Later that day, Raika found herself standing in the solemn quiet of the principal's office. Her request to visit the hospitalized Guardian Rangers hung in the air, a mix of determination and concern etched on her face. The principal, a figure of authority seated behind his desk, regarded her with a solemn nod as she spoke.
The principal responded with a thoughtful pause, then nodded. "Yes, Raika. I can arrange that for you tomorrow," he said calmly, his expression reflecting the weight of the situation. Then, as if recalling an important detail, he added, "Do you need anything to ride on?"
Raika hesitated for a moment, an awkward smile crossing her face. "Yeah, I have a ride," she responded, trying to keep her tone light.
The principal smiled warmly at her response. "Okay, Raika," he said, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Take care and stay safe."
Raika bowed respectfully, a gesture of gratitude and acknowledgment. "Thank you, sir," she murmured softly, her mind already racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.
As Raika walked out of the principal's office, determination etched on her face, she made her way to the quiet, secluded area behind a small warehouse on the school campus. She took a deep breath, feeling the anticipation build within her.
"System, activate image 1. Form one," she commanded firmly.
In an instant, her body was enveloped in a radiant glow of pink and white light. The transformation process began, her human form shifting seamlessly into her sleek, powerful cyborg form. The pink and white hues flashed brilliantly, illuminating the area around her.
As the transformation completed, Raika felt a surge of energy coursing through her. She clenched her hands into fists, the familiar sensation of power returning to her limbs. "Ahh, it's been a long time," she murmured to herself, her voice filled with both nostalgia and excitement.
In her mind, the Assistant's voice chimed in. "Feel the power, Master."
Raika nodded, a confident smile forming on her lips. "Yeah, I feel much stronger."
With a final glance around to ensure she was unseen, Raika activated her flight systems. She launched herself into the sky, her movements creating a small but noticeable sonic boom. The speed of her ascent left a faint, shimmering trail of blue light in the air.
Back on the ground, students who were nearby felt the shockwave ripple through the air. They looked up in surprise, their eyes scanning the sky for the source of the disturbance.
"What was that? Is that a shock wave?" one student exclaimed, pointing upwards.
As they gazed into the sky, all they could see was a distant, star-like blue flash moving at incredible speed, growing smaller as it ascended further. The students were left in awe, their curiosity and excitement piqued by the sudden spectacle.
"Whatever that is, it's amazing," another student remarked, their eyes still fixed on the sky.
Raika soared higher, the cool wind rushing past her as she reveled in the freedom of flight. She felt a renewed sense of purpose, her thoughts focused ahead and the strength she would need to face it. The dazzling display she left behind was a testament to her power, and as she flew, she knew she had the support and admiration of those who witnessed her ascent.
As Raika soared through the sky, the wind whipped around her with ferocious intensity, a testament to the incredible speed at which she was traveling. The sky blurred past in streaks of blue and white, her flight creating ripples in the atmosphere. She decided to slow down her jet thrusters momentarily, reducing the turbulence around her.
"Hmm, where are we going exactly?" Raika pondered aloud, her voice steady despite the rush of air.
The Assistant responded with a slightly exasperated tone. "Ayay yay, Master. We're currently without a clear destination."
Raika couldn't help but laugh, the sound carrying a note of reassurance. "Don't feel down, Assistant. We'll figure it out."
Determined to find the hospital, Raika extended her arm, her fingers flicking through the air. Activating her hacking abilities, she accessed the city's digital infrastructure. Streams of data flowed into her mind, the vast network of information within the city unraveling before her in an instant.
Her eyes glowed with a soft blue light as she processed the influx of information. "Let's see... Ah, the rangers are at Neel Hospital."
With her destination confirmed, Raika reignited her jet thrusters, feeling the surge of power as she accelerated once more. The air around her crackled with energy, and she zoomed across the cityscape with renewed determination.
As she flew, the landscape below became a blur of urban sprawl and green spaces, the buildings and streets passing by in rapid succession. Raika's thoughts remained focused on the task at hand, her mind sharp and clear despite the speed at which she traveled.
As Raika touched down on the rooftop of Neel Hospital, the thrusters on her feet quieted to a soft hum before deactivating completely. She glanced around to ensure she was alone, relieved to see the area deserted. She took a moment to catch her breath, her eyes scanning the skyline.
"Oops, I almost forgot," Raika murmured to herself, realizing she was still in her first cyborg form. "Time to switch to a more discreet look."
With a soft, determined smile, Raika initiated the transformation. Her body began to glow with a vibrant blend of pink and white light, a radiant aura enveloping her. The mechanical components of her first form receded, and her appearance shifted seamlessly to her second, more human-like form. Her hair flowed freely, soft and pink, and her eyes sparkled with a natural red hue.
She clenched her hands, feeling the familiar sensation of this form. "I miss this form too," she said with a nostalgic tone.
The Assistant's voice echoed in her mind, a mix of curiosity and humor. "You didn't like the first form?"
Raika chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Of course I like the first form, but for now, we'll keep a low profile."
"Understood," the Assistant replied, its tone respectful and supportive.
Raika took a deep breath, savoring the moment. She felt a sense of balance and control in this form, a reassuring familiarity that contrasted with the raw power of her first form. Her mission now required subtlety and a more human touch, and she was ready for it.
She walked towards the edge of the rooftop, her steps light and deliberate. The soft click of her boots against the concrete was the only sound in the quiet evening. With one final glance around, she made her way down a maintenance stairwell that led into the hospital.
The transition from the rooftop to the hospital interior was seamless. Raika moved with purpose, her senses heightened. She navigated the hallways, her eyes taking in the sterile environment. She knew exactly where she needed to go, thanks to the data she had accessed earlier.
As she approached the ward where the Guardian Rangers were being treated, she felt a mix of anticipation and concern. The hospital was busy, but she managed to blend in, her human form allowing her to move unnoticed.
With a steadying breath, Raika reached the entrance to the ward. She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Let's see how our heroes are doing," she whispered to herself, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
As Raika approached the door to the Guardian Rangers' ward, she was stopped by a nurse in the hallway. The nurse, dressed in a crisp white uniform, had a gentle yet firm expression.
"Wait, hold on, miss," the nurse called out, causing Raika to turn around. "Do you have an appointment?"
Raika nodded, a friendly smile on her face. "Yeah, I do."
The nurse looked her over, her expression shifting to one of recognition and curiosity. "And who is it you're here to see?"
With a calm and composed demeanor, Raika responded, "I'm here to see the Guardian Rangers."
The nurse's eyes widened slightly in realization. "Ah, you're the visitor we've been expecting."
"That's right," Raika confirmed, maintaining her polite smile.
The nurse glanced at a clipboard she was holding, then back at Raika. "Alright, you'll need to sign the log book first. It's just a formality. You can sign here and there." She gestured to the open pages, indicating where Raika's signature was required.
Raika signed the logbook and proceeded down the sterile, quiet hallway toward the room where the Guardian Rangers were recovering. As she gently pushed open the door and stepped inside, her eyes widened at the sight before her.
Amelia, Jason, and Sarah lay unconscious on their beds, their bodies wrapped in bandages like mummies. Their arms and legs were suspended by assisting ropes, keeping them in a stable position. The room was filled with the soft beeping of medical monitors and the faint hum of machinery.
Mark, the only conscious Ranger, lay in the bed closest to the door. Despite being similarly bandaged, his eyes were open, albeit swollen and bruised. He turned his head slightly as Raika entered.
"Is that you, Raika?" Mark's voice was raspy and weak, but there was a flicker of recognition and relief in his eyes.
"Yes, it's me," Raika replied softly, moving closer to his bed. The sight of her friends in such a battered state stirred a mix of emotions within her.
"What happened to you?" she asked, her voice filled with concern. As she spoke, her eyes began to glow subtly, activating her X-ray vision.
Through her enhanced vision, she scanned their bodies, quickly assessing the extent of their injuries. The data streamed into her mind: multiple bone fractures, including the femurs, ribs, skulls, and pelvises. Internal injuries were also visible, indicating a severe and brutal assault.
Raika's heart ached at the sight, and she thought, *Yikes, this is really bad.*
She deactivated her X-ray vision, her expression a mix of sorrow and determination. "Who did this to you?" she asked, her voice now laced with a steely resolve.
Mark took a labored breath, his voice barely a whisper. "It was... a cyborg. Incredibly powerful. We didn't stand a chance."
Raika's mind raced, piecing together the severity of the situation. She knew they had to act fast, not only to ensure the safety of the Rangers but also to prepare the Viper Rangers for what lay ahead.
"We'll make sure this doesn't happen again, Mark," Raika promised, her voice firm. "We'll protect this academy and everyone in it."
Mark managed a weak smile, his bruised face showing a hint of gratitude. "Thank you, Raika."
She gently squeezed his hand, offering comfort and reassurance. "Rest now. We'll take it from here."
As she left the room, Raika's resolve hardened. She knew the battle ahead would be tough, but she was ready to lead the Viper Rangers against this formidable foe.
As Raika walked out of the Guardian Rangers' hospital room, the nurse approached her in the hallway, a look of concern etched on her face.
"How was your visit? Was it good?" the nurse asked, her tone gentle yet curious.
Raika shook her head slightly, her expression somber. "They are heavily beaten, almost to the point of death," she replied, her voice carrying the weight of what she had just witnessed.
The nurse's face fell, and she nodded understandingly as Raika continued walking past her. "Miss, don't forget your logbook," the nurse called out, reminding her of the necessary protocol.
Raika turned back, offering a small, appreciative nod. She stepped over to the logbook stationed at the nurse's desk and picked up the pen. With a steady hand, she signed her name once more, marking her exit.
As she completed her signature again, her mind was already racing with plans and strategies.
As Raika continued walking through the hospital, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of the injured Guardian Rangers, the Assistant's voice suddenly interrupted her reverie.
"Master, it appears I detect some hostile terrorists," the Assistant alerted.
Raika's eyes narrowed, glowing with a fierce red energy. "Even in a hospital? How disrespectful," she muttered, her tone icy. She ducked her head slightly, scanning her surroundings with heightened vigilance.
Her advanced sensors quickly picked up subtle movements and heat signatures that were out of place. As she prepared herself for confrontation, Raika's demeanor shifted from somber concern to focused determination, ready to protect the innocent patients and staff within the hospital walls.