Night time settled over Mariner Bay as stores locked up early for the night. Before the events of a week prior, this never would be, but too many people were afraid of the demon spawned vampires that now stalked the cities at night. With so little sunlight left, everyone was rushing to find safety where they could.

One such man hurried into the subway and swore as he missed the train he needed to catch. It would be an hour before the next one was supposed to come, but he doubted it would be there. Sighing, the man hurried back up and down the streets, eyes nervously glancing around as the sunset. He did not want to be out at this hour with all that had been happening.

Something in the shadows caught his attention, the man stopping and cautiously looking to see what was going on. "Someone there?" he called nervously.

The sight that met his eyes horrified him. Four bodies littered the back alley, their throats slit open as crimson liquid hung wet around the fresh tears. Slowly inching to one of the corpses, he grabbed the wrist for a pulse. Finally after several seconds, he let the wrist fall. "What did this?"

"I can answer that." a voice whispered. He glanced down, at the dead man he had just checked. The man with the slit throat was slowly climbing to his feet, the other three standing as well.

"What the hell is going on?" The man demanded. "Is this some kind of sick joke, you cut your throats up or something?"

"There's nothing sick about this," the man hoarsely whispered. "We just need your blood. And then you can join us."

From the darkness of the night, black energy seemed to wrap itself around the four vampires while black armor built up them, the four vampires bending low. With a scream, the four rushed forward, ripping the heart out of the man, and hungrily drinking of his blood.

Suddenly a vampire screamed as something struck it. But that blast was soon cut short as the vampire fell to the ground, incinerated by a second blast. Tossing the heart aside, the three remaining vampires whirled around, their black armor glittering as they faced their foe. A Lightspeed Lieutenant stood with several soldiers around him, each with a blaster trained on the vampires.

"Freeze!" the Lieutenant shouted. "Raise your hands and surrender peacefully or else we will be forced to take action!"

The vampires made no response. They had since lost the ability to speak, for now they were only the grunts of Lord Diabolico. Bearing their fangs they came rushing forward, the soldiers blasting the three with precise precision. But the vampires fled, leaping over them as they turned to run, ignoring the injuries that had been dealt by the laser fire.

But like a light in a pitch-black room, a warrior shot from nothing, clad in blue armor and a mask that held his face. Whirling, he slammed a stake into one of the vampires, quickly removing a blade and chopping the head off. Running along the side of a building, he caught up with the other two vampires, leaping off of the building and flying in front of them. He landed, swirling his hands together as a sphere of water formed into them. With a cry, he slammed his fists forward, the water stunning the two vampires as he drew two stakes, ramming them into the hearts of the vampires and causing them to explode into ash. With a simple bow to the Lightspeed Official and soldiers, he faded into the dark of the night.

"Who the hell was that guy?" the lieutenant whispered.

"Sir, the victim is dead." A soldier said, after checking the man. "They ripped his heart out, didn't have a chance to feed him their blood."

The Lieutenant sighed, shaking his head. "We can't take a chance, get his ID then destroy the body."

With a somber nod, the soldiers removed the man's wallet, checking it for I.D. They then trained their blasters on the man, incinerating the body and heart.

"Get me to the Aqua Base."

Ocean of Revenge

Hours after the encounter with the vampires, Mitchell had awakened everyone within Lightspeed to the early morning. Assembling the Rangers before him, they all looked a bit tired after their encounters with the demons over the last several days.

"What's the point of this meeting?" Ryan demanded, half glaring at his father.

"Since the demons have arrived, strange reports have been filtering in that vampires have been sighted throughout the area of Mariner Bay, other than the ones you have fought. At first the reports began to come in from the homeless, and we didn't know if we could trust them at first. But then reports began to filter in from other sources, and we knew that we had a problem. I've always believed the reports to be true from the moment that I head them. All of you have encountered vampires when battling demon forces. But those in charge thought differently, specifically General MacKnight for the matter. According to him, Lightspeed's resources can't be tapped too thin. But now I have proof that the demons are allowing their vampires to wander the city, so he has to do something about it. One of my patrols witnessed four vampires killing an innocent man."

"So because of MacKnight, innocent people are dying?" Ryan gasped, utterly horrified. "That son of a... how could he put his reputation before the lives off civilians?!"

"Ryan, we can't dwell in the past." Captain Mitchell sighed as he paced about before continuing. "You know as I do, we all hate hearing about innocents dying. But that's a fact of life. People die, plain and simple! Further deaths will be smaller hopefully in the future. General MacKnight has already approved plans and I'm posting troops as we speak. Doctor, it's all yours."

"The squad that encountered the vampires managed to kill one of them by surprise, but the vampires fled the scene. Now, this is where it gets strange. Lieutenant Broody says that some kind of ninja appeared and killed the last two vampires. We saved the heart of the victim for study, and we found that a strange liquid was located inside of it. According to legend, thi-"

"Vampires would feed the victim with their blood, and the victim would soon rise from the dead and become a vampire as well." Kendrix finished, knowing the old vampire tales quite well. "Why didn't you alert me of this before hand? I'm quite capable of helping you research this."

"You're a Ranger now Kendrix..." Fairweather softly said. "We need you to rest for battles, not spending hours in the lab."

"We are bringing in one of the victims that we believe has been fed with the vampire blood to see if our hypothesis is true or not."

"Is that dangerous?" Kelsey asked.

"Not if we're careful." Captain Mitchell shook his head. "We'll be having squads posted every hour. We would appreciate if you were to participate in between training sessions of course."

"What about Ila?" Kendrix asked suddenly. "Will we be able to get her back?"

"I have come up with the conclusion that the demons are like parasites, a symbiosis relationship if you will. I have come to believe from my findings that the demon energy is assimilating the human energy inside of the humans, and transforming the host bodies completely into demon bodies. Over time, the host body will die off and the demons will have full control over the body."

"So if we destroy Vypra, we get Ila back?" Joel asked.

"Possibly."

"I would agree with your findings had I done it myself, but how can you be so sure?" Kendrix asked. "What proof and evidence do you possess to form your hypothesis?"

"I can't unfortunately prove whether or not my theory is correct. I am basing this on the information that I have found in these DNA structures based on my molecular findings." Dr. Fairweather stated. She pointed to the view screen, bringing up various schematics and information, targeting in on several strands of DNA with her laser pointer. "We found these genetic patterns in the remains of the two demons you've fought so far. Apparently, the demons used human hosts to give their soldiers form, which means it's most likely that the demon body is that of a human host. From the information that is available, I can only assume. And from my assumption, it's possible that killing the demon after it's had long enough to take over completely will kill the host as well, if their mind hasn't been erased already."

"This the point of why we have to destroy these demons as soon as they appear," Captain Mitchell added with a cold tone. "If we wait too long, we'll end up killing the people we're trying to save. It's hard, but in some situations, it's the only choice we have."

"We can't let the demons keep transforming innocent people into their vampire grunts and demon monsters! We have to stop them!" Ryan shouted.

"Ryan, we can only do so much." Captain Mitchell sighed. "We only have four Rangers to work with currently. Until we have a full team of five, we have no options for the time being."

"What about the ninja you mentioned?" Kelsey asked. Kendrix's eyes brightened at this. Perhaps this warrior could be Matt? Then thinking on the thought, she chuckled slightly. She doubted Matt was the one donning the ninja attire. Between the two mysterious fighters, he'd be more likely to be MegaSilver.

That got her thinking. What if Matt was MegaSilver? The question was, then how could he morph? He had sent his defunct Digimorpher with her to help Lightspeed get the changers working.

"How exactly did he defeat the vampires?" Ryan asked, breaking her thoughts.

"The usual stake and sword methods." Dr. Fairweather stated. "Although the soldiers did report that he formed a sphere of water into his hands, hurling it at the vampires. They claimed it was magic, but somehow I doubt that... Still..."

"If he has powers he must be a Ranger," Kelsey finally decided.

"Yeah!" Joel said eagerly. "A Ranger that's gonna help us for sure!"

"But how do we know if this warrior is even on our side? What if it's some new trick the demons are playing on us?" Kendrix asked. This ninja couldn't be Matt, the simple fact he used Water elementals defeated the possibility.

"We created this digital image with the help the descriptions that the soldiers gave us." Captain Mitchell said. The Rangers stared in awe at the ninja before them.

"We can definitely use him on our side!" Ryan said.

"But we still don't even know if he's on our side," Kendrix cautioned. "I've dealt with these matters before back on Terra Venture. We need to be careful about this guy"

"Yes, Major."

"Let's get training done with so we can get started on our patrols!" Joel said.

Dara sat nursing and playing with Impus, listening to the sounds that traveled throughout Skull Castle. Standing to her feet, she walked with Impus in her arms, surprised to find Vypra lurking throughout the shadows, obviously searching for someone. With baby Impus in her arms, Dara followed, a concerned frown on her face.

"Jinxer!" Vypra shouted, surprising the elven demon. He spun around to face Vypra, a look a fear quickly disappearing from his face. "How may I be of service to you?" Jinxer asked.

"I need a powerful demon to aid in my plan to destroy the Rangers!" Vypra ordered. "Show me your cards now!"

"As you command." Jinxer stated, removing the deck from his pocket and revealing several cards to Vypra. Vypra glanced over them, picking one up as she read it with her mind. "No! It's pathetic!" She screamed, flinging the card to the floor. "I need a more powerful demon!"

"What exactly are you talking about?" Jinxer demanded. "I offer powerful demons!"

"I need more powerful demons!" Vypra whispered, her eyes flashing red. "A demon so powerful... that I can put Diabolico and that daughter of his, Dara into place! That is the kind of demon I'm talking about!"

Jinxer suddenly looked scared, slowly backing away. "I- I'm sorry Vy- Vypra! But there is no demon for the matter that could serve such a purpose to yourself, I am quite saddened to say!"

"You're hiding something from me!" Vypra growled. "Aren't you?!"

Jinxer glanced around fearfully. "I can't tell you where it is... I'll let you find it on your own... but perhaps I can explain to you the power... it possesses!"

Vypra grinned, seductively wrapping her arm around Jinxer as she pulled the demon along. "Let's talk Jinxer," Vypra cooed, seductively pulling along Jinxer.

Dara slipped from the darkness, greatly intrigued for the manner as too what Jinxer was about to tell Vypra. Picking the card up, she read it herself. She knew this demon was not that powerful, but it would serve its purpose for her plan. She had to act fast, or Vypra would steal her opportunity. Smiling at Impus as he reached for the card, she let the demon child touch it, energy suddenly flaring brightly around the card. Smiling, she knew Impus would only continue to grow in strength and power.

It was not to long ago that Dara learned that Impus could empower weak demons with his touch. He had been playing with a pet demon dog several days ago and had touched it. The touch of Impus had empowered the dog with great powers, transforming it into a ferocious beast. Setting Impus into the crib, Dara smiled. She would surprise her father with the powerful demon, proving just how powerful she truly was to all the demons in Skull Castle. Staring at the now sleeping Impus, she felt a twinge of guilt at having used him, knowing that it had taken a lot out of him. She promised herself that she would never do it again, and this would be the only time, so she could please her father Diabolico and beat Vypra. Calling in a vampire, she placed wards around the crib of Impus for protection, the vampire standing guard over the child. In a flash of flame, she teleported to a graveyard on Earth, staring outwards and catching sight of a graveyards keeper.

"You'll make a most excellent host!" Dara wickedly smiled, emerging from the darkness and throwing the card at the human. The man screamed, demon energies binding the card with his soul as the two merged together, resulting in her demon, Margaron, emerging into the living plane.

"I...feel strange! I feel more powerful than before!" Margaron chuckled, flexing his arms in surprise. "How delightful!"

"Prince Impus empowered you with more energy when I let him touch you in card mode. But don't tell anyone, that is our secret! I want you to go to Mariner Bay and destroy the city and kill the Rangers that protect it for me. I am the daughter of Lord Diabolico, Lady Dara. We have the authority of the Emperor Asmordian himself in this matter, and you would be wise to obey my command!" Dara ordered.

"But of course!" Margaron replied, smiling deeply. "I shall deeply enjoy destroying these Rangers that challenge Lord Diabolico! Most delightedly so!"

With a smile across her face, Dara spun in a swift circle, vampires forming around her as their black armor glistened slightly. "Aid Margaron in his mission!" Dara ordered. Nodding, the vampires rushed forward, eager to aid a fellow demon in battle. With a laugh, Dara teleported back to Skull Castle, the vampires and Margaron teleporting to Mariner Bay.

"Mind if I help? I have some time off before I begin my patrols," Kendrix asked as Dr. Fairweather read some blood samples they had collected from the one that they believed to be Ila, the one called Vypra. Dr. Fairweather smiled.

"Shouldn't you be resting right now?" Angela playfully teased the Ranger.

"I'm fine!" Kendrix defensively said. "You don't like working with me now?"

"Of course not. You know I regard your mind as one of the greatest on the planet." Dr. Fairweather smiled. "I'm just following Captain's orders. He is very keen on you taking it easy for now. Besides, you have to focus on leading the Rangers. You are their leader for now, you do know."

"I know." Kendrix sighed, she had never imagined leading a Ranger team. Although she always thought she could be part of a Ranger team...but leading one? That usually had been left to Chosen Ones. "Never imagined myself leading a Ranger team when I returned to Earth. What have you found out?"

"I'm sticking with my theory," Fairweather stated. "I believe time is running out for Ila. If we want to save her, we are going to have to kill Vypra before it's too late."

"That's a given." Kendrix sighed. "What about the one called Dara? Is she possessed by demon energy? MegaSilver asked why a human would be trying to destroy the human race. So is she possessed?"

"I wouldn't know, but that alone suggests she's not possessed." Dr. Fairweather said. "I think she could possibly be a hybrid, fathered by one of the demons, but with a human mother."

"Major Morgan, Doctor Fairweather," Ryan suddenly said, interrupting the two's discussion as he entered the room. "I have something here that you might want to see."

"Ryan," Kendrix greeted in surprise. "You missed the hike today. Your dad wasn't really too happy about that you know."

"Don't call him my dad!" Ryan sharply snapped. "But that's besides the matter. I have something here that is going to make up for that entirely!"

"What is it?" Angela asked, interested.

"I've been working on the simulations deck practically all day today, and have come up with good ways to combat these demons. I think we could surprise the hell out of them if we ever come across a powerful demon that we can't beat. Thought I'd give them to you first, and if they were good, Kendrix could present them for me and I wouldn't get into as much trouble with Captain Mitchell." Ryan said.

Inserting the files into a nearby CPU, Kendrix and Dr. Fairweather explored the various tactics and battle schematics tempered out on the diskette. After reviewing them for quite some time, the two nodded, agreeing the plans were well developed. "Good job Ryan," Angela remarked. "The data available is quite excellent."

For Kendrix it was another story. Making a face, she glanced at Ryan. "You missed training for this?"

"I have other plans made!" Ryan quickly said, pulling out several more diskettes.

"I've seen enough to already make an assumption." Kendrix flatly said. "The plans are okay... but if we're not prepared... no plan will save us!"

"I thought they were good," Dr. Fairweather said, handing the disk back to Ryan.

"At least someone is on my side," Ryan muttered with a sigh.

"Ryan, I appreciate the though you put in this," Kendrix stated, "But if you don't be part of this team, those tactics won't have the chance to prove themselves."

"Bu-"

"No buts!" Kendrix growled, for once getting angry at someone other than Joel. "Understood, Mitchell?"

"Understood."

Kendrix let her hard expression falter slightly. She knew from experience she couldn't be too hard on him, but it was only natural that she, as leader, would be protective of her team. She couldn't let any more tragedies strike the team. Almost losing Dan had been terrible, and she knew from her own death before what it could do to someone. "Miss anymore practice, and everyone around here will make you out as Joel's replacement."

Ryan smiled slightly. "Not on your life Major," he quipped as he turned to leave the lab. He liked Kendrix as a friend, but as leader... that was another story. The two didn't see eye to eye, but like football, Kendrix was the quarterback of the Rangers, and he had to listen to her orders whether or not he liked them. He was used to doing things his way and having people do things his way as well. He guessed he would just have to eat a little of his ego so both him and Kendrix could coexist as Rangers at the same time. Perhaps it was because he didn't function well as a team he had missed the training exercises. "Regardless, I'll choose a better time next time I develop battle tactics to show the Captain." Glancing behind himself, Ryan saw Joel go walking into the room, glaring slightly at him. He must have heard his comment about not wanting the be another Joel. Ryan quickly stifled his laugh, walking off to his corridors.

"Did I here my name called?" Joel asked, smiling as he sat near Dr. Fairweather.

"I guess you could say that." Angela groaned as she rolled her eyes. Exactly how many times could this man hit on her in one day?

"Please, don't be modest." Joel smiled as his ego inflated. "Bear it all in the open for the Sky Cowboy!"

"Mister Rawlings!" Kendrix sharply snapped. Friendly flirting was one thing, but the man was now starting to seem obsessive. "You've been sluffing again! Do you want me to give you the same lecture I've been giving Ryan on ditching training?"

"No!" Joel gulped as he quick left the lab. He had expected Angela to finally cave in and go out on a date with him, but Kendrix had ruined it again. Seeing Ryan up ahead, he flashed a boyish smile, catching up with the young man. "Yo, Mitchell. Wanna take a ride out to the city and pick up some chicks to hang with?"

"Another time." Ryan replied. Kelsey came walking into the room, shaking her head.

"Do you ever stop Joel?" Kelsey chided. "Sorry, couldn't help but overhear your offer. We need our rest guys, before our vampire patrol through the city starts. I would suggest you get some closed eyes."

Suddenly the alarms began to ring, the three glancing as Kendrix came running up. They quickly ran to the command room, Captain Mitchell having just about to issue an order to contact them. Captain Mitchell pointed to the view screen, Dara and her vampires and a demon attacking the city. "We have detected rather high energy levels in this demon. It's much more powerful then the last two."

"How is that?"

"We don't know. But we would suggest extreme caution when engaging this new demon. Kendrix, Rangers, Be careful, this is possibly the most powerful one yet!" Throwing his son a dirty look, Mitchell narrowed his eyes. Before Ryan could return the glare, Kendrix was hauling him out of the room, practically dragging him as the four Rangers walked down the entryway to the humvee they had been issued.

"Fight with him another day!" Kendrix sharply whispered.

Dara stopped her rampage momentarily as the four Rangers arrived. "So I see you have come to stop me once more! How very interesting indeed!"

"I doubt you'll survive against the four of us," Kendrix announced, the four Rangers drawing their weapons. "You'll be getting that little half-breed ass of yours kicked right about now!"

"And why?"

"Let's Jet!" Kendrix shouted, the other three oddly staring at her, but copying the words as well. They engaged their armor, quickly drawing battle stances.

"We'll see just how powerful you really are!" Dara snapped. Drawing her sword, Margaron laughed as they pointed their weapons forward. "Vampires... attack!"

Before the Rangers could come up with a strategy, they were forced to engage the vampires, quickly drawing their weapons as they began to fight with them. One by one, the vampires slowly began to fall to pieces.

Diabolico stood in the throne room of the Skull Castle in shock. He watched his daughter and a demon attacking the Rangers. Why had she gone and fought the Rangers without his permission? His fury slowly dissipated, smiling at his beautiful daughter. But something bugged him. Why had Jinxer given her a demon? He usually didn't hand them out, unless authorized first by Lord Diabolico.

"Most curious indeed," the demon lord finally muttered with intrigue. "I shall look into such matters."

Back in Mariner Bay, Kendrix had managed to slay the vampires trying killing her with her Medi-Boa, quickly drawing near the new demon. Striking at Margaron, the demon brought his own saber up, the two weapons colliding as they fought. She held her weapon like a staff, the two striking at each other. It feels like he's holding back, Kendrix thought. Could he be playing with me?

This is fun! the demon cackled to himself. Dara had ordered him to hold back on his power, for he was to capture the Pink Ranger alive and only kill her if necessary. Playing with her he greatly enjoyed, feeding off his newfound power as it slowly increased as the two fought. "Surrender now Pink Ranger, and I shall let you live! Fail to surrender, and you shall die!"

"I'm sorry, audio sensors must be glitching. I can't understand a threat your making!" Kendrix shouted, leaping on the side of a building, and clawing across it like an animal. She dropped to the ground, spinning across it and knocking Margaron off of his feet.

Margaron rebounded, kicking himself into the air as he landed a deadly kick into Kendrix and sent her sprawling. Lifting her into the air, he used his raw strength to slam her into the ground, before swinging her through a wall and letting it crumble around her. He quickly fired blasts of energy at Kendrix, and she cried out as she was knocked off of her feet and thrown away.

Ryan turned just in time to see the attack happen, feeling rage forming in his body. He saw that vampires cut off both Joel and Kelsey and that they could be of no help. With a shout, he surrounded energy around his blade and brought it slashing down through the two vampires before him. Running forward, he slashed the demon down with one heavy strike, Margaron stumbling away in surprise. "You okay Kendrix?"

"I'll be fine."

"I'm sorry Rangers but this is getting to be just too boring!" Dara yawned as Joel and Kelsey continued to destroy vampires before the four regrouped together. "I guess I'll just have to have Margaron unleash his full strength upon you and kill you! You've left me with no option!"

"I don't think so!" Kendrix shouted.

"Yeah, bring it!" Ryan shouted as well.

Both Joel and Kelsey stared with surprise at Ryan and Kendrix. How had the two managed to recover so quickly from their injuries?

"Alright, here's the plan." Kendrix whispered. "Joel, you and I take on Margaron! Ryan and Kelsey, take down Dara, alright?"

"Got it!" The two nodded.

"If all four of us worked together and focused on one demon, we could take one down faster!" Ryan stated. "That would leave the other demon open as well! It isn't safe, splitting up like that!"

"We don't have a choice!" Kendrix hissed. "If there were five of us, that would be another story, but we only have four Rangers!"

Ryan sighed, about to argue another point when a blast of plasma energy sent the four stumbling apart, the ground a smoking crater was they had just been standing. Both Dara and Margaron stood chuckling, obviously pleased with them.

Charging forward, Kendrix and Joel rushed Margaron. Kendrix extended her Medi-Boa, slashing away at Margaron with precise attacks, but it did no damage. Joel came slashing down from the sky, striking into the demon, but Margaron caught him mid-flight, slamming him into Kendrix and sending the two tumbling away. With a cold and brutal laugh he hurled energy at the two, knocking them through the air in a huge explosion.

Both Ryan and Kelsey were busy with Dara as the two fought with the demoness. Dara slashed the two away, her sword sparking with demon energy as she brought it slashing past the two before spiking them with an ice wall shot over the area. With a second laugh, she formed black fire in her hands, hurling them away. "Pathetic humans, you're no challenge at all!"

As the four tried to climb off of the ground, Dara and Margaron chuckled with delight. "I believe our game has ended," Dara spat with an acid tone. "Might as well kill the other three and capture the Pink Ranger right now!"

Suddenly a flash of blue shot past, coming to a halt as he knocked past Dara, hurling the young woman away. Slamming into Margaron, he kicked the demon backwards with brutal kicks.

"You'll pay for your insolence against the Emperor!" Dara snarled, helping Margaron up. "Who the hell are you?"

"I am called the Blue Shogun," the warrior relied with a snarl. "My name means nothing to you... I am merely your slayer! I have come for revenge!"

"Hah!" Margaron shouted. "You're a pathetic human! What kind of revenge do you mean to exhibit on us poor old demons?"

"I have sworn to destroy all demons and your race for what you have done to me! I shall bring honor to my people by destroying all of you!" He shouted.

"What could you possibly do to us?" Dara screamed.

"This!" Blue Shogun shouted. "Haraise no Enkai!"

Swirling his hands together, blue energy coursed its way around him, a sphere of water slowly forming into his fists. With an expert swing, he hurled it forward, the sphere of energy crashing into the demon and hurling him backwards. The Lightspeed Rangers stared in shock at this, surprised to have seen such an attack before their eyes. "I think he's on our side Kendrix," Ryan whispered. "If he's an enemy of the demons, I don't see why we shouldn't help him!"

"Point taken," Kendrix replied. "But we still have to be careful!"

"Major, I don't like vigilantes!" came Mitchell's voice over the coms. "I don't trust him, and neither should you! Exhibit extreme caution around him!"

"Bu-"

"Listen to me, Ryan!" Captain Mitchell shouted.

"Fine," Ryan muttered acidly.

The Rangers watched as both the Blue Shogun and Margaron fought in hand-to-hand combat, the Blue Shogun showing excellent acrobatic and martial art abilities. With precise and brutal strikes, he began to fight down the weakened demon, which had been hurt by the water attack dealt to him by the ninja. Finally, the Blue Shogun sent the demon hurling backwards with a wave of water.

"Captain, permission to engage Dara!" Kendrix shouted.

"Permission not even needed!"

Dara had been observing the battles between Blue Shogun and Margaron with interest, staying out of the way of water. "So you wish to fight me, Rangers?" Dara demanded, extending her blade with anger as she saw the Rangers assemble before her, cutting her off from the Blue Shogun. "Fine then, I'll have the pleasure of beating you a second time!"

Dara moved in to attack Ryan, but Kendrix cut her off, slamming into her and striking her down with her weapon. The Medi-Boa clashed with Dara repeatedly, striking the female demoness down with ease. "Engage combat, we need to help Kendrix!" Ryan ordered Joel and Kelsey.

"No!" Kendrix shouted. "I can take her myself!"

With a sigh, Ryan watched the two warriors fight, knowing they had a better chance of killing Dara if the four worked together. He finally decided that if she wanted to be stupid, he would have to let her be stupid. Perhaps she had to learn the hard way. He watched as the Blue Shogun hurled Margaron at Dara, knocking the demoness down to the ground.

"Get back here, Dara!" Diabolico screamed. "That warrior is too powerful with his magick! I want you back at Skull Castle immediately!"

"As you command, father!" Dara replied, grabbing Margaron as she stood to her feet. "You've one this round, Rangers, but I promise, we'll be back!"

In a flash of lightning, the two monsters disappeared, the Rangers helping Kendrix to her feet. "You okay Major?"

"I'm fine," Kendrix snapped, letting her transformation drop. "Don't question me again in combat! Understand?"

"Yes, Major," Ryan muttered with a sigh. The four glanced at the Blue Shogun, who was staring at them oddly, as if trying to analyze them.

"Who are you?" Kendrix demanded, taking a step forward. The Blue Shogun bowed, Joel dropping into a fighting stance.

"He's going fight us!"

"No." Blue Shogun quickly said. "I'm sorry if I startled you... Bowing is sign of respect, not hostile intent. You are Lightspeed, are you not?"

"We are." Kendrix replied. Listening for several seconds on the comm., she smiled warmly. "Would you come to the Aqua Base with us so we can talk with you for just a few minutes?"

Holding his hand out, the Blue Shogun seemed to "read" each of the Rangers, before chuckling. "I'd be quite delighted to come with you to your base. Perhaps I shall tell you a little about myself and my mission." He then climbed into the humvee, driving off with the Rangers, yet keeping his battle mask on.

"Father, I was winning!" Dara whined as Margaron followed her towards Diabolico. "Why did you call me back?"

"You shouldn't have gone off without my permission!" Diabolico yelled. "Dara, I am disappointed greatly with you!"

"I'm sorry!"

"That's not important!" Diabolico snapped. He encircled Margaron, eyeing him slightly with disapproval. "How did you get this demon from Jinxer?"

Dara quickly thought up a plan. If her father learned that she had used Impus for her own good, she would pay dearly. "Jinxer and Vypra dropped the card... I found it and let Impus play with it, Energy fluxed from Impus into the card, making this demon much more powerful!"

"You used him?" Diabolico raised an eyebrow slightly. Dara gasped, very much horrified by the thought, before falling.

"I'm sorry."

"That is fine. Impus would understand if he could." Diabolico continued to pace. "Although I would not suggest on it in the future. It sounds to me by the tone of your voice that you will never do it again, which is good. I very much wish to see you be wed to the Prince, for your own interests"

"Yes father," Dara somberly said.

"But I would not play such games with Impus anymore! He is the heir to Bansheera, and if he is hurt, not even I will be able to protect you from her wrath or punishment! The demons will only continue to grow in power, so Impus's strength will not be needed... Understand?"

From the corner of the room, Vypra watched with a smile hinting her face. She snorted with disgust as she saw the two embrace. So pitiful that Diabolico was associating himself with this half-bred bitch. It was sad indeed. At least she had heard about Impus' powers of making demon cards stronger... she was sure that information could be used in the future. "I have no problem with using baby Impus to gain more power for myself."

She had already formulated a plan with the information she had learned from Jinxer. He had told her of a powerful demon called Demonrock that was locked away. It was only a matter of time before she would find this demon and awaken him. But it certainly didn't hurt to know that whenever she needed a "juice up", young Prince Impus would be available. With a giggle, she turned, fading into the darkness.

At the Aqua Base, the Rangers escorted the Blue Shogun to base, taking him to the briefing room. There, both Mitchell and Angela were waiting.

"You have quite the complex... I am impressed," the Blue Shogun remarked. "How long did it take to build?"

"Long enough," Kendrix quickly answered.

"I thought it was a dump," Joel quipped.

"Sorry, the rookies here are a little spaced out in the head," Kendrix cracked, getting a look of annoyance from Joel.

"So are you a rookie?" Ryan asked in surprise.

"Of course not." Kendrix playfully replied.

"Do you have a name?" Kelsey asked with interest.

"Too enemies and demons, I am known simply as the Blue Shogun. But you can call me Chad," the man said. Captain Mitchell and Angela came walking into the room, taking a seat at the briefing table.

"Good afternoon," Captain Mitchell stated as both he and Angela shook hands with Chad. "I'm sure the Rangers have introduced themselves to you. I'm Captain William Mitchell, this is our head of research, Doctor Fairweather. I'm in charge of this base."

The Blue Shogun nodded, bending over as he removed his mask. It came as no surprise to the Rangers as they saw he was of Asian descent, but it shocked them as to how young he was. He appeared no older then in his late teens at the most.

"Since you are the Elder here, I believe that I can trust you with my face," Chad stated. "I'm from a bloodline of samurai that fought fiends of darkness. I have come searching for the demons, with a promise to destroy them. I believe you would call it a personal vendetta at the most..."

"Why exactly did you come?" Dr. Fairweather asked.

"I'm afraid I cannot say," Chad responded. "I have already told you too much."

"That's the problem." Captain Mitchell sighed. "I believe your story, as far fetched as it may sound to anyone else. But the fact of having a free agent roaming around, and dispensing his own league of justice won't fly with the higher ups. Especially my commander, General MacKnight."

"I don't understand."

Dr. Fairweather sighed, trying to explain it for him. "You see, around here, things aren't so black and white. We have rules, laws, regulations that just have to be followed, regardless of what either Captain Mitchell or I think. If everyone went around dispensing their own brand of justice, there would be utter chaos on the planet. Even if it is against demons."

"But, with great respect to you...it is of utter importance that I fight these demons!" Chad exclaimed. "I have sworn by my ancestors to exact my revenge upon them!"

"I am sorry, but I have to obey what limitations have been set upon me. I'll let you go this time, but any time in the future...and I'll have to arrest you. Which means you then have to answer to our laws."

"I think you should join us!" Kelsey stated. "Why not?"

Chad shook his head, looking slightly glum. "I'm sorry, but I cannot. I have chosen to walk this path a lone warrior," He softly said. "But I am open to having allies."

"I'm afraid your quest ends here," Captain Mitchell repeated. "I suggest that you remain here, until we can arrange a transport to take you home. Understood?"

"Understood." Chad sighed, taking his helmet and sliding it back on. Suddenly the alarm bells began to ring, Dr. Fairweather running to the wall and checking the comm. port.

"The demons are back!" Dr. Fairweather shouted.

"Remember that this demon is stronger than before." Captain Mitchell said. The others nodded, quickly exiting as they left.

Margaron continued the rampage throughout the city he had begun earlier that day, hurling blasts of energy around him as he ran. He heard the screech of a humvee, whirling around to see the four Rangers running towards him. "Ah... you again!"

"Yeah, us again!" Kendrix bellowed. "Let's do this!"

"Let's use one of my plans, Kendrix!" Ryan suggested.

"Not now!" Kendrix replied. "We still need to rely on our powers!"

The Rangers charged Margaron as he began to hurl plasma energy at them, the Rangers dodging the blows as they closed in on the demon.

Back at the base, Chad shook his head in frustration. He hadn't wanted it to come to this, but he had no choice. With a soft grunt, he brought his fist snapping down onto the neck of the soldier escorting him, knocking the man unconscious. Running towards the nearest exit, he suddenly felt something halt him in his tracks.

"Stop!"

"What the..." Chad looked around in shock. "Who are you?"

"That is not what is important... but I can tell you are not one to give up, persistent soul, so I will oblige this fact. I am a spirit, if you will."

"Are you a guardian spirit?" Chad asked, trying to detect this enlightened presence. But he could not.

"In a sense."

"Why have you chosen just to reveal yourself to me now?" Chad demanded. "Why not before?"

"Because this is an important part of your journey to discover your fate, Chad."

"Fine... I'll do whatever you say. What do I do?"

"You need the power..."

"What power?" Chad asked, growing slightly impatient.

"Listen well young one, and do exactly what I tell you to do!"

The four had quickly entered combat with Margaron, who was brutally beating them to the ground. Like Ryan had said, relying on their powers wasn't the only option. Soon enough the demon extended his claws to full length, striking Kelsey down with vicious and deadly strikes.

"Foolish girl!" Margaron cried.

"Get the hell away from her you bastard!" Kendrix yelled, arcing her Medi-Boa with energy as she slammed it into Margaron, striking him down with a brutal slash. "Stay away from her!"

Margaron cackled, blasting her backwards as he shot through the air. He slammed into Joel, slashing him to the ground as well, both Ryan and Kendrix rolling away as he hurled energy at the two.

Bending down, the two checked the pulses of their allies, noting they were fine. "I should have listened to you Ryan... working together would have proven a better chance to defeat this demon than each using our own special abilities..." Kendrix sighed. "Damnit I'm such a fool!"

"Major, with all due respect," Ryan replied, "now isn't the time to be doubting yourself. We have a demon to kill!"

Helping both Joel and Kelsey to their feet, the Rangers turned to flee, when they were suddenly cut off by a horde of vampires. The vampire forces quickly surrounded the Rangers, leaving no room for escape. "Looks like you're out of luck!" Margaron chortled.

Back at the Aqua Base, Chad moved throughout the base to the location of the blue Bracer, walking past various officials and officers. "How are they not able to see me? I was told not to leave my quarters or I would be arrested."

"I am using my power to shield you from their view."

Finally entering the room, Chad followed the direction of the voice, finding himself before a small metal case. Upon opening it, he found a device with a blue stripe inside, quickly sliding it over his left wrist.

"The Rangers need your help! Go Chad!" the voice urgently said inside of his head. With a nod, Chad took down the hallway, still invisible to everyone at the Aqua Base. As he ran, he saw the images of the battle flashing through his mind, the Spirit inserting all the information that he needed into his mind. Leaping into a helicopter, despite never having piloted one before, he engaged the systems and brought the launch bay doors open as he shot into the sky.

Both Kendrix and Ryan were weak from their battle with Margaron and couldn't handle the sheer strength of the vampires as they closed in on the four Rangers. Both Joel and Kelsey groaned as they slowly began to awaken, seeing the vampires closing in on them, and snapping to attention.

Suddenly a helicopter came shooting overhead, machine guns flaring to life as metal slugs ripped across the skyline and tore through the vampires. Vampires everywhere screamed in pain as arms and legs were torn off, chests blown open, and heads imploded as the bullets raged through them.

"Chad?" Kendrix asked in surprise as Chad leapt from the helicopter as it landed. The young adult nodded, placing into a falling stance beside Kendrix.

"Lightspeed Engage!" Chad shouted, blue light streaking around him. A bright blue aura ripped around him, his armor violently building up his body in a storm of vicious energy. Chad at last struck a final fighter stance, shocking the Rangers as his violent transformation came to an end.

"Holy shit," both Kelsey and Joel whispered.

"How the hell did he get the Blue Bracer?" Captain Mitchell demanded.

"It's gone sir!" a tech officer shouted. "He must have stolen it somehow!"

"Captain!" Dr. Fairweather said. "His readings are off the chart! Just like the other four, it's as if the Bracer and set of powers was built exactly for him!"

"I don't believe this!"

"How'd you get the Bracer?" Kelsey asked in shock.

"I'll elaborate on that later!" Chad said. "That isn't important!"

"Ryan, plan workable!" Kendrix stated. "We've got five Rangers, I think it'll be enough"

"Great!" Ryan exclaimed. "Here's the game plan. Kelsey, Joel, Chad... attack Margaron from the front, while Kendrix and I sneak up on him from the back."

"Right!"

Rushing forward, the three Rangers collided with Margaron full force, using their weapons to strike him down. "Hydro Stormers!" Chad shouted, drawing a set of nunchuckus as he slammed them into the demon. Margaron roared as energy ripped around the weapons, Chad slashing him backwards with wild precision.

Both Kendrix and Ryan came charging at Margaron from behind, Shield Saber and Medi-Boa in hand as they struck into the demon. They sent him stumbling forward, the demon now trapped in by the five Rangers. Chad flicked his hands forward; glad they had at last cornered this demon. "Haraise no Enkai!"

Using his newfound powers, blue light ripped around the hands of Chad, energy and water freely mixing together and forming into a sphere of energy. With a scream, he hurled himself forward, unleashing the spectrum of energy full force onto the demon that fell screaming to the ground. With a furious roar, Margaron stood to his feet, before falling to his knees and exploding in a violent eruption of flame and fire. Body parts littered the ground as Chad relaxed. "One demon destroyed."

"Rangers, return immediately with Chad to the Aqua Base! Understood?"

The Rangers nodded slightly, all five de-armoring as they jumped onto the humvee and drove off.

Back at Skull Castle, Dara pouted at her defeat, greatly pissed at having lost yet again to the Rangers. That was two defeats by this time. "Damn those Rangers! Forgive me father, for I have failed you again!"

"I think now would be a good time to re-energize your life force. For the time being, leave the attacks to the others!" Diabolico ordered. Dara sighed, knowing she wouldn't be attacking for quite sometime.

A laugh was heard, as Vypra came walking into the chambers. "Unlike Dara, I am not a failure!"

"What is it, Vypra?"

"I have a plan on how to destroy the Rangers!" Vypra smiled. "But don't worry, I'm not going to tell you... It's a secret! I wouldn't want a certain bitch to steal my idea and take credit for it!"

"Father!" Dara screamed. "You can't let her say things like that about me!"

"Why don't you go see if pet Impus is crying? With your luck, the vampires you left on guard probably fed on him!"

With a scream, Dara stormed out of the room. Diabolico glared angrily at Vypra, the demoness laughing madly as she too left the room. After hearing the information that Jinxer had provided to her, she knew the demon that could help her. It was just a matter of finding out where this demon was.

"But don't worry..." Vypra giggled. "You'll soon be aiding me Demonrock... very soon!"