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The Gathering:03

King Kai’s Planet

     “Well, it’s been fun, but we really must go,” Jenny said.  “I don’t want to be unavailable when Black Shadow tries to take over the universe.”

     “Black Shadow, huh?” King Kai asked.  “Well, thanks for visiting!”
     “Hey, maybe we’ll see each other again sometime,” Goku said.
     “Yeah, maybe,” Jenny said.
     Goku grabbed Jenny’s wrist and looked at it carefully.  “By the way, how big is your fist?  You’ve got a powerful punch for such a tiny fist.”
     Suddenly, Jenny thrust her other fist out, striking Goku in the face, just as he had done to her before.
     “Ow!!” Goku screamed.  “What was that for?”
     Jenny shrugged.  “Revenge, maybe?  I dunno.”
     “Well, I thought you had your revenge already,” Goku protested.  “Hey, mind if I give you a kiss?”
     “Why would you want to kiss me?”
     “Well, whenever I got hurt, my grandfather would kiss my wound to make it feel better.  I do the same when my son gets hurt.”
     “You have a son?” Jenny asked.
     “Yeah.  His name is Gohan,” Goku told her.  “I named him after my grandfather.”
     “So you want to kiss my nose to make it feel better?”
     “Yeah.....that is, if you’ll let me.”
     “Well, okay.”
     Goku bent over to kiss Jenny’s nose, but she gave him a fierce headbutt.
     “Ow!!” Goku cried out again.  “You’re just trying to rearrange my face, aren’t you?”
     Jenny nodded, grinning maniacally.
     Meanwhile, King Kai saw Pico looking over his red car.
     “Oh, you like my car?”
     “No,” Pico replied.  “There’s just something strangely familiar about it.”
     He propped the hood open and carefully examined the engine.
     “Hey!” he cried.  “These are parts from an old F-Zero machine!”
     Goku rushed over to take a look.  “F-Zero?  King Kai, how did you get an F-Zero machine?”
     “Well, like everyone else in the universe, I was a huge F-Zero fan,” King Kai explained.  “I always watched the races.....that is, until my favorite racer was killed.”
     “Who was your favorite racer?” Jenny asked.
     “His name was Mighty Gazelle, and he was the best racer in my book.  During a race, which was held directly over this planet, Mighty Gazelle fell off the track and crashed right in my front yard.”
     “So you took the parts from his vehicle and put them in your car?” Jeice asked.
     King Kai nodded.  “I also tried to nurse Mighty Gazelle back to health, but his injuries were just too serious.  I had to call the medical emergency unit.  They took Mighty Gazelle to a hospital, but I haven’t heard about him since.  I only hope that he heard me when I kept telling him that I was his biggest fan.”
     “That’s a sad story,” Pico said, not about to tell him that Mighty Gazelle, although now a cyborg, was alive and well.
     “Here.”  King Kai pulled out a brown wallet and handed it to Jeice.  “Take this with you.  I need to get those races out of my head.”
     Jeice opened the wallet and looked at the I.D. card.  “Clinton Gazelle?”
     “That was his real name,” King Kai told him.
     “Time to go,” Jenny called.  “See you!”
     The Spices got on their galaxy gliders and flew away.  Goku and King Kai waved.
     “Bye!” King Kai called.  “Come back soon!”
     “Good riddance,” Piccolo muttered.

***

Outer Space

     During the flight home, Jenny kept checking her nose.

     “Jenny, are you going to be okay?” Spinal asked.
     “Looks like Goku’s not your type after all,” Fulgore said.
     “Don’t worry,” Jenny told him.  “I’m completely over Goku.”
     “Wow....” Jeice muttered, still staring at the wallet.  “Wait’ll Gazelle gets a load of this!”
     “I can’t wait either,” Fulgore said.  “Gazelle told me that he couldn’t remember his life as a human.  Maybe that wallet will refresh his memory.”
     “Do you think that we should’ve told King Kai that Gazelle is alive?” Jenny asked.
     “Oh well,” Pico said.  “Maybe next time.”

***

Spice Rack

     When the group reached the Spice Rack, they visited with the others.

     “So, how did it go?” Yamcha asked.
     “It was great,” Fulgore replied.  “We met some new people:  King Kai, Goku....”
     “And Piccolo,” Hallie threw in.
     “Of course,” Jenny said.  “We can’t forget Piccolo.  Heaven forbid.”
     “I couldn’t help noticing that you and Goku were starting something as well,” Hallie said.
     “Not anymore.  Sheesh....”  Jenny held her nose again.
     “Oh, come on, Jenny!” Fulgore cried.  “Just because of a little punch to the nose?”
     “It was not a little punch to the nose!” Jenny snapped.  “I’m gonna wind up with a black eye; I just know it!  Besides, I already have a man.”
     “Oh, you mean that Darkonda fellow?” Vegeta asked.  “What in the universe could have possessed your mind to marry that fat slob?”
     “This,” Jenny replied, gripping her cursed necklace.  “And Darkonda is NOT a fat slob.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my pillow.”  She got up and left the room.
     “Hey Jeice, the wallet!” Fulgore whispered.
     “Oh yeah.”  Jeice pulled out the wallet and gave it to Gazelle.  “I think you should have this.”
     Gazelle examined the wallet and opened it.  “Hey, this is MY wallet!  Jeice, where did you get this?”
     “King Kai gave it to us,” Jeice said.  “He said that after your fatal accident, you crashed right in his yard, and he took care of you.”
     “I don’t remember a King Kai,” Gazelle said.  “Well....it’s vague...but I think I remember someone taking care of me.”
     He looked through the various photos in the wallet.  “Hey, it’s all coming back to me!  I’m starting to remember my past life!”
     “Why don’t you tell us about it?” Arbin suggested.
     The group sat down to hear the story.
     “Well, before I was a racer, I was a photographer,” Gazelle explained.  “I used to play video games with the neighborhood kids.  It was those racing games that got me interested in the real thing.”
     He looked through the photos again until he saw the photo of a stunning young, blonde-haired woman.  “Aw man....Elisa....”
     “Who’s Elisa?” Arbin asked.
     “Shortly before the accident, Elisa and I were.....engaged.”
     “Engaged?” Fulgore asked.  “To do what?”
     Gazelle shot him a look.  “To be married.”
     “So what happened?  Did the whole cyborg thing ruin it?”
     “Yes.  After they made the transformation, Elisa came to visit me.  When she saw me like this, she ran away crying.  I haven’t seen her since.”
     “Well, don’t worry about her,” Lenina said.  “You have me now.”
     “Wow!” Gazelle exclaimed.  “I’d always thought that Gazelle was just a nickname.  But it says on this I.D. card that Gazelle is actually my real name!”
     “Unbelievable!” Jeice cried.  “So what now?”
     “Nothing.  I am still Mighty Gazelle.”

***

Devil's Palace

     Black Shadow woke up once again.  Thanks to his dreams, he remembered his original goal.

     “Confound those Spice members,” he mumbled.  “All I wanted to do was join forces with Astronema and conquer the universe.  What’s the harm in doing that?  I promise to rule the universe in a fair and just manner.....to myself.  Oh Jenny, why must you ruin everything?  You’re such a bad, bad girl....but that’s precisely what I love about you.”
     Black Shadow tightened his fist as he stood up.
     “They say that good little girls go to Heaven,” he continued.  “But bad little girls go everywhere.  Jenny, the bad little girl, has traveled all over the universe, so it must be true.”
     Pandeora entered the room.  “Are you talking to yourself again, Master?”
     Black Shadow was surprised to see her.  He hated it when people caught him talking to himself, although all of his minions knew that he did it frequently.  He also know that there was no point in denying it.
     “Yes, I was talking to myself.”  Black Shadow sighed as he sat back in his throne.
     “Master, are you feeling sick?” Pandeora asked.
     “No, I’m fine,” Black Shadow said flatly.  “So what is it you want?”
     “I was just wandering around.  I’m bored to tears.”
     “I’ve just had a dream, Pandeora.”
     “Really?  What was it about?” Pandeora questioned.
     Black Shadow chuckled.  “If I tell you, then it won’t come true.  But I will say that it’s definitely a hint.  Something wonderful is about to happen.”
     “When?” Pandeora asked happily.
     “Soon.  Just be patient.  Time, Pandeora.  Everything in life comes with time.”
     “Oh goodie!”  Pandeora giggled as she raced out of the room.
     Black Shadow sighed again.  “Of course, waiting wouldn’t be as painful if I had a book to read or something.  Valmore!!!”
     His call had the entire fortress shaking violently.  Valmore rushed into the throne room as fast as he could.
     “Yes, sir; what can I do for you, sir!?” he asked as if he was in boot camp.
     “I need a book from the library,” Black Shadow said.  “And while you’re at it, pick up a few snacks from the convenience store.”
     “Right away, sir,” Valmore said.  “Was there a specific genre you’re after?”
     “Try to stay in the sci-fi/horror section.”
     “Uh....you don’t expect me to go down to Arturus, do you?”
     “Of course!” Black Shadow growled.  “Do you see a library in here?  No, you don’t!”
     “Oh boy....”  Valmore stood there, trembling.
     “Oh, don’t sweat it, Valmore,” Black Shadow said.  “Here, this will help you.”
     He fired a purple energy beam at Valmore, which engulfed him.  When the light disappeared, Valmore stood in a police uniform.
     “There, now you can proceed peacefully.”
     “Thank you, Black Shadow.”
     Black Shadow nodded, accepting the gratitude.  “Now get going.”
     “Yes, Master!”  Valmore disappeared in a crack of blue lightning.

***

Spice Rack
Jenny’s Bedroom

     Jenny stood in her room staring at her mirror.  After being told that she was ugly by her childhood classmates, she was beginning to realize that the exact opposite was true.  She had a very well-formed body, and her face was the epitome of innocence.  But now, thanks to Goku, her face would surely be ruined.  Jenny looked at her reflection more closely.

     “That Goku.....he must have hit me harder than I thought.  Well, at least I got him back for it.”
 She climbed into bed, wondering if she’d be able to open her eyes in the morning.

***

Dark Fortress

     The Dark Fortress floated through space, well on its way to meet Black Shadow.

     “Everything is proceeding as planned,” Ecliptor reported.
     “Excellent,” Astronema said.  “I think we should tie up the Rangers even more.  Release the Velocifighters.
     “As you wish.”  Ecliptor turned to the metal creatures.  “Quantrons, get into the Velocifighters.  Hurry!”
     The Quantrons saluted and left the room.

***

Astro Megaship Bridge

     Meanwhile, the Rangers had gathered on the bridge and were ready for action.

     “Shields are up,” Cassie said.
     “Thrusters are ready,” T.J. added.
     “Everything okay, Phantom Ranger?” Andros asked.
     Phantom Ranger gave the thumbs-up.
     “Mike, are you sure you want to come with us?” Leo asked.
     “Absolutely,” Mike replied.  “Brothers have to stick together, don’t they?”
     Without warning, Magna Defender and Zika appeared on the bridge.
     “Rangers,” Magna Defender growled.  “Zika and I wish to go with you.”
     “Sure, why not?” T.J. replied.  “We’ll need all the help we can get.”
     Suddenly, the Megaship shook.  Everyone grabbed onto whatever they could to maintain their balance.
     “What was that?” Kendrix cried.
     On the screen, they saw the Velocifighters zooming out ahead of them.
     “Velocifighters!” Andros exclaimed.  “Hang on, everyone!”
     He piloted the Megaship, veering around the Velocifighters, blasting as many as he could with the ship’s lasers.  Along the way, they were hit by the enemy lasers.
     “Damage report!” Andros called.
     “Shields are down twenty-five percent!” Cassie told him.
     “It’s no use; this ship is just too slow!” Zhane cried.
     “Leo, use the Jet Jammers!” Alpha suggested.
     Leo slapped his head.  “Why didn’t I think of that?”
     The Galaxy Rangers jumped into their Jet Jammers, which were little space fighters.  They flew after the Velocifighters, blasting them.  Fortunately, it didn’t take long for the Rangers to wipe them all out.  They returned to the Megaship.
     “Well, that takes care of that,” Leo said.
     “I hope the Megaship isn’t too badly damaged,” Kai said.
     “No, we’re okay,” Andros said.  “All systems are go.”
     “What if Astronema knows that we’re following her?” Damon asked.
     “We’ll just have to let that problem go,” T.J. said.  “That’s probably why she sent those Velocifighters in the first place.”
     “All that matters now is keeping her from reaching Black Shadow,” Andros said.  “I can’t let my sister join him.”
     The Megaship traveled faster to keep up with the Dark Fortress.

***

Dark Fortress

     Many hours went by as the Dark Fortress traveled through space.  At long last, Ecliptor spotted something that just might be the target.

     “Astronema!” he called out.  “Come and take a look at this.”
     Astronema came into the control room and looked at the screen.  What she saw was Devil’s Palace.
     “That must be the place.”  She picked up her staff.  “Ecliptor, follow me.  We’re going in.”
     Astronema and Ecliptor straightened themselves and disappeared from the fortress.

***

Devil's Palace Throne Room

     Meanwhile, poor Black Shadow was still sitting in his throne.  He was surprised to realize that Valmore still hadn’t returned with the books and snacks.

     “Ugh, what is taking him so long!?” he growled.  “How difficult can it be to check out books and pick up snacks?”
     Finally, Valmore rushed in with a duffel bag of books and another bag of snacks.
     “Here are the books and snacks you ordered, Sire,” he said.
     “Valmore....” Black Shadow said calmly.  “It took you eight hours to check out books?”
     “Well, all the stores were closed for the night,” Valmore protested.
     “Oh forget it.”  Black Shadow snapped his fingers, restoring Valmore to his true form.  He then fumbled through the books.  “Let’s see....”
     As he dug through the books, he tossed them around carelessly, one at a time.  “Boring, boring....gay....boring, boring....”
     He pulled out a book that was much thicker than the others.  “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare?  That’s the worst book of all!!”
     He stood up and threw the book across the room as hard as he could.  Then he pulled out the last book.  “Ah, here’s a good one.”
     Then Black Shadow looked around at all the books lying around.  “Wow....maybe I should’ve gone with the romance section!”
     He opened up the last book and began to read.

***

Devil's Palace Hallway

     Meanwhile, Astronema and Ecliptor crept carefully through the stone halls of Devil’s Palace.  To them, it seemed to be completely deserted.

     “Hmm, it doesn’t look like anyone is here,” Ecliptor said.
     “Let’s keep looking,” Astronema said.  “The scanners traced the dark power here, so there has to be something.”
     They continued down the halls a while longer.  Suddenly, a group of demons leaped out and surrounded them.  Ecliptor instantly stepped forward to defend his dark princess.  As the demons attacked, Ecliptor struck them all with his sword.  Astronema stood back and watched the battle.  Whenever a demon got near her, she thrashed it with her staff.
     “Intruders!” a voice called from farther down the hall.
     The demons paused as Dr. Clash stepped out from the shadows.  Ecliptor brought his sword up again.
     “Ecliptor,” Astronema called.  “There’s no need for any more senseless violence.”  She stepped out towards Dr. Clash.  “Sir, we come in peace.  We only wish to meet the magnificent Black Shadow.”
     “Hmm.”  Dr. Clash eyed them both.  “You look honest enough.  Now whom might you be?”
     “I am Astronema, the Princess of Darkness.  And this is my guardian Ecliptor.”
     “Astronema!?  You are one lucky lady!  It just so happens that Black Shadow has been looking to join forces with you!”
     “Well, tell him that his wait is over,” Astronema said.  “I’m here now.”
     “Wait here; I’ll tell him.”
     Dr. Clash rushed directly into the throne room.  “Black Shadow!”
     Black Shadow looked up from his book and chuckled.  “My goodness, Doctor; why all the excitement?”
     “She’s here!” Dr. Clash cried.  “Astronema is here!”
     Black Shadow’s eyes glowed.  “Really?  By all means, send her in.”
     “Yes, sir!”  Dr. Clash rushed out of the room.
     Black Shadow sighed.  “At last, my dream has become a reality.  With Astronema by my side, those Spices are goners for sure.”
     He stood up and walked over to the Shakespeare book that he had treated so harshly.  He opened it up to a random page.
     “But soft....what light yonder window breaks,” he read aloud.  “It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.”
     Then he cleared his throat and read the next line in a falsetto voice.  “Oh Romeo, Romeo....wherefore art thou Romeo?”
     “We’re here,” Dr. Clash replied out of nowhere.
     Black Shadow gasped and dropped the book, making a loud thud on the floor.  Dr. Clash stood at the door with Astronema and Ecliptor.
     “Perfect first impression,” Astronema said with a smile.
     “So you caught me acting like a fool,” Black Shadow admitted.  “We all have to do it sometimes, or we’ll never survive.  As Roger Rabbit once said, ‘If you don’t have a good sense of humor, you’re better off dead.’“
     “I couldn’t agree more,” Astronema said.
     “By the way, you must be Astronema.  It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
     “The pleasure’s mine.”
     Black Shadow held out his hand, and Astronema took it gently.
     “Black Shadow....you are as dark and sinister as I imagined,” Astronema said.  “Rather handsome as well, I might add.”
     “Why, thank you.”  Black Shadow chuckled.  “Oh, you’re making me blush.”
     “So, what have you been up to?” Astronema asked.
     “Nothing.  I haven’t been able to come up with a good scheme in a while.”
     “I can help you.  Tonfa Spice is my daughter, and I have a thing or two to teach her about respect.”
     “Oh, that’s right!” Black Shadow exclaimed.  “She is your daughter, isn’t she?  Pardon me for saying this, but you look rather young to have a daughter her age.”
     “I’ll take that as a compliment,” Astronema responded.  “For a youthful appearance comes with beauty.”
     “Hmm....”  Black Shadow thought for a moment.  “I have a goal now, but I can’t think of any way to pursue it.”
     “Let’s just forget about it for now,” Astronema said.  “I saw a space colony nearby.”
     “That’s Arturus,” Black Shadow told her.  “It’s run by an old fool named Mayor Belcus.  I see what you’re saying.  Let’s attack the colony for the umpteenth time.”