Power Rangers In Space/Power Rangers Lost Galaxy by Heather Ray (romantic novels to read TXT) 📕

has drawn the connection between Karone of KO 35 and the lethal Astronema. We didn't think the public could bear the knowledge that the former Queen of Evil still lives. I'd been so sure that everyone would reject me if they knew the truth...

My internal ramblings are interrupted by a triumphant giggle. My skin crawls as I see Trakeena slink around the battle, drawing closer and closer to the Pink Saber.

No! I won't let her win!

I disregard Yellow's advice, leaping out of my hiding place and reaching out my hand. My telekinetic power yanks the prize from Trakeena's fingertips, drawing the Saber into my waiting palm.

"Sorry, Trakeena," I sneer, "but you want this Saber, you'll have to work for it!"

Her sharp, golden eyes glare at me as she holds out her hand. I stare in surprise at the elegant steel blade that takes shape in a web of green light. Since when did Trakeena fight her own battles?

"If you mean I have to tear through the shadow of Astronema, then consider it done."

Then, steel clashes against steel.

I can't contain my shock as Scorpius' spoiled heir meets me blow for blow. Not only can she handle a sword, she can accompany her vicious swings with perfectly timed kicks and dodges! And the strength behind her blows is jarring...my arms tremble to absorb the shock of each blocked strike.

I can't get the upper hand! I struggle to keep pace with the Insectoid as she forces me higher and higher up the cliff...and away from the Rangers.

Then, I finally penetrate her defenses, landing a shallow cut that draws green blood from her shoulder. But in the split second I silently cheer my accomplishment, she plots a spike-heeled kick directly into my stomach. The force of the kick sends me airborne, until I land clumsily on my back like a dead weight.

I scramble to my feet, and set off in a desperate run to win a few precious seconds to figure out how to survive this conflict. But I feel the ionized air around me, which gives me a heartbeat of time to jump out of the way of a lethal energy bolt. It explodes at my feet, shaking me to the core as I stumble far too close to the edge of the precarious plateau on which I find myself.

Idiot! Ecliptor would be furious if he'd seen my folly. I let myself be forced into the worst possible combat zone, as I stand between a deadly drop and a startlingly-capable Trakeena.

Grinding my teeth, I hold the Quasar Saber with both hands. Please...grant me the strength to survive this!

I scream with effort as I arc the Saber to meet Trakeena's blade. She presses her advantage, pushing me closer to the edge. I can feel the sand beneath my boots give way, letting me inch closer and closer...

"You're bitten off more than you can chew, little girl," she gloats, her black lips pulling into a hideously smug smirk. Her leg snaps out from nowhere, knocking me off balance. I release a startled shriek as she snatches my wrist, forcing the Saber from my grasp.

"There can only be one

Queen of Evil, and you're looking at her!"

One more violent shove, and suddenly there's no more ground to support me.

Chapter Eighteen

-Kendrix-

My mind swims in pain as a vile presence suffocates me. Oh God...what have I done

?? My stubborn hesitation caused all this!

I...I feel Trakeena's presence...like rancid breath against my neck. I can even feel the rumble of her laughter as she toys with my Saber. It's not as debilitating as before, when my Saber was surrounded by hundreds of evil hearts, but the pain still makes me stumble.

But I can also feel Karone, as a wave of panic and fear overcomes her. She was indeed accepted by the Pink Saber, just as the Caretaker said. That's the only reason why I can still feel her presence, even when she's lost the Saber.

My Saber has already chosen my replacement...it's just waiting

for me to let go.

Let go...

I desperately reach, figuratively climbing the tenuous string that binds me to Andros' sister.

I'm so sorry I hesitated! Please let me not be too late!

Chapter Nineteen

-Karone-

My mind whirls as I plummet to certain death, screaming as gravity pulls me down. I've failed! I've let everyone down. I'm...going to die.

Andros...Zhane...gods, I'm sorry! Please forgive me for being such a stubborn fool!

Then, incredibly, gravity's hold on me gives way. I blink, disbelieving my own eyes, as the cliff beside me slows its blurred passing.

I'm...I'm slowing down! Could my telekinetic ability have unconsciously carried me? I didn't think I was skilled enough to carry such a load, especially under duress...

"Karone!"

I shiver as a form in the brightest white takes shape before me. "K...Kendrix?"

She floats before me, bathed in the light of the Power, a ghost solid enough to hold my hand as we float upward.

Her other hand touches my wrist, and I stare in awe as a small black box manifests. It's...a morpher

!

"Karone, you must become the Pink Ranger. I grant you my Saber, and the Power. Please, help the others! Protect Terra Venture!"

I stare at the ghost, watching her wince as she finally sets me down atop the plateau. "What about you?"

"I...I can't help them."

I can hear the anguish in her voice, and my heart aches for the young woman who sacrificed everything for her friends.

"I'm sorry, Kendrix," I murmur, "I can't be a Power Ranger. I'm...I'm tainted by evil. I can't hold the Power."

She shakes her head. "The Saber finds you worthy, and I now give you my blessing. That's all you need to call upon the Power."

I'm stunned speechless. Is it possible

? Can I really

serve as a Power Ranger? After all the people I've killed, the planets I've ravished

...could I possibly

have a heart

pure enough to become one of the galaxy's most prominent defenders?

I wouldn't believe Kendrix's words if I hadn't held the Quasar Saber. On Onyx, when I first touched it, I felt its strength. It responded to me. It...it accepted

me.

"Please take on my mission...or else Trakeena will win

!"

"Not while I'm breathing she won't!" I snarl, my fists clenching. Trakeena is far more dangerous than I gave her credit for. Her strength in combat, and the loyalty of her warriors, make her a true force of Evil. She just might be able to accomplish what Astronema had set out to do...the conquest of as much of this galaxy as possible.

She is so much like Astronema at her worst it frightens me. Perhaps, if I help in stopping her, I can prevent her from committing the carnage I indulged in. Perhaps by averting another Countdown, I can make some sort of amends.

My hands tremble as I realize the enormity of my decision. Awed, I glance at the morpher, and then back at Kendrix.

"I...I accept your mission, Pink Ranger," I speak, my tone oddly formal. "I will fight alongside the Galaxy Rangers, and will protect Terra Venture in your stead..." I offer an encouraging smile, "..until you return to take the Power back."

I watch as Kendrix nods once, and then rises to the sky.

Once she vanishes from this plane of existence, I snap back to reality. I hear the sounds of conflict, and the screams of pain ring in my ears.

The Galaxy Rangers are being overwhelmed! My...my teammates

need me.

Chapter Twenty

-Kendrix-

The moment my successor says the words, I feel a drain. It's similar to the sensation of having blood drawn for donation... only, on a far greater scale. It's like all my blood is being drawn, leaving me cold, empty, and lifeless.

I've lost. I've lost my connection. I've lost all strength. I fall helplessly into the Nexus, collapsing into a boneless heap on the white sands of my "home"

here.

My entire body is numb. I don't have an ounce of strength. I can barely breathe! Is this what it's like to give up the Power? To feel like an empty shell??

If I had the strength to sob, I would. Instead, my eyes mist in silent mourning as I sink within myself.

A presence draws me out of my daze. I can vaguely feel warmth as arms slowly lift me from the sand, cradling my head to a smooth, warm chest. I can even feel the gentle pulse of a heartbeat beside my temple.

"Don't worry Keni," Leo murmurs, "I'll take care of you. Together we'll be happy."

The last thing I feel is his lips on my forehead.

Chapter Twenty-One