Legacy Of Power: At World’s End

Part 1 – The Gathering

Chapter 6 – A Mystic Gathering Pt 1

Written By Pink-Green-White-4ever

Story Ideas By: Pink-Green-White-4ever and Marcus

 

Last Revised: March 19, 2007

Summary: Let the gathering begin!

Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance

Rating: M for adult situations and language

 

AN: To my loyal, loyal readers, I thank you.  Lately, I’ve noticed a lot of elements, unique elements from my other stories (Like Sydney Drew of SPD being the Pink Phoenix Ninjetti and the daughter of Tommy and Kimberly from MMPR) have been used without crediting me.  I’m at a point where I’m not sure if I want to continue to post stories anymore.  I’ve always been careful that when I borrow an idea, I post where I got the idea from to give credit to the person or persons that came up with the idea.  This has been happening to me a lot lately, and while I won’t name names, it’s disturbing enough that I’m carefully considering my future in fanfiction.  But to those of you who’ve been nothing but supportive and always willing to lend a comment of encouragement, I thank you greatly.

 

Dedication: To Marcus, because I understand the pain associated with watching a parent leave this world before either of you is really ready to let go.  The pain will never go away, but it will lessen with time so that you learn to live with it.

 

“Any change, any loss, does not make us victims. Others can shake you, surprise you, disappoint you, but they can't prevent you from acting, from taking the situation you're presented with and moving on. No matter where you are in life, no matter what your situation, you can always do something. You always have a choice and the choice can be power.”  -- Blaine Lee, The Power Principle --

 

 

--

 

“Is it just me, or are we really busy today?” Vida asked Leelee who was standing behind the register with her.

 

“Not you, we are really busy,” Leelee quipped, handing the customer she was helping his change.  “I think it has to do with the fact that Tanya Sloan-Park, that really famous singer, is coming to town.  There was some rumor going around that she might stop in and sign some albums, but I never really found out for sure and with Toby out of town...”

 

Vida turned and stared at her friend.  “THE Tanya Sloan-Park?  The one who’s last album had the best dance tracks on it?”

 

“That’s the one,” Leelee grinned.  “So, Vida, what are your plans today?  Are you guys still searching for the other teams?”

 

The Pink Ranger sighed heavily and nodded.  “We’re getting desperate.  We haven’t found out anything in the last two weeks.”

 

Leelee shot her friend a sympathetic look over her shoulder.  If there was one thing she wasn’t the least bit envious about these days, it was that her friends were Power Rangers.  The demands and responsibilities on their shoulders were incredible.  Turning, Leelee laid a hand on Vida’s shoulder and gave the Pink Ranger an encouraging smile.  “Don’t worry, it’ll work out.”

 

--

 

“So this is the Rock Porium, huh?” Max muttered as everyone hopped out of the two Lightspeed Humvees.  Carter had driven one, with Dana, Ryan, Taylor, Merrick and Shayla inside while Chad had driven the other with Joel, Kelsey, Cole, Alyssa, Danny and Max.

 

“Next time we ride in that thing, Taylor’s sitting between you two.  I don’t want to play referee again any time soon,” Alyssa grumbled as Cole helped her out of the back seat.  She’d been forced to ride in the very back of the humvee, squished between Max and Danny because there were so many of them and only she and Max were small enough to fit.

 

Max and Danny shared looks with their White Ranger before hiding behind Cole, who just shook his head at them.  “So, we’re supposed to be meeting Eric and Wes here?” Taylor asked Carter as the group stood together.

 

“That’s what they said Tommy and Andros said,” Carter told her, taking Dana’s hand as the group prepared to cross the street.

 

“Guys, I’m hungry,” Max complained.  The others shot him looks that quieted him.

 

“Let’s meet up with the others first,” Dana smiled at him.  “Then we’ll get something to eat.”

 

“Let’s go,” Cole ordered as the group of eleven began moving across the street to the record shop.

 

“Welcome to the Rock Porium, I’m Xander, how can I help you?” Xander began as soon as the group of eleven walked in.  He looked over the group, noting the strange additions to their outfits – the red Lightspeed jackets and the vests that each Wild Force Ranger wore – not to mention Shayla’s unique white dress and Merrick’s blue jacket.  Okay, that is totally weird, Xander thought as he stared at them.  Then he caught the emblem on the jacket of the blonde haired man standing next to him.  LIGHTSPEED RESCUE!  AND WILD FORCE!  Xander shouted to himself and almost fell over.

 

“No, thanks, we’re just waiting for some friends to show up,” Carter told him, smiling.

 

Xander waited until the group dispersed a bit around the store before he pulled out his morpher.  “Go ahead Xander,” Daggeron’s voice announced.

 

“Um, Daggeron, I think we have a problem.”

 

“What kind of problem?”

 

“I think two of the Ranger teams are here.”

 

There was a small pause.  “Xander, Udonna says to introduce yourself, if you’re sure, and see if you can bring them back to Rootcore.”

 

“Will do, Xander out.”  Placing his morpher back in its place, Xander took a deep breath, plaster a smile on his face, and approached the closest member of the group, who happened to be the pretty blonde in a yellow blouse, black pants and a yellow vest.  “Um, hi, remember me, I’m Xander.  Um, can I ask you something?”

 

Taylor looked up from the pile of c.d.’s she was looking at and stared at Xander, who was at her right.  “Excuse me?”

 

Xander smiled and instead of thinking, said the first thing that came to mind.  “Wow, you’re really beautiful, you know that?”

 

The Yellow Eagle Ranger let one eyebrow rise as she stared at the obviously awestruck young man.  “Listen, I don’t know who you are, or what you want, but back off.”

 

The brown haired Green Ranger looked confused.  “I’m sorry.  Maybe we could talk this over.  Listen, really, there was something I wanted to ask you.”

 

Taylor stood at her full height and crossed her arms over her chest while she glared at Xander.  “What part of back off do you not understand?”

 

The Yellow Ranger’s voice began to rise in pitch and carry across the room, alerting her teammates and the Lightspeed Rangers.  Alyssa shook her head and led the others over to where Taylor was standing in front of Xander.  “Is there a problem?” Dana asked, peeking around Taylor’s rigid form to look at Xander.

 

“No, no problem,” Xander assured her, his hands coming out to ward of Taylor.  “I just wanted to ask this very pretty lady a question.”

 

“Listen kid, I appreciate the compliments, but I said back off!” Taylor hissed.

 

--

 

“Okay, I’m completely confused,” Damon muttered as Karone navigated the road in her Ford Explorer.

 

“Why’s that?” the former Pink Ranger asked as the car came to a stop at a light.  Andros had left the Megaship at the NASADA base.  She, Zhane and T.J. had picked up the seven arriving Rangers from the base.  Cassie had been with T.J. when he arrived, so it had been left to the three of them to drive from Angel Grove to Briarwood.

 

“Where’s Carlos?” Damon asked.  “I mean, Cassie showed up on T.J.’s doorstep and came with him, and the rest of us arrived on the Megaship, but Carlos is missing.”

 

Ashley smiled and turned around in her seat.  “It was faster for him to catch a bus to Briarwood than for him to come here.  We’re going to pick him up on the way to meet the others.”

 

Damon nodded.  “We’re meeting everyone at the Rock Porium, right?”

 

“That’s what Andros said.  As far as I know, most of the Red Rangers here on Earth decided to meet there.  I think it has to do with the staff being the Mystic Force Rangers, and that being the best place for us to catch them,” Karone told him.

 

“Cool.  So how much longer till we get there?”

 

“About an hour, hour and a half.”

 

--

 

“Man, Toby, I’m majorly looking forward to seeing your shop,” Carlos told his new friend.  His bus had come arrived an hour ahead of schedule, laving him to wait for the others to come pick him up.  In that time, he’d made friends with another stranded traveler – Toby – owner of the Rock Porium.

 

“I love the shop,” Toby grinned, and then frowned.  “That is, after a week, if it’s still standing.  I left Xander and Nick in charge.”

 

Carlos smiled and nodded.  “Understandable.”

 

“TOBY!” a voice called out.  Both men turned to see a woman in black pants and a blue coat coming toward them.

 

“Madison,” Toby grinned, hugging her.  “Carlos, meet Madison Rocca, one of my friends and employees.  Madison, this is Carlos Valerte of the Houston Dynamo soccer team.”

 

Maddy’s eyes widened slightly as Toby introduced the man wearing black pants and a black and green shirt.  “Welcome to Briarwood,” Maddy spoke, reaching out to shake his hand.  A look passed between them, startling Carlos but making Maddy smile.  Carlos had only given the report Zhane had sent him a cursory glance on the drive from Houston, now he was wishing he had paid better attention to it.

 

“Mystic Mermaid, right?” Carlos asked, referring to Madison’s affiliation to the Mystic Blue powers.

 

“Black Space?” Maddy asked, grinning.

 

Toby’s jaw dropped.  “You’re a...?” Toby was silenced by one of Maddy’s hands covering his mouth as she raised her index finger to her own lips in a gesture that meant to be quite.  She had a feeling Carlos would to try and keep a low profile.

 

“Yeah,” Carlos grinned.

 

“There aren’t many around here who don’t know our identities, and I’ll prepare you now, many of the forest creatures work in the city,” Madison started.  “We’ll try to keep your identity a secret, but once they all find out we’re facing a new threat, they’ll find out.”

 

“That’s fine.  Ah, listen, mind if I catch a ride with you? I can call the others and tell them to just meet me at the Rock Porium, it’ll save us all some time.”

 

“Of course,” Maddy assured him, before turning to Toby.  “So Toby how was the convention in L.A.?”

 

“Fantastic!  I’ve got so many innovative ideas for the store!” he started as the trip moved outside the bus station and toward Vida’s truck, which Madison had borrowed.

 

Carlos pulled out his cell phone and hit speed dial for T.J.  “It’s me.  I’m heading to the Rock Porium, just meet me there.  Bye.”  The Black Ranger smiled and climbed up into the vehicle with Toby and Madison grinning the entire way.

 

--

 

Cassie shared a look with Kendrix before she looked at T.J.  “What did Carlos want?”

 

“We’re to meet him at the Rock Porium.  His bus already arrived, if his tone was anything to go by.  Why don’t you call Andros and Ashley and let them know?”

 

Cassie nodded and took T.J.’s cell phone and called the Red and Yellow Rangers.

 

--

 

“If the four of you don’t shut up, I’m going to pull this car over!” Tori shouted as she followed Conner’s car, which was following Hayley’s.  Sensei had opted to ride with the red haired scientist and Tori was seriously ready to switch places with him.

 

Cam, Shane, Hunter and Dustin stopped bickering for a few seconds when Tori’s voice sounded.  Blake was sitting in the seat next to her, snickering.  “Awww, come on Tori!” Dustin started.  “Cam’s being grumpy.”

 

“Yeah, well, after five years, you should be use to him acting like a grouch, Dustin!”

 

Blake, Hunter and Shane smirked while Cam scowled.  “Very funny, Tori,” Cam muttered to his blue teammate.

 

“Admit it, Cam, you’re a grump,” Tori told him.  He’d had a major attitude all morning, since his father had told him to ride with the others instead of letting him ride in Hayley’s car.  “I mean, look how you reacted to Marah and Kapri when they flipped because we were leaving and they couldn’t come with.”

 

Cam glared before burying his face in his hands.  “This is going to be a long trip,” Hunter chuckled.

 

--

 

For once, Kira wasn’t grateful for the silence in the car.  Conner had the stereo going but he was quiet.  Ethan was staring out the window, his laptop forgotten in his backpack.  Trent sat next to her, but he was silent and brooding.  His father hadn’t been happy that they’d come home from school, but had understood this was too important to ignore.

 

“Someone, please, say something,” Kira all but begged.

 

“I still haven’t told Krista,” Conner muttered.  “She thinks I’m away at a special soccer camp for the weekend.”

 

The other three winced.  Being a Ranger had been one of Conner’s misgivings when he and Krista had first gotten together, and then when the team had retired, it hadn’t been an issue.

 

“Are you going to tell her?” Ethan asked.

 

Conner paid attention to Hayley switching lanes more than to the looks Ethan, Kira and Trent were giving him.  “If this ends up being as serious as it sounds, I don’t see how I can keep it from her.”

 

The other three nodded.  “What about us?  And the others?” Kira softly questioned.

 

“I won’t tell her, you have my word, but she’s not stupid.  You know she’ll guess, at least about you three.”

 

“I’m okay with you telling her about me, just not any of the other teams.”

 

Conner was surprised by Trent’s words.  “Thanks.”

 

“We’re in agreement,” Ethan spoke after he and Kira shared a look.  “But no telling her about Dr. O.  If that ever got out, he’d be screwed.”

 

“Point taken.”

 

“So, any clue what’s going on?” Ethan grinned.

 

“The world is facing total annihilation, what else is new?” Kira quipped, causing all three of the boys to start laughing.

 

--

 

“You are rather quiet, is everything alright?” Kanoi spoke calmly.  Hayley’s attention was focused on the road and making sure Conner and Tori were following her still.

 

“There isn’t much to say,” Hayley responded.  “Once again, it’s up to a bunch of kids to save the world.”

 

Kanoi smiled.  “They have proven to be extraordinary kids.”

 

Hayley nodded.  “They have.  I’m just worried about the affect this will have, on all of us.”

 

Kanoi stared at her and smiled.  “It can be no worse than what we’ve already faced.”

 

The red haired scientist weakly smiled.  If Trini was right, they were in for an eye opener.

 

--

 

Xander started back pedaling when faced with an angry Taylor.  Cole and Danny stepped in, each grabbing one of Taylor’s arms.  “Taylor, don’t kill the poor kid,” Carter smiled at her, stepping between the pair.  He cautiously turned his attention to Xander, hoping Cole and Danny had a good grip on Taylor.  “Listen, Taylor’s got a short fuse, you might want to back off.”

 

“I’m Xander, the store manager,” the younger Ranger started.  “I was just going to ask how your trip from Mariner Bay and Turtle Cove was?”

 

Carter’s eyes narrowed even as Taylor struggled against Cole and Danny.  “How do you know that?” Ryan spoke up.  Xander swallowed as the two veteran teams presented a united front against him.  As far as he knew, they’d never known each other during their tenures as rangers, but they were definitely friends and aware of each other.

 

Xander straightened his posture and stuck out his hand.  “Xander Bly, Mystic Green Ranger.”

 

The group stopped moving as Xander introduced himself.  “Seriously?” Kelsey chirped.

 

The younger Ranger nodded.  “Yes.”

 

“How can you calmly announce who you are and not worry someone’s going to hear?” Taylor hissed.

 

Xander chuckled.  “Because the entire city of Briarwood knows who we are.  They were with us at the final battle.  If it hadn’t been for them, we wouldn’t have won that final battle.”

 

“Xander.”

 

All eyes focused on Princess Shayla.  Xander’s face lit up until Merrick hissed, “Don’t think about it.”

 

“Don’t worry, Mate,” Xander assured him.  “How can I help you, Beautiful Lady?”

 

The others rolled their eyes and Shayla giggled.  “We need to speak with Udonna, urgently.”

 

Xander nodded.  “I’m off in about ten minutes, and then I’ll take you to Rootcore.  That’s where Udonna lives.”

 

Shayla smiled her thanks.  “That’s perfect.  Is there somewhere that we can go get something to eat?”

 

“We’ve got a snack bar, food and drinks are on the house.”

 

The group of thirteen smiled their thanks and moved to the snack bar just as a trip walked through the door.  “Xander.”

 

“Boss!  Welcome back!” Xander grinned, moving to greet the trio.

 

“Xander Bly, meet Carlos Valerte,” Madison announced.

 

The Green Ranger reached out in minor shock to shake the hand of the Blake Space Ranger.  “Welcome to Briarwood.  Listen, Maddy, why don’t you take Carlos to the snack bar, get him something to eat.”

 

“Okay,” Madison murmured, showing the way to the snack bar.”

 

“Xander?” Toby asked, unsure of the Green Ranger’s sudden attitude.

 

“Boss, Nick’s taking night shift, but he may have to leave.”

 

Toby looked confused.  “Why?”

 

“We’ve got guests.”

 

The owner of the music store looked toward the snack bar with wide eyes.  “Really?”

 

Xander just grinned and nodded.  “Lightspeed and Wild Force.  I’m going to take them to Udonna after my shift is over.”

 

“Is Leelee or Phineas working tonight?”

 

“Leelee is here now, with Vida.  Chip, Nick and Madison are closing tonight.  Phineas is opening tomorrow.”

 

Toby nodded once.  “If they have to leave, I’ll be here.  I want to go over sales and work on some new promotions.”

 

“I think Leelee mentioned Nikki was free tonight, in case we need the extra help.  Supposedly, Tanya Sloan-Park is in town or coming to town and might be dropping by local music stores.”

 

Toby’s eyes widened.  “Wow, she’s the hottest thing on the pop, adult contemporary, and dance charts.”

 

“That’s what Vida said,” Xander responded.  “Anyway, if it’s okay with you, Boss, I’m going to get going.”

 

“Go for it, and Xander, good luck.”

 

“Thanks Boss.  We’re going to need it.”

 

--

 

“Well?” Karone asked as the group of eleven stood before the Rock Porium.

 

“T.J. said Carlos said he’d meet us here,” Cassie murmured as the group looked at each other.

 

“Then let’s head inside,” Andros ordered.

 

When the group got inside, they saw Carlos sitting on the edge of a stage by a young woman, who was busy spinning music, two boys who were calling out to the girl behind the turn tables and to Carlos.  There were two more girls behind the register counter, bopping to the beat.

 

“T.J.!” Carlos called out, waving the group over.

 

“Hey man!” T.J. greeted, the two men performing the awkward, one armed hug that was common between en their ages.

 

“Allow me to introduce Vida Rocca, Nick Russell, Chip Thorn, Madison Rocca, and Leelee,” Carlos started, pointing out each of the young people.  “Gang, allow me to introduce to you, the Space and Lost Galaxy Rangers.”

 

Andros glared at Carlos while the others looked on in shock.  “Carlos!”

 

“Don’t worry,” Carlos assured.  “Guys, meet the Mystic Force Pink, Red, Yellow and Blue Rangers, and former Darkness member Leelee, daughter of the Queen of the Vampires.”

 

“Well damn,” T.J. laughed as the others chuckled.

 

--

 

Shane, Dustin, Hunter and Cam winced when Tori slammed her door shut, which had Blake practically chasing after the angry Blue Ranger, who wanted nothing to do with any of them after the long, irritating ride.

 

“Dude, what’s with Tori??” Conner asked when the four Ninja Storm Rangers moved to stand with Dino Thunder, Kanoi and Hayley.

 

“Cam and Dustin pissed her off,” Hunter all but grinned, and then sobered.  “You know, she’s been pretty mood lately, you don’t think…” he started, beating around the bush about Blake and Tori having spent almost a whole year practically living together.

 

The others looked startled when they caught onto Hunter’s train of thought.  “No way Dude!” Dustin gasped.

 

“No, it’s probably just that time of the month and add on all the stress of this unknown mission,” Ethan offhandedly remarked, earning glares from Hayley and Kira.

 

“Why the hell do guys automatically assume that it’s that time of the month when a girl starts getting bitchy?” Kira accused.  “Have any of your species ever stopped to think a girl might just be in bad mood every once in a while?”

 

Trent, Conner, and Ethan looked startled and took a few retreating steps from their yellow teammate.  “That’s more than enough,” Hayley hissed at them all.

 

“We should go inside,” Kanoi spoke up, hoping to quietly defuse the situation before the boys found themselves in a hole they couldn’t dig themselves out of.

 

Silently, the group trudged across the street and down a block to the Rock Porium.

 

--

 

“Xander?” Udonna called when the Green Ranger led a large group into Rootcore’s main room.

 

“Udonna,” Xander responded, grinning wildly.  “Allow me to introduce the Lightspeed Rescue and Wild Force Power Rangers.”

 

The White Ranger’s mouth dropped open.  When Daggeron had said it was possible that Xander had found some of the Rangers, she’d been reluctant to get her hopes up.  Now they were standing in front of her, looking around in awe.

 

“Why didn’t we get a cool-looking room like this?” Max asked, looking around at the equipment.

 

Danny elbowed him in the side as Taylor spun around and glared at him.  “We got the Animarium, dufus.”

 

“Please excuse Taylor and Max,” Shayla smiled.  “I’m Princess Shayla.”

 

“Welcome to Rootcore, home of the Mystic Force Power Rangers.”

 

“Um, Udonna,” Dana started.  “We were told as soon as we arrived, we’d be told what’s going on.  Can you tell us?”

 

“Dana, correct?”  The Pink Ranger nodded.  “I’d only like to go through this explanation once, so I’m going to wait until the others arrive.”

 

“Okay.”

 

Udonna smiled.  “Do all of you have a place to stay for the night?”

 

“No,” Carter answered.  “We were going to get rooms after we figured out why we were here.”

 

“Then you will stay here at Rootcore.  Clare!” Udonna called out.

 

The two teams were surprised when a young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes appeared next to Udonna out of thin air.  “Yes?”

 

Udonna smiled.  “Please show the Rangers to the guest rooms.”

 

“Of course.”

 

“If you’ll follow my niece, she’ll show you to your rooms.  As soon as the rest of my Rangers arrive, we’ll eat.”

 

--

 

“Where’s Maddy?” Nick asked Vida, who was getting ready to head out for Rootcore.

 

“She took our guests to Rootcore, where were you?” Vida told him, grinning.

 

“So much for people telling me these things!” Nick griped.

 

“Xander already took two teams over this afternoon before you came in,” Vida teased him.  “And I did just tell you.”

 

Nick’s eyes widened.  “Well, damn, who’s here?”

 

“Xander took Lightspeed Rescue and Wild Force, and you know Maddy had Lost Galaxy and the Space Rangers.”

 

The Red Ranger looked sufficiently surprised by the mention of the other two teams.  “So it’s just me and Chip here tonight?”

 

Vida shook her head.  “Toby’s in his office.  If it gets too busy, Nikki said she’d come by and help out.”

 

“Cool.  And what are your plans for tonight?”

 

“I’m going to go home and study for my Spanish test,” Vida grinned.  “And then I’m heading to Rootcore for dinner with the team.  Maddy said she’d try to get back in time for close, but if not, she’d see you at Rootcore.  Bye!”

 

“Later V!” Nick called out as the Pink Ranger exited.  Not even two seconds later, a large group entered.  Nick looked at them and felt a chill race down his spine.

 

“Big crowds,” Chip commented.

 

“Yeah, really.  Watch them while I ring up these sales.”

 

“DUDE!  LOOK AT THIS PLACE!”

 

“DUSTIN!”

 

Chip couldn’t help the grin that spread across his lips.  The yellow and black dressed man named Dustin reminded him of himself.  “Look, let’s just find these Mystic Force Rangers so we can find out what’s going on,” the shorter girl in yellow grumbled.

 

“Say it a little louder Kira!” the tall brown haired boy in red muttered.

 

“Shut up Conner!” Kira hissed.

 

“Both of you keep it up and I’m going to make Tommy deal with you!” the red haired woman finally shouted, causing most of the customers in the store to stop and stare.  “My God, you would think the two of you hadn’t learned how to get along, and if any of the rest of you say anything, may I remind you of the fact that you irritated the hell out of Tori earlier?”

 

“Can I help you find something?” Chip asked, walking up to the group.

 

Kanoi stepped forward while the others looked on, sheepish at having been caught arguing.  “We’re looking for friends.”

 

Chip nodded and grinned.  “So I gathered.  Is there anything I can do to help?”

 

“Not unless you happen to know how we can find the Mystic Force Power Rangers,” Cam muttered under his breath.

 

“Chip Thorn, Mystic Force Yellow Ranger; nice to meet you,” Chip told him, holding out his hand to Cam.  “You must be two of the teams coming to Briarwood for the Ranger mission, am I right?”

 

The former Green Ranger’s jaw dropped while the others started laughing behind him.  “Excuse me?”

 

“DUDE!  HELLO FELLOW YELLOW!” Dustin laughed, pushing his way forward.

 

Kira stood back, her head in her hands while Trent patted her back.  “Its okay, Kira, I’m sure he won’t turn out to be as weird as Dustin,” Trent reassured his girlfriend.

 

Chip and Dustin were going on and on about comic books and being Rangers so much that they forgot to pay attention to the others around them.  “Um, excuse me!” Tori called out, catching both males’ attention.

 

“Sorry,” Chip apologized looking guilty.

 

“Sorry Tor!” Dustin chirped, moving to thrown his arm around his best friend’s shoulders.  “So, dude, where’s your team?”

 

Chip cracked up laughing and then sobered.  “The guy at the register, he’s our Red Ranger, Nick.  The others are either at home doing homework or at Rootcore.  We’ve already had four teams show up today other than you guys.”

 

“May I inquire as to whom?” Kanoi asked.

 

“Lightspeed Rescue, Wild Force, Lost Galaxy and the Space Rangers.”

 

“Oh thank God!” Hayley uttered.  The Ninja Storm and Dino Thunder Rangers looked at her in shock.  “Andros will know what the hell is going on, let’s go.”

 

Chip chuckled.  “Let me tell Nick we’re leaving, and then I’ll take you to Rootcore.”

 

 

--

 

“Welcome to Rootcore,” Madison smiled as she led the Lost Galaxy and Space Ranger teams into the main room.

 

“This place is wonderful!” Maya exclaimed, looking around in wonder.

 

Madison grinned.  “It was definitely useful when we first started.”

 

“Madison?” someone called out.  The Rangers turned to see a man in his thirties and a cat-like creature enter from another doorway.

 

“Daggeron!” Maddy grinned, rushing over to hug him.

 

“What am I, chopped liver?” Jenji teased.

 

“Jenji,” Madison admonished.  “Allow me to introduce the Lost Galaxy and Space Rangers.”

 

Daggeron and Jenji were sufficiently surprised.  “Welcome to Rootcore.  I’m Daggeron, the Solaris Knight, and this is Jenji, our genie.”

 

“Thank you,” Andros responded.

 

“Maddy, Udonna’s in her quarters, why don’t you go let her know they’re here, and then I’d like you to feed Fireheart, he’s being temperamental.”

 

Madison laughed while the others looked on in confusion.  “Fireheart is our dragon, or more specifically, Nick’s dragon.  He gets weird sometimes about who feeds him.  You’ll be safe with Daggeron, and Udonna will be down in a bit.  Bye!” Madison exclaimed as she rushed off in the direction that Daggeron and Jenji had come from.

 

--

 

Udonna smiled as the Rangers gathered sat in the library, most of them catching up with each other or getting to know each other.  “Udonna!” Clare called frantically as she raced into the room.  Her tone alerted and tensed the rangers, especially Xander and the newly arrived Vida.

 

“What is it Clare?” Udonna asked, bolting to her feet, Lianbow right behind her.

 

“More Rangers!” Clare called in excitement.  “Chip’s brought more Rangers!”

 

Those gathered looked on in awe as Chip led two teams of Rangers into the room.  “Chip?”

 

“Udonna, gang, meet the Ninja Storm and Dino Thunder Rangers,” Chip grinned, sweeping his arm out in front of the two teams.

 

“You’re Tommy’s team,” Andros spoke up, his eyes locked on the four Dino Thunder Rangers and Hayley.

 

“Andros,” Hayley responded.

 

“It’s nice to finally meet you in person, Hayley,” Andros grinned, shaking her hand.

 

“Holy cow!” Ethan cracked, forgetting for a moment he was on equal ground with the other Rangers.  “Turbo 2-Space, Lost Galaxy, Lightspeed Rescue and Wild Force!”

 

Conner, Kira and Trent rolled their eyes while everyone else laughed.  “Don’t forget us, Mate,” Xander grinned.  “I’m Xander and this is Vida.”

 

Ethan nodded and grinned.  “You’d think he’d never been a Ranger with the way he’s acting,” Kira muttered, causing Trent and Conner to bust up laughing.

 

“Come in, Rangers, and have a seat.  Chip, Madison went back to work, you should too,” Udonna spoke.

 

Chip nodded.  “Right.  I’ll see you guys at dinner!  Bye!” Chip called, racing out of the room.

 

--

 

Nick was surprised when he, Maddy and Chip entered Rootcore and heard all the voices.  “What’s going on?” he asked.

 

“I think everyone’s still in the library,” Chip told him.

 

The trio moved to the library and was greeted by what looked like a massive party going on.  “Hey guys!” Xander called to them.

 

“Mom?” Nick started, his eyes landing on Udonna, who was sitting with his father, Daggeron, an older gentleman Nick remembered seeing at the Rock Porium, a red head who’d also been at the store, and a pair of young people – one a guy in black pants and a silver and blue jacket, and a woman dressed in a white dress.

 

“Nick,” Udonna smiled.

 

Nick practically dragged Maddy toward his parents while Chip bounded over to the group of younger Rangers.  “What’s going on?” the Red Ranger asked.

 

“We have house guests,” Udonna told him.

 

The Red Ranger’s expression told his mother more than his words or tone would have been able to.  He wasn’t the least bit happy with how she’d said that.  “House guests?”

 

“They will be staying here,” Lianbow answered.  “They have nowhere to go until we know what’s going on.”

 

“You’re kidding, right?” Nick demanded.

 

“Bowen.”

 

Xander, Chip, Vida, Madison, Clare, Daggeron and Jenji winced when Udonna used the Red Ranger’s given name.  “I take it that’s bad?” Max whispered to Xander who nodded.

 

“I’m going to bed, goodnight,” he spoke, leaning down to kiss Udonna’s cheek before he turned and fled the room.

 

“I’ll go talk to him,” Madison murmured, rushing out after him.

 

“I apologize,” Udonna told the gathered Rangers.  “He wanted no part of this to begin with.”

 

Vida sighed.  “That’s an understatement,” she mumbled, receiving glares from Daggeron, Udonna and Lianbow.

 

“It’s alright,” Carter spoke up.  “There are a lot of us who never wanted to be Rangers, so he’s in good company.”

 

--

 

“Nick?” Madison called softly.  Nick’s room was dark when she entered.  “Nick?”

 

“Go away, Madison.”

 

“No.”  Maddy followed the sound of his voice and found him sitting on his bed.  Taking a deep breath, she crawled onto the mattress and sat facing him.  “Talk to me, Nick.”

 

“What do you want me to say?  I’m pissed off that she’s invited a bunch of strangers into our home.”

 

Maddy bit her lip while trying to think of something to say.  “They may be strangers, but they are former Rangers.  They can be trusted.”

 

“How do we know that?” Nick demanded.

 

“Because if they couldn’t be trusted they never would have defeated their big bads.”  Maddy watched him struggle with what he thought and how he was feeling.  Shaking her head, she crawled up onto his lap and snuggled close to him.  “It’s going to be okay, Nick, trust me.”

 

Nick didn’t say anything.  Instead, he wrapped his arms around her and held on. They were content to enjoy the silence.  Eventually, Madison’s position got uncomfortable and she moved around until she was comfortable once more.  Nick was only a little startled when Maddy’s breath blew against his neck.  He felt his jeans tighten when Maddy’s lips found the skin of his neck and caressed softly.

 

“Maddy,” he murmured, his hands rubbing gentle circles on her arm and back.

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Stay with me tonight?” he asked.

 

“What about...?”

 

“Please, I just need to hold you tonight.”

 

Maddy pulled away and looked at him.  His eyes glowed red briefly, making the Blue Ranger shiver.  She’d noticed new aspects of his powers over his short return home.  His eyes and body would flare red with power, when his temper was up, and he was more emotional than she’d seen him before.  “I’ll stay,” she whispered, leaning forward to kiss him softly.

 

Neither was aware that they were shifting positions until they had.  When they pulled apart and realized Nick was towering over her, his body pressed close to hers, they gasped.  “I’m sorry, Maddy,” Nick breathed, his body shaking.

 

“Don’t apologize,” she whispered back, leaning up to nip at his chin.

 

The Red Ranger smiled down at her before lowering his mouth to hers.  Maddy met him halfway, her lips urgent against his.  When they pulled apart the second time, they were even more breathless than before.  “Why don’t we go to sleep?  It’s been a long day,” Nick muttered.  Maddy nodded and they shifted around on the bed.  Both quickly kicked off their shoes and Nick pulled off his shirt.

 

“Do you have a shirt I can sleep in?” Madison asked softly.

 

Nick grinned and got up from the bed.  He disappeared into his bathroom and a few minutes later reappeared.  He was wearing a tank top and sweats and carried a long, black t-shirt.  Madison grinned at the design on the front; it was a large bird in red.  The Blue Ranger took the shirt and scampered into the bathroom.  She emerged five minutes later wearing the shirt and carrying her clothes, which she set on Nick’s desk chair before crawling onto the bed and under the covers with Nick.

 

Maddy let out a contented sigh.  Even though she’d never slept in the same bed with a boy other than Chip, and that didn’t count because they had been six and camping, she wasn’t the least bit scared to sleep with him.  “Goodnight Madison,” Nick whispered into her hair.

 

“Goodnight Nick.”