Power Rangers: Nitro Blaze (Game)

"You've fucked up a lot today, but those officers weren't on your list." Methos spoke up to offer clarity since Lenny inexplicably didn't defend himself against the one thing he didn't screw up.

"Care to share with the rest of the class?" Paul asked.

"Those officers were beaten to death by Raizers. As expected, Zephyr sent someone after Lenny when he ventured out on his own. This assault was led by an immortal named Slick, known for his psychic capabilities. He was dispatched, but the odds are likely that you'll see him again along with anyone else Zephyr decides to send." Methos opted to cut Lenny a break, choosing not to rub in his face that part of the reason Lenny chose to come back was motivated by DRAGO's attack on him where he would have surely died had it not been for Methos. "And Jaguar Baptiste was here as well. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before SPD learns of what happened and takes more aggressive action."

"We keep working. Nothing has changed, so we have to continue to work. I'll find you more factories and you'll smash them. Simple as that." Methos responded.

****

Back at his lair, Zephyr was none too happy with the returning Slick who was being choked to death thanks to Zephyr's magic, all with Beryl and Joey looking on.

"So let me get this right. I had the perfect plan, you had the fucker in your grasp and you let some old twat make a fool out of you!? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't take your head right now?!" Zephyr's grip on Slick was tightening. The psychic felt his life slipping away and thought that he had nothing to lose.

"Because....the sun shines again." Slick gagged, desperate to breathe. Just as predicted, Zephyr paused when hearing those words.

"Come again?"

"I said... because the sun shines again." When Slick repeated it, Zephyr let him drop to the ground and keep his life.

"So he's finally back in the game." Zephyr smirked.

"What does that mean?" Joey asked the immortal dictator.

"It means things are finally getting interesting. Those Rangers have just become very dangerous." Zephyr looked out into the distance. "Welcome back, my friend."

With the Rangers having come to at least an understanding of sorts, everyone was on the same page to move forward together in a quest to rid Zephyr of his remaining factories, all while avoiding SPD and every other branch of law enforcement in hopes of making it out of this predicament alive. Only time will tell if this group is successful.

***

A month has passed since the assault on Buckingham Palace. The notoriety of the Rangers has only grown with them destroying another 12 factories in various locations around the world, further solidifying them atop nearly every most wanted list known to man as their missions normally end in bombastic destruction. The only thing that the authorities across the globe couldn't figure out is who was helping them. With their powers and zords, it should be impossible for them to remain as hidden as they are. Global forces are beginning to speculate that the U.S. government has enhanced their tech and are secretly using the Rangers to weaken their enemies, leading to increased tensions to the point where World War 3 is more of a possibility than ever before.

***

"This isn't progressing well, Zephyr." Beryl said, motioning over her crystal ball. "More factories are being destroyed, weakening our forces and you have yet to put your foot on their necks. In addition, more of your rivals are beginning to flex their proverbial muscle. For example, Travant has re-emerged, attempting to stake his claim."

"Fear not, Lady Beryl." Zephyr slowly paced across the room. "Travant is powerful, but nothing I can't handle when the time comes. As for the Rangers, they are but mere small fish. The prize is my old friend Methos."

"I remember him all too well. You should let me find him and kill him."

"No. I'd rather not risk losing you as he is still quite powerful." Zephyr spoke.

"So who is this Methos?" Joey asked. "I've heard that name more in the last month than I have in all of my time here."

"Methos is a member of the true four horsemen, alongside myself, Orochimaru, and the late Dragonis. Like myself, he has affinity for magic and quite possibly the most shrewd and cunning tactician this universe has ever seen. Unfortunately, dear Methos lost the appetite for conquest and we became at odds. Our last encounter over 5,000 years ago ended with him bowing out. He would resurface over the years with a fake set of horsemen or helping other problematic immortals who have gotten into my business, but he hasn't made any bold moves until now. The question is why. There are far better choices for allies than that group of Rangers."

"I'm sure you'll find out." Joey responded, saying little else. "So when will you strike?"

"Soon. In the meantime, did you do what I asked?" Zephyr asked.

"Yes. That meeting should be happening any moment now."

"Excellent.. then let's enjoy the show." Zephyr snapped his fingers and the large television turned on with what looks to be someone about to speak during a hearing on Capitol Hill.


******

"When I said I wanted to revisit my home town, this isn't what I had in mind!" The Red Ranger drove his blade through the back of a Raizer on the ground, pinning it in place while he used his blaster to fire on three more in succession.

The Rangers were currently in New Orleans, Louisiana after receiving a tip on another factory. They were able to stay in the city for a few days as the city was notoriously lax with criminals thanks to the NOPD who would only take things seriously if there was a human murder involved. Plus in a sick, twisted way of sorts, given that one of their own natives was actually part of the team, they weren't keen on snitching as New Orleanians were very protective of their own. Currently, the Rangers were in what was dubbed as New Orleans East, invading another factory. This time, the factory wasn't underground, but yet inside of an abandoned building which was once an elementary school. The school, named Sherwood Forest was severely damaged due to Hurricane Katrina many years ago and instead of it being restored as many schools were, Zephyr procured the building, using it as an undercover factory / haven for many of the area's criminals.

Lenny kicked another Raizer, followed by firing his Hand Blasters at another. A month had passed since the London incident and he had kept his distance from his team while he was working on his trust issues. In other words, he stood by his word. Although, he is slowly opening up if not to Paul, Kestra, or Corrie. 

He kept his focus on taking down the grunts until he was caught off-guard by one Raizer and then another, tackling him to the ground, knocking one of his Blasters out of his hand as more kept piling onto him.

Kestra looked over, slamming her Star Charger into a Raizer before driving a knee up. She ran over and tackled the pile, knocking the grunts off of the Blue Ranger before picking up the Blaster and tossing it back to Lenny. "Ain't no good on the ground, dude!" she said with a grin.

Lenny sighed, "I was going to blast them away myself, but... thanks," he said, slowly warming up to Kestra, taking the Blaster back.

Wayne practically pushed past the Pink Ranger grabbing a screw he found on the ground as he shot down more grunts. "OH I NEED ONE OF THOSE! SORRY!" He apologized to Corrie as he scrambled for parts.