Match made in Hell - Part 2

    Ransik was the first to speak. Ransik: "Don't even start." Cerina looked at Ransik. Then at the baby in Kelly's arms. Cerina: "Don't start? You took somebody's baby." Kelly: "We are going through a lot right now." Cerina: "And that child isn't going to help you. I'll put aside the fact that what you did is totally wrong for a minute. Lets just say you did this legally." Ransik: "If this were legal, you couldn't have any problem." Cerina: "Bringing a new baby into your life isn't going to replace Nadira. It won't make the pain go away. You're trying to substitute one child for another and its just not going to work." Kelly: "What do you want us to do? Nadira meant everything to us!" Cerina: "You have to deal with your loss in another way! This will just make things worse."
    Vulca walked into her throne room with Kitana at her side. They both stood surprised to see Scorn sitting on the throne. Scorn: "Welcome home, ladies." Vulca snapped her fingers and two doors opened on the sides of the throne. Six Drika soldiers ran out of both doors and surrounded Scorn. They pulled their guns and awaited Vulca's order. Scorn: "Wait. Listen to me before you over react." Vulca: "Fine. Speak." Scorn: "Alone." She was hesitant, but agreed. Vulca: "Kitana, take the Drika and go." She nodded. Kitana: "We'll be right outside." They walked out the main door and it slammed shut. Scorn stood up and walked over to Vulca. He kissed her hand. Scorn: "I am Scorn. Its a pleasure." Vulca: "Skip the flattery. What do you want from me?" Scorn: "What I want is very simple, dear queen. I want you. Now and for the rest of my life." She laughed. Vulca: "Which soap opera did you get that from?" Scorn: "I am serious. When I saw you tonight, I was swept away. Such beauty and power in one woman is amazing." Vulca: "Love is a weakness. Believe me, I should know." He stepped back a little. Scorn: "Someone hurt you in the past. But I can assure you that I am not that person. You can trust me." Vulca: "I trust no one." She looked at the door. Vulca: "I think you should go." Scorn: "I think you should reconsider." Vulca: "Da*nit, I said go!" He turned and walked silently out the door. Kitana started to come back in after he had left. Vulca: "Take the soldiers and go somewhere else. I need to be alone."
    Rick saw Kari sitting on the couch. She had a big smile on her face while she watched a romantic movie on TV. Rick came over and took the remote from her hand. He flipped the TV off and threw the remote. Rick: "We have to talk." Kari: "You're ready to tell me the truth about the money?" Rick: "No. I can't do that. But this new guy, you don't know the first thing about him." Kari: "John is a kind, caring man. Someone I could easily spend the rest of my life with." Rick: "Fine. If you want to trust him, I can't stop you. Even though I think you'll regrete this." Kari: "Fine. So leave me alone." Rick: "But I can tell you not to bring him back here. Revealing our location to an outsider could get us killed. I'm not going to pay that price just because you think you're in love." Kari: "The only reason you care is because you're jelous!" He stood up. Rick: "You heard what I said. If he comes around here again, you won't like the consequences."
    The next morning, Kelly got up early with the baby. She walked out of the kitchen and warmed up a bottle. Ransik came walking in behind her. Ransik: "I thought about what Cerina said last night." Kelly: "Yeah. What a load of bull sh*t." Ransik: "Mostly. But that thing about us trying to replace Nadira. That might be true." Kelly: "What are you saying? She's right! You don't want to have a family with me?" Ransik put his hands on her shoulders. Ransik: "Its not that. I do. But... I think its to soon. And I want our own baby. One we made through love, not crime." He ran his han through her hair. Ransik: "I know this is something you really want. But this isn't the way to go about it." She shook her head. Kelly: "If you don't want to do this, we won't. I just can't believe you're listening to Cerina. After everything she's done to you these last few months." Ransik: "She's right this time. You know she is." Kelly: "I guess. I wanted to be there for Nadira so badly. I thought this could make up for it." She rested her head on Ransik's chest. Ransik: "I understand. You'll be a great mother some day. Our next child will be very lucky."
    Vulca was sitting on the rail of the balcony when Kitana came in. Kitana: "Have you been there all night?" She nodded. Vulca: "Yeah. I couldn't sleep." Kitana: "What did that guy say?" Vulca: "He wanted a relationship. And I'm not sure I can give him that. After loosing mom. Then dad left. I can't bare to lose someone else." Kitana: "Makes sense. That's why I refused to love anyone in my life. I won't go through that kind of pain for someone else. Its just not worth it." Vulca looked around the big room. Vulca: "I want to be able to have that. I feel so alone here some times. I walk around and all I see are these lifeless soldiers. I wish I could find someone I could really count on." Kitana: "You're talking to the wrong person now. If you think he's that kinda person, go for it. But I don't know." Vulca: "I thought you didn't believe in that." Kitana: "I don't. I don't think that kind of guy even exists. But you do. And I like that about you. Do whatever you think is right. Don't let me stop you." She started to go. Vulca: "Where are you headed?" Kitana: "Thought I'd walk around. Look for a fight a good fight." Vulca: "Ok. See ya later." After she left, Vulca thought about her mother. How happy she and Ecliptor were together. She remembered the day she had destroyed the Psycho Rangers powers. Cyann and Ecliptor and celebrated all night afterwards. They were wrapped in each others arms that entire time. Vulca: "Mom couldn't do this job alone. And neither can I." She stood and looked out at the sky from the balcony. Vulca: "Scorn!"
    Kari came knocking on Cerina's door. Lucas ran into the bathroom and shut the door. Cerina: "Come in." Kari: "Sorry to bother you like this. But I wanted your inupt on something." Cerina: "No problem. What's up?" Kari walked over and sat down in the chair next to Cerina's. Kari: "You know Rick and I haven't been getting along lately." Cerina: "You make it pretty obvious." Kari: "Well I was out last night and... I met someone." Cerina smiled. Cerina: "Good for you. Who is he?" Kari: "Said his name was John. I'd never seen him before. But he's amazing. Like something out of a fairy tale!" Cerina: "Let me guss, Rick is jelous. And you feel bad." Kari: "He is jelous. But that isn't it. I kinda brought him back here." Cerina's eyes grew wide. Cerina: "What?" Kari: "Looking back I know it was stupid, but I couldn't help it. He was so charming and..." Cerina stopped her. Cerina: "It may not be a problem at all. But you know not everyone can be trusted." Kari: "I might have just blown our cover completely." Niki was standing by her mother listening to them. Niki: "You don't know if he's evil or not. He might even help us." Kari: "I guess its possible." Cerina: "Don't let Rick get to you. He's the only reason you're giving this a second thought. John is probably no threat at all. Just go out and have fun with your life." Kari: "Thanks." She paused. Kari: "What's with the mood lately?" Cerina: "Nothing. Just happy. With Nadira gone this place isn't the pure hell it used to be." Kari looked into her eyes for a long time. Then spoke up. Kari: "There's something else."
    Seconds after Vulca's call, Scorn appeared in a huge cloud of black smoke. When it cleared, he stood in the middle of the room with his arms folded across his chest. Scorn: "Yes?" She turned around and gave him one last look. To reasure herself she was doing the right thing. Vulca: "I've..." She stopped. Vulca: "I've changed my mind." Scorn: "Oh really. That's is unexpected and welcome news." Vulca: "There are a few things you should know before you get involved with me." Scorn: "Do go on." Vulca: "You can't expect any control over the empire. Not yet anyway. You also can't get me to leave the palace at the drop of a hat. I have a job to do." Scorn: "I see." Vulca: "But don't get the wrong idea. I also need some time to myself. Someone to take me away from this place and remind me that beneath all this armor, I'm still a woman." Scorn: "That I can do." He walked up closer to her. Scorn: "I think the first thing we should do is go out. Get to know each other a little better." Vulca smiled. Vulca: "How's tonight?" Scorn: "9:00 fine?" Vulca: "Sure." He nodded. Scorn: "Until then." He then faded in the black smoke just as he had entered. Vulca: "Kitana! Get in here!" She came running in with her sword drawn. Kitana: "What is it?" Vulca: "You're in charge tonight." She lowered her sword. Vulca: "I'm going out with Scorn." Kitana: "All right." She looked at the queen for a minute. Kitana: "I haven't dated before, but something tells me you might want to change cloths. The battle armor is probably a bit much."
    Kari: "I know there's something else going on here. You can't hide it." Cerina: "What is your problem all of a sudden?" Kari: "It just hit me. You would have never listened to my problems in the past. You would have told me to shut up before I even got through the door. Now what are you hiding?" Cerina thought for a minute. Then looked over at Niki. Cerina: "Ransik and Kelly can't know about this. Ok?" Kari: "Fine." She took a deep breath. Cerina: "You know that guy I brought in?" Kari nodded. Cerina: "He works for Time Force. The department from 3000 that was meant to caputre them." Kari: "You've been hiding their ememy here this whole time!" Cerina: "Shhh!" Kari: "Sorry." Niki walked over to the door. Niki: "You can come out. She knows." He opened the door and walked out into the room. Kari: "You were their enemy and you didn't tell me." Lucas: "I only saw you a couple of times. And I wasn't sure I could trust you." Cerina: "We have to keep this quiet. If they find out, our chances of getting them locked up are gone forever." Kari: "I know. I won't say anything." She smiled. Cerina: "What?" Kari: "You two are dating?" Lucas: "Yeah." She began to laugh, but tried to stop herself. Cerina: "Do you have a problem?" Kari: "No. Its just weird seeing you with a boyfriend. When you used to be this cold hearted general and all." Cerina: "A lot has changed since then." Niki: "Like you two can be in a room together without beating the crap out of each other." Cerina: "That sure is a change." Kari: "It was good that you worked with her though. You have an advantage none of us do." Cerina: "Sure. I know how Vulca thinks cause I'm as sick as she is." Lucas: "No you're not. She's just a little more evil than you." She hit him in the shoulder. Lucas: "Case in point. You hit me, but she would have shot me." Cerina while laughing: "Don't tempt me."
    That night, the air was warm. A million starts shown over the planet. Kitana stood against the wall. Vulca walked out of her room in a shiny, blue gown. She wore a diamond neckles and had her long black hair down. Vulca: "How do I look?" Kitana looked astonished. Kitana: "I barely recognize you." Vulca: "I really hope this works out. After all the time I put into it." Kitana: "It should be fine." Scorn appeared in his usual smoky fashion. He wore solid black again. But this time, dress paints and a nice looking shirt. He approached her and in a puff of smoke, a red rose appeared in his hand. Scorn: "You are more breath-taking every time I see you." He handed it to her. Scorn: "Shall we go?" Vulca: "Feel free to do what ever you want while I'm gone." Kitana: "I thinking about making Boron pay for allowing Cerina to escape. But we'll discuss that later." Vulca nodded and took Scorns hand. They both disappeared.
    She walked alongside him down an old, dirt path. Strange animals were making noise around them. Vulca: "Where are we going?" They came to the end of the path. Vulca's eyes grew wide when she saw a huge ship out in the water. With a snap of his fingers, Scorn transported them onto it. Scorn: "I thought this would give us the privocy we need." Vulca: "Yeah. No servents or rangers getting in our way." Vulca leaned against the rail and looked out over the water. Scorn: "One day this planet will be rid of all of those rebels. And your life will be perfect, my dear." Vulca: "Its a nice thought, but its not that simple." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a vile of blue liquid. Scorn: "I think I can arrange something." She took it from him and held it up. Scorn: "Nothing like the look of poison in the moon light." Vulca: "Poison." She looked completely in love. Vulca: "I never thought of that." Scorn: "Chemical warfare has always been a favorite tactic of mine. Its just as effective as a battle, but with no mess left behind." Vulca: "You surprised me. I thought for sure you'd be just another pain in my side when I saw you with Kari." Scorn: "I could never be one of them. They're lives seem so meaningless." Vulca: "I know. Constantly trying to save a world they have no hope of reclaiming." They looked into each other's eyes and leaned closer together. Suddenly, they were wrapped in each other's arms, engaged in a long kiss. Scorn: "How would you like to strike first? The water supply? A crop duster perhaps?" Vulca: "I'll have to give it some thought. I want this to be perfect."
    Kari came walking out and found Ransik and Kelly standing over the baby. She saw the pain on their faces and decided to be kind. Kari: "You taking him back?" Ransik nodded. Kari: "How bout I take him? You all are upset and running from the Drika wouldn't help matters much." Ransik: "We can't ask you to put yourself at risk like that. Its to dangerous." Kari walked over to the table and picked up the baby. Kari: "Don't worry about it. I've been dodgeing Vulca for years. I can do it again tonight." Ransik looked at Kelly. She seemed as if she could care less. Ransik: "I guess its all right. Just be careful." Kari: "Don't worry about me." She headed to the door. Kari: "If Cerina asks, tell her I'll be back later on." She walked up the stairs. They heard the door slam. Kelly: "What was that? Why do we care if Vulca's goons catch her?" Ransik: "She has done nothing to us. I didn't want her to put herself in danger for us." Kelly: "And since when did her and Cerina become so close?" Ransik: "Who knows?" Kelly: "And come to think of it, who cares. Neither of them mean a da*n thing to us." Ransik: "Kelly...." She let out a frustrated sigh. Kelly: "Don't give me some speach about being heartless. You knew that when you married me." Ransik: "And that was also why we got divorced." Kelly: "I know I messed up with you. But that doesn't mean I have to turn my life around. I'm still as bad as I ever was. I can just admit when I've made a mistake." Ransik: "All right, all right. I guess we don't really need them. This is their planet after all." Kelly nodded. Kelly: "That's right. They need us. We don't owe them crap."
    Scorn walked Vulca over to a table. It had a white cloth over it and two candles. He pulled out her chair so that she could sit. Vulca: "You really went all out, didn't you?" Scorn: "Nothing but the best for you." He picked up a  bottle of wine and opened it. Scorn: "A toast. To our union and your total victory over the Psycho Rangers." They raised their glasses and drank. Vulca: "How did you know they were rangers?" Scorn: "I saw the morpher on Kari's wrist last night." Vulca: "Oh." Two plates of food appeared in front of them. It was an alien dish. Small blue things spread throughout a pink sause. Vulca took a bite of it. Vulca: "Oh my God! This is so good!" Scorn: "Its a royal meal from galaxies away. I thought you'd enjoy it." She sat looking at him for a minute. Scorn: "What is it?" Vulca: "I was just wishing I had met you earlier. Then maybe my life wouldn't be so messed up." Scorn: "Well I'm here now. And I plan to make your life perfect. Don't worry about the rangers ever again." Vulca: "Now wait. I don't want you to just take over the war." Scorn: "I wouldn't dream of it. I am here to follow your orders. What I meant was, you won't be losing as long as I'm here." Vulca: "You sure are comfident." Scorn: "I have conquered entire solar systems in the past."
    Kari ran through the night with the baby in her arms. She went in the back doors of the hospital to avoid being seen. She stopped running when she saw a doctor walking towards her. Kari thought: "Ok. Just act casual." He went by her. She continued until she came upon a nurses station. Kari: "Where is children's room? We went out for a walk and... kinda got lost." The nurse smiled. Nurse: "Its on the sixth floor." Kari: "Thanks." When she walked away, the nurse picked up the phone and dialed a number. Nurse: "Kitana, the Blue Ranger is here with that missing baby." Kitana: "Good. Seal all the exits. I'll be there momentarily." Kari walked into the elevator. Kari: "I wonder how they're doing." She looked down at the baby. Kari: "They really thought you were their last chance at happiness. To bad you aren't really theirs." The doors opened and she walked down until she found the right room. When she entered, she looked around. No one there. Kari: "Strange. Usually there's a nurse watching this place." She went over and placed the baby into a empty crib. When she turned to go, she saw the door slam shut. She gasped. The lights began flashing. She made a run for another door, but it shut before she got to it. She looked franticly around for another way out. Kari: "Sh*t!" One door opened and she started to run at it, but stopped when she saw Kitana. She tried to run the other way, but Kitana jumped into the air and kicked her back against the wall. She punched her in the stomach, then kicked her to the ground. Kitana: "You have a lotta guts showing up here with that baby." Kari looked up at her angirly. Kari: "Like you really care." Kitana laughed. Kitana: "Oh of course I don't. But his parents went to the queen for help when they saw he was gone. And we figured, it was the perfect chance to bust you rangers." Kari got up and held her morpher into the air. Kari: "Psycho Blast!" Kitana: "Oh, that old trick." Kari: "You never needed a reason to attack us before. Why now?" Kitana kicked her in the side of the head. Kitana: "We don't need one. Its just a nice thing to have." Kari flipped over her, but Kitana was to fast. She turned and drew her sword in time to strike her. Then she knocked her down again. Kitana: "Why can't you Psychos ever learn? I took down a team back in 2001 (Series 3 reference; episodes lost) and I yet you still think you can win." Kari started to call for her finishing move, but Kitana wouldn't let her. She ran to a crib and grabbed a baby. Kitana: "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Blast me and this little bas*ard goes with me." She froze. Kari: "Put him down. Please." Kitana: "Come with me and no harm will come to him. Refuse and... well you get the point."
    Vulca and Scorn had finished eating. Vulca: "There's so much we don't know about each other. I don't even know where to start." Scorn: "Whatever comes to mind. We have years to fill in the blanks." Vulca: "Right. Um, do you have a family?" Scorn: "A mother, yes. Though I haven't seen her in years. I also have one sibling, but he is worthless." Vulca: "Not evil?" Scorn: "Not by a long shot. How about you?" Vulca: "Well, my mom's dead and my dad's gone. I don't have any brothers or sisters." Scorn: "Do you know where you father went?" She shook her head. Vulca: "No. He just left a few months ago. Then sent that blonde lady to help me." She looked out sadly at the water. Vulca: "I miss him so much. He was the one person in my life I thought I could count on." Scorn: "If he is as good as you say, he'll be back." Vulca: "I just don't understand why he had to leave at all. He's never done it before." Scorn: "Could that be it? If he's had to raise you all these years, don't you think he needs time off?" She thought for a minute. Vulca: "I guess so." Scorn: "Now this blonde... what's her name?" Vulca: "Kitana." Scorn: "What's she like?" Vulca: "She's a great fighter. But she's lacking somethings. A heart to name one." Scorn: "I see." Vulca: "I kinda like her though. She reminds me a lot of my mom's warrior." Scorn: "You were close?" Vulca: "Yeah. Velossa was pretty cool. But she died one day before mom." He didn't know what to say. Vulca: "Screwed up childhood, huh?"
    Far away, Ecliptor stood in the middle of a mess of machinery. He had Quantrons all around him working on things. Ecliptor: "You! I want this part of the process finished tonight. Understood?" It shook its head. He looked over at a computer screen. Ecliptor: "Everything is going just as I planned. And soon, the world will pay for the crimes of the Psycho Rangers!"
    Kitana teleported onto the ship and threw Kari down on top of the table. Vulca jumped, startled. Kari was handcuffed and blindfolded. Scorn didn't speak. Vulca: "What do you think you're doing?" Kitana: "I found her sneaking around the hospital." Vulca stood, obviously frustrated. Vulca: "Fine. Take her to the jail. Its one less ranger we have to deal with." Two Drika soldiers came up and carried her away. Kari: "You won't win Vulca!" They teleported away. Scorn: "So this is Kitana." She stuck her hand out for him. He didn't bother to shake it. Kitana thought: "Well screw you too, a*s hole." Scorn: "If you are finished inturrupting, get out of here." Vulca: "Wait. Maybe we'd better just head back." He sighed. Scorn: "If that's what you want." Vulca: "We need to start in one the rangers. After all, they're weak now." Scorn: "How can I be of assistance?" She smiled. Vulca: "Oh you're the key to it all. Come with me and I'll explain."