Streaks of Purple Saga Volume One - Heather Ray (phonics reader .txt) 📗

/> She had to swallow her pride as time and time again, the Power Rangers defeated her. They continually trounced Goldar and thwarted his plans, even when he was accompanied by monsters of Finster's design.

She thought she finally had an advantage when she mastered a powerful growth spell, which made Goldar and any monster she cast it upon grow twenty times in size and strength. But the Rangers were ready to counter this new attack with their Zords. In fact, about six months ago, the Power Rangers had forced her to push back. They attacked her palace outright, banishing her from their planet completely.

The enraged princess of M 51 had no choice but to relocate to the safety of the moon, hopefully out of the reach of the Power Rangers.

And now, one hundred fifty weeks after her arrival on Earth, she was at her weakest. She had no foothold on the Earth whatsoever, which only increased the humans' morale. Also, to her great consternation, Finster reported that he had used up all the Utonian clay in his reserves, forcing him to use lunar clay in his Monster-Baking. Unfortunately, the local clay was nowhere near as magically potent, making his more recent creations far weaker than his former masterpieces.

Her forces were only getting weaker, and they were unbearably inferior at their peak. Every depressing morning brought her further and further from her goal.

Rita clenched her fists, storming from her balcony. Her body trembled with pent-up rage as she sat at her vanity, and gazed at her reflection. Her rage melted into despondent sadness as she noted the faint crow's feet that marred her supple skin.

"I can't believe this," she groaned, tracing the lines with the tips of her fingernails, "All this stress is making me... old." She scowled, rubbing the folded skin irritably. "I should get Finster to look into a youth potion-"

Her tirade faded into a yelp of panic as the entire palace began shaking to its very foundation. She helplessly tumbled from her seat, watching dumbfounded as make-up bottles and brushes fell from her vanity, crashing to the ground.

Moments later, the quaking ended as suddenly as it had begun. She grumbled as she rose to her feet, brushing the moondust from her cloak.
Just then, Goldar raced into the room.

"How dare you enter my chambers without knocking?!" she screeched furiously. But to her surprise, Goldar didn't even blink at her rebuke.
He fixed her with stern, almost imperious ruby eyes. "The Emperor wishes to see you in the throne room. Now."
Chapter Two

Despite the dread that sat in her stomach like a ball of lead, Rita held her chin high as she strode into her throne room. Her sharp gaze absorbed her minions, noting how Squatt and Baboo trembled in the corner like children, and how Finster patiently stood by Rita’s throne, determined to show his support for his queen.

She suppressed the tiniest of smiles. Of all her soldiers, Finster was the only one she trusted. He was loyal to her, even if it meant sacrificing his very life. She could see it in his eyes, and in the manner he fulfilled her orders. He was the closest one to a confidant she ever had since her servitude to Zedd began.

Goldar was another matter entirely. He was powerful, and on the surface he obeyed her to the best of his ability. But he was not her warrior, he was Lord Zedd’s. And if the time ever came when he would have to choose sides, there wasn’t a single doubt in her mind that Goldar would choose Zedd.

He fought bravely in her name, but he didn’t fear

her like he should. He didn’t respect her as Queen. He called

her such, but in his heart she knew he loathed her.

Loathing she could deal with…but not disrespect.

She resolved to teach

him respect as some point. But now, for more pressing matters.

Rita sat in her throne, squaring her shoulders with royal dignity.

Absently, she pulled her flowing silver hair over her shoulder, letting it spill upon the floor in a long, winding curl.
She hated the fact that she didn’t get a chance to dress properly before this impromptu conference, but she would rather die than let Zedd see her discomposure.

A swirling pool of magic manifested into a translucent hologram. Slowly, the form took the shape of Lord Zedd’s head and torso, much larger than life, hovering over her like a bad omen.

She face her Lord fearlessly. As usual, Zedd’s expression was unreadable.

“I hope I didn’t not disturb your slumber

, Rita,” he stated, his voice mixed with some humor. Rita felt her anger rise slightly at the naked jibe.

“Never, Lord,” she responded, “I am always ready for an audience. How can I be of service?”

“As you know, my Empire is reaching out to conquer all the holdings of the Shadow Empire. My forces have managed to conquer the Jerai, Hildin, and Ilginin systems, and I am preparing to lead an offensive against the planet Cetra, whose powerful inhabitants pose something of a threat to my holdings in that sector.” He paused for a moment, puffing out his chest in pride. “I wanted to see how your conquest is going.”

Obnoxious little moron

! How dare he compare those pathetic gains to what I’ve endured? Ooo…one of these days…I’ll show him

what true power is!

“We’ve hit some difficulties on Earth. The Power Rangers have proven to be more formidable than anticipated. I understand now how they manage to overturn the High Lord.”

“How sad,” Zedd sighed, his tone mocking, “I see that these humans have humbled you, my dear. Perhaps you are in need of an advisor? Someone to make your decisions for you?”

Rita bore her teeth. “That is unnecessary, Lord. I have a plan to decimate the Power Rangers…this time, for good. In one month’s time, this planet will be mine.”

Zedd nodded. “Then I shall expect a report in thirty days. If you fail again…perhaps I should look into letting Goldar lead the charge against Earth.”

Then, all mockery left his tone, leaving only the raw authority that still managed to make the blood drain from Rita’s cheeks. “These losses embarrass my empire, Rita. Don’t fail me again.”

And with that warning of doom, the message vanished.

Rita rigidly rose from her throne. “I am going to my study,” she announced, “and I shall not be disturbed, for any reason.”

Finster nodded obediently, and Goldar watched with interest as Rita retreated into the deep cellars of the palace.

A small smirk pulled his face. Was he serious? Imagine…me, leading this battle against Earth! Then, we should surely succeed!

The wheels in his ambitious mind turning, Goldar left the throne room to his own lair.

Chapter Three

Erol's green eyes danced with quiet peace as they absorbed the serene splendor of the sight before him.

The little oasis within the rocky cliffs that hid the Command Center sparkled with life, despite its arid surroundings. The long, flowing grass swayed with the gentle night breeze, composing a soft rustling sound that soothed the mind. Small squirrels and chipmunks scampered around, running up and down the powerful oaks and their stretching branches. A small creek babbled nearby, cool water from the mountains tumbling lightly along the smooth rocks of the bed.

And lying by the creek, absently running her fingers through the cool water, was the greatest beauty of all: Kreia.

She lay upon her stomach, her face in profile. She seemed lost in thought, her chin resting on one hand while her legs bobbed up and down against the grass. Her hair, typically constrained in a tight braid, fluttered freely, tumbling down her back carelessly.

As was her custom, she wore the purple and gray training uniform that comprised the vast majority of the Rangers' wardrobe. Yet tonight, she was dazzling in the moonlight.

In moments such as this, when he was able to appreciate life and all its simple wonder, Erol didn't regret the sacrifices he had made. These few moments of peace, scattered between bloody battles, rigid training sessions, and diligent study, reassured him that he had made the right choice.

He would endure the hardships of war just to be near her.

Kreia... his soul mate. He hadn't whispered those words to anyone, but that title was given to the raven-eyed mage a year ago. There was no other phrase that so perfectly captured what she meant to him. She was more than a friend, more than a companion, even more

than his beating heart. They had shared their lives for so long, and experienced so much together... nothing could part them.

"You're terribly quiet," Kreia commented, her voice a gentle whisper. She pulled her hand from the creek, shaking the excess water and resting her chin upon both hands. Her inquisitive eyes locked with his.

Erol dragged his hand through his midnight hair, hinting at the nerves that knotted his stomach. "I was just... thinking."

Kreia sat up, rolling her head to push her vagrant hair from her eyes. "You're not still in pain, are you?"

He shook his head, fingering the bruise on his left arm. "No... but I learned my lesson. Never pay less than total attention when training with Kazu!"

She smiled. "I thought you learned that lesson on your first

training session."

Erol smirked, but remained silent. He wasn't quite ready yet to confess to her the mental distraction he had found himself in of late. He couldn't tell her what he'd been considering for the past several days, that took up nearly every conscious moment.

Not quite yet. Soon... for the scene was just about right. But he couldn't just blurt it out...

Her smile became mischievous, and she slowly crept toward him, lying on the grass at his side. Her eyes rose to the heavens, staring in wonder at the countless sparkles that painted them.

Her eyes then moved slightly, to the sliver of moon hanging in the sky.
"I wonder if Rita is looking down on us