Episode 10: A Fallen Leader

At Mount Havoc, Balizar and Vex stand aside as Levina is being physically punished by Dimoc
who continually shoots beams of energy at Levina. She falls helplessly to the ground, struggling
to get back up.

Levina: Ahh! No! No more!

Dimoc: How dare you decive me. Do you really think you are more powerful than I? Are you
that foolish of a witch? Balizar! Vex!

Balizar and Vex step forward.

Balizar: Yes, Great One.

Dimoc: Go to the surface. Find Red Aries and stop at nothing to destroy him.

Levina, who is still down, speaks with her head hung low.

Levina: You . . . you will not succeed.

Dimoc fires another beam at her.

Levina: Unh!

Dimoc: She obviously is not convinced of my strength. Bring me his body. She will know my
power before I destroy her.

Balizar: We will not fail, Dimoc.

Balizar and Vex exit the cavern.

Dimoc: (to Levina) I am not finished with you yet.

Dimoc’s eyes start to glow again.

On the outskirts of Noble Mountain, Kevin and Paige walk through the trees and enjoy the nature
setting. Kevin’s mind is wandering, and it shows in his unattentive behavior.

Paige: So what’s on your mind? You haven’t been talking much.

Kevin: I was just thinking about Levina and Dimoc. I wish I knew what was going on.

Paige: It may be a while before we find out. If we never see Levina again, then I guess that
answers our question.

Kevin: But do you think that’s possible?

Paige: I don’t know. We really haven’t seen Dimoc in action.

Kevin: Exactly. That’s what bothers me even more. He’s such a great evil, yet he sends his
Dimocians to do his dirty work.

Paige: True. But in any type of civilization one person is chosen to be a leader; someone strong
and more powerful, whether it be in brute strength or skillful knowledge. He may or may not
physically do much, but he has a strength about them that is understood and admired by his
followers. That’s what the Dimocians see in Dimoc. And that’s what we see in you.

Kevin: Thanks.

Paige: And you’re different. You take part in your leadership. And that’s what drives us to
fight even harder.

Kevin: Well, I’m not one to just sit back and let things happen without me.

Paige: Of course not.

Kevin: But one day, Dimoc will physically show himself. I can’t even begin to think what we’ll
really be up against.

Balizar: And you may never get the chance!

Not far from where Kevin and Paige are standing, Balizar and Vex cross their swords and throw
an energy blast. Kevin and Paige duck from the blast as the ground explodes around them.

Kevin: (to Paige) Are you okay?

Paige: Yeah.

Kevin: (to Balizar) What are you two . . .

Balizar: The time for talking is over. Aiyah!

Balizar and Vex both flip into the air and land in front of Kevin and Paige. They swing their
swords at them, but Kevin pushes Paige out of the way. Paige rolls on the ground and is
confronted by a large group of Zoodos. She gets up to fight while Kevin ducks and dodges from
a vicious sword attack. In the midst of fighting, Paige pauses a second to look around and assess
the situation.

Paige: (to herself) There’s no time to call the others or change. But . . . Unh!

Paige is knocked away by a Zoodo as more continue to attack. Kevin turns to see that she’s in
trouble.

Kevin: Paige! Argh!

Kevin is hit by the end of Vex’s sword.

Balizar: Worry about yourself. It may be your last chance.

Balizar and Vex both kick Kevin who flies through the air. He falls to the ground not far from a
cliff. Paige sees the danger Kevin is in, and tries to bring her fight closer to him, but she’s still
too far from him. Kevin struggles to get up.

Balizar: And here’s the end of the road for you, Red Aries.

Both Balizar and Vex point their swords into the air. Lightening strikes them as the energy
builds in their swords.

Kevin: Now’s my only chance. Celestial change!

Towards the end of his transformation, Balizar and Vex throw the energy from their swords as a
massive explosion surrounds Kevin.

Kevin: Ahh!

Kevin is thrown into the air and over the cliff. Paige sees the the fiery blast.

Paige: Kevin!

She knocks aside the Zoodo she’s fighting with and runs towards the end of the cliff. She falls to
her knees and looks down to see a raging river. She yells down to see if he answers.

Paige: Kevin! Kevin!

Balizar starts laughing and grabs Paige from behind and turns her around. She has tears in her
eyes.

Balizar: Say goodbye to your Aries influence.

Paige: You murderer! Unh!

Balizar knocks Paige away as she flies through the air. Leon catches her in his arms as the others
arrive at the scene. Paige keeps herself in Leon’s arms and hugs his neck, crying.

Leon: Paige, what is it? Where’s Kevin?

Paige: (sniffling) He’s . . . he’s gone.

Marcus/Maya: What?

Leon: Talk to me, Paige. What are you talking about?

Balizar: Red Aries is dead. Your fearless leader fought nobley but failed.

Leon lets Paige down as she wipes the tears from her eyes and tries to gather herself. Maya gets
behind her and puts her hands on her shoulders. Balizar boasts in his victory.

Balizar: It’s time for a name change. The Zodiac Five are now but only four. What’s the world
to do?

A look of anger and vengence comes over the four who stand with clenched fists.

Leon: You will pay for this!

Marcus: With your lives!

Maya: For Kevin.

Paige: Let’s do it!

All: Celestial change!

The four transform and run towards Balizar and Vex, yelling as anger builds inside them.

All: Argh!

Balizar: You’re letting your emotions get the best of you. You need to time to mourn your loss.
Ha, ha, ha!

Laughing, Balizar and Vex disappear from the scene. As they disapear, Taurus and Pisces jump
at them but do not catch them in time. They land flat on the ground. Taurus pounds his fist into
the ground as Pisces gets on his knees and slumps over, crying. Gemini and Libra kneel down
beside them, trying to comfort them.

Taurus: Argh! This isn’t happening!

Libra: I tried, but I couldn’t help him in time.

Pisces: Kevin’s gone. It can’t be true. It can’t!

Gemini places her hand on Pisces’ back.

Gemini: Marcus.

Libra: We have to find him. But the river may have swept him away.

Taurus: I don’t care. We’ll search all night if we have to. We will find him and bring him back.

Libra nods in agreement. The group gets up and starts to make their way down to the river.

At Mount Havoc, Levina continues to be punished by Dimoc. She seems to be getting weaker.

Dimoc: After I had trusted you throughout the centuries, you double cross me like this. Did you
think you could successfully deceive me so?

Levina: I already have.

Dimoc: What? You . . .

Dimoc fires another beam at Levina, but this time a protective field surrounds her. She starts to
laugh as she rises from the ground and shows her face.

Levina: Ha, ha, ha!

Dimoc: What’s this?

Levina: You are pathetic. You, oh “Great One”. You’re useless in your state.

Dimoc: How dare you . . .

Levina: No! How dare you! You have no idea how long I’ve waited for this moment. You
claim yourself to be all powerful, yet you cannot even remove yourself from you metamorphic
coccoon. You’re helpless without me.

Dimoc fires another beam and it is deflected again.

Levina: You see, I have also become more powerful in our time away. More spells, more
magic, more knowledge than you could ever fathom. You’re bent on world domination, but I”ve
got a much larger plan. A plan on a larger scale. A plan where I will be the ruler of the
universe. And that plan doesn’t include you!

Dimoc: You traitor!

Down at the river, Leon and the others call desperately for Kevin but they receive no answer.

Paige: Kevin! Uh, it’s not use.

Leon: No! We will find him.

Maya: Leon, he could have been swept away by the river. He could be miles from here.

Leon: Then we’ll walk this entire river till we reach it’s end.

Marcus: C’mon, bud. Let’s be reasonable about this.

Paige: Yeah. Let’s get back to Zodiac Central. My father should be able to locate him through
his Z-Band. And probably much sooner than on foot.

Leon: I know. You’re right. Let’s head back.

Together, the group heads back to Zodiac Central.

At Mount Havoc, the confrontation continues.

Dimoc: You will never get away with this!

Levina: Oh, but that’s where you are wrong. You see, you’re loyal Dimocians are loyal to me
now. They’ve only followed your orders to keep you from suspicion.

Levina raises her staff in the air and brings forth a Dimocian Beast with a group of Zoodos. The
vicious creature stands before Dimoc and Levina. He turns to face Levina and bows on one
knee, as do the Zoodos.

Xerus: How may I serve you, my queen?

Dimoc: This is mutiny!

Levina: Yes, and you’re ship is slowly sinking. Xerus, go to the surface and destroy Zodiac
Five.

Xerus: Yes, Mistress Levina!

Xerus and the Zoodos exit the cavern.

Levina: That sounds much better, don’t you think?

Dimoc: What you have done is absolutely unforgivable!

Levina: I no longer need your permission. From this point forward, the Dimocians will answer
to a new power.

Balizar and Vex enter to cavern as she finishes.

Balizar: What are you talking about, witch?

Levina points her staff at Balizar and Vex and fires a stream of energy which pushes them back
against the cavern wall. A ring of energy binds them and holds them back as they struggle to
free themselves.

Balizar: What is this madness?

Levina: Pitiful. You two are about to witness a historical event. Something that will change
your lives forever.

The crystal ball at the end of Levina’s staff starts to glow.

At the Kesler Estate, Leon and the others walk into Zodiac Central. Dr. Kesler gets up from his
seat.

Dr. Kesler: You are back. But where is Kevin?

Paige walks to her father and hugs him and starts to cry.

Paige: Oh, Dad!

Dr. Kesler hugs his daughter and steps back to look at her.

Dr. Kesler: What is it, dear?

Leon walks up to Dr. Kesler and puts his hand on his shoulder.

Leon: Dr. Kesler, Kevin didn’t make it.

Dr. Kesler: What?

Marcus: We didn’t make it in time.

Dr. Kesler drops down in his seat and takes off his glasses.

Dr. Kesler: No.

Maya walks up to Dr. Kesler.

Maya: I know. It’s hard for any of us to believe, but it’s true. He’s no where to be found. We
tried calling for him, but it was no good.

Paige: We’re hoping you can try to locate him through his Z-Band.

Dr. Kesler: Of course. I . . . I just never expected this to happen. I mean, I knew there was a
risk. But I had vowed to always keep you well equipped so that each and every one of you
would stand victorious. I feel like I have failed you, as well as myself.

Leon: No, Dr. Kesler. This isn’t your fault. It’s no one’s fault but Dimoc’s. We knew the
chances we would be taking here.

Marcus: Exactly. We . . . we just want to bring Kevin home.

Dr. Kesler nods his head.

Dr. Kesler: We will find him.

Dr. Kesler gets to a monitor and busily types at the computer. The others gather around as he
performs a search for Kevin. They wait as the computer displays nothing.

Marcus: Well?

Dr. Kesler: I cannot seem to pick up his signal. His Z-Band might be damaged.

Leon: Then we’ll need to split up and search the area again.

Suddenly, the alarm goes off.

Leon: Dimoc!

Everyone displays a look of vengence again.

Dr. Kesler: Go and take care of the situation. I will continue to try and locate Kevin. He will
come home.

Everyone nods.

Leon: Okay, guys. Let’s do it!

All: Celestial change!

They transform and head out of Zodiac Central on their vehicles. They arrive at the scene,
where Xerus and the Zoodos are terrorizing civilians at a small shopping center. Taurus and the
others dismount off their vehicles and rush in to confront the Dimocians.

Taurus: You and your leader have a major price to pay. Our friend will not have died in vain.

Xerus: Those are strong words coming from a group that is no longer complete.

Taurus: That’s it! Let’s go!

Taurus and the rest of Zodiac Five flip into action and attack with their Z-Sabers. They manage
to take out the Zoodos easily, but aren’t so successful with Xerus. They each rush an attack on
him, but he knocks each member away with his claws as explosions shoot from their chests.

At Mount Havoc, Balizar and Vex continue to struggle free with no success. Levina’s staff
begins to glow and a beam of energy is fired from it. The beam hits Dimoc who makes no sound
of pain.

Dimoc: Ha, ha, ha! You’re powers have no effect on me.

Levina: Don’t speak too soon.

Suddenly, the opening in the cavern that Dimoc is suspended from starts to turn to stone. The
webbing that holds him there begins to harden and closes in on him.

Dimoc: No! What are you doing?

Balizar: Dimoc!

At the fight scene, Zodiac Five is struggles with Xerus. He fires blasts from his eyes as Zodiac
Five is thrown into the air. They fall back to the ground and struggle to get back up. Once they
were back on their feet, Xerus fires energy beams from his hand and wraps around each
memeber. Zodiac Five fall back to the ground and writhe in pain.

Xerus: Ha, ha, ha! Who will lead you now? You can’t even help yourselves.

At Mount Havoc, Levina contiunues to turn Dimoc into stone.

Levina: You should find it an honor to be immortalized in stone. After all, you are the one who
lead us for so many years. And this is how we shall remember you.

Dimoc: You will pay for this.

Levina: I don’t think so. I’ve paid my dues and my time has come.

At the fight scene, Zodiac Five continues to struggle on the ground.

Taurus: Argh!

Pisces: Stay . . . strong!

Gemini: Unh!

Libra: Please . . . give us . . . strength!

At Mount Havoc, the stone slowly makes it way to Dimoc’s head. Levina starts laughing.

Dimoc: Argh! I will be . . .

Dimoc’s face turns to stone.

Balizar: No!

At the fight scene, Kevin’s voice can be heard.

Aries: No!

Aries’ sword is thrust into the side of Xerus. Explosions fly as the beams cease form Xerus’
hands and he falls to the ground. Taurus and the others look up to see Aries walking towards
them.

Taurus: Kevin!

Gemini: Oh my gosh!

Pisces: He’s alive!

Libra: Kevin!

They each get up and run towards Aries. Libra is the first to give him a hug as the others gather
around and put their hands on his shoulders and back.

Libra: It’s really you!

Aries: In the flesh.

Pisces: Man, it’s good to see you.

Aries: And it’s good to see you guys. But I want this Dimocian Beast taken out!

Xerus rises after his attack from Aries. Zodiac Five call on their personal weapons.

Aries: Aries Sacred Sword!

Taurus: Taurus Double Axe!

Pisces: Pisces Mega Triton!

Gemini: Gemini Battle Batons!

Libra: Libra Lunar Bow!

Their weapons materialize in their hands.

Aries: Bring them together!

All: Okay!

They combine their weapons.

Aries: Zodiac Combo Cannon! Ready?

All: Fire!

They fire a blast at Xerus as he falls to the ground in a firey explosion. Zodiac Five stands amidst
the flames.

At Mount Havoc, Dimoc has been turned to stone. Balizar and Vex watch helplessly.

Balizar: You merciless witch!

Levina: Merciless? How can you say that after I’ve decided to spare your pathetic souls.

The energy rings binding them disappear. Vex grabs his swords and runs towards Levina but
Balizar stops him.

Balizar: Wait!

Levina: Yes, Vex. Don’t act too hastily. Otherwise you’ll suffer the same fate as your former
leader.

Balizar and Vex stand waiting for Levina to continue.

Levina: As was not the case with Dimoc, my plans do include you. But first, let’s see how
Xerus has done.

Levina releases a cloud of smoke from her staff. An image of Zodiac Five standing in front of the fiery remains of Xerus appears in the smoke..

Levina: No! (to Balizar and Vex) You two still can’t do anything right! Hah!

Levina raises her staff into the air and a beam shoots from the staff and hits Xerus. Xerus’ body
grows to towering size. Aries talks into his Z-Band.

Aries: Launch Z-Mecha! Ram Solar Stealth!

Taurus: Taurus Mobile Tank!

Pisces: Pisces Aqua Sub!

Gemini: Twin Terra Trailer!

Libra: Scale Hover Cruiser!

Zodiac Five’s personal mecha comes forth, and Zodiac Five teleports into their respective
mecha.

Aries: Alright! Celestial formation!

All: Engage!

The mecha get into formation and transform into the Grand Zodiac King.

All: Grand Zodiac King, transformed!

Xerus and the Grand Zodiac King exchange a few punches and kicks. The Grand Zodiac King
takes the upper hand in the battle, picks up Xerus over its head, and throws him across the sky.
Xerus lands on the ground and the Grand Zodiac King continues to attack.

Aries: Luminary Missiles!

The missles hit Xerus as blasts explode across him.

Aries: Celestial Blade!

The Grand Zodiac King’s sword appears.

All: Grand Zodiac Slash!

Xerus is struck by the sword, falls to the ground and explodes.

Aries: Well done, guys!

Suddenly the sky turns grey and lightening strikes throughout the clouds. Levina’s face appears
in the dark skies.

Levina: Very well done, Zodiac Five.

Pisces: It’s Levina!

Libra: What’s she doing?

Aries: Wait! Listen up.

Levina: I can guarantee you that next time won’t be so easy. As a matter of fact, you will be
faced with a new power, a power stronger than you’ve faced before!

Gemini: What’s she talking about?

Taurus: You don’t think . . .

Levina: Ha, ha, ha! Levina will reign supreme!

Lightening lights up the skies again, but he clouds start to disappear. The skies are blue once
again as Zodiac Five remain confused in the Grand Zodiac King.

Libra: Aries, do you think that answers our question?

Aries: It answers more than one question. Let’s get back to Zodiac Central.

At Zodiac Central, Kevin and the others sit at a table with Dr. Kesler.

Kevin: I guess Dimoc is no longer in charge.

Dr. Kesler: It would seem so. But what happened to him?

Leon: We’ll probably never know.

Marcus: What I want to know is what happened to you, Kevin?

Maya: Yeah, we thought you were . . . well . . .

Kevin: Dead? Yeah, I thought I was too. That last blast really could’ve killed me. But I was in
the middle of powering up and I guess it protected me. I fell into the river and I was swept
several miles away. My Z-Band was destroyed in the blast so my only choice was to use my
instinct and every bit of strength I had in me to make my way back to Zodiac Central.

Paige: Just as I said. A true sign of a leader.

Kevin smiles.

Kevin: When I finally made it back, you guys had left to face the Dimocians. Dr. Kesler
patched me up and that’s when I showed up.

Leon: And just in time.

Marcus: Yeah, we’re glad to see you again.

Kevin: Well, hopefully we won’t have anymore big scares like that.

Maya: I don’t think I can take another one.

Paige: The only thing that scares me right now is what happened to Dimoc.

At Mount Havoc, Balizar and Vex stand before Dimoc’s stone figure. Levina is no longer
present. Balizar walks up to the stone figures and places his hand on it.

Balizar: We will always be loyal to you. And someday, somehow we will avenge you.

The End

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Episode 11: Holiday in the Park?