The Beast Inside

Ch. 13: A Nightmare's Grip

I gave Nate a nod. I was excited too but also a little nervous.

I can do this. I trust my friends. Everything will be okay. I don't need to be scared.

"Alright, let's do this," I said with determination.

Devon's trademark confidence returned, "Let's show them what we're made of!"

We summoned our Zords, each of us taking our place in the massive formation. The familiar hum of energy resonated through my body as I assumed control of the Black Wolf Zord. It felt different this time, as if a newfound connection had formed between me and the Zord, a shared determination to protect the city and put an end to Evox's reign.

"Beast-X Megazord, combine!" Devon, Zoey and Ravi's voices echoed in unison as their Zords merged, a testament to our unity and determination. The Beast-X Megazord confronted the gigadrone head-on. Nate and Steel formed their Striker Megazord. The Black Wolf Zord's agility and speed allowed me to dodge the drone's attacks while delivering precise strikes, and the other Zords provided powerful long-range attacks and support.

Devon's voice was filled with determination, his words carrying across the battlefield, "We're not giving up, no matter what! Let's finish this!"

With a collective surge of energy, we unleashed a final attack—first, I used my Wolf Zord's Dual Attack with its fangs and claws, then the Megazords both used a powerful barrage of energy beams that converged on the gigadrone, engulfing it in a blinding explosion. The shockwave rippled through the air, the resulting explosion lighting up the sky.

As the dust settled, we surveyed the aftermath of our victory. The gigadrone lay defeated, its threat neutralized. The city was safe, and we stood united as a team, our breaths coming in heavy gasps, the adrenaline of battle still coursing through our veins.

Dr. Oliver's voice resonated through our communicators, his pride evident, "You did it, Rangers. You've proven once again that the Power of Unity is a force to be reckoned with."

Nate's voice was a mix of relief and excitement, "And thanks to your control of the Black Wolf Zord, Kali, our maneuvers were even more effective!"

I smiled, gratitude welling up within me as I looked around at my friends. This journey had been anything but easy, and yet we had faced each challenge head-on. In the moment, I'd forgotten about my fears and anxiety as I enjoyed my first victory alongside my friends instead of against them.

As we powered down our Zords and regrouped on the ground, Dr. Oliver approached me, his smile warm and encouraging. "You fought with determination and courage, Kali. Your journey is just beginning, and I have no doubt you'll continue to inspire those around you."

I met his gaze, a mixture of humility and determination in my eyes, "Thank you, Dr. Oliver. Your guidance and presence have meant more than I can express."

He clapped a hand on my shoulder, his voice carrying a note of camaraderie, "Remember, Kali, the journey of a Ranger is filled with challenges, but it's also defined by the bonds you form and the lives you impact."

I nodded as we stepped aside from the group. "Speaking of which, can I talk to you about something, Dr. O?" I asked quietly. He gave me an encouraging nod, his attention fully on me. "You've been through a lot and been part of quite a few different Ranger teams," I began, my voice hesitating slightly. "I've been having these... visions or dreams. About a mysterious Ranger, one I've never seen before. I'm not sure if he's real or if I'm just making something up."

I then told him about the mysterious Ranger. "Do you know who he is? Is he even real or is it just my mind dealing with things?" I asked. Dr. Oliver's expression turned serious, but he placed a gentle hand on my shoulder.

"He's real, Kali. I know who he is, and you will soon enough. Right now, your focus should be on defeating Evox. Your journey is far from over, and those visions might be a sign of your strong connection to the Morphing Grid."

His words left me with a mix of relief and frustration. "How do you know so much about me? And what do you mean by a strong connection to the Grid?"

He chuckled softly, his tone reassuring. "I understand that you have many questions. Some of them I can't answer right now, but in time, you'll find the answers you seek."

I couldn't help but feel a slight pang of annoyance.

What's that supposed to mean!? Why did everything have to be so cryptic? Why can't I know the answers now? You're just giving me more questions, Dr. O!

I sighed but managed a smile, nodding my thanks to him. "I appreciate your guidance, Dr. Oliver."

"Anytime, Kali," he replied with a warm smile.

Returning to Grid Battleforce, we continued our discussions with the Commander. Eventually, we made our way to the gym, and Dr. Oliver followed us. After a brief tour, we found ourselves enjoying smoothies, and Dr. Oliver's expression turned nostalgic as he looked around. "This reminds me so much of the Angel Grove Youth Center," he remarked, a hint of sentiment in his voice.

"Hey guys!" A familiar and friendly voice called out, and we turned our attention to see Ben and Betty near the rock climbing wall.

"Ben! Betty! What are you guys doing here?" Zoey asked, glancing around at the other people gathered nearby.

"We're teaching a rock climbing class! Wanna come join?" Ben asked with enthusiasm.

Zoey politely declined, and we all echoed her sentiment. The two of them shrugged it off and started their climbing session. However, things quickly took a comical turn as Ben lost his footing and accidentally fell, landing directly onto Betty.

"Are you guys okay?" Ravi called out concern.

They both gave us a thumbs-up, their expressions surprisingly cheery despite the mishap. Chuckles rippled through our group at their antics.

"Those two remind me of Bulk and Skull, just a lot nicer," Dr. Oliver observed with an amused grin.

I raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Oh, I remember reading about them. They were the resident bullies of Angel Grove High, right?"

Dr. Oliver nodded, a reminiscent smile on his face. "That's right, though they were more often clumsy than tough. They usually ended up embarrassing themselves more than anyone else."

I couldn't help but smile at the thought. It was funny to imagine the bumbling antics of two guys who were meant to be the "bad guys." We all enjoyed the rest of the day together and afterwards, Devon walked me home like we used to do. "Thanks for walking me home, Dev," I said as I hugged him.

"Anytime, Kali. I'm glad to have my best friend back," he replied as he hugged me back too.

I'm glad to be back. I've got a lot to make up for, but at least I'm not hurting anyone anymore.

We said goodbye and I went inside to get ready for bed.

Dream
The tendrils of a nightmare wrapped around me once more, pulling me into a dark abyss. This time, the visions were more vivid, more painful. I found myself in a nightmarish landscape, surrounded by the memories of my past deeds. Faces that I had once seen, now twisted by pain and fear, stared at me accusingly. Their voices echoed in my mind, a chorus of torment that refused to be silenced.

I watched helplessly as the scenes replayed before me. The faces of innocent people I had hurt during my time under Evox's control. Their anguished screams, their pleading eyes, all haunted me with a sense of guilt that cut deep into my soul. Each memory was a knife that stabbed into my heart, a cruel reminder of the pain I had caused.

And then, as if the haunting faces weren't enough, the scene shifted. I was back in that dreaded cyber dimension, strapped to the cold metal table, my arms bloody and mutilated, wires embedded into my flesh. The pain was excruciating, a symphony of agony that seemed to have no end. Scrozzle's sinister presence loomed over me, his sadistic glee evident in every torturous moment.