore rising back to his feet.

“No way!” Marah gasped.

“We’ve got to help the Rangers.” Kapri said as she began tapping away on the console.

“What in the world can we do?” Marah looked at her sister, confused.

“This!” Kapri declared, slamming her hand on the keyboard’s center button.

As he braced for battle, Cam noticed a Power Disc suddenly materialize on his dashboard. “What in the world?”

“Hi Cousin!” Looking down at his monitor, Cam was surprised to see Marah and Kapri staring back at him. “We thought you guys could use a hand!” Kapri explained.

Recognizing the Disc in his hand, Cam knew exactly what Kapri had in mind. “Great idea, guys!” he told them.

“Go get him, Cousin!!” Marah’s bouncy voice cheered as the monitor went blank.

“Shane! Hunter!” Cam spoke into his communicator. “You guys ready?”

“Ready!” the two Rangers replied, each holding up their corresponding Power Discs.

Together, the three men inserted the discs into their respective slots. “Locked and dropped!”

Instantaneously, the three Megazords launched their Power Spheres into the air. Opening, their contents quickly came together forming the Ninja Firebird. As the Firebird soared overhead, the Thunder Megazord split into four pieces, each fusing to the arms and legs of the Storm Megazord. The Samurai Star soon followed suit, fusing itself onto the Storm Megazord’s chest. Finally, the Ninja Firebird broke apart, its pieces fusing to the Megazord’s face and hands, locking the transformation in place.

“Hurricane Megazord!” the Power Rangers shouted in unison.

A desperate Lauthore rushed forward, swinging his bladed arms wildly. “I will not let you defeat me!”

“You don’t have a choice, freak!” Shane exclaimed. “Typhoon Attack!”

On command, the propeller blades on the Megazord’s chest began to spin faster and faster, building up power until finally a large cyclone shot forth, enveloping Lauthore and lifting the dark ninja into the air. The Rangers could barely hear his screams as he was consumed in a fiery explosion.

“Yeah!” Shane shouted as the others cheered in the cockpit. “We did it!”

“Not quite.” Cam stated. “Look!”

Looking outward, the Rangers were dismayed to see a small figure streaking away from the site of the explosion.

“I don’t believe this!” Hunter exclaimed.

“What is it going to take to beat this guy?” Blake asked, frustrated.

“Better yet, where is he going?” Dustin asked, as he watched the evil ninja disappear into the horizon.

“I’ll give you three guesses,” Cam said.

Lauthore collapsed to the ground as he arrived at the Abyss of Evil. The streak had taken more out him then he had expected, weakening him even further. He continued to fight through the pain however, determined to not let history repeat itself.

As the dark ninja approached the Abyss, he could hear the howls of the approaching army within “It won’t matter how much power those brats possess. Once the ancient army ascends to this world, I will wipe them away like the insignificant specks they are…”

Groaning, the dark ninja rose to his feet. “I will give what is left of my power to achieve my goals.” Closing his eyes, Lauthore extended his hand out over the crevasse. “This world will be mine!”

“That’s enough!”

Turning, the evil ninja came face to face with the Power Rangers. “Do your worst, Rangers. Even if I fall, you will never be able to survive against the army within the Abyss. Your end is at hand!”

“We’ll see about that freak,” the Red Ranger replied defiantly. “Thunderstorm Cannon!”

Lauthore watched as five of the Rangers drew forth their power weapons, combining them into an ultra powerful blaster.

“Fire!” the Red Ranger commanded. The dark ninja braced for the impact, creating a force shield around his body. In his weakened state, however, the shield was nowhere near strong enough. The blast easily shattered Lauthore’s shield, sending the evil ninja flying into the woods just beyond the Abyss.

Vexacus materialized in the woods, shaking his head at the sight of Lauthore’s smoking body Pathetic. You made the mistake of underestimating the Power Rangers. I would leave you here to rot, if I didn’t think you could still be useful.

Bending over, Vexacus wrapped the dark ninja’s arm around his shoulder, helping him to his feet. “We must leave at once, Master.”

“The Abyss…”

“No longer an option, Master,” Vexacus explained.

Lauthore glared in the direction of the Rangers, who were peering down into its depths. “This is not the end, Power Rangers!”

Turning, Vexacus drug the evil ninja’s body into the woods, disappearing within the shadows.

“We have to find Lauthore,” the Yellow Ranger shouted, heading towards the woods.

“We’ve got bigger problems,” Cam explained, stopping Dustin in his tracks. The roar from the Abyss getting louder by the moment. “We have to seal off the Abyss now, otherwise we are about to have a lot of company.”

“Agreed,” Shane stated.

Together, the six Rangers lined up at the edge of the Abyss, removing the Power Discs from their morphers and raising them towards the sky.

“Power of Air!”

“Power of Earth!”

“Power of Water!”

“Crimson Thunder Power!”

“Navy Thunder Power!”

“Green Samurai Power!”

The six Power Discs began to glow in their respective colors.

“Powers unite!” the six shouted in unison. Surging with Power, a multicolored beam of energy shot downward into the depths of the Abyss.

Suddenly, the ground started to shake violently, as bright white light started flooding outward from the opening of the Abyss. Down below, the Rangers could hear the screams and howls of dying creatures as the energy from their Power Discs continued to invade the dark recesses.

With a jolt, the Rangers were knocked off of their feet, cutting off the flow of energy from their Power Discs. The tremors soon ceased, and the white light faded away.

“Did it work?” Hunter asked, helping Cam to his feet.

“There appears to be no trace of the Abyss,” Cam stated, removing his helmet to examine the area. “It’s as if the opening was never here.”

The other Rangers, visors open, soon joined Cam, each leaning on the other for support. Their faces, exhausted, but happy.

Upon returning to the Academy, the Power Rangers were met with a hero’s welcome by the awaiting students, eager to celebrate the recent victory. The weary Rangers however, opted to return to Ninja Ops, where they met an eager Marah and Kapri. Hiro, CyberCam, Mei Lien and Kanoi awaited them as well, all eager to hear of the Ranger’s journey to the ancient temple.

“ …and that’s how it happened. We used the Zords to get back to Blue Bay Harbor, and you know the rest.” Cam finished the story.

“Wow!” Marah jumped to her feet and gave Dustin a big hug, leaving a big smile on the blushing Yellow Ranger’s face. “You guys were so brave!”

“You guys were pretty brave yourselves,” Blake interjected. “Taking on all those creatures from the Abyss took some real courage.”

“Hey, but you guys never explained what those tests involved. What were those about? What happened?” Kapri asked.

At that question, everyone got exceptionally quiet.

“Okay, awkward much. Did I say the wrong thing or something?”

Hunter spoke up. “Oh no, Kapri. It’s not that. I just think we’re all still trying to figure out the tests ourselves. I’m thinking everyone’s was pretty intense to say the least. We’ll be able to tell everyone about them when we’re ready.” Maybe a time when Cam might be ready to hear it.

Everyone seemed to agree. “Hey, that’s fine guys. Of course we’ll be dying of curiosity to know what happened. But we can wait.” Marah said.

“What about the Abyss?” Mei Lien asked. “Will we still have to worry about the ancient army escaping?”

“Yo, that army is toast,” CyberCam replied. “I checked it out when we got back. The bad mojo barely makes a blip on the scanners.”

“The ancient seal on the Abyss of Evil has been restored.” Kanoi explained “I could not be more proud of you, Rangers.”

“Yeah, man,” Dustin said. “It feels awesome to have our Powers back.”

“I have a feeling we are going to need them.” Cam explained. “Don’t forget, Lauthore’s still out there.”

“You are correct, Cameron,” Hiro added. “Only the immediate danger has passed.”

The others all nodded in agreement. It was obvious to all that the worst was yet to come.

The dark ninja knelt on the floor deep in concentration.

The Abyss of Evil was once again sealed. His glory ripped from his grasp by mere children

He would let them think they had won. It would only be a matter of time before his body healed, and his power was restored.

He would show the Rangers the power of true evil. He would make them pay for this humiliation

Then, their world would crumble at his feet.

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