Legacy Rangers (Book Two of the Chosen Universe)

Chapter Twenty-Seven

ZELL

He had gone to the meeting purely to keep the peace. So many branches of evil had come together, each with their own motives, and Zell knew it would be difficult to accomplish anything without someone playing referee. On top of that, he thought it might be amusing to listen to what each of them were thinking about but not voicing aloud. By joining his alliance, they'd unknowingly allowed him access into their devious yet simple little minds.

Merkhet arrived first, with Goldar and Virges by her side. Zell greeted them pleasantly. Venjix arrived next. He'd taken a physical form as soon as he was strong enough, not content to simply exist within the Machine Empire. Dark Specter arrived shortly after. Goldar visibly shrank in fear at the sight of the entity who'd essentially taken Zell's slot as the greatest evil in the universe while Zell was gone.

Why would he invite him here? Merkhet wondered.

Zell smiled to himself. The reason should be obvious. He liked to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. Besides, Dark Specter was not at full power anymore. He was even less of a threat than he'd been in the past, but his desperation to regain that power made him an ideal ally. He knew exactly how to manipulate someone like that.

King Mondo, Queen Machina, and Sprocket entered next. They had Cogs with them, but the rest of their Empire was still down for the count. Finally, Divatox made a dramatic entrance with Elgar right behind her.

Zell had two secret weapons. One, he had kept hidden in his lair. She needed to be protected more than the others, but she was also much more dangerous. The other lurked in the shadows, watching. Zell didn't want anyone to know that after he'd killed Caleb, however briefly, he'd harnessed enough of the boy's gift to resurrect someone without alerting a very distracted Casey. She had a ridiculous number of souls to keep track of and he knew any descendant of Rose would be too distracted by Caleb's death and grief to pay attention to much else until he left her.

Can you hear everyone? Zell asked him telepathically.

The answer was guarded. Yes, I hear the pointless small talk. Can we get started? Deker replied.

Zell liked that Deker always cut straight to the point. It saved time. The mortal who'd been turned into a half-Nighlok to save his life had only recently been saved from his curse when Jayden agreed to duel to the death. Jayden had survived and Deker had finally died. Zell had expected him to protest being brought back from the dead, but Deker had a lot of rage in him and he seemed to be enjoying the promise of one last battle. For now, however, he wanted Deker in his back pocket. His job was to protect Zell's interests above all others. Later, Zell would introduce him to the others as his loyal minion.

"Divatox. Excellent," Zell said, turning to her. "Now, we may begin."

"Get on with it," King Mondo said.

"Of course. My dear, dear villains, I have gathered you here for one purpose... To destroy the Power Rangers."

"Yes... Why is that, Zell?" Merkhet asked suspiciously. "They did not exist until after your time."

"That is an excellent question. The answer is quite simple, my dear. Zordon created them. My son took away all that I held dear. It is time to return the favor." There was more to his plan, but none of them needed to know that.

"Um... Great Zell, um... Can I ask a question?" Sprocket asked.

Zell was surprised the child had the nerve to address him. Curiosity got the better of him. "Of course, my boy. What is it?"

"Well, see... We've all tried that before, and the thing is, it never works... So how, exactly, do you plan on destroying them now?"

"Before, you were divided. Most of you did not work together, and even when you did, you did not have me on your side. I do not fail."