Part 3 – The Beginning
Chapter 12 – The Fight Begins
Written By Pink-Green-White-4ever
Story Ideas By: Pink-Green-White-4ever and Marcus

Last Revised: September 20, 2007
Summary: And so it finally begins...
Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance
Rating: T for now

AN: Please be patient with me. As I’ve said before, updates come as I finish the chapter I’m working on – I’ve just finished chapter 16, so now you get this one. I just started classes again and I’m working full time, I don’t know how regular the updates are going to be until Thanksgiving and Christmas. Again, please, BE PATIENT.

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.” -- Pierre de Coubertin, "The Olympic Creed" Inspired by Bishop Ethelbert Talbot, speech, Olympic Games 1908 --

“I endeavor to be wise when I cannot be merry, easy when I cannot be glad, content with what cannot be mended and patient when there is no redress.” -- Elizabeth Montagu --

--

Sydney smiled as she and Z exited Rootcore and found Sky, Bridge and Jack stretching. “Mind if we join you?” she asked.

The guys nodded and grinned. Z shot Syd an amused look when the Pink Ranger bent at the waist to touch her toes and Sky let out a rather loud groan. Bridge smiled, Syd rolled her eyes at her boyfriend’s vocalization, and Jack snickered. “Sky, you’ve got a dirty mind!” Jack teased, poking the Blue Ranger with his elbow.

“I can’t help it,” Sky muttered. “I get one night with her and then we get separated because we have to come here.”

Syd gave him a look before moving over to wrap her arms around his waist. “At least we’re together,” she told him softly, reaching up to nudge his head down. “Jack had to leave Ally behind.”

Sky shot his teammate a look and saw the lonely expression in the Red Ranger’s eyes. “I forgot, sorry.”

“It’s cool. She’s safe, that’s all that counts. Now, kiss your woman and let’s go.”

The Blue Ranger chuckled before turning his attention back to the woman pressed against him. He leaned down and caressed her pouty lips with his own, his body tensing as hers strained against his and a whimper escaped from her throat. “Don’t do that,” he warned playfully.

“I can’t help it if every time you kiss me like that I turn into a puddle of goo,” she protested.

“I love you,” he murmured, kissing her again, more softly this time.

“I love you too. We’d better get this over with,” she muttered. The pair broke apart and joined their teammates.

“Daggeron said there was some snow still on the trail but that he’d marked it with floating flags,” Jack informed the team as they began their two mile run.

“It’s a good thing we brought warm clothes,” Z huffed. “It’s freezing out here.”

Bridge grinned at his girlfriend. “We’ve gotten spoiled with using the simulator in the winter instead of training outdoors.”

Z shot him a look. “No kidding.” Jack snickered and Z glared at him. “Shut up, Jack.”

The trio shook their heads as Sky slowed his pace in front of them to match Syd’s, the pair running together. “I knew once he got laid he’d lighten up.”

The Yellow Ranger nearly tripped head first into the dirt at the Red Ranger’s comment while Bridge choked on his laughter. “I heard that!” Sky shot over his shoulder. Syd just kept running while the others picked up the pace behind her.

--

Nick yawned and sleepily made his way from his room to the kitchen. As he passed the library he stopped to peek in. He found the Ninja Storm team asleep, or so he thought. “They’re meditating,” Anubis told him, coming from the direction of the main room.

“Oh.”

“They’re Ninjas, and were before becoming Rangers. Meditation is part of their morning ritual.”

Nick nodded and watched them carefully. Tori sat in one of the arm chairs, her legs folded in front of her and her hands resting on her knees. On the floor in front of her was Blake, sitting in the same position. Both had their eyes closed. Shane, Dustin and Hunter sat in a circle in the middle of the room, their poses mimicking Blake and Tori while Cam sat apart from them on his knees, his hands on his thighs. His face was etched in worry, but as his father calmly spoke to them, his features eased. Nick couldn’t hear what Sensei Watanabe was saying, but his Rangers seemed to, and it was almost as if he were trying to help center them.

“I think I’m going to go eat, I feel like I’m intruding,” Nick muttered before leaving Anubis to watch them.

--

Eric smiled down at the mass of blonde currently resting on his chest. It wasn’t often he got a chance to quietly enjoy Taylor in such a peaceful state. The Yellow Eagle Ranger was generally full of energy and often up nearly as early as him in the mornings, so he rarely got the opportunity to study her while she slept. He grinned wider when Taylor began making noises and stretched against him. “Wrong time and place for that,” he growled, rubbing his hand along her back as his own body began to awaken in ways he wished it wouldn’t.

“Sorry,” she yawned. “I’m not use to sleeping so tightly pressed against you without being able to do other stuff.”

Eric chuckled. “I know,” he told her. The pair shifted around on their makeshift bed until they were lying on their sides facing one another.

“Eric,” Taylor started, her voice trembling slightly.

“We’ll be okay,” he reassured her. “We’re all experienced Rangers, we can handle this.”

“I know, I guess I’m worrying for nothing.”

Deciding she needed to think about something else Eric grinned. “Did you see Merrick and Princess Shayla yesterday?”

Taylor laughed and nodded. “He’s always been over-protective of her,” Taylor wiggled her eyebrows at Eric, which set him off laughing. “What do you make of Kimberly?”

The Quantum Ranger’s face suddenly hardened. “I’m worried her emotional instability is going to get us hurt, but I have to say I respect Tommy, Jason and Andros too much to go against them. I’ll be the first person to jump on her if she fucks up though.”

Taylor nodded. “Alyssa did some research on the other teams shortly after we met you guys. The first teams went through more shit than we did, I can understand how messed up she is right now.”

“We don’t need someone who’s that unstable on the battlefield, let alone making decisions for us.”

The Yellow Ranger sat up and looked at him. “On some level I agree with you, but I also think we should give her the benefit of the doubt.”

“Why? Because she’s a girl?”

Taylor glared. “That’s uncalled for and you know it. I say give her a chance because she’s one of the original Rangers; they deserve a hell of a lot of respect for being the first ones to step up to the plate and defend Earth.”

The two glared at one another until someone else cleared their throat. The two looked toward the door and saw Cole grinning at them. “What?” Eric barked out.

“Commander Cruger would like you two to come downstairs.”

“We’re coming,” Taylor told him, practically jumping from the bed.

Cole nodded and left the room, knowing it best to let the pair work things out on their own.

--

Everyone noticed the tension between Taylor and Eric when the two came downstairs. Taylor sat next to Tori and Alyssa while Eric stood behind where Wes and Jen sat on the couch. “So, what’s the deal?” Eric asked Anubis, who raised an eyebrow at his terse tone.

“My Rangers have already been out this morning for their run, but I’d like to gather all of us who are here and begin the training Kimberly mentioned yesterday.”

Taylor smirked when Eric looked surprised. “Oh, that’s right; Kim’s the one who suggested it. Have anything to say about THAT Eric?”

The Quantum Ranger glared at his fiancée. “Keep it up Blondie,” he hissed at her.

“Settle it somewhere else you two,” Wes announced, causing them both to glare at him.

“What kind of training to do have in mind, Anubis?” Kanoi asked.

“Kimberly mentioned physical and skills training,” Anubis started. “And I know its cold outside. I’d like to find a place that would make easy for us to train using weapons, but we also need to get used to being outdoors in this cold.”

Udonna entered then, smiling. “I may have a solution to our problem.” Anubis gestured for her to take the floor. “Daggeron is able to access other dimensions with his powers, and so can Lianbow and I. We should be able to use a spell to enable us to go to another dimension to train, and still be able to know when something is happening here.”

“Will it drain you?” Dimitria asked, floating down from where she’d been watching on the upper level.

“I do not think so, if the three of us are performing the spell together. Daggeron was able to train the Mystic Rangers and they were fine, between the three of us, we should be able to train three teams of you at a time without causing too much strain,” Udonna assured them.

“If we can do that, those left behind can do other training,” Cam pointed out.

“Exactly,” Udonna spoke.

Anubis turned his attention to the Green Samurai Ranger. “Cam, you, Ethan, Hayley, Bridge and Trip are also going to need to take a look at the computers, make sure they’re ready for when Billy gets back so you can set up the links between the Megaship, Lightspeed, Tommy’s Lair and this base Billy’s been speaking of.”

“I’ve got some stuff at Ninja Ops we can use too, so we should be able to create a network to keep in contact with each other and use it to teleport us back and forth.”

Wes waved his hand to get everyone’s attention. “I talked to my father this morning, and he said not to worry about anything monetary wise, he’s got us covered. He also said that we’ve got the Silver Guardians in reserve if we need their help.”

--

For the first time in a very long time, Merrick Baliton wasn’t sure how to react to the situation at hand. He’d faced Orgs on a daily basis; he’d been cursed by a wolf mask and entombed for 3000 years; when he’d originally been a protector to Princess Shayla, he’d always been very careful not to get caught in a compromising situation, so that her honor and virtue would not be called into question. But now, he had no idea how he’d gotten into the position he was in.

Princess Shayla and he had been up since dawn. Shayla had called the Deer Zord down from the Animarium and she’d sung while he’d played his flute for it. Once they were done, they’d gone back inside, had eaten a light breakfast, and then retreated to the library where the Ninja Storm Rangers had been meditating. He and Shayla had taken up residence in the two large chairs, but before long the Princess had wandered over to see what he was reading. He wasn’t sure how it had happened, but somehow, she’d ended up snuggled into his side, reading his book with him.

Now she was sound asleep and pressed so close to him he could feel every soft curve of her body. Merrick had never had a problem admitting he was attracted to the beautiful princess, but that was only to himself. His friends and teammates knew he was attracted to her, knew he was in love with her, but he’d never outright admitted it to them. He closed his eyes and leaned his head against the top of hers, feeling his body betraying him. Her nearness, her soft, clean, floral scent was causing his body to respond in ways he really didn’t want to think about. It didn’t help when Shayla moaned softly and turned, pressing her breasts against his side, two tiny knots rubbing against his ribs.

Blowing out a heavy sigh, Merrick tried not to let the mental picture of what he thought she looked like naked get to him. He was trying so hard not think about it, that he didn’t hear anyone approaching the empty library until he heard two familiar giggles. His eyes snapped open to see Jen and Alyssa standing in the doorway, their hands over their mouths as they tried to hide their laughing. Merrick shot them a withering look. “What?”

“Nothing,” Jen tried not to laugh, but couldn’t help it.

“You look uncomfortable, Merrick,” Alyssa grinned.

“Did you two need something?” he asked.

“We’re going to be training soon,” Jen started, coughing as she tried to hide her laughter still. “Udonna, Commander Cruger and Sensei Watanabe would like you and Princess Shayla present for it, that is, if you aren’t too busy taking care of other, more important matters,” she teased.

Merrick glared. “The Princess and I will be there momentarily, as soon as I wake her up.”

The two girls nodded and ran off, leaving Merrick to drop his head against the back of his chair. “Merrick?” Shayla yawned.

“Yes Princess?”

“What were Jen and Alyssa giggling about?” she innocently asked, looking up at him just as he turned to look down at her.

“Nothing,” he assured her, reaching his hand up to cradle her cheek. “The others are gathering for training, and the other mentors would like us present.”

“Of course,” Shayla all but purred leaning into his hand. “Do you need to go upstairs for a few moments? I can tell the others you’re changing.”

Merrick’s face went bright red for the first time in a very long time. Shayla knew, even if she wasn’t about to say it, exactly why Jen and Alyssa had been laughing, and he knew it. “I’ll be fine,” he choked out, watching in amazement as Shayla grinned mischievously before climbing out of the chair and pulling him with her.

--

“Damn,” Aisha muttered as she and Billy trudged from her car, through the desert, up into the mountains toward the ruins of the Command Center, Power Chamber and Turbo Chamber. Even with it still being winter, the California desert was warm as the pair trekked up the path only they knew existed.

“Never seemed like this long of a hike before, did it?” Billy grinned. In the few days he’d been back on Earth, and back in the company of his friends, he found himself easing back into a natural rhythm with them. At times, like now, it was comforting to know the bond was still there. Other times, like when they received their powers the day before, it reminded him of the large chunk of his life that he’d lost and couldn’t get back.

Aisha sent him a familiar look. “Boy, we were a lot younger back then. Now most of us are close to hitting thirty.”

Billy couldn’t help but crack up at that. “Aisha, thirty is young by Earth standards.”

“Not when you’re a Power Ranger it isn’t,” she shot back, the pair lapsing into silence as the crested the mountain the base had once stood proudly on. Aisha bit her lip to keep from crying out at the ruins. When she’d returned to the States from Africa, she’d never asked to come back to the much beloved second home of her youth, and thankfully, Rocky had never pressed the issue.

Billy himself was silent, his head shaking back and forth in a barely perceivable display of disbelief. When the Morphin powers had been destroyed, the Command Center had rebuilt itself, but the destruction of the Turbo powers obviously had taken a far greater toll on the base’s natural power supply. He also knew it probably had to do with Alpha 5 and Zordon being off planet at the time. For a moment, a spear of anger shot through him, aimed toward Dimitria, Alpha 6 and the second generation Turbo Rangers, including Justin. Granted, the base had been destroyed once on the Morphin Rangers’ watch, but that was once in four and a half years, not less than six months after they’d taken over their posts.

“Well, it’s now or never,” Aisha murmured as she reached out to touch Billy’s arm. She could see his thoughts playing across his face and decided she’d let it be. He needed a moment to get over what he was feeling before he said something to one of the others, especially if he thought too hard about what had happened on the Space Rangers’ watch. None of the original twelve held Zordon’s death against the Space Rangers because all of them knew, after having served under Zordon, there’s no way in hell they’d have been able to do what Andros had done. She knew Billy needed to acknowledge it and let it go before it started to eat him up inside, right along with the guilt they all still felt.

Quietly, the pair headed for the gaping hole off to the very left of the mountain top, the one where they knew a set of stairs was that led down into the bowels of the mountain. Just as they hit the stairs, they heard shoes crunching on the rocks coming over the rise. Turning, they saw the other members of their team as well as the newly appointed Zeo team.

“What are you guys doing up here?” Aisha called out.

Kat and Tanya gave her weak smiles as they stopped, side by side, and stared at what was left of their base. Zack and Jason stood together, hands in their pockets, while Adam and Rocky flanked Justin. Tommy held Kimberly’s hand while the Pink Ranger stared at the hole, her head shaking back and forth in denial. A light trail of tears streaked down her cheeks as she got a good look at the rubble of a place that had meant so much.

“I always thought this place was indestructible,” Kim croaked. “That the Power Rangers were indestructible. Even after I lost my powers, I still felt that way. This is…”

The group watched Kimberly pull away from Tommy as she moved forward. Pieces of the platform that had made up the main circle in the original Command Center were in chunks on top of pieces from the sandstone walls. She sank to her knees, reached out, and picked up a piece of the once royal blue floor. She pulled it to her chest and closed her eyes, memories sweeping over her.

Aisha moved to stand next to Rocky while Tommy gave Kimberly space and moved over toward Jason and Zack. Tanya and Kat also moved from their positions, so that they joined the others in creating a wall before Kim and Billy. The Blue Wolf Ninja was standing there, silently, his arms folded over his chest, while he watched Kimberly. “It wasn’t supposed to be like this!” Kimberly’s voice rose in anger. “We weren’t supposed to lose them like this! The Command Center wasn’t supposed to end up a pile of rubble on the side of a mountain!” she screamed.

Jason and Zack had to restrain Tommy, who wanted to move to comfort his fiancée, as Billy was already quietly kneeling next to Kim. “Kimberly,” Billy’s soothing voice rang out.

“I miss her Billy! I miss her smile, her calming influence, her sense of humor! I miss her voice and how she always knew how to calm me down! It’s not fair! We weren’t supposed to lose her the way we did!”

The dam that had been holding back Billy’s own feelings finally crumbled. He reached out and picked Kim up, cradling the woman who was like his little sister in his lap. “I miss her too, Kim,” he whispered to her, his voice cracking in a way she, Jason and Zack hadn’t heard since his mother had died. “I miss her scent, I miss her touch, and I miss having someone who understands me better than I do myself. I miss walking past her and feeling my heart skip beats at her mere presence. We all loved her, and we’re all still grieving for her. You aren’t alone.”

“First Zordon, then Trini,” Kim murmured, resting her head against Billy’s chest. “I don’t want to lose anymore of you, my heart can’t take it.”

“I may not be here physically, but I’m always with you,” a hauntingly familiar voice whispered. “We’re both always with you.”

All eyes took in the two ghostly figures emerging above the hole. “Rangers,” the second figure spoke. Billy and Kim clutched onto each other a little tighter before Kimberly slipped from his embrace and moved to Tommy’s side, leaving Billy alone to stand before Zordon and Trini. “You have done a great service to your planet, and for that, I could not be happier, but it is not your accomplishments as Rangers, as great as they may be, that make me proud of you. What you have done with your lives once you retired far exceeds what I could have ever dreamed for you.”

The two teams were silent as Zordon moved toward them. He stopped in front of Katherine and smiled at her. “Lovely Katherine,” he spoke, reaching out to take her hand. Kat was surprised when she felt his warmth. “Your calming presence will be needed, now more than ever. Others will look to you for reassurance.” Katherine nodded and let his hand go as he took Tanya’s.

“Tanya, brave and strong,” he started, his eyes on the third woman to wear the yellow uniform for Earth. “Your tenacity and your up beat attitude will be appreciated as the times to come will test those who share your mission.” Tanya smiled and nodded.

“Justin, this time your youth and intelligence will truly serve you well,” Zordon told the youngest of the group. “You have experience on your side now, and bridging the gap between the older and younger Rangers will fall to your shoulders. I have every confidence in your ability to surmount that particular obstacle.” Justin let out a deep breath and nodded as Adam and Rocky put their hands on his shoulders.

Zordon’s gaze moved and landed on Rocky next. “Your constant need to lighten any situation will be a great asset, Rocky,” the Eltarian wizard told the Red Ranger. “What lies ahead will surely be dark times, but your ability to see a brighter side will help lead not only your teammates, but the other Rangers, from the darkness.”

Aisha took Rocky’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “Mother bear,” Zordon spoke, catching Aisha’s attention and making her blush. “Your need to care for those you love must now extend to those you barely know,” he informed her. “I am confident in the job you will do to protect your teammates, old and new.”

“Adam, your quiet confidence and undeniable skill as well as your length of service will help in the battle of keeping your teammates united under one cause,” Zordon spoke briefly, causing Adam to nod once in his direction.

Zordon moved toward the quartet of his original Rangers. “Zachary,” he started, causing Zack to straighten his stance. “I know you didn’t want to come back to this life, and I’m so sorry to have to call you back.” Zack let his eyes show his understanding. “Beyond all that, your skill in dealing with people and difficult situations will be put to the test. I know you can overcome anything that comes your way.”

With what looked like a release of a heavy breath, Zordon moved to stand before Jason, his face somber as they stared at one another silently. “I could not have made a wiser decision, Jason, than the day I made you Red Ranger.” Jason’s jaw clenched as he fought back his emotions. “You were not born a leader, you matured into one. You were not always sure of your decisions, but you always stood by them. You led your team through uncertainty, through stormy waters, and through victory. You trained the others to be leaders themselves, and when I turned the team over to Tommy, you selflessly stepped back without a word. The other Rangers recognized the same qualities I did in you, when they selected you to lead them as one of the overall leaders of this mission. I am proud to have helped in your development, and I know the others are in good hands with you at the helm.” Jason nodded and looked down at his feet while Zack and Tommy laid their hands on his shoulders as a sign of comfort.

Zordon’s attention shifted to Tommy then, who found himself, like Zack, standing a little straighter than before. “Tommy, you more than any, know what you’re up against in this battle. Your experiences as a Ranger have been as numerous as the colors you’ve donned, and all have made a strong impact on the man you are,” he told the man who had been a Ranger longer than anyone. “I admit I was surprised when you stepped away from the role as leader, but I understand your decision. Your guidance to the younger Rangers will be greatly appreciated, as will their seeing your humanity. The times to come will not be kind to you, White Falcon. Those who came after you will learn important lessons from watching you face your inner demons, ones you thought you’d faced that will return, stronger than ever, during this war. Please remember that I’ve never held you accountable, for Rita’s deeds, and that your teammates have always accepted the man you made yourself, not the monster Rita tried to mold you into.”

Tommy swallowed hard, instantly recognizing the warning he’d been given. Silently, Zordon’s gaze turned from those before him, his eyes briefly meeting Kimberly’s as he took in Billy. “Billy, your return to Earth has pleased me immensely,” Zordon started, watching Billy make a face. “You went through much as a Ranger, and much more after your time on the team. No one will ever be able to replace what you lost, for that is irreplaceable. Coming home was one step in your reclaiming your destiny, accepting the power again is another. There is another who will share your destiny with you, but before you can find her, you must put the past to rest.” Billy’s eyes widened as his gaze darted between Zordon and Trini, who was smiling sadly at him. “Guilt must be met and understood, because for all of you to succeed, the others will need your wisdom, your guidance, and every ounce of talent you possess. There are many who will look to you for the answers, and though you may not know them all, you must be prepared to find them.”

Billy held Zordon’s gaze for a few moments before all eyes turned to the last person Zordon had to speak to. Kimberly stood next to Tommy, her head bowed and her body practically vibrating with her pent up emotions. “Kimberly.” Her head came up slowly, her eyes haunted as she stared at him. “I’m proud of you, Kimberly; so very proud of the woman you’ve become, of the life you’ve made for yourself. Even more so, I’m proud that you’ve come back, have taken up the mantle I first handed to you, and have agreed to lead the others into this uncertain time of war. Like the others, this time of darkness will not be kind to you, this I can see, and though it pains me to know it will be so, I feel I must warn you. You are perilously on the cusp of losing the very essence of who you are.” Kimberly swallowed hard, knowing the others were standing around her, going tense at his words. “You must seek the light of goodness, Kimberly, for it will guide you, always, from the darkness. A time is coming, when you will need to make a choice. When that time comes, please, remember what it is you’ve stood for, Pink Crane, and what it is you’ve been fighting for, for more years than most can comprehend. I believe it will be your decision that could be the deciding factor as to whether darkness will drench the land or the light of goodness shall burn brightly.”

The team was silent as Zordon and Kimberly stared at one another. “Even though we’re not here physically, please remember that we’re always with you in spirit,” Trini smiled at each of them. “You all have so much riding on your shoulders, but those shoulders are strong, and you can carry what’s been placed on them. The others have been through a lot during their own times as Rangers, but none of them have been through nearly what you have, so they will look to you for direction.” The team looked sad. “Don’t forget to lean on each other, when the times get tough, because you’re all each other has.”

“Good luck, Rangers, and may the power protect you.”

The eleven veteran Rangers remained silent as Trini and Zordon disappeared from sight. Jason, Tommy, Rocky and Adam shared looks before nodding. “Billy, what can we help with?” Jason asked.

The Blue Ranger looked around at his friends and teammates, and for the first time in a long time, felt hopeful and energized, despite the sad aura around them. “Well, Tanya and Justin can help me with the computers. The rest of you can see if we’ve still got working equipment down there anywhere.”

Jason nodded. “Kat, Sha, head down to my truck and get the water bottles and flashlights. Please,” he added when both girls looked at him in that ‘you did not just order us to do something’ way. They nodded and then headed over the side of the mountain.

“What about the rest of us?” Rocky asked.

“Rocko, why don’t you head back into town and get lunch. I think we’re going to be here a while, and I have the feeling we’re all going to get hungry.”

Rocky nodded. “I’ll stop by Bulkmeiers; they’ve got a pretty good picnic lunch.”

“I’ll go with you,” Kim spoke up, finally having recovered from the emotionally draining meeting. Rocky gave her a big smile and then gave a worried looking Tommy thumbs up. Tommy nodded, looking a little more relaxed as he realized Rocky would keep Kim preoccupied and probably make her feel better at the same time.

“The rest of us can start clearing away the debris before we head inside,” Jason spoke up, Adam and Zack nodding in his direction. Rocky and Kim moved after the unofficial ending of the meeting to head back down the mountain to Rocky’s truck while they others got busy.

--

“So, what are we doing? Shouldn’t we be at Rootcore training with the others?” T.J. asked as the group of seven sat at a table at an outdoor café, munching on their lunches.

“We’re going to do some planning,” Andros told him, grinning. “Hayley got the specs for the church where Tommy and Kim are having their wedding.”

Ashley, Cassie and Karone gave each other looks before Karone spoke up. “What exactly do you mean by ‘planning’?” she asked her brother.

“Security detail,” Zhane responded.

“We’re going to make sure things go off without a single problem,” Andros told them, his tone quite serious. “It’s the least we can do, for everything they’ve done for the rest of us.”

Carlos grinned. “So let’s get to it then!”

--

“You okay?” Blake asked as he and Tori completed their run along the path the SPD Rangers had used earlier in the morning.

“Yeah, just kind of tired,” she sighed before sitting down. “And for some reason, I’m on edge.” She looked up at him.

Blake smiled reassuringly. “Its not Cam and Dustin again, is it? I’m sure Sensei could say something to them about it.”

“No,” she smiled. “They’ve been on their best behavior. It just feels like something’s going to happen.”

“Tor, when you say things like that, you worry me.”

She looked at him. “Why’s that?”

“That woman’s intuition of yours scares me, because you’re right most of the time,” he teased.

“Well, looks like I was right again!” she shouted, springing to her feet and dropping into her fighting stance.

Blake swung around and found himself face to face with a group of Kelzacks. “Damn!” he hissed before bringing his morpher up. “Guys, hurry it up! We’ve got trouble!”

“We’re coming!” Shane’s voice answered. The other four had been right behind the pair of Blue Rangers on the trail. Tori and Blake shared a quick look before they rushed forward.

“Hey dudes!” Dustin called, seconds before he tackled one of the Kelzacks headed for his friends.

“You’d think these guys would have learned!” Hunter grumbled, ducking a fist before he snap-kicked his opponent.

“If they had, we’d still be out of a job!” Shane joked.

Cam grunted and shot forward to take down several Kelzacks at once. “I’d rather be out of a job, given the choice!”

“TORI!” Blake roared when the Water Ninja was thrown into a tree. Her Thunder counterpart tried to get to her just as several Kelzacks advanced on them both, blocking his path.

“Pick on someone your own size!” a new voice announced, seconds before a body in a blue and gray uniform flew onto the scene.

“You okay Tori?” Syd asked, bending down to help her fellow Ranger up while Sky threw a shield up between them and the Kelzacks.

“I am now,” Tori grinned. “Thanks for the save, Sky!”

“Us Blue Rangers have got to stick together, don’t we,” Sky grinned at her.

Syd and Tori rolled their eyes and lurched forward to help Sky, who had dropped his shield and was engaging their opponents. Bridge wasn’t far away from them, paired up with Dustin, while Blake had joined Hunter, the pair back to back while Z and Cam worked in tandem and Shane and Jack were easily moving together not far from them either.

“What the hell is their problem?” Z hissed as she and Cam back flipped and then launched themselves into the air before coming down and knocking out the Kelzacks they were fighting.

“They have no brain!” Cam grinned. Z shot him a smirk before she was thrown back. “Z!”

Meanwhile, a few feet away, Jack and Shane were using each other’s bodies to get momentum to take out the numbers surrounding them. “You’re a little rusty there, Jack,” Shane teased when Jack got knocked back on his butt.

Jack cracked a grin when Shane joined him a second later, also having been knocked on his backside. “Look who’s talking,” the SPD Red Ranger joked.

“Less talking, more fighting!” Hunter grunted as he and Blake were sent stumbling back by the two before they started fighting in perfect sync again.

“Sky! Give me a boost!” Tori called out. The taller Blue Ranger spun around while Syd watched his back and cupped his hands together, fingers locking, before tossing Tori high into the air. “POWER OF WATER!” she called, and suddenly a downpour of water washed the Kelzacks off their feet.

“POWER OF EARTH!” Dustin called, using his powers to sink the Kelzacks into the muddy earth before drying the dirt up.

“Nice!” Bridge grinned and high-fived Dustin.

“That should hold them for a while,” Dustin joked.

“Try that with me, puny Ranger!” a voice bellowed.

As one, the eleven Rangers spun around and found themselves face to face with a shark looking creature. “Vexacus,” Shane growled, his whole body tensing at the sight of the man who’d pretty much taken his beloved Skyla from him.

“We meet again, little Ranger.”

Tori and Dustin reached out and held Shane back as the Red Ranger surged forward. “Shane, he’s trying to upset you and you’re letting him,” Tori spoke in a low, calm voice.

“Dude, don’t, we have your back,” Dustin assured him. “He can’t hurt Skyla, not anymore. Don’t let him get the better of you.”

“I will always be the better warrior!” Vexacus roared in amusement.

Shane moved to lurch forward and found Sky standing in front of him. The Blue Ranger looked Shane in the eye, their gazes holding. “Shane, I’ve been there; I know how you feel.”

“No, you don’t. He killed Skyla!” Shane hissed.

“One of the criminals we caught during our tenure as Rangers was the same criminal who killed my father. I know how you feel,” Sky told him, watching the horror seep into Shane’s face. “Don’t let him dishonor her memory by charging at him and forgetting you’ve got ten friends here to back you up.”

The Red and Blue Rangers stared at one another before Shane gave a slight nod and Sky smiled. “Hate to break it to you, Rangers, but I’m not here to fight you. I’m here to deliver a message.”

The Rangers tensed as they stared at him. “Shut up and fight, or tell us already,” Jack ordered.

“You may want to check on your friends in the future, Ranger,” Vexacus sneered, causing the teams to pale. “Oh, and Red Wind Ranger, you and I shall meet again.” With that, Vexacus disappeared leaving the teams staring at an empty spot.

“What the heck did he mean ‘check on our friends in the future’?” Blake asked when the two teams grouped together in a circle.

“He could mean something to do with Time Force” Hunter put in.

Cam shook his head. “Or he could mean SPD,” the Green Samurai spoke up. “Did you guys leave anyone behind when you came?” he asked them.

Z, Bridge and Syd’s eyes widened while Sky’s hand shot out to Jack’s shoulder. “ALLY!” the five gasped.

--

“Anyone else bored?” Katie asked as the group of seven sat around the small clearing in the park. The weather had gotten considerably warm and the decided to take a break from sight seeing at the park. Jen and Wes were sitting next to her on the bench, Eric was across from them leaning on a tree, and Merrick, Shayla and Taylor were on another bench not far away, with Shayla practically plastered to Merrick’s side. Katie smiled in their direction. The pair had been practically attached at the hip since their briefing that morning.

“Not much to see around here,” Taylor murmured.

“We should be preparing, not sight-seeing,” Eric grumbled.

Taylor shot him a dirty look. “Can’t you lighten up for once? You’re worse than I ever was as a Ranger.”

Eric swung around in her direction and was about to open his mouth when they heard screams. “Let’s go!” Wes ordered.

--

Cole held Alyssa’s hand as the pair walked along the store fronts. Lucas, Max, Danny, and Trip weren’t far ahead, stopping every so often to tease each other or to look in the windows as they passed by. “Even with everything that’s going on, it’s nice to reconnect with friends,” Alyssa smiled.

The Red Wild Force Ranger nodded in agreement. “Especially with such uncertain times ahead,” he added.

“Cole, I’m worried about some of the others.”

He squeezed her hand reassuringly. “I am too, but I have faith in all of us; we’ll be able to win, you’ll see,” he told her, leaning over to kiss her forehead.

“Yeah, but at what cost?” she asked when he pulled back.

Cole didn’t get a chance to answer because they suddenly head screaming and dashed off after the others to find the source of it.

--

“I’m full,” Cassie groaned before leaning against T.J.’s shoulder.

“Me too,” he grinned, leaning his head against hers. “What have you got planned, Andros?”

Andros grinned at them, slipping his arm over the back of Ashley’s chair. “Well, I was thinking we could head to Reefside, scope out the church.”

“Andros, isn’t that a few hour drive from here?” Cassie asked.

The Red Space Ranger smiled and nodded. “Not if we take the Galaxy Gliders.”

Zhane shot him a look. “Um, what happened to not using our powers for personal gain?”

“Technically, it wouldn’t be,” Ashley started. “We’re preparing for an attack against us and other Rangers.”

“Ashley’s got a point,” Karone spoke up. “Not to mention, think about an attack of that magnitude. All of us are going to be there, in one place, at one time.”

“They’re definitely going to try something,” Carlos finally spoke up.

The others nodded, and Andros was about to suggest they get going when they heard the screams and a series of blasts. “Let’s move!” he ordered as the group of seven jumped up and ran toward the sounds.

--

The Time Force and Wild Force groups arrived on the scene at almost the same time, each team grouping off together. “Hey ugly!” Max called out, making the figure at the center of the chaos turn and grin at them.

“Well, well, look what we have here,” the figure grinned. “Not the Rangers I was expecting, but you’ll do.”

“Excuse me?” Taylor questioned. “And just who the hell are you?”

He smiled at them. “They call me Darkonda, Yellow Eagle.”

“And here I thought we’d kicked your ass way back when!” T.J.’s voice sounded as the Space Rangers and Karone arrived on the scene.

“Just the ones I was looking for and you’ve brought the Princess with you,” Darkonda sneered.

“I haven’t been Astronema for nearly ten years, Darkonda; don’t think you’re dealing with the same person!” Karone argued.

“Karone, protect Princess Shayla!” Andros ordered. Karone shot him a look and nodded before dashing off to Princess Shayla’s side. “The rest of us are going to send you packing, with a message in hand.”

“Oh really?” Darkonda toyed with them. “I have a message of my own to deliver, but first, let’s see how many of you I can take out! QUATRONS!”

The Rangers gasped when what looked like a whole army of Quatrons suddenly appeared. “Should we suit up?” Cassie asked Andros, who shook his head.

“See if you can take them without powers! Only morph as a last resort!” Andros ordered. Both Cole and Wes nodded, signaling that their teams had heard him. “ATTACK!”

The three teams surged forward, Andros, Cole and Wes trying to make their way toward Darkonda while the others fought the Quatrons. “Listen to me, Red Ranger!” Darkonda shouted.

“Hey, stupid, there are three of us standing here!” Wes taunted. “Be a little more specific.”

Darkonda growled and sent a force blast at Wes, which had the Red Time Force Ranger flying back against a table. “WES!” Cole called, torn between helping Andros and checking on Wes.

“Cole! Go help him! I’ve got Darkonda!” Andros called. Cole nodded and bounded off while Andros fought with Darkonda.

“I know you want to help,” Shayla told Karone as the pair watched.

Karone smiled sadly. “I do, but it was never my place to be a Ranger.”

Shayla touched her shoulder. “And yet, you were one, when Kendrix needed you badly enough. You’ve been there when they all needed you. I’m only sorry we couldn’t come up with Ranger powers for you.”

The blonde haired woman nodded. “I have other powers, so I’m not completely defenseless.”

“KARONE!” Zhane’s voice ripped through the air, startling the two.

The blonde haired former Pink Ranger spun around just in time to see a group of Quatrons headed their way. “Princess, get back!” Karone called, before she rushed forward. She engaged the Quatrons, making fast work of them thanks to years of experience and training.

“ANDROS!” Ashley cried out. Karone looked up just in time to see Darkonda swinging his sword down on her brother, who was on his hands and knees.

“NO!” Karone screamed, shooting forward, her hand extended in front of her. Her natural born telekinesis power shot out, throwing Darkonda back a good six feet from where he’d been standing over Andros.

“LET’S ROCKET!” T.J. ordered.

“TIME FOR TIME FORCE!” Wes ordered.

“WILD ACCESS!” Cole’s voice snapped out the order.

Karone fell to her knees, her arms moving to cradle her brother, while the others morphed behind her. Darkonda was just struggling to his feet, his sword aimed at the siblings, when a flash of silver suddenly landed in front of them, followed by a barrage of laser fire. “Zhane,” Karone breathed out at the sight of her beloved’s Silver uniform.

“Why don’t you crawl back into the hole you came out of, Darkonda?” Jen snapped at him, the teams forming a line in front of Andros and Karone.

“Allow me to deliver my message, Pink Ranger. You may want to check on your friends in the future, especially you, Blue Time Force Ranger. You may find some SHOCKING news.” Darkonda laughed.

Katie and Trip grabbed Lucas’ arms, feeling him go tense. “What have you done to them?” Lucas demanded.

“Nothing, yet. Oh, and Princess Astronema, Dark Spector says he looks forward to seeing you again.” With that, Darkonda let force blasts reign down on them.

“TAYLOR!” Eric hollered as a stray one hit the Yellow Eagle Ranger.

“ALYSSA!” Cole’s voice cried out when the White Tiger Ranger collapsed next to him.

“T.J.!” Cassie all but shrieked when the Blue Space Ranger crumpled.

--

“Well?” Imperious demanded as Darkonda entered the pit.

Darkonda shot him a look and almost laughed. “I don’t report to you, Imperious.”

A hearty chuckle and snickering could be heard echoing through the pit. “Shut up Divatox,” Imperious growled. “And what are you laughing about, Koragg?”

“Dark Spector trained his generals well,” Koragg told him, emerging from the darkness. “What news do you bring, Darkonda?”

The general in question turned and nodded to Koragg. “The message has been delivered. They’ll be guarding Karone more than before, so he can go through with his plan to capture them both.”

Koragg gave a curt nod. “We also have one more person to capture before we can begin the next phase of the plan.”

A large, hulking figure and a slightly smaller one walked in. “We’ll take care of the traitor,” the smaller figure announced.

“Take out Itassis while you’re at it, won’t you,” Imperious muttered.

“I’d shut your mouth, Imperious,” the large figure ordered. “I’d not want to incur the wrath of The First, and you know he’s got eyes and ears everywhere down here, just like the Master once did.”

“A lesson you should also take into account, Morticon,” Imperious sneered. “You and Sculpin don’t exactly have great track records against the Rangers either.”

“All of you shut up!”

The group turned to see Master Vile and the shadow, the one they all called The First, walk in through one of the many entrances. “Darkonda?” The First asked.

“It’s done.”

“Has anyone heard from Vexacus yet?” Master Vile asked.

“My mission was also a success.”

The group turned to see the alien bounty hunter walking in. “Good,” Master Vile grinned. “Gruumm should be here within the next day or so with our new acquisitions.”

--

The teams were gathered in the library looking at the table where Eric and Wes had set up the communication with Circuit in 3007 and with Dr. Manx in 2027. “Dr. Manx, give me a status report.”

“Several of the high security containment cards have gone missing, Commander.”

“Who?” Sky demanded.

“Broodwing, General Benaag, Mora and Gruumm.”

Anubis looked disturbed while his Rangers looked horrified and dismayed. “Is there more you aren’t telling us, Kat?”

Kat looked positively ill as she nodded. “Yes Sir. Mirloc has escaped his prison on Veranox 12. He made it to Earth, and according to Piggy, he’s kidnapped someone and gone to ground. We can’t find him.”

“Who Kat?” Anubis asked, though he sounded like he already knew who.

“Ally Samuels, Sir.”

All eyes turned to Jack, who gasped out loud. “Oh God!” Z uttered, moving to hug Jack who was shaking.

“Circuit, you’re awfully quiet,” Wes pointed out.

“I’m sorry, Wes, but Time Force HQ has us scrambling to solve our own missing persons cases.”

“Circuit?” Lucas all but growled, not having the patience for coded messages.

“Both Ransik and Nadira have gone missing.”

Katie and Trip both but their hands on Lucas’ shoulders to console him as he let out a growl. “How?”

“We don’t know. Your neighbors have reported hearing her scream, Lucas, but by the time they got to your house, all they saw was an odd looking column of light. Same for Ransik. He just disappeared out of his cell!”

“You don’t think…” Trip started.

Circuit moved up and down in what seemed like distress. “Whatever happened, it wasn’t of his own free will. Captain Logan isn’t going to hold it against him, especially since he was set to go before the parole board in a few months. Neither the Captain or Alex think he’d jeopardize that, given his excellent behavior record the past few years.”

“Is Alex working on the case?” Jen demanded to know.

“No. Captain Logan has sent him to 2027 to set up a time portal, just in case S.P.D. needs their zords.”

The S.P.D. Rangers sighed in some relief. At least they’d be prepared for any major battles. “That’s at least one plus,” Sky muttered, the ache of knowing Mirloc was free spreading over him. He reached out and clutched at Syd’s hand, giving his girlfriend a look that spoke volumes. Sydney attempted to smile for him, but her eyes kept straying to the worried Jack and then back. Sky nodded his understanding.

“Circuit, keep us informed,” Jen told him.

“Will do. Time Force HQ out.” Circuit disappeared then, leaving Kat’s face to fill the screen.

“Sir, do you have any immediate orders for us?”

“Give Officer Drake whatever assistance he needs, Kat. Also, I want to know how Mirloc escaped. Understood?”

“I’ll personally find out, sir. Deltabase out.”

The six teams shook off their shock and tried to regroup. “Guess we’d better start getting the word out,” Leo answered. He felt bad, since his team had been nowhere near any of the action that had occurred that day.

“Let’s get busy,” Andros ordered as they broke off.