As Onyx had, unfortunately, expected, Madakko and Ikaagen were furious with the new presence of a kyuranger. They also were suspicious of where Onyx had vanished to during the battle. Onyx knew they had to come up with a very good lie to get out of this without issue.

"I tried to get that kyuranger when I spotted them on the sidelines. Unfortunately seems they threw me on a wild goose chase." Onyx stated.

Madakko let out a displeased sound. "To think there's more than just nine like the legend said."

"To be fair, the kyutamas are related to each of the star systems, are they not? Why is it not that shocking to consider the possibility there could be one for each system?" Onyx replied.

"You think there could be more?!" Ikaagen was not pleased with that idea.

Onyx faced him. "Look. If there were only nine kyutamas like that, then what the hell was mine back then? We know the kogitsune kyutama exists as well as the houou kyutama."

"That is true..." Ikaagen sighed. "Guess we'll have to keep an eye out for any more pesky kyurangers sneaking into the fight."

"Seems so."

...

The next day, the three assassins were made aware of the fact that the kyurangers were back on Earth. They were targeting multiple moraimars it seemed. The three of them opted to observe for the time being. See if the owners of each moraimars could stand any chance against the kyurangers right now. It was not looking hopeful at the moment.

"They're getting cocky... destroying one moraimars after another." Madakko commented after they destroyed a second one.

"Doesn't that seem like a desperate move to you?" Ikaagen asked.

"Indeed." Madakko agreed.

"I disagree." Onyx stated.

"What makes you say that?" Ikaagen questioned.

Onyx looked over at where the kyurangers were walking in their robot thing. "They seem to be taking an interest in Earth, don't you think? Is it not suprising that they would try to eliminate any pressing threats so they can continue exploring the place?"

"I guess you have a point there." Ikaagen agreed. "But I still think that Shou Ronpo is afraid of us."

"Oh? That their commander?"

"Yes."

"I see... so you have a history with him then?" Onyx asked.

"Indeed we do."

"Let's go."

They left their perch on the roof and began walking down. Time to go meet with the kyurangers it seemed. Before they got too far, they got a call from Don Armage, giving them direct orders to eliminate the kyurangers once more.

"Aw... is this all the fun I get with the toys?" Onyx pouted.

"You still haven't had enough of fighting them?" Ikaagen questioned.

"No. They are way better toys to play with than those stupid warriors back then. It's such a shame they've gotten on Don Armage's nerves too much..."

"Orders are orders. Let's go."

They wandered around, searching for the kyurangers once more. They spotted two of them in the sky, attempting to destroy another moraimars. Madakko chuckled to herself before firing shots at them. The two voyagers crashed to the ground. Garu and Raptor were the inhabitants it seemed.

"Kyurangers!" Madakko called.

Raptor and Garu whipped around to face them.

"Let's get started." Ikaagen said.

"Time for some fun." Onyx added on with a smirk. They had to play along for now.

"Madakko. Ikaagen. Akuma."

Both sides attacked. Three vs two was not the best. It made things a lot harder for Onyx to do anything. There was no way for only them to target a kyuranger safely. They couldn't pin one of them against both Madakko and Ikaagen. They'd be destroyed in seconds.

Garu and Raptor were getting their asses kicked by the two of them. Onyx would occasionally jump in and try to give them a slight reprieve with a fake attack. Unfortunately there was no way for Onyx to help them get away. That would mean exposing themself as a traitor and they definitely could not do that right now.

"This is Raptor. We need urgent reinforcements." Raptor yelled into her blaster.

Hopefully more would come soon. The more kyurangers, the easier it could potentially be to get them out of here safely. Unfortunately it didn't take very much for Ikaagen and Madakko to overwhelm the two kyurangers and beat them unconscious. This was bad.

"Let's hide and surprise these reinforcements." Madakko suggested.

The three of them hide behind the buildings around and waited.

"Garu! Raptor!"

Stinger had come. Please say he wasn't by himself...

Madakko shot at him and he shot back in reply. Madakko came out of hiding and faced him, shooting at him more. Stinger transformed to dodge the attacks.

"So, you're the next one?" Madakko said.

"I won't be beaten so easily." Stinger growled.

The two of them ran at each other. Onyx watched the fight in worry. They saw Ikaagen come out from his hiding place to watch as well. It wouldn't take much before he might jump in to fight as well. This situation was looking more dire by the second. Where were the rest of the kyurangers?!

Stinger got the upperhand on Madakko, but that was when Ikaagen jumped in and stopped him from getting much farther. Stinger was hit and tossed back. Onyx gulped. What did they do? They couldn't exactly help him right now. There was no way they could safely transform and jump in. It would be far too suspicious.

Onyx jumped in and took a swing at Stinger as well. They couldn't sit back either. That would be too questionable considering what they had said to the two assassins earlier. Though... maybe this could work in their favor?

"I want to fight him alone. Back off." Onyx stated as they held out a sword at Stinger.

Stinger held his spear at them in reply. Hopefully he understood what they were trying to do here.

"This aught to be interesting." Madakko commented.

Her and Ikaagen backed off. Good. Now to stall and hope the other kyurangers would show up. Onyx would gladly put on a show of being attacked and taken down if that was what it took for them to get away safely.

"Shall we have some fun, kyuranger?" Onyx asked with a smile.

"I'll defeat you!" Stinger replied.

They clashed. They met head-on and their weapons hit. Stinger tried to swing his weapon around and land a blow, but Onyx easily jumped out of ranger. They retaliated and swung their sword at him. Stinger jumped back but not in time. He was hit and staggered backwards.

Stinger growled and rushed back at them. He tried to stab at Onyx, but was blocked and his weapon was sent flying out of his grip with a kick. That was not ideal. At this rate they would have no choice but to take him down. Why was no one else showing up yet?

"Look at that. That kyuranger is done for just like his friends now." Ikaagen commented.

Stinger looked between his spear and Onyx. He was debating what to do. Onyx ran forward and slashed him down his chest. They couldn't hesitate at such a crucial moment like this. They had no choice. Stinger tried to deflect their attack but to no avail. Onyx turned around and sent another blow his way.

Stinger collapsed to the floor, his transformation coming undone. He was out cold. Onyx sighed and glanced at him. They hadn't wanted to do that. Hopefully he'd forgive them.

"Let's put them on display for their friends." Ikaagen said.

"I'm going to see just what on earth is keeping them." Onyx stated. "I was very much prepared for our fight to be interrupted by the others."

"Very well."

Onyx took off. They hid and went to watch. This excuse might give them enough of an excuse to transform and fight as a kyuranger if they needed to. They really didn't want to but it might come to it if the rescue squad didn't just save their friends and run.

Before too much longer, Lucky, Spada, and Hammie showed up. They rushed to go to the others, but Madakko and Ikaagen stepped in their way. Hopefully they were just a distraction unit or something and there were some sneaking behind. Onyx wasn't too sure about that though. They looked to be alone.

The three of them transformed and ran at Madakko and Ikaagen. They really didn't have much of a choice but to fight unfortunately. If they didn't have anyone else with them, there was not much they could do but try to break through to their friends. This was not going to go well, was it?

The three of them were not doing well against the two assassins. Onyx had no idea what to do. For now they were stuck watching and hoping for a miracle.

Lucky got hit hard by Ikaagen and thrown back and out of his transformation. That was bad. Spada and Hammie were soon tossed over as well, also out of their transformations. The three of them had been taken down. Now what? Was this the end?

Onyx's ears perked up at the noise of footsteps. They turned around. Shou Ronpo was walking over. Onyx was very confused.

"You have a plan to save them?" Onyx questioned as he got closer. "Also, very sorry 'bout Stinger. I thought our fight would've bought enough time for those three to get here."

The commander held something in his hand. "I do. I just hope they'll listen when I tell them to run this time."

"If worst comes to worst, I can jump in." Onyx replied.

"Thank you."

He continued on his way. Onyx watched from a distance as he approached the fight. Madakko and Ikaagen were about to shoot the kyurangers. Shou yelled at them to stop.

Then he pulled out a kyutama and put it into his staff. He transformed into a kyuranger? But... something was off. Onyx could feel it. His power was... off. Artificial. He made that thing himself then, didn't he?

He was doing quite well to fight them off, but he seemed panicked. Was there a setback to his kyutama? Possible.

"Grab Stinger's group and run! There's no time!" He yelled at the other three kyurangers as they seemed to be wanting to fight with him.

Lucky led them to finally go rescue the others. Onyx joined them over there. They worriedly watched the fight as the kyurangers freed their comrades. They were coming to at least.

"Sorry 'bout that, kid." Onyx said to Stinger as Lucky helped him to his feet.

"I see now why you're not a force to be reckoned with." Stinger grunted.

Lucky activated his kyutama. "Get in, guys."

Onyx stepped back. Lucky's voyager came down and grabbed them all. Except... Spada remained. Onyx stared him down.

"What are you doing?" They questioned him.

Spada ignored them and rushed off. Onyx followed him. The commander was having issues now. His staff was overloading or something. Suddenly his transformation came off. Looks like he had a time limit to it.

"Commander, are you okay?" Spada rushed over to him.

Onyx walked up to Madakko and Ikaagen. Madakko moved to attack, but Onyx held out a hand. They wanted to see a bit more of this conversation first.

"Why didn't you run away?" Shou questioned Spada.

"I couldn't just leave you. You have a time limit, don't you?"

Madakko pushed past Onyx and reached out with her tentacle to grab Spada and pull him in. The commander panicked. Spada struggled against her grip, only for Ikaagen to hit him hard and knock him out. Onyx winced. This was getting worse again. Why didn't this kid run...?

"We'll be taking this." Ikaagen stated.

"Stop!" Shou rushed forward.

Madakko transported them away. Onyx remained. Shou fell to his knees.

"These kids are so troublesome..." Onyx sighed. "I'll keep him safe. They won't kill him on my watch. But on another note, what's the deal with that kyutama of yours?"

Shou stood back up. "I... made it to fight against Jark Matter. I wanted to... be more important. Unfortunately it... it cost me more than I expected."

"And it has a time limit?"

"Yes..."

Onyx glanced at him, crossing their arms. "Find resolve within this group you've gathered and perhaps... you may earn an actual one."

"Find resolve..."

"Yep. Now, we both have places to be, don't we?"

Onyx vanished to go meet back up with Madakko and Ikaagen. They had brought Spada to an abandoned building and tied him up. Onyx walked in and examined him.

"This group of saviors sure is a handful for that commander of theirs." Onyx commented. "How many times have they almost gotten themselves killed now for not heeding his warnings?"

"This will be the last time they get a chance to escape us." Ikaagen stated.

"You think Shou will come on his own? Or do you think he'll bring the team?" Onyx questioned.

"No idea. Either way, whoever comes isn't getting out of this alive."

Onyx chuckled at his statement. "Don't get that cocky yet, Ikaagen. That behavior is what's gotten every other one killed so far. I'd not underestimate these kyurangers quite yet."

Before Ikaagen could reply, Spada let out a groan. He was waking up finally. Onyx got level with his as his eyes opened. Spada met their gaze, before looking away in shame.

Spada lifted his head and looked between the three assassins. "Do you guys know the commander?"

"He is a fool." Ikaagen replied. "He resisted Jark Matter even though he is an imposter."

The two began to explain what they knew of the commander to Spada. Onyx listened with interest as well, their ears perked up attentively. They were quite curious about his backstory. From the little they had spoken about it, there was a heavy past to him.

"An imposter like him has no chance at defeating Jark Matter." Ikaagen said. "Anyway... now that you're awake, shall we send them a little message?"

They managed to send a signal to the kyurangers and broadcast their location.

Ikaagen did the speaking. "Kyurangers. If you want to save your friend, all of you better come. The imposter doesn't need to come."

They ended the signal. Madakko and Ikaagen both laughed. Onyx stood there silently. They glanced back at Spada. He gave them a worried look.

"Let's go for now. When they come, we'll ambush them." Ikaagen stated.

"You guys can go ahead. I wish to talk a bit with our prisoner first." Onyx replied.

Madakko and Ikaagen left the room. Onyx faced Spada. Once they were certain the two assassins were gone, they began talking to him.

"This is why you don't disobey orders, kid."

"But... they would've killed him..."

Onyx sighed. "Worry about yourself. You're the hope of the galaxy."

"But..." Spada trailed off.

"It'll be alright. I won't let you die here. I won't let any of you die this soon."

...

When the next day came, Onyx opted to remain nearby where Spada was at while Ikaagen and Madakko vanished elsewhere in the area. Onyx was waiting to see just who might show up to rescue Spada. Would it be a group or just one person?

"Spada!"

Apparently just one. The commander came here on his own. He shot away the restraints holding Spada up and caught him as he fell.

"Are you okay?" He asked Spada.

"Commander..." Spada met his gaze for a moment and then looked down. "I'm sorry..."

Madakko came out of nowhere and attacked them. "You tako!"

Shou shot at her with Spada's blaster. He grabbed the kyuranger and they fled the building as fast as they could. Onyx went after them, Madakko not far behind.

As they got outside, Ikaagen blocked their way. Madakko and Onyx walked up from behind. They were now cornered with nowhere to run. Did this idiot come only by himself? Was there no group waiting outside?

"Spada, get back." Shou shoved him back.

He transformed with his kyutama. Onyx gulped. This was going to get ugly.

"You want to die?" Ikaagen questioned, going to attack him.

"I don't want to die." Shou replied. "But I'll gladly give my life if it means saving Spada."

That was supposed to be their thing. Onyx sighed. Madakko went and joined the fight.

The commander glanced back at Spada. "Run for it, Spada. I can only fight for a little while."

Spada opted to not run. Instead he said a very strange reference with cooking and then transformed. He rushed over to the commander.

"Fine..." Shou sighed. "Then here's my order."

"Yes?" Spada said.

"You better not die."

"Okyuu."

They stood back-to-back and then attacked Madakko and Ikaagen. Onyx stood off to the side. They leaned against the building and crossed their arms. They'd watch for now. Hopefully more of the team would arrive soon. Shou still didn't have the resolve to get an actual kyutama yet. He needed to admit they were a team.

The time limit went and Shou's transformation came undone. He fell to his knee. Ikaagen held his gun at his face. Spada yelled his name in panic and rushed to push him out of the way. They both went tumbling back.

Madakko shot at them now. Spada jumped in front of Shou and took the hit. When the smoke cleared, he also was no longer in his suit. He gripped his side tightly.

"Spada." The commander called in worry as he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Now you can die together." Madakko said.

Her and Ikaagen lined up their guns. Onyx clenched their fists. What did they do?

Suddenly their guns were shot at. Onyx looked over. More of them had arrived. Thank god. Garu, Lucky, Stinger, Hammie, and Raptor all showed up. They rushed forward to join the other two now, still shooting at the assassins.

"Are you okay?" Raptor rushed to their sides.

"What are you guys doing here?" The commander demanded.

"We're here to beat them, obviously." Lucky replied.

"How many times must I tell you-"

Lucky cut him off. "It doesn't matter."

He turned around and grabbed the commander, pulling him up. "How long do you plan to keep fighting alone?!"

"What?" Shou didn't seem to know what to say to that.

"You may have been Rebellion's first warrior in the past...but it's different now!" Lucky said firmly. "There are nine of us here. Including the commander, that makes ten. That's more awesome than some legend."

Everyone nodded to what he said. Onyx chuckled to themself. They weren't part of the number, huh?

"Commander, let's surpass the legend together!" Lucky was still going on his speech. At least Madakko and Ikaagen just stood by and let him do it.

Onyx vanished from sight. They hid for a moment and transformed. They personally wanted to give him a full kyutama to use. He seemed to finally realize now that they were a team.

They returned to the fight. "Seems someone's finally talked some sense into you, huh?"

"Eh? You're back?!"

Onyx walked up to the commander. "I think you've finally earned it."

They closed their eyes and focused. They opened them again to find everyone else's kyutamas were glowing and floating. Even theirs was doing the same. Onyx smiled.

"Commander. Your kyutama?" They said.

Shou held it in his hand. All the kyutamas glowed more and suddenly a light beam from them all shot into his. When the light settled, his kyutama was fully purple now. It was officially filled with the power of the constellation.

"Best of luck. I'll be taking my leave now." Onyx nodded to him and disappeared quickly again.

They undid their transformation and moved to watch from a hidden place. They could easily lie and say they went after the other kyuranger if anyone asked. In that time, the commander had transformed. His suit got an upgrade of a cape. It suited him. Though... how the hell did his snout fit in that helmet?

"I'm not fighting alone anymore. As the 10th warrior, I will fight with the kyurangers!" Shou declared.

"That's how it's gotta be! Let's join in!" Lucky stated.

The