We know now that the soul is the body, and the body the soul. They tell us they are different because they want to persuade us that we can keep our souls if we let them make slaves of our bodies.
—George Bernard Shaw, Heartbreak House
"No natural light was allowed inside the cathedral, which is why Alpha Systems satellites could not detect Ego sleeping beneath," Pyrial explained, his hand nervously rubbing his jowl as he studied the fearful images displayed on the monitors. "When Univerouge broke down the door and exposed it, enough information to confirm its presence was there. But, still, light is unable to travel far inside and we have no alternative way of knowing what is going on."
For the last hour, operations at Alpha Complex were in disarray. Soleron and Laurasia had overseen the disposal of the girl, but that was not what instilled the team with discomfort. Learning Ego, the world-destroying energy being of which practically nothing is known, was here on Earth would have been enough to make them jumpy, but at the same time the Firmament alien Univerouge announced he intended to awaken Ego. His goal was to vaporize Earth and, along with it, Sir Vesper, Arcanza's new driving force behind the Rapture—or was it officially Twilight now?—Legion armies.
Soleron moved to switch open a communication channel between himself and the young man Craig Hopwood, the new possessor of the Red Omni Ranger Power that belonged rightfully to Omnis, but stopped himself as he remembered that would be impossible for the same reason. Alpha System used light to transmit information—sight, sound, data—and where the was no light, such as this Austrian cathedral called Heiliges Dämon Schongebiet, Holy Demon Sanctuary, to the local people, the technologically-superior computer was unable to function as the eyes and ears of the world.
"Do we have a plan of action?" Seraide asked, then, realizing the uncharacteristic pessimism of her words, added, "Just in case."
All four sets of eyes turned on him. Soleron bit his lower lip, reached to his neck for a worry globe that was not there, and shifted cheerlessly. "Yeah," he said, solemn and serious. "Find a space-worthy vehicle and run like hell."
People—brainwashed, clueless, tainted people—celebrated in the underground streets of Neo Twilight City, dancing and singing their happiness and worship of their master in the artificially created light embedded in the earthen ceiling above. It was quite spacious and, from the layout and point of view, might even look somewhat like its previous incarnation above ground. The crystiglass throne room, situation at the top of a spire affectionately called "the new Digireign building" by the citizens below, watched over the wondrous underground city. Ambition was addictive, as the Shadow of War, Sir Vesper, knew well, but Arcanza seemed perfectly sober in his design to conquer Earth and, eventually, the entire universe. Ambition indeed.
"They are not brainwashed," Arcanza remarked, appearing out of nowhere and standing beside Sir Vesper as they stared out over the city. "Each thinks, acts, breathes for themselves. They simply share my ideals. Did you know, these Earth folk have something very interesting and entertaining, called 'politics?' It starts global wars, turns parent against child, or organizes a utopia depending on how its used."
Vesper growled. He was shaken around Arcanza, much to the distaste of admitting it, and even more uncomfortable when the Omnis native seemed to read his mind. During one of their meetings he had questioned Arcanza about that particular ability and received a reply of darkly amused laughter. "I have news," the Legion's new commander announced.
"Not good, I assume." Arcanza turned crystalline eyes that appeared to gather all of the light around them and shine with deadly intelligence. "All three of your targets remain alive, Vesper. I grow tired of waiting for my orders to be carried out."
"My plan to use Univerouge as a neutral distraction has backfired, my lord," Sir Vesper growled, hand tightening on the handle of the sheathed sword at his side. "And the arrangement that was supposed to bring Soleron, Donaldson, and the Ranger—" He snorted an amused laugh at that, a teenage Omni Ranger. "—together hit a snag. But that is not why I am here."
A hand was placed in front of Vesper's line of sight, blocking his perfect view of Neo Twilight City. "Why are you here?" demanded Arcanza.
"Univerouge's plan," the Shadow of War answered. "Ego is here on Earth, and he wants to awaken it to eliminate me with the entire planet. He is honorless scum, my lord..."
Arcanza was silent as Sir Vesper outlined the specifics of what was transpiring above ground: he discovered an anomaly on his Point Navigator, followed it to an Earth shrine where he saw the five Ranger children entering, kept close behind them and out of sight, witnessed them teleport down into the excavation, heard the conversation echoing down below. During his detailed description, Arcanza would occasionally nod or tap his index and middle fingers over his mouth. His crystal eyes seemed somewhere else entirely. Finally, as the debriefing concluded, he spoke. "Gather a mercenary Legion force of four soldiers with high pseudoine levels and strong reliability and wait by the teleportation machine." With that said he slipped away undetected and disappeared as smoothly and suddenly as he had arrived. Vesper wasted no time questioning orders; he followed them.
Ego rose up behind Univerouge. Pale white flesh, deep and sunken facial features almost to the point the head looked like a skull, clothed in a tattered gray robe, it seemed less intimidating that it had been in Craig's mind. It appeared interested in analyzing the surrounding environment, people included, as though it really were just waking up from a nap. Craig recalled the nights when he could not fall asleep until early next morning, then woke up no more than two hours later, tired and cranky, wondering as he struggled to rouse himself why he bothered to sleep at all. Was that what Ego felt now? Probably not. Probably something more alien.
"Good lord!" Becky spoke in an undertone. Brittany, paralyzed with fear, was evidently in agreement.
Univerouge stood and twisted to face the presence he had just aroused, the satisfied smirk being wiped away as he did. "Rise and shine," he laughed.
A surge of energy began circulating around Ego, coursing along the contours of its form, piercing its pasty flesh, tore up the robe in new places. Then, with a cry Craig would have sworn was painful in nature, the being shot straight up and out of sight. Bound for outside.
"I hope you are satisfied," snarled Alexander, lifting the Gaia Star off the floor and pointing it threateningly at Univerouge. "Our world is doomed to destruction, and you are, too. Unless Firmament Cruiser wasn't the only ship you brought."
Those lifeless opened wider, the knowing and taunting smile returning. "I do not plan on using my own ship. I plan on using yours."
"Our ship?" demanded Michael. "What are you talking about? We don't have a ship."
The alien laughed. "I'm not that gullible, you soon-to-be wastelanders." His feet lifted off of the ground as he began moving skyward.
Brittany looked at Craig and asked, "What was he talking about?" The other Rangers turned to him as well, expecting an answer.
"I don't know," answered the Red Ranger, reaching for his Omni Morpher. "We will get to the bottom of it later, though. Let's concentrate on our problems with Ego—time is running out faster than ever now." He teleported up in a beam of red light, followed instantly by yellow, pink, green, and blue.
He watched from a distance, four humans shifting nervously behind him, carefully monitoring the Holy Demon Sanctuary. Sir Vesper's hand was wrapped around his curved katana sword, tightening and releasing in tune with the quick rhythms of his heart. The number of times he had been this frightened was a number he could count on that hand. Turning to reaffirm his small battalion was still there, he studied the face of two women dressed in violet and two men dressed in orange, all marked with the setting sun emblem of Twilight Legion. Each of their eyes were empty, a dull unresponsive solid white, signaling their infusion with dangerously high pseudoine levels. The unpredictability of that dark matter genetic material Arcanza was fond of was another factor contributing to Sir Vesper's discomfort.
I TASTE THE UNIVERSE ONCE MORE.
At first Vesper thought one of the Legionnaires had spoken, then realized the perfectly formed voice—spoken in his native language, no less!—had screamed into both ears and straight into his evil mind. Slowly the Shadow of War turned around and saw it: Ego.
AS IT WAS EONS BEFORE AND WILL BE EONS FOLLOWING, I LIVE.
The being was the form of a human. Its flesh was dark and golden, silver life energy flowing along the edges and curves of the body. No threatening gesture or weapon or any feeling of menace at all, definitely not what Vesper had envisioned when stories of the world-devouring Ego were spread.
It had burst its way through the steeple of the cathedral, showering sharp pieces that struck harmlessly on Vesper's armor. The Legion members smoothly glided around to avoid the deadly combination of gravity and debris. All around the sanctuary the base was beginning to catch aflame, an unnatural fire that was dark in color and absent of heat, and consume the centuries-old resting place. Just as a column of the shadow inferno exploded skyward to engulf Ego and send a shower of silvery rays in every direction, the five Power Rangers ran hard to escape the cataclysm behind them, straight toward him. Not far behind them, of larger mass and of slower moving, the familiar cursed form of Univerouge barely avoided the blaze.
Red Ranger skidded to a halt first, a brilliant golden shield forming across his chest almost instantly, his head pointed in the direction of the Twilight Legion force. The others had drawn weapons—a sword, a bow, a star, and a staff—that slowly became substance out of colored energy in the air. "This is not a good time," the leader growled, the band around his forearm radiating a soft red glow.
"You are mistaken," Vesper began to say, "we're here to help you..."
"I knew it!" Univerouge bellowed. He moved in closer and seemed to be increasing in size, almost twice as large as he normally was. "I wondered why we could never settle an alliance. Now I see: You fools already struck a pact with the disgraceful Sir Vesper!"
The Red Ranger exclaimed, "What!" but his surprise was overpowered by Vesper's roaring, "How dare you accuse me of being disgraceful! If I were not following orders now, I would smash your face so hard you would make the impossible possible and become even more ugly than you are now." Shifting his stance toward the Rangers the warrior explained, "I have been given orders by Arcanza to propose a temporary...truce...to handle mutual problems."
THIS WORLD IS PITIFULLY WEAK. ALREADY I FEED.
Vesper quickly added, careful not to cross the line of pleading, "With your Omni Power, the miracle of pseudoine, and my battle experience, we stand on equal ground with Ego."
"A truce with Twilight Legion?" the Rangers were muttering amongst themselves. He could tell from body language that green and pink were strongly opposed, blue and yellow much more open-minded. Finally Red looked up and nodded, affirming, "We accept your help."
The Firmament slime was now accelerating in his growth and shook the ground with his degenerating voice, "No!" Eyes empty of animation looked down and challenged, "Our final battle takes place now, Vesper. Whether I conquer you now or you manage to trick and best me, our rivalry finishes this day. Either way, Ego obliterates us, one and all."
Before Sir Vesper could respond to the provocation, the Red Ranger—Craig—was issuing orders naturally and logically. The poor humans must be frightened witless of the chaos and action surrounding them, but their bravery was something impressive, almost commendable. "Alex, you and the others use the OmniZords to handle Univerouge. Twilight Legion, two of you should grow or morph or whatever it is you do to help them. Sir Vesper, the remaining two Legionnaires, and myself will confront Ego." The five Rangers reached out to the space in the middle of their small circle, placing hands on top of one another's, and cried, "Omni Rangers!"
Ego hovered in the sky. Every other moment, the shadow flames would rise up and engulf him, then divide into hundreds of trails and disperse in every direction. Heartbeats later silver threads, some as thin as threads and others as thick as tree trunks, would return from those distant places and simply melt in with the same silver liquid-like substance flowing graciously across its golden form.
"It is sending out its exhausted life force and stealing life forces—souls—from Earth," Vesper whispered to Craig. "The planet is dying slowly now, but as hope fades so will resistance, until there is nothing left except the strength to collapse."
HUNDREDS OF HUNDREDS OF LIVES TO FEED UPON AND MAKE MINE. I AM AWAKE. HUNGRY. THOSE WHO AWAKEN ME WILL FACE MY HUNGER.
The voice exploded into Craig's mind and, like it did before, pushed every other thought from his mind. But unlike before, other voices, weaker and less dominating, whispered in agony.
save us. please save us from the demon. you hear us. we feel you. you can save us.
"We can save them," Craig agreed with a shiver as he regained composure. Sir Vesper examined him carefully, the Twilight Legionnaires behind him looking around apathetically. Taking a deep breath, he lifted the Omni Morpher and exclaimed, "Force Barrier!"
Instantly the crimson force barrier surrounded Ego, but Craig could only watch in astonishment as the obstruction shattered and a new wave of blackened fire was unleashed upon the world. Vesper was pointing out a formation to his company and they saluted, moving into position. "Can you move those shields you create?" he inquired.
Craig replied, "To some extent."
"Listen carefully," the evil warrior instructed. "Create a shield right beside it and use the shield to push it as far away from the flames." Craig nodded. He followed the directions and was able to move Ego slightly off center. "Now!" Vesper exclaimed, causing both Twilight Legion members to change into alien-like creatures and bombard Ego with two intense explosions of power.
I FEEL PAIN. I SIMPLY ABSORB MORE LIFE. PAIN CREATES HUNGER.
we feel pain. the pain inflicts upon ego. the pain inflicts upon us. save us from the pain.
"Stop!" cried Craig. "You're hurting the souls he's taking!"
Sir Vesper turned to him, frowning and tightening his facial features in irritation, then after some consideration said, "Repeal attack." The Legionnaire monsters ceased the onslaught; Ego floated back to his original position unconcerned and received another collection of life forces. "It would have been unsuccessful anyway; you probably gave us more time."
relief! it is such sweet relief! no more pain. just terror. just death. we must be free.
Craig turned away from Ego, even knowing it would not stop the voices speaking directly into his thoughts. He saw the Dragon, Pegasus, Hydra, Sphinx, and two hideous monsters engaged in fierce combat with giant Univerouge. "Vesper!" he was bellowing in rage. "Coward!"
"Those who awaken me will face my hunger," Craig whispered to himself. The memory came involuntarily, he was sure it was a key to defeating Ego, but how to use this only chance?
Univerouge continued screamed his animosity. "If I cannot destroy you, Ego will. I have insured your destruction. I win, Vesper, I win! Conquest belongs to Univerouge!"
It came together so suddenly. So simply. It was not a being of Earth who awoke Ego! But just as he was about ready to announce his accusation to the soulthirsty alien entity, hope was shattered. The Hydra OmniZord wrapped tightly around Univerouge and emitted a mechanical roar as it crushed him, then released the enormous lifeless body to the ground.
"No!" Craig cried in anguish, gravity seizing his knees and bringing them down to the ground. "Michael! No!"
Vesper stood over him repeating, "What is wrong? What is it, Ranger? What is the matter with you? Stand up and focus!"
Finding the strength to stand, the Red Ranger turned to Sir Vesper and demanded, "Open your eyes. Ego is supposed to destroy the world that awakens him." The look Vesper gave him affirmed his failure of understanding. Craig leaned forward. "The Firmament awakened him."
"Lineage curse the universe!" snarled the uneasy ally. He was obviously aware of the death that just assured the death of the planet. Earth was doomed, Sir Vesper was doomed, Arcanza was doomed, the Rangers were doomed, Ivory Glade was doomed...the list went on...
The other Rangers had abandoned their Zords and rejoined Craig, who mustered enough patience and articulation to inform them of his discovery. Blue Ranger Michael hung his head in shame as he listened, obviously blaming himself for the preventable destruction to come.
YOU QUESTION.
it heard you! it knows your heart. tell ego! tell him!
"Oh," Brittany moaned, grabbing the sides of her helmet as though it could help the headache the strenuous agony caused.
Was it possible? Craig exhaled, deciding he had nothing to lose, and lifted his arm in a flash of light to summon, "Titan OmniZord!" The vehicle answered his call quickly and allowed its complementary Ranger to teleport to stand on its metal head. "Ego, listen!" he called out desperately to the creature.
I LISTEN. I HUNGER. I FEED. I DO NOT SATISFY. YOU QUESTION.
"You have been misled terribly." The words were magnified by the Omni Power surging from the Omni Morpher that was steadily becoming more difficult to control. "The creature over there—" He motioned toward Univerouge. "—the creature that awakened you from your sleep, is not from Earth. He is called Univerouge and he is from another world called the Firmament. You are taking the life of an innocent planet. You are taking innocent souls!"
I CANNOT BE SATISFIED BY INNOCENCE. IS THIS WHY I HUNGER WHILE I FEED? I MUST LEARN THE TRUTH.
Ego flew past Craig, leaving a trail of the silver life source and screaming tormented innocent souls. It landed on top of the lifeless body of Univerouge and examined it intensely. Then, spreading its arms wide, the golden form began to melt and merge into the alien corpse. The two alien beings—one of rage and one of restlessness—became one before his eyes.
Slowly Ego-Univerouge rose to its-his feet and began to shake in a manner Craig would say was borderline nervousness. "Ages have come and ages have gone since Ego has been one with substance. It feels new. It feels different." The once-lifeless eyes now sparkled with shimmering gray light as they turned toward Craig and Ego-Univerouge spoke again. "I learn the truth and it is your truth. The Firmament awakened me and only they shall satisfy me. I will return the innocent and use the remaining force in this body to reach the Firmament." Silver beams erupted from every opening on the body and screamed with relief as it traveled back to the bodies it had originally been stolen from. When the restoration ended, the alien rose up into the sky and continuing moving higher and higher into the heaven, toward the worlds beyond.
free! free! thank you! we feel alive and we will live!
Craig teleport back down to the other Power Rangers and Vesper's reassembled Twilight Legion human team. "Ego is bound for the Firmament," he informed them.
"Earth is safe," Vesper agreed. "I am impressed by your courage, leadership, and intelligence, and in any other situation would ask you to join my invincible army. But we stand on opposite sides of the battle, you and I, Craig Hopwood." The warrior bowed formally.
Suddenly a fierce pain knifed into and up Craig's leg. The edges of his vision began to quiver and darkened as he looked down and saw Sir Vesper's sword, stained with blood, stabbed in his leg. He heard commotion arise around him, saw a sword of light and arrows of electricity immediately fall upon the attacker. The blade was withdrawn from his limb. Craig collapsed and, as he blacked out and lost consciousness, heard the dark laughter of the new Twilight Legion commander following his escape into the distance.
Earth was anything but safe.
Original Publication Date: 13 August 1999
