Organization Chaos 4: Brave Fear

In this roleplay story, the Burning Rangers must stop a foe who threatens to burn the world.

This is a transcript from Discord.

## Story

### Episode 1: The Flames of Disaster

```
The room Hannah finds herself in is familiar. But that's not exactly on the top of her mind in her present bondage.

Hannah:
"AAAAAGH!"

Mystery Figure:
"I can see it! Just a little more..."

Hannah:
"NO MORE!!"

Mystery Figure:
*Turns a dial.*

Hannah:
*With the intensity in pain comes a surge of power.*

Mystery Figure:
"There it is!"

With a scream, Hannah tears away from her bonds!

Mystery Figure:
*Backs away and pulls out a remote.* "Why must you be so much trouble..."

Hannah:
*Swings fist to strike my tormentor.*
*But I'm stopped by crippling pain emanating from my neck.*

The shock causes Hannah to open her eyes. She's in her bedroom.

Hannah:
(Just another nightmare...)

She then realizes that she is out of bed, standing on her feet, with her fist in the wall.

Hannah:
"..."
"What the..."

Calias:
*Calias runs in to check in on his sister.* "Hannah! What happened?!?"

Hannah:
"Um. Nightmare."
*Slowly pulls fist from the wall.*

Calias:
*Notices the hole in the wall.* "...Wow... That's quite a dent... Are you okay?"

Hannah:
"Yeah... It doesn't even hurt..."

Dr. Dash:
*Cautiously pokes his head in.* "Everything okay in here?"

Hannah:
"Um..."

Calias:
"Hannah had another nightmare..."

Hannah:
*Nods.*

Dr. Dash:
*Puts his glasses on and notices the hole.* "Oh. I see. Are you alright now?"

Hannah:
"Yeah, my hand's fine... I'm about as alright as usual, I suppose."

Dr. Dash:
*Squints at his watch.* "Well, seeing as we're all up let's get ready." *Leaves for his room and shouts from the hall.* "Big day today!"

Hannah:
*Sigh.*

Calias:
*Gives Hannah a thumbs-up and a smile before following his dad into the hall, he catches up with him and talks quietly.* "They've been getting worse lately..."

Dr. Dash:
*Nods soberly.* "Apparently."

A little while later, the Dash family arrives for work at GLACIA HQ, where they're met by the rest of the Burning Rangers gathered around Nezumi Numanaga.

Calias:
"Yo! How's it going?"

Flame:
"Finally..." [he's been standing around for a while :P]

Pip:
"Hey!"

Jack:
*Sips on a Solo cup of earl grey.* "I'm alive. Mostly..."

Calias:
"Leelee! You get that rash checked out yet?"

Lepor:
"What rash?"

Calias:
"...The one you told me about..."

Lepor:
"Ohh... That. I just suppressed the memory of the pain so it's practically gone."

Nezumi:
*Glaring at Lepor.* "Ooon that note..."
*Puts on her presentation voice, it's clear she's relishing this.* "You're probably wondering why I called you all here!"

Flame:
"Yes..."

Dr. Dash:
"Why *we* called you here."

Nezumi:
"Yeah, same difference."

Jack:
"Not really."

Nezumi:
*Glares.* "Aaaanyway. To the lab!" *Walks off.*
"This way people, keep it movin'!"

Dr. Dash:
*Follows and gently motions for the rest to follow.*

We arrive in the lab, where an elaborate mechanical curtain has been set up.

Violet:
*Enters behind the Rangers, smiling.*
"It's time..."

Calias:
"Time for what exactly?"

Jack:
"Our paychecks hopefully."

Calias:
"Payday was last week..."

Jack:
"We aren't paid weekly?"

Lepor:
"You guys get paid?"

Calias:
"..."

Lepor:
"..."

Hannah:
"Are you not?!"

Jack:
"Yeah, I'll run you to Miss Jewel's office and help you get that sorted this afternoon Leaper."

Lepor:
"I--"
*Glares.*

Nezumi:
*Ahem.*

Dr. Dash:
"It's time... to make history!"

Nezumi:
"Was literally just about to say that..."
*Saltily pulls a lever.*

The curtain draws back to reveal six elaborate suits. [actually... there's two more] Each with their own specific gadgets and gizmos, and a certain colored Chaos Drive. They seem to be made with each Ranger in mind.

Hannah:
"Ooh..."

Jack:
"..."

Calias:
"SWEET!... What are they?"

Pip:
"Du-hude!"

Flame:
*Eyebrows raise.*
*Immediately locates the one that's his and walks up to inspect it.*

Pip:
"PLEASE TELL ME MINE'S THE ORANGE ONE."

Lepor:
*In awe.*

Jack:
"Sooo... What exactly are these things?"

Nezumi:
"I'm glad you asked!"

Jack:
"I wasn't asking you but alright..."

Dr. Dash:
"You should be. Nezumi here came up with the original concept. I just provided my experience and assistance."

Nezumi:
*Smiles proudly.*

Lepor:
"YOU made these?! *Wow...*"

Jack:
"Hmm."

Nezumi:
"You don't need to sound so surprised."

Jack:
"Impressive."

Lepor:
"I thought you just made science-y stuff in your garage..."

Nezumi:
"Well, I did. But these Burning Suits are on the next level!"

Dr. Dash:
"I was hoping for a cooler name drop, but we'll roll with that."

Nezumi:
"Oops."

Calias:
"They've got Chaos Drives on 'em... Does that mean...?"

Lepor:
(For once in my life I have some slight respect for Nezumi.)

Jack:
*Raises an eyebrow.*

Dr. Dash:
"Yes, Calias. The suits allow each of you to harness the power of the Chaos Drives."

Jack:
"So, whose suit's whose? Also what's with the extras there?"

Dr. Dash:
"Those are just for... others. This one here is yours, though." *Motions to a suit with a helmet with goggles, and a longer jacket than the rest.*

Jack:
"Hmm. I can see you took influence from the Kukku Imperial suits. Nice."

```

```
Nezumi:
"We do our research."

Flame:
*Notices small writing on the jacket's bottom edge, reading "RAGE".*
*Looks confused.*
[actually, there's no jacket, it'd be on the left wrist]

```

```
Calias:
*Walks up to the one sporting the red Chaos Drive and a headband.* "'VALOR' huh? This one's gotta be mine!"

Dr. Dash:
"I know you don't necessarily need the harness. But the suit should come in handy otherwise."

```

```
Calias:
"Unlimited Chaos Blasts? Definitely." [actually, there is a limit, eventually the drive must be recharged]

Jack:
*Looks at the Drive and notices the green Drive.* "Hmm. Am I good to try this on?"

Nezumi:
"Just a sec, alright?"

Pip:
*Is excitedly looking between Nezumi and his suit.*

Nezumi:
"Yes, the orange one is yours."

Pip:
"I love it!"

Nezumi:
"You don't even know what it does, yet."

Pip:
"I don't care, it looks awesome and you made it so it's gotta be great!"

Jack:
*Just grabs the suit and goes into the side room and changes.*

```

```
Lepor:
"This is just... WOW. I've never had something made for me before!"

Nezumi:
"What about that one time... No, wait, I made that for Pipsqueak... Well, anyway, I added a screen here so you'll know where you're going. Maybe that'll keep you from getting lost, but we can only hope."

```

```
Lepor:
*Eagerly tries on the visor.* "Awesome..."

Hannah:
*Checking out my suit's pockets.*

Nezumi:
"I know how you are with pockets."

```

```
Jack:
*Seems to just appear in the room.*

Calias:
"GAK! Where did YOU come from?!?"

Dr. Dash:
"Well, it works. Heheh."

Jack:
"Oh yeah... I can get used to this..." *An evil glint appears in his eyes.*

Nezumi:
"Remind me again why we let him have that?"

Jack:
"Presidential pardon?"

Violet:
"Yes. He is a part of this team."

Jack:
"Thank you Miss Meadows."

Violet:
"Now, the rest of you, suit up and get ready for training."

Pip:
"Woo!"

Calias:
"HERE WE GO!"

A TRAINING MONTAGE BEGINS!!! An hour later, everyone is suited up and battling Gundroids.

Calias:
*Slips past a bot and kicks it in the air.* "Heads up, Squeakers!"

Jack:
*Quickly appears around the robots in a Blip-like manner, slicing and deactivating as he goes.*

Pip:
"You got it, Cal!" *Fires at it, most of the shots miss but he does manage to shoot it before it hits the ground.*

Jack:
"Ange has GOT to take you to the range sometime..."

A few days later, everyone is doing push-ups in their Burning Suits.

Flame:
*Doesn't seem to be struggling at all.*

Lepor:
*Sweating bullets.* "Th-threee..."

Pip:
"Oof... I had a hard enough time without this extra weight..."

Flame:
"Come on! You should already have been exercising with extra weight!"

Calias:
"Why... are... these... suits... so... heavy?!?"

Jack:
"34... 35... 36..."

Pip:
"I wasn't exercising to begin with!"

Flame:
"WHAT?!"

Lepor:
"*I'm gonna die today.*"

Hannah:
"Urgh..."

Jack:
"I mean my line of work usually involved exercise anyways sooo."

Pip:
"That's" *Huff.* "great. But you're making us look bad!"

Lepor:
*Collapses.* "Uughhss..."

Flame:
"GET UP, Lightfoot!"

Jack:
"A welcome change. Me looking good for once..."

A week later, everyone is running an obstacle course that requires their Chaos abilities.

Jack:
*Uses the time warping to leap between quickly falling platforms to get to a dummy at the top of a building facade.*

Pip:
*Is running and shooting at targets.* "This isn't too hard!"

Calias:
*Runs up a wall and uses a Chaos Blast to propel himself in the air to kick down a drone.*

Pip:
*Accidentally shoots a dummy of an old lady.* "Oops!"

Lepor:
*Has teleported into a wall.* "heEELLPP!!"

Hannah:
*Runs up to the dummy Pipsqueak shot.*

Flame:
*Punches the wall, destroying it and freeing Lepor.*

Lepor:
*Lands on my head.* "Oof..."

Hannah:
*Having healed the dummy, I move on to another." [yes. the simulation dummy was *healed*. deal with it... I have to :P]

Calias:
*Runs into a place called "THE BLAST ZONE" and unleashes a huge Chaos Blast.* "OH YEAHHHHH!!!!"

Nezumi:
*Watching from behind protective glass with Dr. Dash.* "Write that down!"

Dr. Dash:
"Um, writing things down is the intern's job, remember."

Nezumi:
"Fiiine."

A few days after that... the Rangers seem to be getting better at fighting Gundroids together.

Jack:
*Blips around shoving the robots into each other and turning their aim away from his teammates.*

Red:
*Explodes from the sheer might of the Rangers.*

Flame:
*Punches a Gundroid into a few others.*

Lepor:
*Teleports behind a Gundroid and snaps its mechanical neck.*

Hannah:
*This new pile of Gundroids [that is, the one Flame made] is easy pickings.*
*Fires energy arcs at them.*

Calias:
*Concentrates some Chaos Energy in his hands, before unleashing it Kamaehamaeha style.*
[the GIF used to explain shows a thrusting of the arms unleashing the energy in a beam]

Blue:
*Melts from several impacts.*

Hannah:
*Breathing heavy.*
(Somehow the training got even more strenuous...)

Hannah, exhausted, has found herself entering the HQ break room.

Hannah:
*Locates a chair and sits, resting my head on the table.*

Mystery Voice:
*Someone speaks from behind a newspaper, across the table.* "Geez, you look like death warmed over. Is General Meadows working you guys that hard?"

Hannah:
(Dangit, there's someone else at this table...)
"Her and Flame, yeah..."

Elk:
*Puts the newspaper down.* "Sorry to hear that... You're Hannah Dash, right?"

Hannah:
*Finally lifts head.* "Yeah. Do I... know you?"

Elk:
"Maybe you've heard of me? Elk Seraphina. The lovely lady in the corner over there is my wife Penny."

Penny:
*Waves.* "'Sup?"

Hannah:
*Weakly waves back.*

Penny:
"I saw you guys' fancy new suits, pretty shiny. I want one."

Hannah:
"It's useful I suppose... A little too heavy for my taste."

Elk:
"She doesn't care, she'll take anything that's shiny." *He chuckles.*

Jack:
*Walks in still wearing his suit for some reason, grabbing a Tropical Chaos out of his lunch box in the fridge and walks back out seeming not to be fazed by said weight.*

Hannah:
"..."
"Even if that was allowed, pretty sure it's too small for you..."

Penny:
"Oh well, worth a shot." *She smiles at Hannah.*

Hannah:
"..."

Elk:
"We've gotta get going, but it was nice meeting you! Hope we see you around."

Penny:
"Yeah, you seem pretty cool."

Hannah:
"Um, thanks. Yeah. See you around."
*Places head back on the table.*

Elk:
"Hey, if you ever wanna hang out, just give us a call! It's hard to find friends in the workplace." *He tosses her their business card before heading out the door with Penny.*

Hannah:
"..."
(Like I have time for hanging out...)
*Pockets the card.*

Jack:
*Walks back in, grabbing the rest of his lunch and sitting down across from Hannah.*
"So. How's ya goin'?"

Hannah:
*Moans.*

Jack:
"I mean, how are you doing... Ugh. My brain is just tired right now."

Hannah:
"Uh-huh, same..."

Jack:
"...You look extra tired though. You still having nightmares?"

Hannah:
"Yeah..."

Jack:
"I could see if Granny has a remedy for that somewhere in her spellbooks if you like. Used to think it was all mumbo jumbo but uh, the necklace proved otherwise. Oh wait. She's at a convention this week..."
*Ahem.* "Anyways..."
*Continues eating his sandwich while reading over the note Jabber packed in it.*
*Places it on the table and continues.*

Hannah:
*Lifts head enough to look at the note. But the writing, if that's what it is, makes no sense.*
"What's that?"

Jack:
"Oh, it's a note from Jabber. He likes to put these in my lunch. This one's a wisp saying. Basically translates to shoot for the stars and if you can't reach them become one."

SUDDENLY!! THE ALARMS BEGIN TO BLARE, A VOICE COMES OVER THE LOUDSPEAKER. "**BURNING RANGERS, PLEASE REPORT TO MISSION COMMAND IMMEDIATELY, I REPEAT, BURNING RANGERS, PLEASE REPORT TO MISSION COMMAND IMMEDIATELY!**"

Hannah:
*Jumps up.*
"Ugh..."
*Hurries over.*

Jack:
*Almost spits out his sandwich and rushes out behind Hannah.*

In Mission Command, the other Rangers are already there, Director Fifticinco and Violet Meadows are standing in front of a large screen.

Hannah:
(Now what...)

Fifticinco:
"Thank you all for coming so quickly. I hope you're all ready for your first mission."

Jack:
"..."

Fifticinco:
"This mission is of utmost urgency, Westopolis is in flames..."

Jack:
"Again?"

Flame:
(A firefighting mission? That's it?)

Fifticinco:
"We're uncertain if this is a Code Black yet. But we need you all to go and provide rescue and assist local firefighters."

Jack:
*Slips on his helmet.* "Roger that. We'll try to keep it from being a Central City incident."

Hannah:
(Maybe for once I can use my Chaos Drive ability!)

Calias:
"Uh... How are we gonna get there on time?!?"

Lepor:
"Right here!"

Jack:
"I mean I dunno about you guys buuuut."

Lepor:
*Pointing at myself.*

Fifticinco:
"Well, Officer Lightfoot could provide transport, but... we had another idea." *He presses a button, opening a door to the hangar, where a brand new, shiny jet with the Rangers color scheme sits.*

Calias:
"We get a jet?! Sick!"

Jack:
"I call dibs on the pilot seat!"

Flame:
*Makes a beeline for the pilot's seat, ignoring Jack.*

Fifticinco:
"Is now a bad time to tell you it's auto-pilot?"

Pip:
"I've never been on a jet before!"

Jack:
*Is already in the seat.*

Flame:
"..."
*Chooses another seat.*

Lepor:
"This is so much better!" (We'd probably have ended up in the ocean anyways.)

The Rangers all load up on the jet and off to Westopolis they go. Fifteen minutes later, they arrive. Several skyscrapers across the city are coated in an inferno. They land in a blocked-off street.

Flame:
"LET'S MOVE!"

Jack:
"...Sure. Going without giving us orders."

Calias:
"On it!" *Dashes out the back door of the jet and immediately runs into a burning building... and back out with injured civilians.*

Hannah:
*Hurries to the people to heal them if needed.*

Pip:
*Starts putting out fires that are blocking the way.*
[the suits all have fire extinguishers built in]

Jack:
*Appears next to the fire personnel and gets the sit rep from them before going to help.*

A piece of building breaks off and falls towards a civilian.

Pip:
"I got it!" *Slides under it and fires at it.*
"You're safe now!" *A piece of rubble hits him on the head.* "Ow."

Citizen:
*The firefighters talk to Jack and Flame.* "The first building to catch fire was the MeteoTech distribution center, then the hospital, then that apartment building... Seems to be electrical in nature, but our city grid isn't THAT old... It hasn't been this bad since the Black Arms incident..."

Jack:
"Hmm. Just to be clear, no aliens this time right?"

Calias:
*Dashes out, carrying a child before setting them down in front of their mother.* "Alright... That's everyone. I think."

As if on cue, the apartment building starts to collapse.

Calias:
"The distribution center next, right?"

Pip:
*Watches it fall before turning to Calias.* "Good timing."

Lepor:
*Teleporting debris into a pile.*

Hannah:
*Is healing the people Calias brought out.*

Flame:
*Answers Calias's question by charging into the distribution center himself, putting out the flames in his path.*

Citizen:
"This isn't good. We just got reports that a transformer blew and is sparking right next to an open gas line..."

Jack:
"On it."

Calias:
"I'll race ya!"
*Calias and Jack head in the direction the firefighter points.*

As Flame enters the distribution center, he notices a beam, about to fall on top of some employees.

Citizen:
"Help is here!!"

Flame:
*Moves to catch the beam.*

Flame is now supporting the entire building...

Flame:
"Get them out! I'll hold it!"

Pip:
"If everyone would please come with us!"

Lepor:
"GET OUT OR Y'ALL ARE GONNA DIE C'MON LET'S GOO!"

Pip:
"Uh, yeah. How you holdin' up, Chief?!"

Flame:
*Starting to look strained.* "I got it!!"

Lepor:
*Making sure everyone is getting out safe.*

Flame:
*Looking quite strained now.*
"ARE THEY ALL OUT?!"

Pip:
"My goggles say yes!"

Lepor:
*Thumbs-up.*

Flame:
"..."
*Looking at Lepor.* "Then get us out!"

Lepor:
"On it, boss-man!" *Grabs Pipsqueak and Flame.*
*Teleports out of there.*

And just in time too! The distribution center caves in.

Flame:
*Maintaining an upright posture as he pants for breath.*

Lepor:
"Are we also gonna have to clean all this up...?"

Citizen:
"We're beginning to get the flames under control, thank you, Burning Rangers."

Pip:
"No prob'!"

Calias:
*Calias and Jack arrive at the sparking transformer.* "Whoa, that's pretty dangerous-lookin'..."

Jack:
"Right."
*Pulls out some baking soda powder spraying attachment on his suit's wrist.*
"See if you can cut the line while I get the sparks out."

Calias:
"Better yet... I can get rid of it all in one go." *He charges up a Chaos Blast before leaping toward the transformer.*

Jack:
"NO!"
*Braces for death as he smells propane igniting.*

Calias:
*Immediately, a spark hits the spewing gas, igniting a giant fireball. Calias unleashes his Chaos Blast which collides with the explosion, creating an even bigger one.*

Jack:
*Activates his drive and tries his best to contain the blast, shoving heavy debris in the way and extinguishing the flames where he can.*

Calias:
*Goes flying backwards, before slamming into the street, his suit smoking...*

Jack:
*After putting out the fire, walks up to Calias sweating a lot from the work he just spent that took about twenty minutes for him.*
"You have GOT to stop doing that kid. What part of GASLINE do you not understand?"

Calias:
*Calias is unresponsive.*
*He doesn't seem to be breathing either.*

Jack:
*Sigh.* "Sure. He dies..."
*Radios Hannah.* "Hey ah need some CPR help here? Maybe a defibrillator... Cal's kinda... dead here."

Hannah:
*Dread.*
"On my way!!"

Pip:
"Lepor, you got another hop in ya?"

Lepor:
"You know it!"

Jack:
"Also if someone could get me a water? I just spent twenty minutes putting out a fireball Mister Ultimate Lifeform made."

Lepor:
*Teleporting Hannah to Calias's location.*

Hannah:
*Running up to Calias.* (It better not be too late...)
*Takes hold of him and attempts to heal.*

Calias:
*Purple Chaos Energy courses through Calias's body.*
"..."
*Calias shoots up into a sitting position with a loud gasp, his breathing is heavy.* "...W--...Wha..."

Hannah:
*Hugs Cal, tearing up.*

Calias:
"What... h-happened?"

Jack:
"Had me worried there Cal."

Pip:
"Phew..." *Side-hugs Lepor.*

Lepor:
(First mission and I've already witnessed someone die...)

Jack:
"Well, you made the stupid move of using CHAOS BLAST with a freaking propane leak present!"

Calias:
"I..." *He clenches his teeth.*

Jack:
"Please be more careful buddy."

Calias:
"..."

Hannah:
*Nods in agreement.*

Jack:
"Hannah's a healer, not a necromancer."

Calias:
*Shaking, he holds on to Hannah.*

Pip:
*Grabs Jack and Lepor and goes in for the group hug.*

Jack:
*Sighs, slips out of the hug, ignoring it.* "General Flame sir?"

Flame:
*Also ignoring the hug.* "Yes?"

Jack:
"What's the situation?"

Flame:
"The fire is under control. Our work here is done."

Jack:
"Any idea of the cause of the flames? I swear if it was the Druids again..."

Flame:
"We don't know."

Jack:
*Sigh.* "Well, at least we know it wasn't Uncle--Er, Eggman. And if it wasn't him... then who? This is no mere accident..."

At that moment, atop a nearby building...

One:
*A ghastly figure stands, overlooking the smoldering city.* "This... was a... wonderful... test run... Soon... they will all... know... the End... is near..."

Who is this mysterious ghoul? What is she trying to do? What happens next?!? Find out, when we return to Organization Chaos 4: Brave Fear.

```

### Episode 2: The Spark That Lights

```
GLACIA HQ early in morning (or is it late at night?)... Angela Beakton has arrived after being called in by General Meadows.

Angela:
*Walks in with a yawn.* "Ugh I have got to start recharging earlier..."

Jack:
*Walks out into the lobby.* "Yeah and I should see a therapist. We both know neither of those are gonna happen."

Angela:
*Sets down the bags she's toting and hugs her husband.*

Jack:
"Sorry if I smell unpleasant. Haven't been able to shower in a day or so..."

Angela:
"Sweetie, if smell was an issue I wouldn't have married a raven. Though the soot and burnt feathers are new..."

Jack:
"Yeah..."

Violet:
*Enters the lobby.*
"Thank you for coming."

Angela:
*Nods.* "Bit of a drive from Bootstrap."

Violet:
"With this new threat, we need the whole team available on a moment's notice."

Jack:
"So we confirmed it was arson?"

Violet:
"Yes. Now that we know it was deliberate, we know it could happen again."

Angela:
"And we know it wasn't Eggman?"

Jack:
"Trust me. We know. Not his style to attack without so much as an angry vlog or something."

Angela:
"Hmm. Druids maybe?"

Jack:
"I mean, I doubt it? But we can't rule it out."

Mystery Voice:
"Not to worry. We're looking into that as we speak."

Penny:
"We've got this allll covered."

Jack:
"Ugh... Ange? This is Penny and Elk."

Elk:
"A pleasure. Do you know where we could find Admiral Beauregard?"

Jack:
"Plotting my death maybe? Yeah, nah he's probably in bed right now. Like a normal being."

Penny:
"Good thing we're not normal! Time to go drag our old partner outta bed!"

Jack:
"Do it and die Spikey."

Elk:
"We'll try to be as considerate as possible, given the state of emergency."

Angela:
*Ahem.* "I think Jack means wait until a reasonable hour. Sure, emergency and all but he's still a kid."

Violet:
"The Seraphinas have this handled, Rangers. Come with me."
*Starts walking toward the training room.*

Angela:
*Grabs the bags on the floor and walks in, pulling Jack with her.*

Jack:
*Does the "I got my eye on you" move at the detectives.*

Elk:
"They're fun."

Downstairs, in the Burning Rangers training room... spirits seem low.

Calias:
*Sitting in a corner, his head buried in his knees.*

Hannah:
*Nearby, curled up sleeping on the floor.*

Jabber:
*Brings Cal a coffee.*

Flame:
*Doing push-ups.*

Calias:
*Shoos Jabber away.*

Jabber:
*Shrugs.* "More for me then..."

Pip:
*Is sitting cross-legged, quietly on his E-pod. Occasionally looking up to see how everyone is doing.*

Lepor:
*Lying on the wall upside-down.* *Bored.* [it's more like he's *sitting* on the wall, his upper half resting on the floor]

Jack:
"Well, uh, you can sit our stuff over in the locker room Ange..."

Angela:
*Walks to the door and kinda chunks them in.*

Dr. Dash:
*Enters with convenience store shopping bags.* "I brought snacks!"

Jabber:
*Pog.*

Calias:
*Lifts his head, then immediately lowers it again.* "Thanks..."

Dr. Dash:
"I got chips, donuts and Vectorade."

Hannah:
*The noise wakes me, but I don't move.*

Pip:
"Thanks Hannah's dad!" *Goes for the donut with the most sprinkles.*

Jack:
"Yeah, no offense Doc but I'm not hungry..."

Dr. Dash:
"Fair enough. At least do me a favor and stay hydrated?" *Offers him a Vectorade.*

Jack:
"..." *Sigh.* "No promises Doc." *Takes the drink and sits down.*

Lepor:
*Takes the whole box of donuts and goes back to the wall.*

Dr. Dash:
*Takes a couple drinks over to Hannah and Calias.* "How are my troopers doing?"

Hannah:
*Moan.*

Calias:
"..."

Dr. Dash:
"I was afraid of that..."
*Holds a drink up to Hannah.* "Hey, you could use this."

Hannah:
*Pulls an arm out of the blanket to grab it.*

Dr. Dash:
*Smiles.* "Atta girl." *Looks at Calias, his smile changing to a frown.*

Calias:
"...What?"

Dr. Dash:
"Nothing. You just don't look as... 'Calias', as usual."

Calias:
"..."
"Yeah. I... got careless back there."

Hannah:
*Sits up, still wrapped in blanket, and slowly sips on the drink.*

Calias:
"Hannah... had to save me."

Hannah:
*Nods.*

Dr. Dash:
*Puts his arms around his children.* "Well, it's good to know you two are looking out for each other."

Hannah:
"It was close... Too close..."

Nezumi:
*Comes in and rushes over, only pausing to grab a donut.*

Lepor:
*Staring at the Dash family.* (Hm... Wonder how my fam's doing.)

Nezumi:
"Hannah! I'm so glad you're okay." *Embraces Hannah concernedly, a little aggressively even.*

Hannah:
*Returns the hug with my one arm that's out of the blanket.*

Jack:
"..." *Sighs as he gets up and sits down on his bed next to Angela.*

Nezumi:
*Keeps the hug brief and bites into her donut.*

Dr. Dash:
"..."

Nezumi:
"What? I eat when I'm stressed... And best friend's brother almost dying? Pretty stressful!"

Calias:
"..."

Dr. Dash:
*Gives Nezumi a disappointed glare.*

Nezumi:
"Sorry... Seriously, though. That was cutting it a little too close for comfort... I mean, with the way her Chaos ability works Hannah only has so much time to heal someone. With how hurt he was it had to have been close."

Hannah:
*Nods.*

Dr. Dash:
"Nezumi. I think you should go run diagnostics on the suits. I'll catch up with you."

Nezumi:
"Hm? Oh... Yeah, fine." *Leaves, glancing back at the Dashes.*

Calias:
"I want to go home..."

Hannah:
"Mmhmm..."

Dr. Dash:
"I... can check what I can do about that."

Calias:
"We... gotta be ready in case it... happens again, though."

Dr. Dash:
"I think you've earned a break."

Flame:
*Overhears this and pauses his workout.*
"Now is the worst time to take a break! The perpetrator could strike at any moment, which is exactly why we're all here!"

Dr. Dash:
*Stands up straight.* "With all due respect, Sergeant. You can only push them so far. They are still kids."

Jack:
"He has a point General."

Flame:
"This is what they signed up for! I expect the best from all my soldiers."

Dr. Dash:
"They aren't soldiers."

Pip:
*Nervous.*

Lepor:
*Puts my hands on my face and internally screams.*

Flame:
"Then they'll have to *become* soldiers. Like I said, this is what they signed up for."

Dr. Dash:
"Sonny, please. Be reasonable."

Jack:
*Whispering to Angela.* "Wait that's his actual name?"

Angela:
*Nods.*

Flame:
*His stare intensifies, breathing heavier.*

Angela:
*Stands up and steps between the two.*
"Both of y'all need to just chill out. You especially Sonny. You are NOT helping."
*Points to Hannah.*

Hannah:
*Whimpers.*

Angela:
"They are kids Flame. Not soldiers. None of us are soldiers here. Not even you. 'Cause a real soldier? They would take the well-being of their team in mind. They aren't robots Flame..."

Flame:
"..."
*Staring at Hannah.*
*Turns away with a sigh.*
"What part of 'military organization' do you people not understand?"
*Walks away.*

Angela:
*Sigh.*

Dr. Dash:
"I... I'm going to go help Nezumi."
*Casts one last look at Hannah and Calias before leaving.*

Meanwhile, on the other side of town. At the residence of one Beauregard Cheddarosier... LOUD KNOCKING IS HEARD FROM THE FRONT DOOR.

Beau:
*Awakes due to the loud noise, but doesn't get up, hoping it's something unrelated to him.*

The knocking gets louder.

Beau:
(Okay, not gonna stop...)
*Gets out of bed with the left side of his face's fur sticking up and answers the door.*

There's no one there...

Beau:
"..."
*Extended sigh.*

Penny:
"Heya."
*Somehow, she is already inside.*

Beau:
"Oh my!-- ...Hello Penny..."

Penny:
"Good to see you again!"

Beau:
"I'd rather be seeing the back of my eyelids, currently."

Elk:
*Is now standing in the threshold.* "Sorry to wake you. I'm sure you still haven't forgiven us for the whole Gaia Temple incident, but... this is important."

Beau:
"It's alright, really..."
*Enough time passes to almost be awkward silence.*
"So what's up."

Penny:
"You hear about the Westopolis fire? It was arson, apparently."

Beau:
"I did, yeah. I wish I was more surprised about the cause though. So what does this require me for?"

Elk:
"We were hoping you could provide some insight on our prime suspects... the Druids."

Beau:
"Oh. I wish I could but I really don't know as much as you'd think."

Penny:
"Do you think they could be behind this, though? We *did* come all this way, the least you can do is help us out."

Beau:
"I wouldn't put it past them... As far as I know they're leaderless. And arson feels like something they'd do as a sorta 'comeback'. Ya know?"

Elk:
"Yep. Feasible. Would you care to join us on our investigation?"

Beau:
*Rubs his hand on his eyelids and up to his forehead.*
"Yeah, it's probably best I do... Not right now though, right?"

Elk:
"Of course. We'll start in the morning."

Penny:
*Has already seated herself on Beauregard's sofa.* "Go back to bed, we'll be fine on the couch."

Beau:
*Looks at Elk and nods towards Penny, clearing his throat.*

Elk:
"Um, love. We can come back in the morning."

Penny:
"Yeah... but gas prices."

Beau:
"Did you guys at least *try* to call me?"

Elk:
"I tried... but the number you gave me got smudged out. I ended up calling a widow in Emerald City."

Penny:
"You were on the phone with her for too long..."

Elk:
"Hey, I like talking to people. Anyway. We'll be going. Thanks again!" *The couple leaves.*

Beau:
(Thank goodness. I thought they'd never leave.)

Not too far away... in the Central City MeteoTech lab.

Citizen:
*A researcher walks through the hall, passing another on the way.* "Burning the midnight oil?"
*The other speaks up.* "Every night! But this stuff is gonna change the world."

Mystery Voice:
"Wrong... It will end it..."

Citizen:
"Huh? Who's there?"

A flash of light, then total darkness. The lights have gone out. The only thing visible is a pair of glowing white eyes.

One:
"You... will thank me... for this later."
*One lifts her hand. Suddenly, the lights come back on... then begin to glow brighter and brighter, until they overload, erupting into flames.*

Citizen:
"What are you doing?!"

One:
"Saving... the world..."
*One stands still, as the rest of the building engulfs itself in flames.*

Another fire spreads... Will the Burning Rangers be able to overcome their issues in time to save the day? Find out next time on Organization Chaos 4: Brave Fear.

```

### Episode 3: The One Who Consumes, part 1

[Lepor is played by Pip9766 in this episode]

```
The Burning Rangers, having just started recovering from their first mission, are awoken by the sound of an alarm... And by alarm, I mean a screaming capybara...

Lepor:
"Five more minutes..."

Inigo:
"**BRUNING RAGERS! WAKE UP! WE HAVE AN EMERGENCY!**"

Flame:
*Immediately stands to his feet.*

Hannah:
"Urrrgh..."

Jack:
*Jumps up and runs to get on his suit with almost the same speed as Flame.*

Calias:
"...Why is it so dark?"

Inigo:
"**POWER IS OUT. BRIEFING ROOM NOW.**"

Pip:
*Shakes Lepor awake.*

Lepor:
"Hm...?" *Sleepy.*

Angela:
*Gets up and her eyes glow brightly, lighting up the room dimly.*

Calias:
"Guess we'd better see what's going on..."

Pip:
*Rubbing his eyes.* "They didn't mention the wakeup calls in the job description..."

Jack:
*Has already gotten his suit on and is rushing to the briefing room.*

Flame:
"We have to be available at any hour!"

Calias:
*Suits up, with low energy.*
"Alright..."

Lepor:
"Squeaks! That's my suit you're putting on."

Pip:
"That explains why it was so tight."

Flame:
*Frowns at the others' slacking as he leave to follow Jack.*

Calias:
*Walks out briskly behind Flame.*

Pip:
"Okay, now we've got it."

Angela:
*Walks out following behind Calias.*

Lepor:
"Let's go, they're leavin' without us!"

Pip:
"Right behind you!"

Hannah:
"I'm coming..."

The Rangers make their way to the briefing room in the dark. The room is dimly lit by backup lights. Once again, the director and the general are standing in front. Looking closer, more than the Rangers are here... Almost every agent has gathered in the briefing room.

Johnny:
"So, what's the situation?"

Fifticinco:
"Alright. Sorry to wake you all, but this is... well... dire is the only word to describe this... Central City is burning."

Johnny:
*Looks at Jack.*

Pip:
*Gulps.*

Topaz:
*Looks at Jack.*

Jack:
"It was not me this time I swear."

Fifticinco:
"Burning Rangers. This is pretty similar to the earlier fire in Westopolis, so our arson verdict has been proven. I need you all to be on lookout for the culprit."

Flame:
"Yes, sir!"

Calias:
"..."
*Has started sweating.*

Jack:
*Nods.*

Lepor:
*Whispers to Pipsqueak.* "Who would wanna do this, anyway?"

Pip:
*Shrugs.*

Fifticinco:
*He points to the screen, at different locales.* "Here are the 'hotspots' so to speak. The fire is spreading quickly towards the suburbs, and towards the Twin City Bridge. Make sure it doesn't get any farther! Your mechs have been outfitted with firefighting gear, so make use of that."

Johnny:
*Raises hand.*

Fifticinco:
"Yes, Agent Thunder?"

Lepor and Pipsqueak exchange a look, seeing the fire near their home city.

Calias:
*Looks toward Hannah, seeing the fire spread towards their house as well.*

Johnny:
"Sir, what do I need to be doing? Topaz and I currently have no assigned team due to our files being lost in transit for a while."

Fifticinco:
"...Whatever you can. That isn't important right now."

Angela:
"You can assist in the computer room. I can use all the help I can get."

Vulcan:
"I've lost contact with my detectives. But as soon as I can get ahold of them, I'll send them your way, Nav Team."

Jack:
*Glares at Vulcan suspiciously.*
"Right, sir? Are we good to go now? Kinda a crisis going on."

Fifticinco:
"Yes. Get moving."

Jack:
*Salutes and then rushes out.*

Calias:
*Hesitates before getting up and dashing out.*

Flame:
*Follows right behind.*

Lepor:
*Mimics Jack's salute and follows as well.*

Angela:
"Alright, Thunder? Topaz? Come with me. And grab one of those power inverters."

Pip:
*Waves goodbye to the director before leaving.*

Vulcan:
(...Well, this is a turn of events I hadn't expected...)

Immediately after stepping out of the HQ, the Rangers see their city ablaze. GLACIA agents in their mechs rush out of the garages to quell the flames.

Calias:
*Gulp*
"Let's do this, I guess."

Hannah:
"Yeah..."

Pip:
*Takes a deep breath. With the air's current state it doesn't do much to calm him.*
"Let's go, then..."

Angela:
*Over the comms.* "Alright, testing one two three. Can you guys hear me?"

Jack:
"Loud and clear darling."

Flame:
"I hear you! Rangers, LET'S MOVE!"

Lepor:
*Puts his hand on Pipsqueak's shoulder and snaps them to the closest hotspot.* ["Snap" refers to Chaos Control teleportation]

Even with their insulated suits, the heat hits them hard.

Calias:
"Okay... Alright... I've got this..."

Pip:
"Hoo boy, that's hot."

Calias:
*Rushes off into building after building, searching for innocents and the culprit.*

Lepor:
*Starts looking for civilians and snapping them to safety.*

Johnny:
*Over the comms.* "Reports indicate fire has spread to the hospital. We need a team there ASAP!"

Angela:
"Give me that! Jack, Flame, Hannah? Get over there! Pronto!"

Flame:
"On our way!"

Jack:
*Grabs the General and Hannah and zips to the hospital.*

Hannah:
*Blink.*

Jack:
"Right, should probably give warning next time--"
*Stops when he looks at the houses across the street covered in flame.*
"No..."
*Rushes inside the flaming house.*

Flame:
"BEAKTON!"

Angela:
"What is that idiot doing?!"

Jack:
*Shuts off his comm so he doesn't hear his wife nagging.*

Flame:
"Ugh..."
*Rushes into the hospital as ordered.*

Hannah:
*Follows Flame.*

Calias:
*Meanwhile, Calias has met up with Pipsqueak and Lepor.* "Guys! Any sign of a culprit yet?"

Pip:
"Oh man, I forgot we were supposed to be looking for him!"

Lepor:
"I thought I saw someone sketchy but it was just a homeless guy."

Pip:
"I gave him a churro."

Angela:
*Interrupts.* "Back on track please boys."

Druid:
*Several guys in robes approach, their coats bear an insignia with a leaf.* "REJOICE! The technology-ridden world has come to an end!"

Pip:
"Okay, I found 'em."

Lepor:
"Yup, definitely the guys."

Calias:
"Oh, great. Who are these wack-jobs?"

Angela:
*Sigh.* "The Druids. Eco-terrorist group."

Pip:
"Oh yeah, Beau told me about these guys. Mondo bad news."

Angela:
"I doubt they're the cause though. This is too much for them. Especially without Andy and Kitty..."

Pip:
"So they're just gloating?"

Druid:
"This city has relied on technology for far too long! Return to ashes and nature! Our new queen has paved the way for us!"

Angela:
"They're just being twerps."

Calias:
"They're just standing around spouting nonsense... Should we arrest them?"

Angela:
"For what Honey, disturbing the peace in a crisis?"

Calias:
"No. For being annoying."

Lepor:
"Wait, which one is the queen?"

Druid:
"Our queen will show us the new world!"

Angela:
"Hmm. Maybe Kitty isn't missing..."

Elk:
*Suddenly, a car pulls up and the Seraphinas step out.* "Leave the questions to us detectives. You guys get moving."

Penny:
"We got this covered."

Pip:
"You sure? 'Cause I can shoot lasers from my hands. That might come in handy."

Penny:
"We're pretty tough. Just get going, alright?"

Calias:
"...Right." *He speeds off again.*
"Angela? Where's the nearest hotspot?"

Lepor:
*It pops up on his tracker.* "I got it!"

Angela:
"Right. Filling station up ahead."

Calias:
"..."
"Any other suggestions?"

Lepor:
*Snaps Pipsqueak and him there.*

Angela:
"We don't want those gas tanks going off."

Calias:
"..."
"...'kay... I can... do that."

Pip:
"No rush, but it's getting heated over here!"

Cutting back to the burning townhouse...

Jack:
*Winces in pain as he runs through the flames going up the stairs to the bedrooms.*
"Come on... Please be okay..."
*Kicks down one of the bedroom doors which has a bunch of blankets shoved in front of it to keep out the smoke.*
"ROXIE! You in here kid?!"

Roxie:
*Coughs from the corner as she looks towards the door.*
"No... I'm not ready to die..."

Jack:
*Rushes over to the kid and puts his arm around her, pulling her into his timeflow.*

Roxie:
"What's going on?"
*Cough.* "Who... are you?"

Jack:
*Slips off his mask and puts the breathing apparatus on Roxie.*
"It's me Roxie. Now come on. We gotta get outta here."
*Grabs the kid and goes to go the way he came but thinks about the fire.*
*Looks to the window.*
"Roxie! Where's your baseball bat?"

Roxie:
"By the bed."

Jack:
*Grabs the baseball bat and smashes the window.*
*Only for it to barely shatter the glass.*
"...Roxie? Hold onto me tight. And don't let go."

Roxie:
*Nods.*
*Grabs Jack tightly.*

Jack:
*His drive's power is beginning to wane.*
*Just before it does he leaps out the window head-first and smashes through with a fireball behind him, and crashes to the pavement landing on his back.*
"Gack..."

Roxie:
*Looks up at Jack.*

Jack:
*His grip loosens and he passes out.*

Roxie:
"Mister Jack?"

Jack:
*Drops the baseball bat in his hand.*

Hannah:
*Comes out, leading some civilians from the burning hospital.*

Roxie:
"SOMEONE! HELP!"

Hannah:
"!"
*Rushes over.* "Jack!"
*Places a hand on him, channeling the power of my Chaos Drive.*

Roxie:
*Grabs Jack's hand.* "Please don't die Mister Jack..."

Jack:
*Coughs.* "Ugh..."
*Sits up and grabs the mask from Roxie.*
*Slips it back on.*
*And struggles to stand up but once he does he goes to run back into the house.*

Hannah:
"Jack! You almost died in there!"

Angela:
"Died?! Hold up, I swear if that boy is suicidal again I'm gonna kill him!"

Hannah:
"..."
"Isn't that what he wants in that instance though?"

Johnny:
"Pretty sure that wouldn't be a punishment then."

Angela:
*Throws her coffee cup at Johnny.*

Jack:
"NO. I can still save them..."

The top floor of the house collapses in.

Jack:
*Takes off his mask.*
"No..."

Roxie:
"Mom... Dad..."

Hannah:
"..."

Roxie:
*Grabs Jack's leg and holds on tightly as she begins crying.*

Jack:
"Roxie... Honey... I'm so sorry..."
*Bends down and holds Roxie tightly.*

Agent:
*From inside his mech.*
"Alright, we got the hospital fire taken out."

Flame:
*Steps out of the hospital.*
"Beakton! Hannah! Let's move! There's still a lot of burning city out there!"

Jack:
"...No. I can't sir. This takes precedent."

Roxie:
*Is holding on to Jack tightly, her hands are starting to tremble.*

Flame:
"THE CITY IS BURNING, you insubordinate bird!"

Hannah:
"Shut up, Flame!"

Jack:
"LOOK YOU STUPID FLUFFBALL! THIS KID'S FAMILY JUST DIED! I ALMOST DIED PULLING HER OUT! I AM NOT LEAVING HER HERE."

Flame:
"Countless lives are imperiled as we speak!"

Jack:
*Draws his wispon and ignites it.* "TO HADES WITH THIS DARN CITY. LET THE FREAKING THING BURN."

Flame:
*Snarls.* "Wouldn't be the first time you've thought that..."

Jack:
*Punches Flame in the face with the hilt of his sword.*

Flame:
*Reflexively retaliates, swinging a fist at Jack.*

Jack:
*Returns with a parry of the attack with his sword.* [this damaged Flame's glove, his hand is fine]

Hannah:
*Shoves Flame away from Jack.* "LEAVE HIM ALONE."

Flame:
"STAY OUT OF THIS, HANNAH!"

Hannah:
"You go save the burning city. Let him grieve! Not everyone is heartless like you!"

Flame:
"..."

Jack:
*Takes this opportunity to get into a defensive stance with Roxie in his free arm.*
*And gives Flame a death stare.*

Flame:
"Grrrrrr..."
*Turns away and runs toward the burning city.*

Jack:
*Unignites his sword, and turns his comm back on.*

Violet:
*Speaking in the comms.*
"Jack, I see you turned off your comm. What happened?"

Jack:
"It's complicated General. Just had an altercation with Sergeant Flame."

Flame:
*Also from the comms.*
"He disobeyed orders!"

Jack:
"A family matter came up. My... niece here just had her entire family killed. And I only managed to save her. And she refuses to leave me. And honestly? I refuse to let her. Not in this chaos."

Hannah:
"Jack almost got himself killed in the rescue."

Violet:
"Well, Beakton, if you choose to refuse your duties, I can't stop you... Do what you have to do. Hannah, you good?"

Jack:
"Sorry General. But this just got personal. Permission to send the child back to base?"

Hannah:
*Replying to Violet's question.* "I'm fine... I'll go."
*Leaves the scene to go save some lives.*
[considering what happens next episode, I think this inexplicably doesn't happen, Hannah continues to be useless]

Violet:
"Granted. Lepor?"

Lepor:
*Cough.* "Yes ma'am?"

Violet:
"Are you able to bring Jack's niece to safety?"

Lepor:
"You got it." *Snaps to the area.*
"I don't know how to say this without sounding bad, but I'm supposed to take you." *Holds out his hand.*

Roxie:
*Reluctantly takes his hand.*

Jack:
"It's alright. You can trust him."

Lepor:
*Smiles.* "Don't worry, I'm one of the good guys!"
*Snaps back to base with Roxie.*

Jack:
*Puts his helmet back on and grabs Roxie's bat and slings it onto his back looping it in a strap.*
*His eyes glint with a murderous rage.*
*Ignites his sword.*
"Whoever caused this... I wanna personally send them to hell..."

Meanwhile... at the abandoned GUN fortress...

One:
*One slinks through the halls, tossing things from side to side.* "Neeed... mooore... energy... There's... something... something... here..."

Mystery Voice:
"I thought you would come here."

One:
"You... I... need your... Chaos..."

Mystery Voice:
"Oh, you do? What if I could offer you something better?"

One:
"..."

Mystery Voice:
"Take this." *The obscured figure tosses her a Chaos Drive.* "After you've eaten, listen to me well."

One:
*Immediately absorbs the Drive's power.* "I'm... listening."

Mystery Voice:
"Use this." *They swipe their hand, and a case opens, revealing a white, katana-shaped Chaos Blade.* "Find Hannah Dash, and bring her to me."

One:
"Hannah... Dash? Why... should... I? You... did... this... You... will... end the world..."

Mystery Voice:
"If you bring her to me, I will give you the location of an endless source of Chaos Energy. You'll never need to feed off of others again..."

One:
"Who... is... Hannah... Dash?"

Mystery Voice:
"..."
"Surely...? No... That makes sense."
*The figure turns on a screen, showing Hannah's likeness...* "This is her."

One:
*One cocks her head to the side.* "...Seven. I... must.. see... my mission... through."
*She takes the Blade.* "...I will... find her... once I have... burned... this... city... down..."

Mystery Voice:
"Very well... No rush, of course."

One:
*One walks slowly out of the building as the figure grins, their pure white teeth being the only thing visible in the shadows.*

The city is in flames! The perpetrator is on a mission? What happens next? Find out, when we return to Organization Chaos 4: Brave Fear.

```

### Episode 4: The One Who Consumes, part 2

```
We now return to the inferno that is Central City. Calias and Pipsqueak have just finished containing a fire.

Pip:
*Takes off his goggles to wipe the sweat off his face.* "Phew... You gettin' tired there, Cal? No offense, but you seem slower than usual."

Calias:
"Uh... Yeah. I'm alright... I just wanted to give you a chance to shine is all."

Pip:
"I appreciate that, but I'll take all the help I can get right now."

Calias:
"Yeah, yeah. Let's go meet up with everyone, okay?"

Pip:
"Okay!"

The duo reaches where Jack and Hannah are, awaiting their next orders as Lepor returns from taking Roxie to base.

Calias:
"Alright, we're here."

Jack:
"..." *Is visibly enraged still.*
"Did you find the culprit?"

Pip:
*Shakes his head.*

Jack:
"Figures..."

Lepor:
"Nope, nothin'."

Fifticinco:
*A mech approaches the Rangers. It's the director's personal machine, outfitted with a garnet and gray color scheme.* "Burning Rangers! There's been reports of suspicious individuals trying to topple our mechs near the suburbs. I need two of you there ASAP to assist."

Jack:
"They shall taste my fury..."

Hannah:
"I'll... keep Jack from getting himself killed..."

Angela:
"Or killing anyone please."

Calias:
"...Yeah. What should we do, boss man?"

Fifticinco:
"The rest of you continue assisting the firefighting efforts. The Air Navy has been alerted in case we need to evacuate the city."

Jack:
*Has already run off towards the target with murder in his eyes.*

Hannah:
*Is following.*

Calias:
"Copy that, sir."

Fifticinco:
"Good... Where is the Sergeant?"

Jack:
*Pages in.* "Burning in Hades if it were up to me."

Angela:
"JACK!"

Fifticinco:
"That... doesn't sound good."

Flame:
*Listening from the comms.* "In a burning apartment, actually!"

Jack:
"Oh I'm amazed you managed to do so without an order."

Flame:
"This IS our orders!"

Fifticinco:
"Copy that. Regroup with your team as soon as you're finished. That's an order."

Flame:
"Yes, sir."

Jack:
"Just don't get in my way Sergeant--"

Angela:
*Shuts off Jack's comm to keep him from making Flame angrier.*
"I'll turn it back on in a second..."

Calias:
"Squeakers, Leelee... Wanna tag along with me?"

Lepor:
"Sure thing!"

Pip:
*Looking worriedly in Jack's direction.* "Huh? Oh. Uh, yeah, let's go!"

Lepor:
"Don't worry about him, he'll be... fffine." (I think.)

Meanwhile, near the suburbs, more hooded guys, like the ones from earlier, are attempting to destroy the GLACIA mechs that are containing the flames.

Druid:
"LET IT ALL BURN!"

Jack:
*Approaches them, sword drawn.*
"Stand down... and I'll let you keep your limbs..."

Hannah:
(Oh boy...)
*Also has Blades drawn.*

Druid:
"Oh, look! The feds are here."

Jack:
"Feds? Oh no my friend. I'm no fed... I'm your worse nightmare..."

Druid:
*Several of the Druids draw wooden staves to battle.*

Hannah:
"Um Jack, we *are* feds."

Jack:
*Immediately sends rapid laser shots to the staves, slicing them to pieces.* [some Druids are still armed]
*Smiles evilly.* "Am I a dog that you come at me with STICKS?! Pathetic..."

Druid:
"These staves represent our connection with Mother Gaia. Do not make us use them against you."

Jack:
*Leaps onto [one of] the cultists and pins them to the ground, sword right at their neck.*
"Would you care for me to send you to her?"

Hannah:
"Jack, no!"

Jack:
"That can be arranged..."
*Prepares to slice for the kill.*

Hannah:
*Jumps forward and blocks with my Blade.*

Jack:
"Out of the way Hannah..."

Hannah:
"No. You need to calm down."

Druid:
*The Druids use this opportunity to run away screaming.*

Jack:
"..."
"Cowards..."
*Deactivates his wispon.*

Hannah:
"We both know the lasting pain of killing someone. I won't let you do it again."

Jack:
*Sighs as his villainous tone drops slightly.* "Sorry Hannah. I just... made a promise... and whoever caused this fire? Made me break it... and for that I'm gonna break him."

Hannah:
*Simply nods.*

Jack:
"And Flame did not help matters earlier... No offense but how do you deal with that guy? All I see is an uncaring grump with only a passion for orders. I've tried being nice to the guy. Tried to get him to loosen up. But it's like he's more robotic than Angela!"

Hannah:
"Hmm..."
*Takes a second to remind herself.*
"His passion is for justice. He's stubborn, thinks structure is always the best way to get that. He's... not always grumpy. The day we met, he was crying."

Jack:
"Hmm. So he's a coward as well. Afraid to be a person."

Hannah:
"I mean... Maybe? He wants to look perfect for everyone. Including himself."

Jack:
"And I thought I was the liar..."

Hannah:
"Um, what?"

Jack:
"He's lying to himself?"

Hannah:
"Sometimes, I guess? He usually meets those high standards of his. Hence... the attitude."

Jack:
*Sigh.* "Sounds familiar..."

Hannah:
"..."

Meanwhile, the sheep in question has been attempting to clear a burning apartment complex. He's nearly made it to the top floor...

Flame:
*Bounding up the stairs two steps at a time.*

One of the stairs crumbles beneath him.

Flame:
"Aah!" *Attempts to grab one of the steps to stop his fall.*
*Succeeds, climbing back up and continuing on his way.*

The former general reaches the top floor and begins calling out for any survivors.

Flame:
"ANYONE UP HERE?"

Mystery Voice:
*A faint voice chimes in from amongst the blaze.* "Any... One?"

Flame:
*Hurries toward the voice, extinguishing the fires in his path.*

One:
*Flame is stopped in his tracks by a sweeping white blade.*
"You... have Chaos. Are you... trying to... stop me?"

Flame:
*Staring silently at One and her Blade, his face pales.*
"You're responsible for this, aren't you?"

One:
"The... flames... they will... save us... Are... you trying... to stop me?"

Flame:
*Readies his wrist-mounted lasers.*
"Yes... The fire is saving nobody!"

One:
"Ignorance..." *She slowly swipes her Blade, but it still has a surprising amount of force.*

Flame:
"You're just insane!"
*The slowness gives Flame time to dodge.*
*Retaliates with lasers.*

One:
*Vanishes from Flame's sight.*

Angela:
*Overhears this and pages Flame.* "What's goin' on Flame? You need backup?"

Flame:
"Yes. I found the culprit!"

Angela:
"Sending the closest agents to you."

One:
*One reappears behind Flame and fries his comms.*

Angela:
"...Flame?"

One:
"I need... your Chaos..."

Angela:
*Messages the Rangers.* "ALL AGENTS REPORT TO FLAME'S LOCATION ASAP THE CULPRIT HAS BEEN FOUND. Lepor? Can you get everyone to the address?"

Lepor:
"Roger that, Miss."
*Locates Flame.* [approximately]

The apartment complex is getting hotter by the second...

Lepor:
"I found him, but I can't find where he is *exactly*."

Flame:
*Flees from One's approach.*

One:
*She instantaneously gets close to Flame and swings her Blade downward.* [in front of him]

Flame:
*His run turns into a slide to avoid the Blade, and he slides into One's legs.*

One:
*She, rather quickly, bends down and grabs Flame's Chaos Drive while he is under her. She begins to drain it.*

Flame:
*Grabs One's arms, trying to pull them away.*

One:
*She stares at him, and begins speaking in a more normal manner.* "This was exactly what I needed... You cannot stop me. I will be the one to... fix... this broken... world." *She begins to slow down again.*
"GRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGHHHHH!!!!!" *She screams, as the surroundings begin to turn white...*

Outside, the other Rangers have arrived at the scene.

Calias:
"What the..."

Jack:
"What the Green Hill?"

The building is burning white hot.

Jack:
*Turns on his comm and tries radioing Flame.*
"FLAME! What is goin' on in there?"

Hannah:
"Where is he?!"

Lepor:
*Crashes through a window from the 3rd floor.*

Pip:
"I got you!"

Calias:
*Prepares to run in there to rescue Flame... but...* "Grk..."

Lepor:
"Oof."

Calias:
*Is frozen in fear...*

Lepor:
"Thanks, it was steaming in there. I'm sorry, I couldn't find him."

Hannah:
*Is also panicking.*
"Are we... gonna do something?!"

Pip:
*It was less of a catch and more of Pipsqueak acting as a throw pillow.* "No problem..."

The Rangers look on in horror as the building begins to melt from the extreme heat...

Jack:
"..."
*Looks to Hannah.*

Hannah:
*Dread.*

Flame:
*Inside, Flame is falling.* (I'm helpless to stop this... So this is how I die... A mere sergeant!)
(Hannah's not alone... I can only hope they'll keep her safe...)
"AAAUUUUGGHH!!"
*Unable to bear the pain any longer, Flame loses consciousness.*

Outside, the building has quickly collapsed in.

Calias:
"..." *Quickly grabs everyone and brings them to a safe distance.*

One more giant flame erupts, then suddenly, the fire dies out... All that's left is a pile of molten steel.

Lepor:
"Shouldn't we go and look for him!?"

Hannah:
"**...**"
"Flame..."
*Collapses to the ground with a scream.*

Calias:
"...There's no way..."

Pip:
*Puts a hand on Lepor.* "I don't think..."

Lepor:
"He... can't just be gone. Right...?"

Calias:
"No one... No one could survive that..."

Jack:
"..." *Bends down and holds Hannah from the side.*

Hannah:
*Sobs.*

Lepor:
"..."

Fifticinco:
*The director and several other GLACIA mechs arrive.* "Rangers! What happened!?"

Jack:
"Flame just died sir."

Fifticinco:
*Does a double take.* "F-Flame?!?"

Jack:
*Sigh.* "Another leader dead because of me..."

Fifticinco:
"Shut up with your self pity and tell me what happened, dang it!"

Jack:
"Look. We don't know. We get here and the freaking building melts!"

Fifticinco:
*He jumps out of his mech and starts inching closer to the wreckage.*

Jack:
"I doubt that's wise Fifticinco."

Fifticinco:
"...You're right. Was the culprit inside as well?"

Jack:
"Presumably? I just..." *Sighs and takes off his helmet.*
"I hope that's the last of it."

Violet:
*Has been listening intently on the comms, very silent.*
(He's gone...)

Calias:
*Just stands, petrified...*

Agent:
*An agent speaks over the comms.*
"The fires are under control."

Fifticinco:
*Speaks back over the radio.* "Copy... Return to base... Good work, everyone."

Hannah:
*Hasn't moved.*

Jack:
"GOOD WORK?!"
*Sigh.* "Sorry. Sorry. I just... I need a minute..."

Lepor:
*Worryingly looking at Hannah.*

Fifticinco:
"Did you all hear me? Return to base. Now!"

Jack:
"Come on Hannah..."

Hannah:
"..."

Jack:
*Picks her up on his shoulder.*

Pip:
*Has been sitting and now slowly pulls himself up.*

Calias:
*Calias cannot look away from the wreckage as he hobbles behind everyone.*

A few minutes later, everyone has made it back to GLACIA HQ... Almost everyone...

Jack:
*Walks into the comm room where Angela is.*

Angela:
*Turns her chair around and has a stern look on her face.*

Jack:
"Hi..."

Angela:
*Stands up and walks over to Jack.*
*And slaps him.*

Jack:
"...I deserved that..."

Angela:
"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!"

Jack:
*Sigh.* "I'm sorry Ange."

Angela:
"Sorry?! Jack. You almost died because of some random kid?! Look at your face! And then went all psycho and almost killed a bunch of cultists like you were Anakin with the younglings! And got into a fight with Flame. Flame..."

Jack:
"Look. Ange. I feel bad enough about that. And as for Roxie... It's complicated."

Angela:
"Apparently so. Given she's your 'niece'."

Jack:
"...Look, I'll explain more later okay?"

Angela:
*Grabs Jack's hand before he can walk out.*
"Jack, please. I think you need to reevaluate if you can do this Ranger thing."

Jack:
"I have been..."

Beau:
*Walks in holding Roxie as she cries on his shoulder.*

Jack:
"Roxie..."
*Walks over and takes the kid from Beau.*

Roxie:
*Sniffles.*

Jack:
"You alright?"

Roxie:
"That's a stupid question."

Jack:
"Yeah... Sorry... I mean you're not hurt?"

Roxie:
"Shakes her head.* "My baby tooth came out though."
*Looks to Angela who is just standing there observing.*

Angela:
"..."

Beau:
*After giving them a few minutes Beau sighs.*
"Ahem. I think they want you two in the training room."

Jack:
"Right... Keep an eye on the kid will ya Beau?"

Beau:
"Yeah..."

Angela:
*Rolls her eyes and walks out towards the room.*

Jack:
*Sighs and follows.*

In the Training Room... the remaining Rangers are gathered. A silence permeates the air.

Hannah:
*Curled up in a blanket.*

Lepor:
*Stress eating.*

Calias:
*Hasn't moved since he sat down.* "...Hannah?"

Pip:
*Lying on a bunk staring at the ceiling.*

Hannah"
"Y-yeah?"

Calias:
"You... okay? No wait, of course you're not okay... Are you alive, at least?"

Hannah:
"...I look alive, right?"

Calias:
"Not really..."

Hannah:
"Makes sense I guess... I can't... I can't do this anymore..."

Calias:
*He looks down. Trying not to look his sister in the eye.* "Yeah..."

Violet:
*Walks in the room with a sigh.*
*Also crying a little.*

Jack:
*Salutes.*

Angela:
*Looks concerned.* "You alright Violet?"

Violet:
"..."
*Looking at Jack.* "You're... not the only one who lost a sibling today."

Jack:
"What?"

Angela:
*Facepalms.*

Violet:
"Your niece's parents?"
*Looks to Angela.* "Oh... was it *your* sibling?"

Jack:
*Sighs.* "General. I'll have to explain that situation to you later. It's... complicated."

Angela:
"Explain it to a LOT of people."

Violet:
"No rush, it's hard, I understand. Anyway... Now that Sonny--Flame, I mean. Now that he's gone I can tell you... We're half-siblings."

Angela:
"Well... That explains a lot..."

Jack:
"Oh... Wow. General... I... I'm sorry..."

Violet:
"I suppose we all should've known he'd go out in a blaze..."

Hannah:
"Too soon..."

Violet:
*Walks over and places a hand on Hannah's shoulder.*

Calias:
*Calias gets up and walks out of the room silently.*

In the light of the sunrise, at the site of the incident... within the wreckage... Something doesn't belong here.

Flame:
*A strangely intact orange sheep opens his eyes.*
*Shocked.*
(I'm... alive?! Hmm... Those family legends must have had some truth to them...)
(I'm alive!)
"AHAHAAA! IT'LL TAKE MORE THAN THAT TO KILL ME!!"

THE SHOOP LIVES?!!? Oh, wait. Professionalism. Flame is alive! What happened to the mysterious vampire? How can our heroes cope with this? Find out next time on Organization Chaos 4: Brave Fear!

```

### Episode 5: Ghosts

```
We open in the office of General Meadows.

Violet:
*Sitting at her desk.*

She hears a knock at the door.

Violet:
"Come in!"

Jack:
*Opens the door cautiously.*
"Um. Hi... Is now a good time for us to talk?"

Violet:
"Yep, this works."
*Closes laptop.*

Jack:
"Right..."
*Walks in and sits down.*
*Only for the door to not close behind him and more footsteps to be heard.*

Angela:
*Walks in and sits down on the spare chair in the corner with her arms leaning on the back.*

Jack:
"..."

Angela:
*Kicks the door closed gently.*
"Sorry, but if you expect me to be left out on secrets you got another thing comin'."

Jack:
*Sigh.* "Alright..."
*Looks around awkwardly as he composes his thoughts.*
*And notices a dent in the wall.*
*Smiles slightly.* "I assume that's Sonny's doing?"

Violet:
"Indeed... It was when you broke his brainwashing. I've never seen him so angry... When I went into his office, I saw his chair on the ground by the dent."

Jack:
"...Yeah... That must have been... difficult to see. Sorry I couldn't undo yours at the time."

Violet:
"He's always been difficult... Refused to acknowledge me as a sibling... But he was the closest to a brother I had."

Jack:
"Yeah... I know what it's like to have difficult siblings... and to lose one of them."

Violet:
"I'm sorry to hear that. Was that the one who...?"

Jack:
*Sigh.* "Not what I meant. Only sibling I've lost died at the start of the war."

Angela:
"And unfortunately he didn't stay dead."

Jack:
"That reminds me, you did tell him not to use the blender in the bathtub again right?"

Angela:
"Oh. No he's too busy helping with the town repai--Hey! Back on track."

Violet:
"Right, you said you have something to explain, Jack?"

Jack:
"Right... So uh, what do you know about my family? I assume you read my files before you guys hired me."

Violet:
*Nods.*
"You and your siblings once worked for Dr. Eggman. Your mother, a professor. Your father was associated with the Kukku Empire... but that was a while ago."

Jack:
"Yeah, well... I didn't always work for Eggman. Back when I was about 12 or so I was really big into trying to be a good trooper in the Kukku Empire. I'd train for hours with my cousin Andromedus to be the best of the best..."

Angela:
"Who ironically was a part of the Druid scheme."

Jack:
*Ahem.* "Beside the point."

Violet:
*Makes a mental note of this.*

Jack:
"Basically, I was trying to be something I wasn't. A soldier."

Violet:
*Chuckles.* "Sonny would be so proud."

Jack:
"But sadly my father was not. And that's when our trainer came in... Jezebel..."
*Winces as he says the word.*
"She was as cruel and ruthless as they come, treating her minions and her troopers as pure scum. A true Beakton. And a horrible mother. To Andy I mean, not me. But one day? I had enough...
"She had just found our two of her minions were romantically involved. And planned to punish them... by throwing them out of an airship into a volcano. She took me along to show what happened to those who didn't follow orders... And I showed her what happens to those who make stupid orders... and shoved her out the window..."
*Is clearly a bit distraught reliving these moments.*

Violet:
"That must have been hard..."

Jack:
*And an emotion not often seen is upon his face: regret.*
"That was the first time I murdered someone... The minions who I saved? They were Roxie's parents... They were the ones who died today... I swore I would protect them no matter what my family did... and I failed..."

Violet:
"I'm sorry..."

Angela:
"Jack..."
*Gets up and holds her husband's trembling hand.*

Jack:
"I couldn't just leave her there! I couldn't let them down... And when Flame acted so... calloused in response... something in me just... snapped. But if I had followed his orders... she would have died too."

Violet:
*Nods.* "I understand."

Jack:
"I almost murdered a random punk kid in a robe! Just because I was so angry with that brute!"
*Sigh.* "Sorry, I respected Flame. I tried to get along with him... but he just... seemed to hate me with every fiber of his being."

Violet:
"He didn't hate you. From what I can tell, he appreciated the effort you put into this."

Jack:
"..." *Sigh.* "Would have been nice if he showed it."

Violet:
*Nods.* "He rarely would mention the *good* in anything... One of his weaknesses."

Jack:
"So... Might as well get everything out there while I'm thinking about it... After the incident with my aunt the Kukku Empire banished me. I was lucky my uncle was merciful and restrained my father's rage and just let me off with that. But it left me... vulnerable to other influences. Namely Eggman. Eventually becoming one of his top generals. And leading the attack on Central City..."

Violet:
*Eyebrows raise.*

Jack:
"Yeah... Me and my brother Louis were in charge of that mission. That's what the pardon was for."
*Chuckles slightly.* "Ironically I found out the other day from Louis that I chased the Director with an Egg Wrecking Ball that day."

Violet:
"Wasn't he... the one who died that day?"

Jack:
"Yeah... Turns out he's a ghost. Been following me ever since."

Violet:
"Does that mean he's in here right now...?"

Jack:
"Thankfully no. He can't hide from me in his ghost form now. Besides, he's too distracted with his new Metal Sonic Prototype form."

Violet:
"That's a relief..."

Jack:
"I mean, being dead kinda mellowed him. Anyways... Back on track."
*His face gets serious.* "What about Roxie."

Violet:
"Well, considering that her parents are gone... I'll have to get in touch with the foster care system."

Jack:
"..."
*Looks to Angela.*

Angela:
*Looks at Jack knowingly and nods with a nervous smile.*

Jack:
"Not necessary."

Violet:
"Oh?"

Jack:
"We're adopting her."

Violet:
*Smiles.* "That's sweet of you."

Jack:
*Is surprised by the lack of protest.*

Violet:
(I've seen how Jack cares for this child, he may do alright... Also Angela will be involved.)

Jack:
"Well, we should probably tell her the news..."
*Places his badge on the desk and walks out.*

Angela:
*Eyes widen.*
"JACK!"

Violet:
*Eyes widen.*

Jack:
*Peeks back in.* "Yes?"

Angela:
*Holds up the badge.*

Jack:
"Oh. That."

Violet:
*Looks up at Jack questioningly, waiting for him to elaborate.*

Jack:
"..."
"Angela? Can I talk to Violet privately?"

Angela:
*Nods and walks out concerned.*

Jack:
"...I don't feel fit to be an agent. You've seen me in action... What I'm... capable of..."

Violet:
"You're capable of great heroism too."

Jack:
"I'm no hero Violet. But... I don't feel like a villain either..."

Violet:
"You're a person. We all have some of both... We just have to choose what's right."

Jack:
"...Violet. I feel like I'm responsible for Flame's death."

Violet:
"Don't blame yourself, Jack. It was... whatever force destroyed that building."

Jack:
"But if it wasn't for me he wouldn't have gone into that building alone."

Violet:
"You would've gone with him, and you and Hannah would probably also be dead."

Jack:
"...But..." *Sigh.* "Alright."
*Picks the badge up.* "So, am I getting reprimanded for disobeying orders?"

Violet:
"Anyone would've done what you did. Just... try to keep a hold of yourself next time."

Jack:
"I'll try... but... no promises."

Violet:
*Slight nod.* "If you do end up going too far, we'll have a problem... But unless that happens, I'm glad you're sticking around. Especially now, the team needs you."

Jack:
"They do?"

Violet:
"We don't know what foe we're up against. They are powerful, that's all we know."

Jack:
*Nods.* "And it's not who I assumed it was."

Violet:
"Oh?"

Jack:
"But if it turns out they really are involved... I will have to go too far."

Violet:
"Who?"

Jack:
"My family."
*Leaves without elaborating.*

Violet:
"..."
(Hopefully it doesn't come to that...)
*Opens up laptop.*
*Remembering something mentioned earlier in the conversation, Violet begins looking into Andromedus.*

Meanwhile, we find Beauregard and Roxie at a baseball diamond in the park.

Roxie:
*Aggressively hits the ball Beau pitched.*

Beau:
"You got quite the arm there, don't you?"

Roxie:
"I'd have a better one if I wasn't using this cheap bat..."
*The bat breaks as she hits the next one.*
"UGH!"
*Throws the remains down and growls before beginning to cry again.*

Beau:
*Starts walking over with a feeling of helplessness.*
"Uncle Jack said he'd be here soon..."

Roxie:
"He's not my uncle... Don't you get it?! I don't have any family..."

Beau:
"I..."
*Beauregard stops himself from arguing with the newly orphaned child.*
"Did I ever tell you I never met my parents?"

Roxie:
"..." *Shakes head.*

Beau:
"Yup, just washed up on shore one day."
*Wipes Roxie's tears.*

Angela:
*Walks up about this time.*

Beau:
"But some people found me and treated me just like a part of their family. That's what Jack's trying to do, so I'd like you to be nice to him alright?"

Roxie:
*Nods.*
"Okay..."

Beau:
"Alright, sounds good." *Smiles at her.*

Angela:
"Well. Jack will be here in a few minutes."
*Looks at the broken bat.*
"Looks like you might need this."
*Pulls Roxie's bat out of her cloak.*

Roxie:
*Smiles while still crying.*
*Takes the bat.*
*And holds it tightly.*

Angela:
"...Must be a pretty special bat."

Roxie:
*Nods.* "It was my dad's..."

Beau:
"..."

Angela:
*Ahem.* (How am I supposed to take care of this thing?)

Jack:
*Runs up about this time.*
"Sorry I'm late. I misplaced my bus pass."
*Walks over and shakes Beau's hand.*
"Thanks for watchin' her Beau."

Beau:
"No problem, she's a good kid. Anyways, you got her from here? I should check up on my team."

Jack:
"Yeah, I gotta talk with her about some stuff."

Beau:
"Yup yup yup... See ya."
*Begins to walk away before turning around.*
"Bye Roxie!"

Roxie:
*Waves.*

Jack:
"...So... How ya holdin' up?"

Roxie:
"Well considering I just went through an emotionally scarring incident that will haunt me for decades."

Jack:
"...Yeah, we probably need to get you some therapy."

Angela:
"BOTH of you."

Jack:
"...Fair."

Roxie:
"So... N-now what?"

Jack:
"Well, we get the world ready for the newest member of the Beakton family."

Roxie:
*Looks to Angela.* "YOU'RE HAVING A BABY?!"

Angela:
*Facepalms.* "No Roxie honey..."

Jack:
*Bends down.* "Well, years ago I made a promise to your family. That I'd protect them no matter what."

Roxie:
"Well... Kinda screwed that one up."

Jack:
"Yeah. Well, still. The way I see it, best way to make sure I keep the one member left safe is to make her a part of my family."

Roxie:
"I don't follow."

Angela:
"We're... adopting you."

Roxie:
"...Wat."

Jack:
"Is that a problem?"

Roxie:
*Jumps up and hugs Jack around the neck.*

Jack:
"I'll take that as a no."

Roxie:
"Do I get a suit too?"

Jack:
"Heh. We'll see kiddo."
*Picks up Roxie.*
"In the meantime, let's go get some supper."
*Grabs Angela's hand with his free hand.* "As a family."

Angela:
*Smiles nervously.*

And so the new family departs.

Location: A hideaway somewhere in Central City...

Druid:
*A group of Druids stand in a circle.* "Did our Queen survive the blaze?"
*Another one speaks up.* "Mother Gaia would never die to something so... trivial."
*A taller one responds.* "Are we certain she was ever Mother Gaia to begin with? She could have been an impostor."
*The shortest of the group speaks up.* "That's heresy and you know it, Dave."

Suddenly, a sound like cats being dragged down a blackboard reverberates through the hall...

Druid:
*All of the Druids stop their argument to turn to the source of the noise.*

One:
*A beaten and battered One comes slinking down the corridor, the depowered hilt of her Chaos Blade scraping against the walls.*

Druid:
"SHE'S ALIVE!" *They all run to greet her.*

One:
"I am... so very... tired..."

Druid:
*Before One collapses, the Druids carry her to a throne at the back of the hall.* "Here you are, Mother. Please do not overdo it."

One:
"The soldier... fought well... I... had to... use all my power... to destroy him..."

Druid:
"You have fought hard, Mother Gaia. Please rest."

One:
"...Rest? I cannot rest... I must... find..."
*She stands up, clutching her head as if in severe pain.* "I... I--...I NEED... MORE CHAOS!..."

Cult Member:
"Hey now! Please calm down, Mother! You're hurting yourself!"

One:
"Pathetic... weaklings!... You have... barely... any Chaos!"
*She grabs the nearest Druid by the neck.* "But... you will... have to do... for now..."

Druid:
"M-Mothe--" *He tries to catch his breath as he pleads, but what little Chaos Energy is inside him is quickly drained by One.*

One:
"More... MORE!" *She warps over to another member and does the same, then another, then another, fighting off their feeble attempts to counter each time...*

Druid:
"PLEASE STOP!" *One of the final two yells, before One appears in front of him.* "Run, Dave! Save yourself!"
*The last remaining Druid books it out of the hideout, not looking back for a second.*

One:
"...That's enough... I am satisfied for now. It won't be long until I need another fix... I just need to complete his request... Then I can... have unlimited power... I must... find Hannah Dash..."

GLACIA HQ... Calias has just returned to the Burning Rangers training room from a long walk. He has a coffee in his hand. Lepor is there, and so is Hannah... The latter seems to be sleeping.

Calias:
"Oh good... Looks like she's finally getting some sleep..."

Lepor:
*Repeatedly throwing a tennis ball to the wall.* "Yeah, she's been asleep for a while."

Calias:
"I'm glad. She's been struggling with that a lot ever since..."

Lepor:
"Hm." *Catches the tennis ball and stops.*

Calias:
*He walks over and sits on his bed, right next to Hannah's.* "She's had it pretty bad these past few months..." (Why am I moping then?)

Hannah's body is still, but her mind is churning...
Everything is blurry, but Hannah can tell she's trapped. Too weak to escape. Alone. This is a lifeless place. No sun. Only machines.

Hannah:
"..."

Mystery Voice:
*Shouting from the other room.* "No... NO! I was so close!"

Hannah can hear frantic footsteps pacing, but they never enter this room. The sound soon gives way to murmurs.

Hannah:
(Something's wrong...)

Great noise suddenly intrudes. Numerous footsteps and shouts.

Hannah:
"WHAT'S HAPPENING?!"

No answer comes to Hannah's question. Minutes pass, the noise fades. Complete silence.

Hannah:
(I'm alone...)

Hannah feels an intense heat from within and without as her surroundings begin to melt.

Hannah:
*Screams.*

But no one can hear, no one is there.
Hannah finds herself inside her bedroom.

Hannah:
*Looks into the mirror.*

The reflection is her younger self.

Hannah:
*Looks back down at her drawing, a self-portrait.*

Dr. Dash:
*Walks in. He's smiling. But he's moving slower than usual.*

Hannah:
"Hi, Dad!"

Dr. Dash:
"Hey sweetie..." *He continues slowly before settling down on Hannah's bed.*
"Can we talk?" *He pats his leg, inviting her to sit.*

Hannah:
*Readily accepts the invitation.*

Dr. Dash:
*Despite asking to talk, it's a while before he says anything. Instead, he looks her in the eyes while tears begin to form in his own.*

Hannah:
"Huh? What's wrong?"
*Hugs him.*

Dr. Dash:
"Do you remember that time we talked? When I told you it's okay to be sad?"

Hannah:
"Yeah?"

Dr. Dash:
"And how even though it's okay that you're sad you can't--" *Has to pause a moment before continuing.* "You can't lose hope?"

Hannah:
"Yeah. 'Cause that's how we keep going."

Dr. Dash:
*Smiles, but not his usual strong smile.* "That's right."
*Pulls Hannah close.* "I need you to remember that for me, Hannah."

Hannah:
*Nods.*

Dr. Dash:
"Your mother... She was... She's... I'm sorry, Hannah. She's gone."

Hannah:
"Gone? Gone where?"

Dr. Dash:
*Breaks down as much as he'll allow himself.* "She's dead, Hannah. I'm sorry, but she isn't coming back."

Hannah:
"Huh...?"
*Starts crying too, hugs tighter.*

Dr. Dash:
"I'm sorry. It's just you and me now..."

The dream fades, Hannah finds herself hugging only a blanket.

Hannah:
(Mom's gone... Flame... Flame is gone...)
"W-what hope?!"
*Sobs.*

Lepor:
"Hannah? W-what happened?"

Calias:
*A hand is placed on Hannah's shoulder.* "Hey, hey... You're okay, now..."

Hannah:
"No..."

Calias:
"Nightmare?"

Hannah:
*Nods.*

Calias:
*Calias scoots closer and hugs her.* "...I'm sorry."

Hannah:
*Hugs him tight.*

Lepor:
"Uh... Do you two need to be alone for a bit?"

Calias:
"No, you can stay."

Lepor:
*Awkward thumbs-up and leaves anyway.*

Hannah:
"..."

Calias:
"...You wanna talk about it?"

Hannah:
"..."
"I was... remembering... when I lost Mom..."

Calias:
(She's... never talked about her before.)
"That sounds... rough."

Hannah:
*Slow nod.*

Violet:
*Enters at this time.*
"You two almost ready?"

Calias:
"Yeah..." *He pats Hannah on the back.* "Come on, sis. We gotta get ready..."

Hannah:
*Sigh...*

Central City Memorial Cemetery... A place where heroes are laid to rest, along with the victims of the Attack on Central City... Everyone is gathered for the memorial ceremony of "General" Sonny Flame.

Calias:
*The Burning Rangers, all wearing their dress uniforms, carry an empty coffin to the top of the hill.*
[Violet is among them]
"..."

Hannah:
"..."

Jack:
(Stupid ceremonies and their waste of coffins.)

Calias:
*They all walk in silence.*

Pip:
"..."

Lepor:
"..."

Once they reach the top, they all stand off to the side, at attention. Director Fifticinco takes the stand.

Fifticinco:
"..."
"Dearly beloved... Thank you... for coming today. Agents of the Global Leadership, Authority, Combat, and Intelligence Agency... We are gathered here to mourn and celebrate the life of... well... a hero. My hero. I followed Flame into the fires of war. He led the charge against the Eggman Empire. Fought for the entire nation."

Jack:
*Pulls at his collar awkwardly there.*

Fifticinco:
"He helped rebuild GUN after the war. And eventually, helped expose the corruption in that same agency. He led the Burning Rangers to victory against Eggman's new empire, and saved us all... And he died saving us... General Flame is survived by his parents, and his half-sister Violet. And is preceded in death by his older sister Tulip. May we never forget his sacrifice." *He motions to the Rangers, who salute in unison.*

Jack:
*Rolls his eyes as he does so.*

Pip:
*Elbows Jack and gives him a pleading look.*

Jack:
*Sighs.*

Fifticinco:
*Everyone stands in silence as the director slams a uniform pin on the casket.*

Angela:
"?"

Gordon:
(Outlived *both* my kids...)

Rose:
*Also here, sitting as far from Gordon as possible.*

Fifticinco:
"Men. Ready your guns..." *The Gun Salute squad gets in formation.* "AIM! FI--"

Flame:
*An even louder voice shouts.*
"I'M NOT DEAD!!"

Everyone, flabbergasted, turns to the shouting sheep.

Jack:
*Is shocked and then glares.*

Roxie:
*Has fallen asleep in Angela's lap somehow.*

Lepor:
(Oh [Gaia] where are his clothes...) *Looks away.*

Calias:
"Chief?!?"

Angela:
*Smirks.* "Lookin' good there Sonny."

Hannah:
"!!"
*Separates from the others and runs up to him.*

Pip:
*Smiles.*

Hannah:
"How...?"

Flame:
"I can take the heat."
*Lowers voice.* "Remember that legend Tulip wrote about?"

Fifticinco:
"..."

Hannah:
*Hugs Flame and starts crying again.*

Flame:
*Returns the hug.*

Fifticinco:
*Walks over to him.* "Flame... Is that really you?"

Flame:
"Yes, sir."

Jack:
"..."

Fifticinco:
*He salutes him.* "Congratulations on your... living, General."

Jack:
"Don't you mean Sergeant?"

Flame:
*Glares at Jack.*

Fifticinco:
"No, Beakton. I mean General."

Jack:
"Oh, he DIES and you finally get around to fixing that."

Flame:
"It's about time!"

Fifticinco:
"It's easier to fix postmortem..."

Jack:
"Unbelievable... Just for that I'm not apologizing for chasing you with the wrecking ball."

Flame:
*Silently surveys the people gathered here, starting to feel out of place.*
"..."

Fifticinco:
"Well... Funeral is cancelled, I suppose?! How about we all go and get burgers, huH? My treat."

Flame:
"I'm starving!"

Jack:
"I would but I have another funeral to get to..."

Pip:
*Suddenly is hugging Flame as well.*

Bozo:
"Celebration of life!"

Brandon:
"I will let my father know we're coming."

Lepor:
*Throws away my bow tie.* "Oh well." *Hugs Flame because why not.*

Flame:
*Bewildered.*

Jack:
*Walks up to the general and salutes as he scowls and walks out.*

Calias:
*Holds back tears as he hugs Flame too.*

Flame:
*Isn't sure how to handle this.*

Angela:
*Gets up while holding the sleeping Roxie in one arm and pats Flame on the head.* "Good to have ya back Chief."

Violet:
*Knows better than to try to hug Flame, but stands nearby, smiling.*

Angela:
*Walks off to join Jack.*

Beau:
*Follows Jack and Angela, giving Flame a knowing nod and smirk.*

Everyone went to Brandon's Burgers to celebrate Flame's alive-ness. Then, later that night. In the Training Room, everyone prepares to go to sleep. Flame is not present, as he is being forced to stay in the hospital for a few days.

Calias:
"Soooo... What a day, huh?"

Hannah:
"Uh-huh..."

Pip:
"I'll say!"

Lepor:
"Yep."

Calias:
"Hey, Hannah? You doin' better now?"

Hannah:
"Yeah."

Pip:
"So, Hannah. What was his explanation again? I'm not complaining. But..."

Hannah:
"It runs in the family. Kinda. Skipping several generations."

Calias:
"Hereditary powers? Pretty sick!"

Pip:
"What does? Having nine lives?"

Hannah:
"Surviving fire. Hence the name."

Pip:
"Ohhhh... Neat."

Lepor:
"So lemme get this straight... A *very* flammable sheep is able to survive fires?"

Hannah:
"Yup. Not as flammable as he looks."

Lepor:
"I wanna test that theory but I rather not die trying."

Pip:
"I mean, sheep aren't *that* flammable... I had a friend back home who was a shepe. One time, we were at a bonfire that went wrong... but he made it through okay. You know, relatively speaking."

Hannah:
*Lies down and pulls blanket over self.*

Calias:
"You gonna go to sleep now, sis?"

Hannah:
"I'd like to, yeah."

Calias:
"Okay. Come on, guys. Let's leave her be."

Hannah:
"Goodnight..."

Pip:
"Oh, yeah. Goodnight Hannah!"

Calias:
"Goodnight, sis! Sweet dreams!"

Lepor:
"Alright, night!"

Calias:
*Calias, Pipsqueak and Lepor leave the room.*

Hannah:
*Eventually falls asleep.*

For once, Hannah has a pleasant dream... Then, a sound wakes her peaceful rest.

Hannah:
"..."
*Looks around the room.*

Mystery Voice:
"Seven... I found you."

One:
*The voice is coming from a pair of glowing white eyes.*

Hannah:
"Seven... what?"
*Images flash before Hannah's eyes.*

One:
"I am... running out... of time... I must... burn this world... He needs you..."

Hannah:
"No..." *Gets up and runs.*

One:
*Teleports in front of her.* "And I... need your Chaos..."

Hannah:
"Aaah!"
*Is now frozen in place.*

One:
*One grasps Hannah's neck and lifts her into the air... Chaos Energy seems to be flowing out of her body in high amounts... Then, a beam of moonlight hits the ghoul's face... It's then when Hannah realizes...*

Hannah:
(I... know you...)
"Mom...?"

To be continued... 2023.

```

## Characters

*In order of appearance:*

* Hannah Dash
* Calias the Phoenix
* Bradley Dash
* Sonny Flame
* Pipsqueak Cheddarosier
* Jack Beakton
* Lepor Lightfoot
* Nezumi Numanaga
* Violet Meadows
* Elmer "Elk" Seraphina
* Penelope "Penny" Seraphina
* Giovanni Fifticinco
* Lisa Dash
* Angela Beakton
* Beauregard Cheddarosier
* Inigo Mogotsi
* Johnny Thunder
* René Topaz
* Eli Vulcan
* Roxanne "Roxie" Whitmore
* Gordon Flame
* Rose Meadows
* Brenda Gutrail
* Brandon Conley

## Participants

* HannahDash
* Captainclay55
* Pip9766
* GasglowJones
* Poly
* BeauX
* Mortimer