Finster’s Most Elegant Monster: A King Made of Questions
This is Part I of Finster’s Most Elegant Monster, a three-part Power Rangers short story series. Rather than destruction, it begins with questions, as Finster creates King Sphinx—a monster built to divide his enemies through riddles, pride, and choice instead of brute force.
Finster Has A New Idea
Finster preferred the hours when the mountain slept. No alarms. No explosions. No Rita Repulsa pacing above him in heels sharp enough to chip stone. Just the gentle scrape of tools, the hush of obedient clay, and the soft ticking of ideas falling into place.
On the sculpting table stood his latest creation. Wings. Broad shoulders. A smile that suggested wisdom… or arrogance. Finster hadn’t decided which he preferred yet.
“King Sphinx,” he said, nodding to himself. “Yes. Regal. That will do nicely.”
Rita had been very clear this time. “I don’t want brute force, Finster. I want confusion. Divided. I want them thinking so hard they trip over themselves.”
So no claws. No cannons. No city-leveling theatrics. This monster would ask questions.
A King Made of Questions
Finster lifted the clay figure, monocle flashing as he turned it slowly in the light. The wings were unfinished, their edges soft, undecided.
“A king must test those who approach him,” Finster murmured, adjusting the smile with his thumb. “A trial of three questions should do. No more. No less.”
He paused, considering. “And only one wrong answer,” he pleasantly added, “has consequences. That’s only fair.”
He set the statue down and selected a finer tool, carving delicate grooves along the wings, whispering riddles under his breath. Some were old. Some were new. Some he wasn’t entirely sure had answers at all.
“If they fail,” he mused, “you won’t strike them down.”
He smiled to himself.
“You’ll flap those magnificent wings of yours and poof—off they go. Straight into the forest. Permanently.”
Finster flicked his wrist, shaping the wings just so, wide enough to suggest terrible force without ever needing to prove it. Trees, after all, were excellent listeners. Very good at keeping secrets.
The smile on King Sphinx’s face seemed… attentive now.
Finster froze. It hadn’t moved. He knew better than that. Clay didn’t move. But the expression felt aware. Expectant.
“Oh no, no,” Finster said lightly, tapping the statue’s head with his tool. “You don’t start thinking until I give the word.”
The feeling passed.
The Birth of King Sphinx
Satisfied, Finster wiped his hands on his apron, tools clinking softly in their pockets. King Sphinx stood proudly now, wings spread, questions unasked and riddles waiting.
“Tomorrow,” Finster said, already imagining Rita’s delight. “You’ll divide them beautifully. By the time they realize it, it will already be too late.”
But riddles, Finster knew, had a way of growing when left unanswered.
– Copyright © 2026
Next in the series: Finster’s Most Elegant Monster — Part II
About These Toy Figures
This Power Rangers short story scene was photographed indoors using a simple drop-cloth diorama and lightly enhanced in Photoshop Elements.
- Finster – Super7 figure. Additional props include Finster’s sculpting tools and various clay figures.
Entertainment & Props
- Finster’s Work Table — 3D printed and hand-finished using airbrushing.
- Floor — Wood grained slab panel.
- Background — Black drop cloth.
