Power Rangers Pokeball in TAWOG The War Chapter 25

Chapter 25, The Celebration


Three weeks later, Elmore has been restored to its former glory.  The citizens gather around town hall to honor those heroes who saved their world.  The mayor steps to the mic to begin the ceremony.  “People of Elmore,” he says “the moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here.  We would’ve done it earlier, but we had to repair the city first.  It is now time for us to show our gratitude to the incredible other-world heroes who have saved our whole existence from certain destruction.  So it is my great honor to present to you the Power Rangers Pokéball!”  The citizens cheer in excitement as the Rangers step onto the platform.  “Alright everyone, settle down.  Now, let us give them their medals of honor to symbolize their courage, perseverance, and dedication in saving our world.”

“Wow, we’re getting medals,” says Ash.

“Don’t let it go to your head,” says Dustin.

The Mayor’s assistant hands him a briefcase.  He opens it, revealing nine medals with matching colored ribbons for each Ranger.  The Mayor places the medals on each hero; Gold Warrior, Violet, Silver, White, Green, Black, Yellow, Blue, and Red.

Devin examines his medal then turns to the Mayor.  “Thank you, sir,” he says, “but we really don’t need these medals.  Just knowing this world is safe from destruction is enough of a reward for us.”

“Very nice of you though,” says Michael.

“Such modesty, I like that,” says the Mayor.  “Though there is one more thing I want to do.  During the reconstruction of Elmore, I was thinking how you won the war and noticed that out of all the wars throughout history, this is the first one where victory was achieved in only one day.  This led me to realize that you and your team really know how to keep lives safe.  So I’ve decided to grant you one more thing.”

“What’s that?” asks Devin.

“I hereby declare these Rangers to be in full command of city protection and law enforcement!” says the Mayor.  The citizens let out another cheer.

“Wait, wait, excuse me, Mr. Mayor,” says the Doughnut Cop, “are you saying that everyone in the Elmore Police Force will have to take orders from these multi-color spandex wearers?”

“Sheriff!” yells the Mayor.  “Show some respect to these youngsters, they saved our world for crying out loud!”

“Sorry, my mistake,” says the Doughnut Cop.

“Mr. Mayor,” says Devin, “I’m glad to hear that you wish to entrust Elmore’s protection in our hands, but I’m afraid we cannot accept.”

“Why not?” asks the Mayor.

“Because the same evil that sent Kentyth to destroy your world threatens our home.  We must protect it as well.  So we have no time to keep track of everything that goes on here.”

“Phew,” says the Doughnut Cop.

“Well that’s easy to fix,” says the Mayor.

“It is?” asks the Doughnut Cop.

“How about the job being yours whenever you and/or any of the other Rangers are present in this world?” asks the Mayor.

Devin gives the Mayor's adjusted proposal some thought.  “You know,” he says, “that might actually work out.  Because in all honesty, sometimes law enforcement is blinded to the truth behind what happens.  And I’m pretty sick of that.”

“Uh, Mr. Red Ranger, sir,” says the Doughnut Cop, “I’m not sure that’s such a good idea.  The power might go to your head.”

“Excuse me?” says Devin.

“I’m just saying that with that much responsibility, you might make some unnecessary decisions,” says the Doughnut Cop.

“Let me get this straight,” says Devin, “you’re telling me that you think I, the Pokéball Red Ranger, leader of the Power Rangers Pokéball team, the one with the awesome weight of responsibility in ensuring that this world would not fall to destruction by becoming a meal to a sinister warrior, cannot handle the responsibility of city protection and law enforcement.  You’re joking right?”

“Uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh…” says the Doughnut Cop.

“I can safely assure everyone,” says Devin, “that every single decision my team and I make will be for the good of the people of Elmore and all of Tawog!”  The citizens cheer Devin on.

“That’s the boss for ya,” says Nicolas.

“I knew I could count on you, Red Ranger,” says the Mayor.  “Now, is there anything you wish to tell the citizens regarding the war that has taken place in our city?”

Devin looks out to the people of Elmore.  “Yes, there is,” he says.  “But first, some of the citizens had great involvement in this event we are speaking of now.  And I would like them to join us here at the podium.  The Watterson family and Penny Fitzgerald, please come up.”  Gumball and his family, along with Penny, come up to the stand to join the Rangers on their day of honor.  “My team and I can’t take all the credit in saving your world, nor do we wish to.  Most of the Wattersons were in danger at the time.  In fact, Gumball here was the only one of his family who wasn’t devoured by Kentyth before he was to devour this world as well.  Don’t ask how his family was saved, it’s not a pretty story.  But these citizens, my friends, were a big help in winning this war, especially Gumball and Penny.  There are times where an order that is followed becomes the downfall of the one who gives it.   Kentyth had me down during our battle.  Gumball and Penny were told to stay safe and hidden from the enemy.  They ignored this order and attacked Kentyth while his back was turned.”  The citizens gasp, the Fitzgeralds more than the rest.

“Penny!” says Mr. Fitzgerald.  “That was very dangerous!  You should’ve stayed out of sight like you were supposed to!”

“Hold on a second, Mr. Fitzgerald,” says Devin.  “True it was a dangerous thing to do, and true Penny and Gumball disobeyed a direct order, but what they did was the right thing.  If they had stayed where they were told to stay, Kentyth would’ve finished me off, and this world along with its inhabitants would no longer exist.  They knew they couldn’t beat Kentyth, but it did buy some time for me to get back on my feet and finish the job.  You see, most of the time, orders are given for good reasons.  But there are times where orders that are followed can put people in great danger, like with me and Kentyth.  So I wish to thank these kids for giving me and my team the help we needed.

“Let’s hear it for Gumball and Penny!” says Tracey.

The citizens cheer with glee for Gumball and Penny.

“Alright, people,” says Devin, “there’s one more thing I wish to say.  I want to tell you all why this war happened, so you’ll understand.  There is a dark and powerful evil that threatens to rule our home world.  This evil wishes to strip our world of all its joy and light and replace it with fear, darkness, and sorrow.  My team and I are the ones chosen to fight off this evil force.  This same evil discovered your world and is disgusted by it.  For this world is full of joy and light.  And believe it or not, most of that joy and light comes from this very family, the Wattersons, which is why they were the main target of the event three weeks ago.  Now I don’t know what everyone thinks of this family, but I’m sure there are at least a few people who don’t like them.”

“You’re darn right we don’t like them!” yells Mr. Robinson in the crowd.  “They’re a lousy family!  Their house is ugly, their life style is tacky, and their kids pester me!  They should be locked up, far away from here.”

As Mr. Robinson yaps on, Devin gets angry because of the disrespectful things he’s saying about the Wattersons.  He is tempted to shoot a fireball right at Mr. Robinson, but he decides to take a more peaceful and reasonable approach.  “Sheriff,” he says, “get him out of here.”

“Yes sir,” says the Doughnut Cop.  He rushes over to Mr. Robinson.  “Alright sir, you’re gonna have to come with me.”

“Get your hands off me!” says Mr. Robinson.  “I’ve got a lot more complaints to shout!  And another thing, that family is-” Mr. Robinson is tased by the Doughnut Cop for resisting.

“Ok, sir,” says the Doughnut Cop as he drags Mr. Robinson away, “he shouldn’t cause any more trouble.  Carry on.”

“Yeah,” says Devin, “anyway, as I was saying, some of you might think that the Wattersons are just a bunch of trouble makers.  Oh sure they make things happen that isn’t really in everybody’s best interest, but the thing is, nobody’s perfect, no matter how much they claim to be.  We all make mistakes.  You make mistakes, I make mistakes, even the Wattersons make mistakes.  But that’s okay because believe it or not, we learn more from our mistakes than our successes.”

“Uh, excuse me, Mr. Red Ranger,” says someone in the crowd, “this whole mistake thing you’re going on about, are you saying that the Wattersons are responsible for what happened?”

“No,” says Devin, firmly.  “The tragic event was not their doing. I’m simply saying that just because they make a few mistakes doesn’t mean they’re bad people.  Like I said before, the greatest amount of joy and light in this world comes from the Wattersons.  In fact, it is the existence of the Watterson family that keeps this world alive, and I’ll tell you why.  Back in our home world, I have seen what the Wattersons are, inside and out.  Gumball may not be the brightest, but he is creative and fun-loving.  Darwin, originally being a pet, sees a bright side in all things, and is always considerate towards others.  Anais, the youngest of the family, has an incredibly brilliant mind for someone her age.  There are times when she acts her age.  She is very nice and loving.”

“Nicole,” Devin goes on, “the mother of these three children, is the most responsible of the Wattersons.  In fact, she is sometimes referred to as the CEO of the family.  She struggles through a lot of stress both from work and home. This has caused a number of temper issues.   But everything she does is out of love. She believes that her family is the greatest treasure she could ever have.  She is kind, loving and protective.  And she’s also pretty good at martial arts.  Not sure why, but it’s pretty awesome.”

“Now let me say a few words about the family member of this band.  Devin explains.

“We’re a band?” asks Richard.

“No, honey, it’s just an expression,” says Nicole.

“Richard, the father of the three kids and husband of Nicole,” Devin states, “may not exactly be the best role model and may not be the brightest or the most confident one of the family, but he is one of the happiest and lovable members.  His intentions may not always end up the way he wants them to, but he always means well.  He loves his kids and he loves his wife.  This family may go through some outrageous events and cause some crazy shenanigans, but their hearts are pure as gold. They love each other, they look after one another; they are the symbol of a truly happy family.”  The citizens of Elmore are touched by his words.

“This very family touches my heart,” Devin continues.  “But although the powerful evil I mentioned before sees the same thing in this family that I see, he is disgusted by it.  He finds that this family brings more joy and light than he can tolerate, which is why he made plans to destroy this world.  He created Kentyth, to destroy Tawog by devouring it whole.  But to sabotage my team and me he was required to consume the Wattersons first.  This evil force that sent Kentyth was hoping that would cause me to lose the will to lead my team and fight on, but he was wrong.  Even when in great danger, the Wattersons believed in us.  Even the smallest amount of belief can make a big difference, and that belief has changed the fate of this world.  But know this, good people of Elmore, Kentyth may be destroyed and his plans to feast upon your world may be at an end, but the powerful evil that created him will not give up.  Although he will continue to try to rule my home world he will also make other attempts to destroy yours.  But you do not need to worry, because the next time he makes a move, we’ll be there to stop him!  Remember, this dark lord knows if he destroys the Wattersons, your world is doomed.    There are other evil forces that want your world’s down fall by destroying the Wattersons as well, such as the Inorbit Empire and the Rapture Federation.  Your responsibility in keeping Tawog safe is to ensure the well-being of this family.  Their safety is your ultimate protection.  This doesn’t mean they are more important than any other citizen of this fine town.  It means the evil one wants them terminated most of all so he can finish his despicable plan of destruction.  So please, be patient with this family.  Be kind and considerate.  Watch out for signs that the destroyer is about to return.  If you do these things, you will save this world from obliteration.  This day of celebration does not belong to the Power Rangers Pokéball; it belongs to the Wattersons, to the Fitzgeralds, to the people of Elmore, and to all who were forced into confinement and fear by this powerful evil!  People of Elmore, and all of Tawog, REJOICE!!!!!!!!!!”

The citizens of Elmore cheer enthusiastically.  Penny, the Wattersons, and the other Rangers join in the cheer.  All the while, Devin turns his attention away from the citizens.  He looks to the sky and thinks about Zordon, the mentor of the original team of Power Rangers.  He thinks about what Zordon would say concerning the actions that were taken to save this world if he were still alive today.  His thoughts are interrupted when he feels something tapping him.  He looks and sees Gumball.  He kneels down so he can listen.

“Way to go, honorary big brother,” whispers Gumball.

Devin takes his hand in companionship.  “You too, honorary little brother,” he whispers back.

The End