PokéRangers: New World

The Serpent's Sin

"It would seem that final selection has been concluded", the figure noted. "Daidryu has been chosen as interim authority."

The Rangers stood in the main chamber of a rocky cavern, invisible to the specters that now conversed before them - glimpses into a conversation deep in the God Serpent Serpenquaza's past.

"THAT FEEBLE EXCUSE FOR A SPIRIT?!?!?!?!" Serpenquaza bellowed angrily. "On who's authority did you hear such nonsense?"

"It's not so much upon any authority I hold" a vaguely familiar voice remarked as a new figure stepped forward, "but I do have eyes and ears everywhere."

As the dim light of the cave illuminated his face - as well as the animal skin vest and long beaded kilt that hung from his waist - there was no doubt about it. This was the very same 'emissary' that Giravan had sent to them barely a day before.

"What in the world is he doing here?" Dawn asked before clutching her left eye in pain - a sudden burning sensation radiating from it.

"YOU DARE TO BRING A MORTAL IN TO MY PRESENCE?!?!?!" the serpent bellowed once more.

"Now, now. Hear him out" the figure pleaded

"Yes", the man smiled confidently, "especially since this mortal holds value to you."

The serpent pondered for a moment until it finally sat back upon itself.

"Then speak, and do not waste my time."

The man nodded. "You disagree with how The Five run things. In fact, I would even go as far to say you secretly despise them - both the mortal partners AND their spirits, for even aligning with mortals in the first place."

The man's words were cut off by the noticeable sound of crumbling rocks as the serpent tightened its coils and leered down at him.

"You should be more mindful of whose presence you speak such words in front of."

"Of course, which is why I'm only speaking them here, oh Great God Serpent" the man genuflected respectfully.

Serpenquaza once more sat back upon its coils and considered the title. It certainly had a pleasing ring to it.

"You've held your tongue and played their politics - quite admirably I might add", the man continued, "but there comes a time when one must take action. And that's precisely what I'd like to offer you: act- "

The voice cut out and the vision around them crumpled as Kayla came crashing to the ground and the mountain setting they had once been in returned - along with the fully grown visage of Serpenquaza.

"Foul witch" the serpent sneered, disgusted that he'd now been touched by a mortal not once but twice in the last few minutes.

"That man you spoke to" Bewear began angrily, "He worked for Giravan!"

Serpenquaza was silent; but that silence spoke volumes as he leered towards the group.

"I'd gathered bits and pieces of the story here and there" Kayla began as she staggered back to her feet "- enough to know something didn't add up - but it wasn't until I learned of the DaiLiger Zord and inspected its resting place that I began to get a clearer picture: Fragmented memories. A PokeSpirit I've never heard of. One that speaks either not at all or in a dual voice. DaiLiger - and by extension Dailathea - are not natural PokeZords; but rather the fragmented remains of Daidryu!"

"Wait, so you know Daidryu?"

"'Know of' to be more specific. I never met him myself; but I heard the Entei Ranger speak a great deal about him: a being with a myriad of abilities, chief among them the power to generate, absorb and magnify energy in all of its forms" Kayla explained as her gaze turned towards Serpenquaza, "The fabled 'Heir of Creation', as he surmised and their true chosen successor! Until you struck a deal with Giravan to have him murdered, didn't you?"