hey, thanks for the update! hope there will be more exciting things and more actions next chapter! love the story! update soon!

 

p.s please update galactic strike force too!

Keep Holding On

By: Pink-Green-White-4ever

Last Revised: February 2, 2007

 

Summary: An unexpected showdown with a former foe leaves the team on the cusp of losing one of their own.

Rated: T

Ships: SS, BZ, JA

 

Disclaimer: Don’t own PR, if I did, I would have kept all my favorite characters on, and I’d have gotten to know Chris Violette lots better.  I don’t own the song, it’s by Avril Lavigne and was done for the Eragon SDTK.

 

Dedication: To Angela…..for wanting Syd and Sky to get their happy ending!

 

You're not alone

Together we stand

I'll be by your side

You know I'll take your hand

When it gets cold

And it feels like the end

There's no place to go

You know I won't give in

I won't give in

 

Keep holdin' on

Cause you know we'll make it through

We'll make it through

Just stay strong

Cause you know I'm here for you

I'm here for you

There's nothing you can say

Nothing you can do

And there's no other way when it comes to the truth

So, keep holding on

Cause you know we'll make it through

We'll make it through

 

So far away

I wish you were here

Before it's too late

This could all disappear

Before the door's closed

And it comes to an end

With you by my side

I will fight and defend

I'll fight and defend, yeah, yeah

Avril Lavigne, Keep Holding On

 

--

 

He swallowed again, hoping to get the tightness in his throat to ease.  It didn’t work.  The pressure was still pushing against his chest, his throat felt constricted like it had been whenever one of the goons they’d been chasing got him into a choke hold, and his heart felt like it couldn’t possibly break into many more pieces than it was already in, but he knew if she didn’t make it, if she was dead when the doctors came out to talk to them, that heart would break more.

 

It had been a routine investigation; at least it had started that way.  Someone had broken into a secure SPD warehouse near the waterfront.  Cruger had assigned the four-person B Squad to check it out.  That hadn’t worried him, what had worried him, even now, was the look on Cruger’s face when he’d said be careful.  Not a one of them had paid attention to the Commander’s warning, not until it was too late.

 

The warehouse had been devoid of human life.  There were guard robots everywhere, but they’d been deactivated.  He’d sent Syd and Z to check something or another, and then he and Bridge had looked around near the back where a large, titanium plated vault was cracked open.  It had taken the two of them five minutes to figure out what, correction WHO, had been taken from the vault.

 

Gruumm’s containment card had been placed, along with the others of his minions, in a special containment card holder, which, after a year of residing in a vault at SPD Headquarters had been transferred to an undisclosed location. 

 

He could remember hearing the explosion and feeling his heart fly into his throat.  Bridge had sent him a sharp look before the pair had bolted from the inside to find the girls.  It still felt like a slow motion picture when he thought back on the scene they’d come upon.  Z was on the ground, unconscious, her helmet several feet away from her body, which was barely managing to keep her bloody and battered Ranger suit on.  And then there was Sydney.  He felt the tears he thought he couldn’t cry anymore burning his eyes when he remembered seeing her.  She’d been on her knees, Ranger uniform gone, her cadet’s uniform in tatters.  She’d been facing him and Bridge as they’d bolted from the building.  He could still remember those tortured blue eyes looking up at him, asking him for help even as she knew Gruumm was behind her, his staff ripping through her chest.  She threw her head back and let out a soundless scream, her eyes locked on his as the Troobian Emperor yanked the staff from her body and watched as she collapsed onto the concrete below, her eyes still on Sky’s.

 

He let out a shaky breath and shook his head, hoping to clear the image from his mind, though he knew it was no use.  He’d never forget the sight of Sydney falling lifelessly to the concrete, her once vibrant eyes blank and still on his face.  It felt like a dream, all of it, but he knew it wasn’t.  He could remember Bridge yelling at him to stop, but he’d just kept running, until he’d ended up on his knees next to her.  He could remember the pristine white gloves of his suit had turned scarlet when he’d rolled her over onto her back.  Her blood was on his hands.  He wanted to vomit now as he’d wanted to then.  The echo of Gruumm’s laughter still rang in his ears; it had been ringing out until the Troobian Emperor was gasping for breath and falling toward the concrete himself, his head sliding off his shoulders.  Sky could remember looking up and seeing Shadow Ranger standing over the fallen body, the Shadow Saber dripping with blood.

 

“Sky?”  Looking up, the Red Ranger found his predecessor crouching in front of him.  “Sky, Bro, can you hear me?  You need to let your morph go,” Jack told him, gesturing to the blood stained uniform he was still wearing.  It was stained with Syd’s precious, life giving blood.

 

“Oh God!  Syd!” he cried out weakly, the tears dripping down his cheeks.  “Jack, Syd’s…Sydney’s…” he found he couldn’t bring himself to say it.  He couldn’t utter the vilest words he’d possibly ever thought.  There was no way for him to tell his friend that their bouncy, pink princess was dead.  He felt the bile rising in his throat as he finally felt the sharp edge of the loss slice through the numbness that surrounded him.  He choked back what he could until Jack was pushing his head down over what vaguely looked like a wastebasket.

 

“Sky, throw up, don’t swallow it,” Kat’s voice rang out in order.  The Red Ranger merely followed orders and emptied the contents of his stomach, pitiful as they were, into the receptacle.

 

Sydney was dead.  The only true light ever to enter his life had been snuffed out far too soon.  He felt the crushing weight of dreams for the future shattering around him.  Without Sydney, there was no future for him, nothing outside of SPD.  Sydney had meant a home, a family, and a love that would save him from his demons.  There would be no soft, warm, comfortable bed with her warm body in it now.  All that he had was his single bed in the room he and Bridge shared inside the academy. 

 

There would be no family now, no children running wild in the yard or tearing through the house.  He’d never have a little girl with her mother’s heart shaped face and his eyes, or a son with her eyes and his nose and lips.  What’s worse, the love he’d just been uncovering in his heart for the tough as nails, sweet as cotton candy Pink Ranger had no where left to go.  He’d never gotten the chance to tell her he loved her, never gotten the chance to do more than ask her on a handful of dates.  There would be no engagement, there would be no wedding, there wouldn’t be a first time for him to make love to her, to show her what was inside the heart he was slowly finding beat only for her.

 

The grief raged so high and so hot inside of him, he thought it would suffocate him.  “Sky?”  It was Kat again, her cool hands cupping his face as she tilted his head up so she could look at him dead on.  “Schuyler?”  He didn’t respond.  There was no point in it anymore, nothing mattered.  Sydney was gone, life was over.

 

“Sky?”  This voice belonged to Z.  Turning his head slightly, he took in the woman who had grown to become his little sister.  She still looked battered and bruised, and her face was covered in tear stains, but there was a light in her eyes…the same light that had once been in Sydney’s but would never shine there again.  Not now.

 

“Cadet Tate, listen to me,” Kat ordered, her voice firm even if he could detect a faint tremor in it.  “You’ve got to pull yourself together, Sky.  You can’t go in there with her if you’re falling apart like this.  Do you hear me?”

 

“She’s dead, Kat, I doubt she’s going to mind if I’m a mess,” he muttered his first coherent statement since they’d rushed Sydney into the infirmary of the academy.

 

The feline scientist shook her head at him.  “Sky, listen to me, she’s not dead.”

 

His eyes widened and his mouth dropped open even as he looked up into Kat’s eyes.  “W-w-what?”

 

Her smile was a mixture between heartbreak and hope.  “Dr. Felix was able to stop the bleeding; he was able to get her heart started again.  She’s alive, Sky, but she’s really weak.”

 

“How?”

 

“We don’t know,” Kat whispered, backing away as he struggled to stand from the chair he was sitting in.  He pushed away Bridge and Jack’s assistance and stumbled toward the room Dr. Felix was just leaving, his body numb all over again, only this time, with the possibility that life would go on.

 

Her room was dimly lit when he entered.  Ignoring Dr. Felix’s warning to not stay too long, he struggled to move his feet to get to her bed.  He felt like he was walking through mud, or worse, quick sand.  He all but collapsed onto the edge of her bed, his hands shaking as he reached out to touch her face.  She was pale, his weary mind noted.  Her skin was a sickly white color, but he knew it was from the loss of blood.  With hands that were none to steady, he brushed her hair from her face and then cupped her cheeks.  Leaning forward, he brought his face as close to hers as he could and let out a long held breath when he felt the warm exhale from her nose and mouth on his cheek.  “Sydney,” he whispered, longing to see those cerulean blue eyes of hers.

 

He leaned his forehead against her chin, his eyes closed as he felt the up and down motion of her chest.  Taking a deep breath, he sat up and took her hand, smiling for the first time since his own personal nightmare had begun.  “I love you, Sydney.  I know I haven’t told you that before, but I’ll be damned if I miss another chance to tell you.”

 

He sat there staring at her for the longest time before he sang his favorite part of the first song they’d danced to.  “You're not alone, together we stand; I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand; When it gets cold, and it feels like the end, there's no place to go, you know I won't give in, I won't give in.  Keep holdin' on, cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through; Just stay strong, cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you; There's nothing you can say, nothing you can do; And there's no other way when it comes to the truth; So, keep holding on, cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through…”

 

--

She could remember the searing pain, could remember seeing Sky shaking his head back and forth as she collapsed, but after that, everything was a thick blackness that she couldn't see or hear through. She vaguely remembered the feel of someone lifting her into their arms and of her being carried somewhere before she had briefly woken up in the operating room. She remembered Dr. Felix hissing out orders, and remembered Kat leaning over her, eyes full of worry, telling her she was going to be okay. She remembered nothing after that. There was an inky darkness that had surrounded her. In that darkness, she relived the battle with Gruumm over and over again.

It had started out as an ordinary investigation, except for Cruger's freaked out warning to be careful. Who knew that one of the most dangerous criminals ever to be locked in a containment card with all his goons had been sent from the maximum security of the Delta Base to an unsuspecting warehouse near the waterfront and locked in a vault? She seriously wanted to know what idiot had thought that was safe!

When they'd gotten there, Sky had sent her and Z to check the grounds while he and Bridge headed inside to see what was going on in there. She remembered walking around the outside of the building and momentarily seeing Krybots. She and Z had nodded to each other and then had rushed off to take them, only they'd found themselves face to face with Gruumm. The shock had coursed through her, and from the vibrations of Z's body, Syd had known she was shocked as hell too. A brief battle had gone on, with Gruumm taunting them; they had tried a joint attack. Z had reached him first, and he'd launched a blast of energy from his staff, sending the Yellow Ranger flying backwards. Her teammate had landed with a thump, her Ranger uniform burnt and smoking in places, her helmet flying across the yard they were in. Syd had been so surprised to see Z flying past her, that she hadn't had time to stop before she was less than a foot from Gruumm, who had his staff pointed at her. "Go ahead and run, little Ranger. I promise to give you a chance."

Sydney had instinctively known she was dead, but she had turned her back on him anyway, feeling his staff slam into her even as she did. Just when she'd pushed herself up to her knees, she'd seen Bridge and Sky come flying from the building. She saw Sky start shaking his head, her eyes meeting his visor. And then came the pain.

She could hear someone talking to her, but the voice was distorted and weak, and then she thought she could hear singing.  No one she knew, except for herself, could sing relatively well, but the sound became clearer and clearer, and the voice was distinctly familiar.  ‘Sky’ she thought, wanting nothing more than to open her eyes and look up at him.  She could hear his voice crack with emotion she hadn’t heard from him since the night they’d defeated Mirloc.  ‘Keep singing Sky, I can hear you’ she thought, her heart filling when she was able to make out the words to one of his favorite songs.

 

Letting his voice fill her with hope and love, Sydney found herself drifting off to sleep, memories of the past overtaking her.

 

“Jesus Syd!  Can your swim suit get any skimpier?” Jack teased as she and Z took off their over shirts and shorts and set them on their towels.

 

She just grinned at her former leader.  “Oh, I’m sure it could, I just haven’t found one yet,” she laughed.  In all honesty, her bathing suit wasn’t THAT skimpy, but it came close.  She could be like some of the women on the beach and be wearing a thong, but since Jack and Bridge were present, not to mention a few hundred other guys, she’d decided not to.  No, wearing a thong would come later, when and if she ever managed to get Sky to her house and into the pool, alone.  Her top covered and yet enhanced her breasts, the strings holding it together were thin and wouldn’t leave too big of a line on her skin when she decided to tan later.  The bottoms were high cut at the front, but covered her behind, and still kept her modesty.  The best part happened to be that the material was a mixture of pink, white, blue and red; it managed to touch on all three of their Ranger colors.  Turning, Sydney saw Bridge and Sky coming down the walkway from the parking lot, each carrying a cooler.

 

“Sky, you’d better watch your woman, she’s trying to seduce every man on the beach!” Jack teased.  Sydney shot him a glare while Z pushed him toward the water.

 

The Red Ranger happened to look up from where he was setting the cooler down between all their towels and caught sight of her.  His face remained stoic, but his eyes narrowed at her, a light in them that spoke of everything he couldn’t and wouldn’t say out loud, but that she knew was there, and that she felt in return.  “What?”

 

“I never realized you owned clothing like that,” he told her, straightening his posture.

 

“All you ever see me in anymore is SPD sanctioned uniforms.  What did you expect?” she teased.  “Besides, I’m getting the reaction I wanted.”

 

Sky just looked at her, shook his head, and then began drawing the tank top he wore off, tossing it on the towel as he kicked off his sandals.  Sydney couldn’t help but stare.  She had only ever caught glimpses of his muscular chest during his workouts; she’d never been able to fully appreciate it until now.  ‘MINE!’ she thought greedily.

 

“You’re staring,” Sky teased, making her blush.

 

“You wish,” she muttered before turning to walk toward the edge of the water where Jack and Z were trying to coax Bridge into the water.

 

They played around in the water for a few hours before the girls went to lie in the sun and the boys played a game of volleyball.  Ally joined them for dinner after she got off work and while Bridge was telling funny stories around the picnic they’d set up, Sydney found herself walking along the water’s edge, watching the sun set in the distance.  It was the first time in a long time that she’d been able to have a few minutes of solitude.

 

“Cold?” someone asked from behind her before two arms gently enfolded her.  His voice was as soothing and warm to her soul as his arms and chest were to her body.

 

“Yeah, but it’s too beautiful to pass up,” she murmured, leaning her head back against his shoulder.  They stood in silence for a few minutes, just gazing at the horizon until they realized it was getting dark.  “Time to go home?”

 

Sky sighed.  “Unfortunately.  Maybe we can come back next weekend,” he suggested, looking down into her eyes after she turned in his embrace.  “Maybe just the two of us?”

 

“I have a better idea,” Sydney grinned, reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck.

 

“Oh?”

 

“How would you like to spend the weekend at my house?  My parents will be out of town, so we’ll have it all to ourselves.”

 

The Red Ranger’s face flushed at the thought of being alone with her.  For a second, Sydney thought he’d say no.  “Sounds like a good plan.”

 

Syd smiled and stood on her tiptoes, nudging his face down to hers so she could kiss him.  Sensing what she wanted, Sky cupped her bottom and pulled her closer to him, sealing his lips over hers.  The kiss was a mixture of emotions – friendship, affection, relief, passion, trust, safety, but most of all, love and need.

 

“GET A ROOM!” the others called, bringing the Red and Pink Rangers from their little world for two back to reality.

 

“Can I use my fist of iron on him?” Syd asked as they turned and headed for their towels, her hand held firmly in Sky’s.

 

“By all means,” he laughed.

 

--

 

It felt like forever since the darkness had surrounded her.  She could only guess it had been days, possibly weeks, since the attack by Gruumm.  Every so often she caught voices floating around her in the darkness – her parents, Bridge, Z, Jack, Commander Cruger, Kat – but the one voice she could always distinguish was Sky’s.  Over time she noticed that she could almost feel the despair rolling off him in waves.  She couldn’t quite understand what was happening around her until one afternoon when the whole situation came to a head.

 

“Sky, you have no say in this,” Dr. Felix’s voice rang out loud and clear in her ears.  “Her parents want her taken off life support.  They don’t want her to remain a vegetable.”

 

“But I’m telling you she’s still alive!  Syd’s still there!”

 

“Sky, her brainwave activity is next to nothing.  I’m sorry, but Ms. Drew is, for all intense purposes, gone.  You’ve got to let go.”

 

‘NO!’ she all but screamed, knowing they couldn’t hear her.  She didn’t want to die, she didn’t want to be set free; she just wanted to be back in his arms.  Despair filled her and her heart broke when she heard a noise she hadn’t ever – Sky’s crying.  ‘Sky!  I’m still here!  Fight for me!  Keep holding on!  Please, don’t let go!  I’m not ready to leave!’ she cried, pulling what she could of herself mentally into a ball.  There had to be a reason for her to have been spared this long; there had to be a reason she hadn’t died on the spot.  She couldn’t just die without knowing that reason.  And she sure as hell wasn’t about to leave Sky, not after everything they’d been through.  It wouldn’t end like this.

 

“Sydney.”  His voice sounded loud, and she could hear the tremble in the strong, familiar tenor.  She could only guess his mouth was right next to her ear.  “Sydney, I know you can hear me.  Your parents are taking you off life support, baby.  You’ve got to fight, Sydney; you’ve got to keep hanging on by whatever thread you’ve been these last few weeks.  Prove to them what I already know, that you’re still with us.  Don’t you dare leave me, not now, not after everything we’ve been through just to be together; I need you, Syd.  I want the dreams I’ve dreamt to come true, but they only can if you keep fighting.  I want a family with you, Syd.  I want it more than I’ve ever wanted anything, including being Red Ranger.  Please don’t give up on us.”

 

One minute she was surrounded by darkness and the next minute there was a brilliant flash of light.  ‘What’s happening?’ she wondered, but she couldn’t figure it out.  Sky’s voice was no longer in her ear, and she couldn’t hear anything or anyone.  ‘I love you, Schuyler’ she thought, tears coming to her eyes.  She had a feeling the doctors had finally pulled her off life support and now she was dying.

 

--

 

Bridge and Z struggled to hold Sky back as Dr. Felix began shutting off the machines that were hooked to Sydney.  Mr. and Mrs. Drew stood quietly next to her bed, holding tightly onto her and each other.  Commander Cruger, Kat, Boom, Jack and Ally stood near the door, each watching the scene and feeling a searing pain tear through them.  When Dr. Felix shut down the last of the machines, he hung his head.  The last Ranger that had been lost on his watch had been Sky’s father, even if it didn’t seem like it he too, was feeling the effects of losing Sydney.

 

Sky stood there shaking his head back and forth as Syd’s parents bent down and kissed her cheeks and spoke softly to her.  Just by looking at him, everyone else in the room knew that the dam was about to break and the flood waters were about to cut loose.  Swallowing back his feelings, Sky turned to Z and wrapped his arms around her, knowing that she was having just as tough a time dealing with it because of the guilt.  “It should have been me,” she whispered, tears finally leaking out.  “It should have been me.”

 

“No, Z,” Sky whispered to her, hugging her tighter even as Jack and Bridge joined their embrace.  “It wasn’t your fault; it wasn’t anyone’s fault except Gruumm’s.”

 

One by one, everyone else said their goodbyes to Sydney before silently leaving the room.  Syd’s mother interrupted the group hug for only a few seconds, taking the time to hug each and every one of Sydney’s teammates tightly.  She lingered on Sky, knowing how much his heart was breaking even if he hadn’t said anything yet.  “She loved you, Sky,” Mrs. Drew whispered in his ear.  “If you take nothing else away from this, take that.  She loved you, with every breath in her.”

 

“I know,” he choked, squeezing the petite blonde before letting her go.  When he straightened, it was just the four of them and Syd, just like always.

 

“I feel empty,” Jack muttered as they moved to sit on Syd’s bed.  Sky and Z sat closest to her, while he sat with Sky and Bridge sat with Z.  “After all the shit and crap and God knows what else we’ve been through over the last couple of years, who’d have ever thought this would happen.”

 

“All these weeks, our room has seemed so empty, but I clung to the fact that she was here, that she was recovering,” Z started as tears found their way down her cheeks.  “I had hoped that she’d be coming back, that I’d walk in and hear her complain about the mess on my side of the room.  Now she’ll never do that again.”

 

Jack leaned across Sydney’s still body and took Z’s hand, while Bridge leaned his head against her shoulder, his eyes on his best friend.  “She was the first person at the academy to look past my powers and actually see me.  She always made sure that I was included in activities beyond our training, and that my powers weren’t giving me grief.  I know she thought I was weird at times, but she never really made me feel it like other people did.”

 

All eyes moved to Sky, wondering if he had something to say, but he was staring at Sydney’s composed and still face as if he’d blanked out on them.  It was the first time in a long time that any of them had seen Sky look lost.  “I never realized how much she meant to me, not until after we captured Gruumm the first time,” Sky started, reaching down to take her cold hand in his.  He was mildly surprised when he found it warm to the touch still.  His other hand reached out to touch her face while he spoke.  “I remember, the first time I felt something beyond friendship for her was when we faced Mirloc.  I’d just gone through setting my father’s murderer free, and was feeling sorry for myself, and the first person to stand up against him for me was Syd.”

 

Z smiled through her tears.  “She was so damn proud of you after that fight,” the Yellow Ranger croaked.  “She told me that night, that she was proud of you for facing those demons of yours, and for coming out stronger because of it.  I think that was the first time I realized something was happening between the two of you.”

 

Sky cleared his throat and tried to smile.  “She’s always just been there,” he started.  “I mean, I’d gotten so use to her being by my side, that I took it for granted.”

 

Jack chuckled and leaned closer to Sky.  “I remember after Z and I joined the team, I use to think all the time why you and Syd always stood right next to each other when we were being briefed or fighting.  It wasn’t until the whole thing with Mirloc that I saw it either; you two have been in love with each other for forever.”

 

“I knew it the whole time,” Bridge grinned.  “I was just waiting for you two to get your heads out of your butts.”

 

Sky made a face at his long time roommate.  “I just can’t believe this the end of the line,” he finally started again.  “I was so sure she was still with us.”

 

“We all did, Sky,” Jack spoke up.  “Every time we were here, it was like she was responding, but maybe we just saw what we wanted to see.”

 

“I don’t mean to bring this up, or maybe it’s just me, but does she seem still warm to you guys?” Z asked them.  “I mean, I thought the body started cooling down after death?”

 

“It does, but in stages,” Bridge murmured, then took off his glove and waved it over Sydney.  The others watched on in shock as Bridge’s face registered awe and then tears rolled down his cheeks.

 

“Bridge?” Sky uttered his name in a strangled voice.

 

“I think someone should go get Dr. Felix,” Bridge breathed, his eyes wide.

 

Jack looked concerned.  “Why?”

 

The biggest smile possible bloomed on Bridge’s face as he let out a breath.  “She’s still alive.  Sky, check her pulse.”

 

With jerky movements, Sky’s trembling fingers went to Syd’s wrist, where he found the steady rhythm of her pulse.  Shakily, he lifted his hand up to her neck to find her pulse there and was surprised when her body twitched and her head turned toward him.  “Trying to take advantage of me while I’m laid up?” she teased softly.

 

“SYD!”

 

--

 

“Tired?”

 

Sydney couldn’t help but glare at him.  He’d been asking her so many questions for the last couple of hours that she was ready to strangle him.  “What do you think?  I’ve only been at this since five-thirty yesterday morning,” she moaned, shifting her body to hopefully ease the discomfort she was having.  She hated hospitals with a passion and had ever since she’d almost died in one three years prior.  However, this one time it was necessary for her to be her, she didn’t want to put herself at any undo risk.  She flashed back to a year ago when Z and Bridge had decided to deliver their little bundle of joy at home.  Complications had risen and Z had had to be rushed to the hospital.

 

“I love you.”

 

Damn him, she thought as the anger seeped out of her.  She was too tired to stay angry, plus, all she wanted was for him to hold her.  “Hold me?” she whispered her request.  He smiled and nodded before moving to the bed with her, settling behind her and letting her rest against his chest.

 

“Better?”

 

“Yes, thank you,” she whispered, leaning her head against his shoulder.  She could feel herself drifting off to sleep, comforted by the warm breath against her ear and the strong, loving caress of his hands on her large, round belly.

 

“Get some sleep,” he whispered.

 

“I’m scared, Sky,” she mumbled, snuggling close.  “I’m so scared.”

 

“The baby is fine, you’re fine, and everything is going to be alright.  I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Syd, either of you.”

 

“I love you.”

 

“I know.”

 

--

 

“Well?” Z anxiously asked as Sky walked into the waiting room.

 

“Five pounds three ounces; he’s got my dark hair and Syd’s nose,” Sky grinned.

 

“What did you name him?” Bridge asked.

 

“Marcus Alexander Tate, after our fathers,” Sky grinned.

 

The others laughed and cheered until Commander Cruger spoke up.  “Sky, is there something else?”

 

Nodding, Sky smiled wider than he ever thought possible.  “Apparently, the ultrasound messed up, because she came out five pounds even with my nose and a mix between my hair and Syd’s.”

 

The others looked on in shock as they digested the fact that Syd and Sky were now the proud parents of twins.  “TWINS?”

 

“Mackenzie Alexandra Tate.”

 

--

 

“They’re asleep,” Syd sighed happily, standing in the doorway of the nursery.

 

“Thank God,” Sky grinned, his arms slipping around his wife’s already shrinking waist.  It had been a busy week for them.  Sky’s promotion to Lt. Commander, the birth of their twins, trying to redecorate to accommodate for the daughter they hadn’t known they were going to have; it had left them both tired.  “Come on, let’s go to bed while they’re sleeping.”

 

“I found my reason,” she whispered, halting Sky’s progress toward their room. 

 

The former Red and Blue Ranger turned around and walked back over to her.  “What are you talking about?”

 

They didn’t discuss what had happened three years ago, or hadn’t since just after Syd’s recovery, but the former Pink Ranger felt it was time to speak up about it.  “I could hear you, when I was in the hospital, in that coma, I could hear you asking me to keep holding on, to not give up.  I knew what was happening the day Dr. Felix said he was taking me off life support, and I thought ‘There has to be a reason I survived in the first place, a reason why I didn’t die from Gruumm’s attack’.”

 

Sky eyes were filled with dark emotions; he didn’t like thinking about the lowest point in his life, when he’d nearly lost his wife before he’d had a chance to make her his wife.  “Syd?”

 

“They’re my reason,” she smiled through her tears.  “All three of you are my reason.  You’re why I didn’t give up, and they’re my reward for not going quietly into the night.”

 

Turning, Sydney snuggled against him.  “Thank you.”

 

“For?”

 

“Encouraging me to keep holding on,” she whispered before their lips met.

 

--

 

Keep holding on

Cause you know we'll make it through

We'll make it through

Just stay strong

Cause you know I'm here for you

I'm here for you

There's nothing you could say

Nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So, keep holding on

Cause you know we'll make it through

We'll make it through

 

Hear me when I say

When I say I believe.

Nothing's gonna change

Nothing's gonna change destiny

Whatever's meant to be

Will work out perfectly

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah

La da da da, la da da da

La da da da da da da da da

 

Keep holding on

Cause you know we'll make it through

We'll make it through

Just stay strong

Cause you know I'm here for you

I'm here for you

There's nothing you could say

Nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So, keep holding on

Cause you know we'll make it through

We'll make it through

 

Ahh, ahh

Keep holding on

Ahh, ahh

Keep holding on

There's nothing you could say

Nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So, keep holding on

Cause you know we'll make it through

We'll make it through

Avril Lavigne, Keep Holding On

Legacy Of Power: At World’s End

Part 3 – The Beginning

Chapter 11 – Preparations

Written By Pink-Green-White-4ever

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

 

Last Revised: August 29, 2007

Summary: The plans are beginning to be set in motion for the coming war.

Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance

Rating: T for now

 

AN: Okay, so I know it took me forever to get this chapter out, but I’m telling you now why – Chapter 13 ended up 28 pages, Chapter 15, which I just finished, is 29 almost 30 pages… do you see where I’m going with that?  Not to mention, I just moved, I’m getting ready for my friend’s wedding, and Mom is having surgery tomorrow, so things around here have been conspiring against me writing.  I really am sorry.

 

Dedicated to: angel17712 and Enigmaforum for being a wonderful test audience, my sounding boards, and the best cheering section I could ask for! Love ya both!

 

“Even though you may want to move forward in your life, you may have one foot on the brakes. In order to be free, we must learn how to let go. Release the hurt. Release the fear. Refuse to entertain your old pain. The energy it takes to hang onto the past is holding you back from a new life. What is it you would let go of today?” -- Mary Manin Morrissey --

 

“The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but of respect and joy in each other's life.” -- Richard Bach --

 

--

 

“So how are we all going to get back and forth?” Chad asked as the teams ate dinner, spread out in the library.  They’d all been relatively silent when they’d returned, especially Shane and Billy who’d seen their lost loves on the other side.  Hayley and the Dino Rangers were fairly humming with barely suppressed excitement, and the addition of Ninjor and Dimitria had left the Morphin, Zeo and Space teams excited, but thoughtful.

 

“Since we don’t have the computers from the base, there’s no way to teleport us back and forth,” Rocky pointed out, sounding seriously disappointed.

 

“We’ve at least got the Galaxy Gliders,” T.J. pointed to himself and the other Space Rangers.

 

“And we’ve got the Jet Jammers,” Kai put in.

 

“The six of us can Ninja Streak, but too much of it will tire us out pretty fast,” Cam added.

 

“We’ve got the Mystic Racers, so if we need to, the five of us can be on scene in a matter of minutes,” Xander spoke up.

 

“And we can do the short distance transport spells,” Vida reminded them.

 

Kim looked at Billy and saw him thinking intently about something.  She recognized the look, it meant he had an idea, but she was surprised he wasn’t sharing it.  “Billy?”

 

The Blue Wolf Ranger looked up, startled, and then smiled gently at his little sister.  “Yes Kim?”

 

“What are you thinking?”

 

A resigned look crossed his face.  He’d forgotten that it was Kim, more than anyone, who’d become apt at reading his various expressions when they’d become Rangers.  “It’s just an idea, and it may not even work.”

 

Kim, Aisha, Kat and Tanya all gave him a look that had him cringing.  He knew the looks they were giving him; Trini had practically invented it during junior high when he used to get quiet instead of telling her what he was thinking.  “Spill it, blue genius,” Aisha demanded.

 

Billy rolled his eyes.  “The computers in the lower chambers of the base are still active, and still working; that’s why no one’s ever found the base,” Billy supplied, drawing the attention of al the other Rangers.  “The power source isn’t powerful or stable enough to use for multiple teleports, but if we route it through maybe the Astro Megaship and maybe the Lair at Tommy and Kim’s, and add some extra power to it, we might have enough power to run it for the foreseeable future.”

 

Dana cleared her throat then and waved to him.  “What about the equipment and what not at Lightspeed?  I’m sure we’ve got powerful enough stuff.”

 

The Blue Ranger thought about it.  “I’d need to see them, but that would definitely boost the power supply significantly.”

 

The Pink Ranger nodded.  “Let me call my father, I’m sure he and Angela can come up with something.  I can get you clearance to all our equipment and resources.”

 

“Billy, you can come home with me and Tommy, and then you can take my car,” Kim told him.  Tommy nodded from where he sat next to her.  “That way, we’re not tying you down while we take care of stuff before we come back here.”

 

The Blue Ranger nodded.  “I’ll need to see the condition of the base before I can determine what we’re going to need for the rest of it.”

 

“I’ll go with you,” Aisha told him.  “I took two weeks vacation, I’ve got time to help and there’s no point in you doing it all yourself.  Besides, aren’t the ruins guarded?”

 

“Yes.  Zordon set it up so that only those of us who’d been Rangers that served in it would have access to it should anything happen.”  Billy smiled his thanks at her.

 

“So until then, we just wait?” Zack asked.

 

Before anyone could respond, the alarms began going off.  “Jason, Andros, Kim, Jen and Jack, come with me,” Udonna ordered.  The five rushed out after the White Ranger, leaving the others to wait.

 

--

 

The crystal ball in the main chamber showed the six the threat they faced.  Vypra, Imperious, and General Nayzor along with some Battlings, Styxoids and Putrids were terrorizing a section of downtown Briarwood.

 

“That’s Vypra,” Jen growled.  “And General Nayzor.”  The Pink Ranger knew about them from her dealings with Lightspeed and Wild Force, and from the files Wes got from Andros plus the database back at Time Force Headquarters.

 

“And that’s Imperious, right Udonna?” Andros asked, having remembered the report Zhane and Karone had put together about the Mystic Force team.

 

Udonna’s face was tight with barely restrained anger.  “Yes.”

 

“So I take it Lightspeed, Wild Force and Mystic Force should go greet them then?” Jason announced.  Through Tommy, he’d kept up to date on each of the other teams, and that included knowing their major opponents.

 

“And the rest of us will stay alert, just in case,” Kim finished.

 

“I’ll go tell the others,” Jack told them before rushing from the room and heading down the hallway to the library.

 

--

 

“I don’t see them!” Nick called out to the others.

 

“They could be hiding!” Madison reminded him.

 

“How are we going to communicate with the others?” Chip asked, motioning to the fact that they were in the air and no one else was.

 

“I think they’re below us following us!” Vida pointed down.  Looking over the sides of their Racers, the five saw the two yellow Humvees carrying the other two teams below.  “They’ll follow our lead.”

 

“Let’s set down!” Nick ordered.  The five of them landed their Mystic Racers just as Chad and Carter parked the two Humvees.

 

“See anything up there?” Carter called out to them as the three teams grouped together.

 

“Not a thing,” Xander told him.  The Green Ranger then turned to see Taylor and Vida standing next to him.  He couldn’t help but admire Taylor’s uniform and the difference it had from the other girls’ with the feather-like attachments to her under arms.  He also couldn’t help but to tease her about it.  “Nice outfit there, Taylor.”

 

The Yellow Eagle Ranger tilted her head in his direction.  “I’ll take my wings over your sissy cap, or the weird armor you’re wearing right now, any day,” she shot back, referring to the old uniforms as well as the Mystic team’s current uniforms.

 

“You know, Eric is going to take a chunk out of you if you keep hitting on his fiancée,” Vida warned him, reminding the Green Ranger of Taylor’s hot headed fiancé who was waiting back at Rootcore.

 

“Point taken,” Xander cringed, not wanting to think about the Quantum Ranger and how he’d react to Xander’s continual flirting with Taylor.

 

“Why am I not surprised that you Rangers could goof off when facing death?  You’ve always been a cheeky lot,” a voice suddenly called out.

 

Nick, Madison, Chip, Vida and Xander tensed.  “And here I thought after the ass-whooping Daggeron dished out to you, that you’d stay dead,” Vida called back just as Imperious showed himself.

 

“You always were too mouthy for your own good, Pink Witch,” the mummy-man grumbled.

 

Vida titled her head at him.  “I still don’t like your attitude either,” the Pink Ranger commented.

 

“Vida, quit egging him on,” Nick snapped at her, his voice low.

 

“She wouldn’t be the first to egg on an opponent,” Alyssa commented, nudging Taylor, who glared at her teammate.

 

“Are we going to talk or fight?” Vypra hissed, appearing from thin air.

 

The Lightspeed team tensed.  “How’d I know your ugly mug would show?” Joel griped turning his attention to the female demon he’d wished had stayed dead.

 

“Honestly, Joel, aren’t you a little old to still be doing this?” Vypra sneered and taunted.

 

“Look who’s talking,” Joel responded.  “Haven’t you gotten your butt kicked enough times by us already?  Did you really feel the need to come back and have your behind handed to you again?”

 

Vypra glared at him.  “Enough!” Nayzor bellowed.  “We end this now.”

 

The Rangers braced for the fight.  The group of Styxoids, Battlings, and Putrids suddenly popped up from the ground and surrounded the three teams of Rangers.

 

“Ready!” Carter asked.

 

“Ready!” the others responded.

 

“ATTACK!” Cole and Nick ordered in unison.

 

Danny, Max and Chip found themselves back to back, fighting the group of foot soldiers.  Joel, Chad and Xander weren’t far from them, almost fighting in perfect unison.  Merrick and Cole had gone after Nayzor while Ryan and Carter were keeping Vypra busy.  Dana, Alyssa, Taylor, Kelsey and Vida were employing their special abilities to take out a large part of the foot soldiers.  Vida kept using her tornado power to toss the goons at Taylor and Alyssa who used their Yellow Eagle and White Tiger powers to set the goons up in the right spot for Dana and Kelsey to use their lasers on them, destroying them easily.  Last but not least were Nick and Madison, who‘d been left to face Imperious.

 

“How do you want to handle this?” Madison asked, clutching her Lion Staff in her hands.

 

“Every time he turns around, he needs to be facing one of us,” Nick breathed, his grip on his staff tightening.

 

Maddy nodded and charged, Nick following her a second later.  The pair worked in tandem to execute Nick’s plan.  At every turn, Imperious found himself faced with one of the Legend Warriors.

 

--

 

“How are they doing?” Lianbow asked.  Most of the Rangers left at Rootcore had gathered in the main room around the crystal ball to monitor the fight.

 

“So far so good,” Jason told him, knowing the older man was worried about the five younger Rangers, particularly since his son was among them.

 

“Damn!” Rocky cursed, wincing when Nick and Madison were thrown against the side of a nearby building.  “That had to hurt like hell.”

 

“I hate standing back and waiting,” Conner hissed.

 

Kira put her hand on his arm and smiled up at him.  “They can handle it; we have to trust they can handle this.”

 

The Red Ranger stiffly nodded.  “I know, but I want to help.”

 

“We all do,” Daggeron assured him, touching Conner’s shoulder.  “But we can’t lay all our cards on the table, not yet.”

 

--

 

Ryan smiled as he sent Vypra stumbling back with a roundhouse kick.  Dana, Joel and Danny’s groups had dispensed with the minor goons before joining the three fights already going on.  He winced when Imperious sent the five Mystic Rangers flying through the air.

 

“Carter!  Go help them!  We can handle Vypra!” he yelled to his brother-in-law, who nodded and headed over to stop Imperious from striking the fallen Rangers.

 

“V-Lancer!” Carter yelled, swinging upward with his weapon to counter Imperious’ fan attack.

 

“Pesky Ranger!  You interfere where you’re not wanted!”

 

“Rangers stick together,” Carter told him.  “And we take care of our own.”

 

Imperious had no chance to reply as both Nayzor and Vypra were sent crashing into him.  “RETREAT!”

 

“We shall meet again Rangers!” Vypra hissed in warning before the three suddenly disappeared.

 

The three teams gathered together and took stock of injuries.  “Everyone okay?” Dana asked.

 

“Just a little banged up,” Madison told her.  “Otherwise, still breathing.”

 

“Let’s head back,” Cole suggested.  The seventeen Rangers headed to their vehicles and then headed back to Rootcore.

 

--

 

Clare, Udonna, Dana and Aisha tended to the Rangers with various bumps and bruises while Cole, Nick, Carter, Merrick and Ryan went to speak with the five leaders, the mentors, and the other Red Rangers in the library.  Everyone else was left to try and unwind or to pack their stuff up if they were leaving in the morning.

 

“Well?” Jason finally asked.

 

Carter, Cole, Ryan, Merrick and Nick shared a look before Carter stepped up.  “A hell of a lot tougher than before.”

 

“That or we’re out of practice,” Merrick muttered darkly, drawing looks from several of the others.

 

“I’m going to go with the latter,” Jason commented.  “The only ones with recent fighting experience are the newbies.”

 

Nick glared at the original Red Ranger.  “I don’t think a year’s worth of fighting under our belts means you can justify using that term.”

 

Jason turned his attention to Nick and let his eyes go dark.  “When you’ve been doing this as long or as much as some of the rest of us, we’ll discuss coming up with something else to call you.  Until then, you five still have a lot to learn.  The magic isn’t always going to save you, nor will you always have a weapon to use.  Daggeron and Lianbow have done a wonderful job training you, but some of these baddies don’t use magic as their major defense, and if you don’t develop some better fighting skills, you’re going to get the shit knocked out of you or you’re going to get killed.”

 

“What about those of you who can’t control magic?” Nick fired back.

 

Kim, sensing the fight was getting ready to explode, stepped in between them, a hand held up in each of their faces.  “Most of us, while unable to actually perform magic the way you do, do have experience dealing with it.”  Jason smirked until the Pink Morphin Ranger shot him a dirty look.  “I propose an idea.”

 

“What is it, Kim?” Jen asked, smirking.  There were very few women she knew who could effectively handle men, let alone Ranger men, and Red ones at that, as well as Kimberly just had.  It spoke of the first Pink Ranger’s experience and maturity.

 

“We train while we’re here,” Kim started.  “Physical training and skills training; all of us have some sort of magic based abilities, at least on some level.”

 

The suggestion was met with agreement and a healthy dose of surprise.  “Are we all in agreement then?” Anubis asked.  Everyone present nodded.  “Leaders?”  Jen, Andros, Jack and Jason nodded their approval.

 

“I have one question,” Rocky started.  The others looked at him expectantly.  “Kim, isn’t your and Tommy’s wedding in a month?”

 

All the color drained from Kimberly’s face.  “Nice going Rocky!” Jason hissed, moving to stand in front of Kimberly.  “Kim, look at me.”

 

Jason almost wished he hadn’t insisted she look up at him.  The tears welling in her eyes magnified the fear that radiated from the doe-brown depths ten times.  “Jase…”

 

Her quietly uttered response broke all their hearts.  Jen moved forward to take Kim’s hand, smiling sadly when her pink teammate squeezed hard.  “We’ll do everything we can to make sure nothing happens.”

 

“After everything we’ve been through, to even think something could happen scares me,” Kim admitted, looking over to Jen who nodded.

 

“I know, ten years overdue,” Jason murmured, pulling her into a hug.  He closed his eyes and bit down on his lip to control his feelings of over-protectiveness when he felt her tremble.  When he opened his eyes, Rocky was nodding toward the other room, causing Jason to nod once.  The Morphin Red Ranger quickly left the library.  Less than five minutes later, Tommy came flying in the room, Rocky hot on his heels.

 

The look Jason gave him spoke volumes.  “What happened?” Tommy asked, bringing his hand up to rub down Kimberly’s back.

 

“Someone forgot your wedding is the middle of next month,” Jason quietly told him.

 

Tommy’s eyes closed and he blew out an unsteady breath before pulling Kim into his arms.  “Beautiful?” Tommy murmured in her ear, feeling her tremble and shake in his arms as she moved to bury her face against his chest.  “Listen to me, they don’t know about our wedding.  There’s no way they’ll be able to interfere, I promise.”

 

Kim stepped back and looked up at him, a fierce look on her face.  “Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” she cried before turning and fleeing the room.

 

The White Ranger shook his head and turned to Jason.  “Don’t worry, Tommy, I’ll get the others,” Jason assured him before the White Ranger took off after Kimberly.

 

--

 

Maddy noticed the quietness of her boyfriend.  His eyes kept darting to Kimberly, who was unnaturally quiet and barely moving.  “Want to talk about it?” she whispered, leaning against his shoulder.

 

The Red Mystic Ranger turned his blue-green eyes on his girlfriend and sighed.  “I’ve been so selfish lately.”

 

The Blue Mystic Ranger looked startled by his comment.  “What do you mean?”

 

“I’ve been complaining the last couple of weeks about this whole situation, and how I don’t want to deal with it.  You guys have been telling me we’re not alone, and today, Kimberly drilled that point home.”

 

Maddy gave him a confused look.  “I don’t think I understand what you’re getting at.”

 

“Partially because of being a Ranger, and I’m sure there are other factors too, it’s taken her and Tommy over ten years to get back together,” he started.  “Jason mentioned they’d dated during their original tenure as Rangers, but had broken up, but he didn’t go into detail.  She’s worried now that something’s going to happen at their wedding next month.”

 

Her face softened as she realized Nick had a soft spot for the original Pink Ranger.  Lifting a hand, she caressed his cheek and smiled.  “Then we’ll make sure nothing goes wrong.”

 

Nick leaned their foreheads together.  “For the first time since this started, I’m ready to fight.”

 

“With that positive attitude, we’re sure to win,” she grinned at him.

 

Across the room, Wes and Jen sat leaning against each other on the floor.  “Tired?” Wes asked in a whisper, his mouth just inches away from his wife’s ear.

 

“A little.  I’m more anxious to get home and have this over with than anything.”

 

Wes nodded.  “Too bad we don’t know when either of those is going to happen.”

 

“She’s so sad,” Jen pointed to where Kimberly was curled against Tommy’s side with Aisha resting her head in Kim’s lap.  Rocky, Adam, Billy, Justin and Zack sat on the floor in front of the couch, while Jason sat on the armrest next to Tommy and Kat and Tanya sat on the other side of Kimberly, Kat’s arm wrapped around both her teammates’ waists.

 

“If all this had gone on around our wedding, I’d feel the same way,” Wes told her, his voice serious.

 

“I want it to go off without a hitch,” Jen spoke up, her eyes searching his.

 

Wes smiled at his wife and nodded.  “We all do,” Lucas broke in, causing Wes and Jen to turn to look at him.  “And we’re all going to fight to make sure it happens.”

 

“Besides, with this many Rangers in one place, who’d think to attack?” Katie asked.

 

“That or we’re just asking for trouble,” Eric muttered, causing Trip to wince and nod.

 

“We’ll be on guard,” Carter put in, the Lightspeed team moving closer to Time Force.  “It’ll be one wedding to remember.”

Legacy Of Power: At World’s End

Part 2 – Accepting Destiny

Chapter 10 – Accepting Destiny

Written By Pink-Green-White-4ever

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

 

Last Revised: August 1, 2007

Summary: It’s time to face their destinies…

Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance

Rating: T for now

 

AN: Yes, it’s a 2 for 1 update, hope you enjoy!  Also, I have a video up called Ladies Of The Legacy up at YouTube.  Let me know what you think! (the link is on my profile and on my website)

 

“Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality. It is the words that speak boldly of your intentions, and the actions which speak louder than the words. It is making the time when there is none. Coming through, time after time after time, year after year after year. Commitment is the stuff character is made of; the power to change the face of things. It is the daily triumph of integrity over skepticism." -- Anonymous --

 

--

 

“Oh yes, making breakfast for several dozen people is oh-so-much fun,” Vida grumbled, walking into the kitchen.

 

Udonna shot her a look that quieted her.  “This will be the last time for a while, as most of them will be going home tomorrow.”

 

“Really?” Madison quipped.  “How come?”

 

“They have lives that need to be taken care of,” Udonna told her.  “SPD, Wild Force, Lightspeed, and Time Force will be staying with us.  Space and Lost Galaxy are going to be staying on the Megaship once Andros goes to retrieve it.  I believe Ninja Storm will be returning after they settle things in Blue Bay Harbor, as will Dino Thunder once things are set in Reefside.  I’m not sure about the Angel Grove teams; my assumption is that everyone else will check in sporadically until the fighting begins.”

 

The two girls nodded.  “Need help?” a voice asked.  The three turned to see Rocky standing in the doorway to the kitchen.  “I love food, and out of necessity, I’ve learned to cook.  Plus, you ladies look like you could use some help.”

 

Udonna smiled.  “We’d love the help.”

 

--

 

“So when are we doing this?” Jason asked.  The majority of the Rangers were out walking around the forest with Chip, Xander and Clare.  Wes, Jen, Eric, Cole, Merrick, Shayla, Andros, T.J., Tommy, Jason, Kim, Jack, Sky, Anubis, Shane, Hunter, Kanoi, Cam, Hayley, Billy, Conner, Nick, Carter, Leo and Lianbow sat in the library discussing what was about to happen.

 

“Zordon gave us three days,” Wes pointed out, only to be interrupted.

 

“That time ends tonight,” Kim murmured.  “Are each of the teams prepared for what we’re about to do?”

 

The only responses she got were nods.  “I’d like to propose an idea,” Lianbow spoke.

 

“What is it, Dad?” Nick asked.

 

“Obviously, there are many teams involved with this.  I think it would be best if we picked some overall leaders who will make the final decisions, battle wise.”

 

“That’s a good idea,” Tommy spoke up.

 

“If we do that, my suggestion is that not all the leaders be Red Rangers,” Anubis added, startling those gathered.  “Reds have always been leaders, I understand that, but there needs to be balance here as well.”

 

“So we’ll put it to a team vote,” Andros told him, the others nodding in agreement.

 

--

 

“It’s beautiful here,” Katherine smiled as the group walked along the path from Rootcore to Woodland Village.

 

“I love it here because it’s peaceful,” Clare told her.  “It’s easy to come out here to think.”

 

“Angel Grove has places like that,” Kat smiled.  The two ambled along until Clare tripped.  “Clare!”

 

Before the young sorceress hit the ground, a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist, keeping her from falling.  Looking over her shoulder, the blonde found Xander’s twinkling eyes staring down at her.  “Got to be more careful,” he murmured, pulling her upright.

 

Clare looked startled and slightly breathless all at once.  “Th-thank you, Xander.”

 

“Not a problem,” he smiled before moving away from her.

 

Kat watched the by-play between then and smiled.  They reminded her of herself and Jason – they were shy around each other and they obviously had feelings beyond friendship for one another but were afraid to show them.

 

“So, what are the others doing this morning?” Kira asked Kat, who turned her attention to the younger Ranger.

 

“Well, the Red Rangers and some of the others are meeting in the library to discuss our battle plan, and I’m pretty sure Lucas, Katie, and Trip took Zhane, Karone and T.J. shopping.  We can’t keep relying on Udonna to conjure food for all of us and we can’t keep eating pizzas.”

 

Most of the younger Rangers made faces at that while the older ones cracked up laughing.

 

--

 

“Nervous?” Tommy asked Kim, rubbing his hands up and down her arms.  They stood near one of the windows in the library, looking out at the forest beyond.

 

“Terrified,” she breathed.  “I haven’t held the power in nearly twelve years.  I’m almost afraid to feel that full again.”

 

The former Ranger Leader chuckled.  “At least our sex life won’t suffer,” he teased.

 

Kimberly closed her eyes and cracked up laughing at that, remembering how horny they’d both gotten as teenagers and Tommy’s more recent descent from power.  “This is true,” she told him, turning in his arms.  “How are you holding up?”

 

Tommy shrugged.  “I’m pretty much resigned to the fact that the power may never completely leave me alone.”

 

Doe brown met chocolate brown as understanding and love flowed between them.  “I’m sorry.”

 

Leaning forward, he captured her lips with his own.  He smiled down at her after pulling back a few seconds later.  “You have nothing to be sorry for.  As long as we’re together, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish.  We proved that simply from our history – when we’re apart, life sucks, and when we’re together…”

 

“Magic happens,” she finished, causing them both to grin.

 

“Exactly.”

 

“What about the others?” Kim asked, snuggling against his chest.

 

Tommy chuckled.  “I trust them to fight with us, because I trust and believe in the kind of people they are,” he assured her.  “It takes a certain kind of person to be a Ranger.”

 

“I know.  Our legacy’s in pretty good hands, even a thousand years from now,” she laughed, hinting at Time Force and the time they’d come from.

 

“Very true.”

 

--

 

“Sweetheart?” Ashley called softly.  She stood at the entrance to the balcony and watched her husband staring out at the sunset.  Just from the way he was standing, she could tell he was upset about whatever was happening.  “Andros?”

 

“Yeah?”

 

“Talk to me,” she whispered, moving to wrap her arms around his waist and lay her head against his back.

 

Andros closed his eyes and put his hands over hers.  “I’m worried,” he told her.

 

“We all are,” she responded.  “We’ve never faced something like this before.”

 

“I feel like I failed him.”

 

“You haven’t; none of us have,” Ashley fiercely replied.  Andros turned in her arms and wrapped his own around her.  “Andros, we’ve done everything he asked of us and everything we could to honor the lessons he taught us.”

 

“I feel…” he tried to articulate.

 

“Like something bad is going to happen?”

 

Andros nodded.  “Yeah.”

 

Ashley smiled softly before leaning up to kiss him.  It was a few moments later before they pulled apart.  “We’ll be okay.  We’re all experienced Rangers; we know what we’re doing.  We will get through this.”

 

Nodding, Andros leaned his forehead against hers.  “I know.”

 

--

 

The teams met in the library at seven.  A somber and chillingly quiet mood had settled over all of them.  Udonna, Tommy, Andros, Anubis, Jason, Nick, and Lianbow stood at the front of the room.

 

“Well?” Carter asked.

 

“Before Udonna summons Zordon, we have one final task to take care of,” Andros spoke up.

 

Tommy nodded.  “We’ve agreed to come up with some overall leaders.  Andros and I also agree with Anubis that not all of them should be Red Rangers.  So, we’re going to do a vote.  Write your top four picks on the papers being handed to you,” Tommy told them.  “Princess Shayla, Commander Cruger, Sensei Watanabe, Udonna, Lianbow, and Daggeron, we’d like you to come to a decision on the final leader once we determine the first four.  Please.”

 

The group of mentors and trainers nodded while the Rangers each filled out the paper they’d been given with the four Rangers they wanted to lead them.  One by one, the teams placed the papers in a box Tommy was holding.  Ten minutes later, Udonna and Princess Shayla had the votes counted.

 

The Rangers were anxious as Udonna handed Tommy the paper.  “Here goes.  Leader four – Jack.  Leader three – Jen.  Leader two – Andros.  Leader one – Jason.”

 

A lot of the Rangers were surprised that Tommy hadn’t been chosen.  “We know what many of you are wondering – why wasn’t Tommy chosen,” Lianbow started.  “Tommy asked, before the meeting, to be taken out of the running.”

 

“So who’s going to be our fifth?” Jack called out.

 

Udonna nodded to Princess Shayla who stepped forward and smiled.  “We choose Kimberly.”

 

The Pink Ranger’s head snapped up and she stared at Princess Shayla in shock.  “Me?  Why me?  I’m sure one of the others is way more qualified: Taylor, Cassie, Kat, Tanya, Aisha, Ashley…why me?”

 

Princess Shayla moved to stand in front of Kimberly.  “Because out of all of us gathered, you represent the heart of what we’re fighting for.”

 

“I don’t understand,” Kim murmured.

 

“Jason represents leadership, and the beginning of this wonderful legacy Zordon brought to Earth.  Jack represents the future, and the sure and able hands that the legacy of Rangers has been passed to,” Princess Shayla gestured to both Red Rangers.  “Andros represents the end of a wonderful era in Ranger history, and the start of another.  Change and balance,” she pointed to Andros, then shifted her attention to Jen.  “Courageous and confident, Jen stands for bridging the gap between the present and the future.”  Both Andros and Jen stood a little straighter at the auburn haired Princess’ words.

 

“But you, Kimberly, you are the heart and soul, the lives we’re fighting for.  You are the emotion, the anchor, the power that keeps us all going.  You also stand for the perseverance and determination we all need in this fight.  You didn’t want to come back and do this, but you’re doing it just the same.  Why?”

 

Kim looked like she understood where Shayla was coming from but didn’t accept it.  “Because Zordon and Trini asked me to; because I let me teammates down once before and no matter how much this hurts, I refuse to let that happen again.”

 

“Guilt?  I don’t think so,” Shayla told her, smiling.  “There’s a reason, much more prominent than guilt, driving you.”  Kim looked up and opened her mouth until Shayla spoke again, interrupting her.  “Love.”

 

The Rangers around them nodded and smiled.  “She’s right, Beautiful,” Tommy murmured.

 

“I’m terrified.”

 

“We all are,” Katherine told her, leaving the security of their teammates to move to Kim.  “I’ve never known you to let fear stop you.  You’ve always been the one to look it in the eye and face it head on.”

 

“There’s so much more to lose this time,” Kim whispered.

 

“All the more reason to fight,” Madison called out.  All eyes shifted to the Mystic Blue Ranger.  “Because if we don’t fight we’re going to lose a hell of a lot more than our lives.”

 

“Kimmie,” Jason started, moving to draw his little sister into a hug.

 

“I’m in, Jason, but the first time I fuck up, I’m going to tell you I told you so.”

 

Jason chuckled.  “After this is all over, and you haven’t screwed up, I’m going to tell you I told you so.”

 

“So, Kim, are you up for making the tough decisions?” Jen grinned.

 

The original Pink Ranger took the challenge and grinned back.  “Of course.”

 

Udonna smiled and gestured for the five to join her facing the others.  “Leadership.  Protection.  Change.  Balance.  Courage.  Confidence.  Life.  Love.  Perseverance.  Determination.  The future.  These five represent those and more.  Are we all in agreement that these five will be our overall leaders?”

 

“Yes,” as the resounding reply.

 

“Good.  Now, it’s time to summon Zordon.  Do all of you have your morphers?”

 

For those who did, they held them up.  “Noru-Estraba-Luxrotu!  I summon Zordon of Eltar, friend and mentor of the Power Rangers!”

 

The Rangers found themselves in the same temple as before, only Zordon and Trini weren’t the only ones waiting for them.  “The Tribunal of Magic!” Xander gasped.

 

“Ninjor!” Kim gasped, surging forward to throw her arms around him.

 

“My Crane,” he murmured, holding her close.

 

“Dimitria?” Justin gasped.

 

“Hello Rangers,” the floating woman in white spoke up in greeting.

 

“Welcome to the Temple of the Tribunal of Magic, and the heart of the Morphin’ Grid,” the figure completely in white greeted from where she stood with the Red and Black figures, the trio making up the Tribunal of Magic.

 

Zordon smiled and stepped forward.  “Since all of you have come back, I assume you’ve all agreed to take on this most important mission?”

 

“Once a Ranger, always a Ranger,” Tommy told him, a wistful smile on the legendary Ranger’s face.

 

“Very true,” Zordon smiled back.  “Some of you have more choices to make than others. Tommy, Adam, Kat, and Rocky, please step forward.”

 

The four moved away from their teammates and stood before the man who’d mentored them.  “You four must choose; Kat, Rocky and Adam, do you want to reclaim your Zeo mantles, or your Ninja mantles?  Tommy, you have an even more difficult choice – you must choose your Brachio, Zeo Ranger V, or Ninja mantle.  I want all three of you to carefully decide as we issue the others’ powers.”

 

The four nodded and stepped back.  “We have someone we’d like to introduce,” Trini started.  “Mystic Force has heard of her, and the teams up through Space met her in her other form.  This is the Mystic Mother.”

 

When the woman appeared, the original teams stiffened in shock and stepped back.  “Rita.”

 

“Yes, Tommy,” Mystic Mother greeted him.  “I was known as Rita Repulsa in the dark days.  When Zordon’s wave shot through the universe, it killed Rita and left me in a state to return to my true form.”

 

“But I thought you’d been turned human?” Andros asked, confused.

 

“I was, and within a year had reverted back to the form you see me as now,” she explained.  “The essence of my true being aided the Mystics long ago in their fight against the Darkness, my human form simply reunited with it within a year of Rita being destroyed.”

 

“Mystic Mother, the Tribunal, Zordon, and Ninjor are going to give you your powers back, or upgrade them,” Trini spoke up.

 

“Mystic Force, step forward,” Mystic Mother commanded.

 

The five Mystic Rangers stepped toward her.  “And what of you three?  Are you so powerful you feel you need no help?” she asked Udonna, Lianbow and Daggeron.  The three joined their Rangers and smiled.  Holding out her hand, Mystic Mother began to chant in an indistinguishable language.  Suddenly, Udonna and the core Mystic Rangers were in Legend mode while Daggeron and Lianbow shifted into Ancient Mystic Mode before reverting to their knight forms

 

“Your Legend Warrior modes are now your permanent uniforms.  Udonna, you have been upgraded to Legend Warrior,” Mystic Mother told them.  “And you two, you will be able to use your ancient Mystic powers in your knight forms, as you’ve already attained the highest power of your abilities.”

 

The eight nodded and stepped back.  “Ninja Storm, step forward,” Zordon’s voice sounded.

 

The six Rangers stood at attention before the council of magical beings.  “You six selflessly sacrificed your Ranger powers to seal Lothor and his army in the Abyss of Evil and during a time of turmoil, got those powers back and sacrificed them again by helping the Dino Thunder Rangers.  That selfless sacrifice is to be commended,” Zordon told them.

 

Ninjor stepped up with Zordon and the pair extended their hands toward the six.  White and blue power snapped and crackled around them before it bounced forward and surrounded the six Ninja Rangers.  In an instant, their civilian clothes melted to their Ninja uniforms and finally to their Ranger suits.

 

“We have one more gift for you, Shane,” Ninjor spoke, before he swept his arm in a direction away from the Rangers.  Shane turned his head in the direction and felt his heart stop beating.

 

“Hello Shane,” the woman in the long red dress with curly black hair smiled, slowly walking toward him.

 

“Sk-Skyla?” Shane gasped, his morph dissolving.

 

Skyla kept walking toward him, stopping when she was less than a foot from him.  She smiled up at him; both had tears in their eyes when she reached out to touch his chest.  Her palm settled over his heart.  “My love, I gave you my life force once, and it gave you the ability to use the battlelizer.  You’re going to need that ability again.  So once more, I’m giving you the essence of all I am.  As you face your most difficult task, don’t let your inner demons keep your heart from reaching the peace you seek, because when you do, it just might lead you to that which you desire most.”

 

Shane closed his eyes, letting one lone tear slip down his face as his Ranger uniform reappeared, his battlelizer flaring briefly before the he was simply left as the Red Wind Ranger.  “Skyla,” he murmured again.

 

“We’ll be together again, Shane; someway, somehow.  Remember I love you, always, and that I’ve never been prouder of you than I am now.”

 

The Red Ranger nodded as she slowly disappeared from sight.  Tori and Dustin moved to lay their hands on his shoulders, with Hunter, Cam and Blake following suit.  Once the moment was over, the six quietly stepped back.

 

“Space Patrol Delta, Wild Force, Time Force, Lightspeed Rescue, Lost Galaxy, and Space, you all have your powers still, and so those powers will be strengthened,” Zordon told them.  “You’ll notice your natural abilities, along with your Ranger ones, shall be enhanced to some extent.”  Those teams nodded.  “Dino Thunder, step forward.”

 

Conner, Kira, Ethan and Trent stepped forward while Tommy remained where he was between Kim and Jason.  “Tommy?” Zordon called.

 

The legendary Ranger looked at his four students and back to Kim and Jason, before smiling.  “I’ve chosen not to be the Black Ranger again.”

 

The four younger Rangers looked startled and slightly betrayed.  “Dr. O?” Kira asked.

 

Tommy smiled and then turned to Conner.  He nodded his head over his shoulder to the woman standing next to Kim.  Conner shifted his gaze back and forth, before nodding and smiling.  “Hayley, come here please.”  The red haired scientist stepped forward, looking confused.  She looked even more so as Tommy took her hands and laid his morpher and key into them.  “I want you to take these, and join them.”

 

“I don’t understand,” Hayley gasped, her eyes widening.

 

“Conner’s ready to fly them solo; as a team, they’re ready to fly on their own.  You’ve earned this.”

 

“I’m not a Ranger.”

 

Kira stepped forward then and touched Hayley’s arm.  “Physically, you’ve never worn a suit, but you’re a Ranger at heart, Hayley.  You were a large part of the reason we beat Mesogog and his goons.  I agree with Dr. O, and I’d be honored to serve with you.”

 

Trent and Ethan stepped forward then and nodded.  “Count us in.”

 

“Conner, this is your team, and you have the final say,” Tommy told him.

 

Conner’s face was absolutely serious as he moved to stand before Hayley.  The pair stared at one another before Conner broke out grinning.  “I couldn’t imagine anyone else more qualified to take this.  Kira is right; physically you may have never suited up, but you are as much a part of this team as any of us.  I agree with Dr. O’s decision.”

 

Hayley blink back a few tears before closing her hands over the morpher and key she helped create, before turning her attention to Tommy.  “I’ll make you proud.”

 

Tommy grinned at her.  “You already have.”  Tommy stepped back to Jason and Kim while Hayley strapped the morpher on her wrist.  The morpher reverted to a familiar silver bracelet and black gem.

 

“Welcome to the Legacy, Hayley,” Zordon smiled, making her smile.  “The six of you sacrificed so much, including your identities, to stop Mesogog from ruling the world.  In doing so, you gave up your powers, knowing what it could cost you.  Today, we give you back those powers, or in one case, give you powers for the first time.  Use them as wisely this time as you did last time, and learn from the experiences you’ll have because of them.”  So saying, Zordon extended his hand to them, and five beams of white light shot out and connected with the gems on their wrists.  In a matter of seconds, the five were transformed from civilian to Ranger.  The four more experienced Rangers turned their attention to Hayley, who was now suited in black, complete with a skirt.

 

“What the heck did you do to my suit?” Tommy teased, causing Kim to smack him in the arm and Hayley to take her helmet off and glare at him.

 

“Don’t blame me, I had nothing to do with the skirt,” Hayley shot back, looking down at the uniform she now wore.  “This is beyond freaky.  I’m a rocket scientist, not a Ranger.”

 

“Welcome to the club,” Billy piped up unexpectedly, causing Hayley to look over at him and grin.

 

“Tommy, Kat, Rocky and Adam, have you made your decisions?” Zordon called out, quieting any side conversations.  Tommy looked between Kim and Billy, then to the others of both teams before he stepped forward.

 

“Zordon, I choose Jason to take over for me as Zeo Ranger V,” Tommy told him.  Most of the others gasped in surprise, all except for the other members of the Ninjetti and Zeo teams.  Zordon nodded and Tommy handed his Zeonizers to his best friend.  “I trust you above all others to lead the team.”

 

Jason swallowed hard and nodded.  “Thanks.”

 

“Rocky?” Zordon asked.

 

Grinning, Rocky stepped over to Justin and held out the Zeo Ranger III Zeonizers.  “Justin, I gave you my place just before the team went Turbo, and now I’m going to trust you with my Zeonizers.”

 

Justin smiled and accepted, strapping the objects to his writs.  “Rocky?”

 

“I miss being the Ape,” he murmured, before stepping back to stand with Tommy, Billy and Aisha.

 

“Adam?”

 

The former Black and Green Ranger looked at his Zeonizers, then at his wife, and then finally to Zack before turning to look at Tanya again.  The Yellow Zeo Ranger saw what was in her husband’s heart and nodded.  “I’m ready to try it on my own, Adam,” she assured him.  “Besides, Kat, Jason and Justin are with me already.”

 

Grinning, Adam moved over and kissed his wife softly before he turned and handed the Zeonizers to Zack.  “You trusted me with your powers and your teammates once, now I’m trusting you with mine, and my wife.”

 

Zack nodded and strapped the devices onto his arms.  “I’ll watch out for her, Frog-man, no worries.”

 

“Katherine?” Zordon asked all eyes on the tall blonde.

 

Kat looked to Kimberly standing next to Tommy, her head bowed as if she didn’t want to hear the decision.  Blue eyes moved to Tommy, who looked just as tense, before she finally turned to Jason.  Once upon a time, she’d fought beside him, only he’d been wearing a different color.  His eyes seemed to tell her he’d support whatever decision she made.  While part of her wanted to go back to the powers that had first been given to her, the larger part of her knew she couldn’t, for her own sanity.  She’d shared the Turbo powers with Cassie, and the Ninja powers had never felt truly hers – they would forever be tied to and a reminder of Kimberly, and the agony the first Pink Ranger had gone through.  No, she had one choice, the right choice, and that was to go as the one Ranger she’d always felt most comfortable as.

 

“There is no choice to make, Zordon.  The Ninja Powers weren’t ever truly mine, I just borrowed them.  I choose Zeo Ranger I, Pink.”

 

Jason smiled, Tommy let out a breath, and Kimberly’s head snapped up, tears shimmering in the brown depths of her eyes.  She understood, Kat could see, why Kat had chosen as she had.

 

Ninjor and Zordon shared a grin before nodding to Dimitria, who floated to stand with them.  The three extended their hands to the Zeo Rangers and in an instant the five were transformed into their uniforms.  “The powers have been infused in those of you who did not initially carry it.  You will notice your abilities are enhanced, Zeo Rangers.  And Jason, as time wears on, you’ll notice you’ve been equipped with a few extra surprises,” Zordon told him.

 

“Will you six join me as you did once, long ago?” Ninjor asked the final six Rangers.  Together, the six grouped around Ninjor in a circle, their arms raised.  “Older than time, man has always known the calling.  Light of the light, strength of the soul, ignite this eternal power inside of me!” Ninjor called out, bolts of blue and white light shooting up from his hands as he raised them before they crashed down over the six Rangers.  “I am Ninja!  I am pure of mind, body, heart and soul; join with me now as I become one with the power of Ninja!”

 

“NINJA RANGER POWER!” the six let their voices lift in unison.

 

“I AM THE APE!  MIGHTY AND STRONG!” Rocky called out, a sigh seeming to come from his heart as the familiar power of his animal spirit filled him.

 

“I AM THE BEAR!  CUNNING AND FIERCE!” Aisha grinned, an impish smile sliding into place on her face.

 

“I AM THE WOLF!  SILENT AND SURE!” Billy’s voice sounded, causing Trini and Zordon to share a look before noticing Kimberly was staring at him as well.

 

“I AM THE CRANE!  AGILE AND GRACEFUL!”  As Kim called on her powers, a resounding crack was heard by all those gathered.

 

“I AM THE FROG!  COURAGEOUS IN SPIRIT!” Adam summoned his power, not missing a beat even though the loud crack had scared him.

 

“I AM THE FALCON!  JUST AND ABLE!”  Like Kimberly before him, the second the words left Tommy’s mouth caused a resounding crack to be heard.

 

“What the hell was that?” Jason muttered, watching the six bring their arms down.

 

“I have no clue,” Kat whispered, reaching out to take his hand.

 

Now dressed in their Ninja uniforms, the six turned to stare at Ninjor.  “Ninjor?” Kim asked, shaking.

 

“What was once torn apart has now been mended.  You six will find now that you have your powers back, and are whole as a team once more, you’ll have new abilities you never were aware of before.  Your powers need to be in harmony for you to reach your full potential, and now they are.  Good luck.”

 

The six turned to the other teams and were met with various looks – worry, shock, awe, and most of all happiness.  “All of your powers, including Zords and weaponry, are now once again at your disposal,” the black robbed figure of the Tribunal announced, causing the Rangers to look at him.  “Use the power wisely, for if you do not, we will not be held responsible for the consequences of you losing its protection, and will not grant you a second chance.”

 

That said, the three figures disappeared, leaving the Rangers in their wake.  “Well, that was certainly ominous, wasn’t it?” Trini teased.

 

“Ninjor and Dimitria will be returning to Rootcore with you, for they will be joining you in the fight against the forces of Evil.  Good luck, Rangers, and remember, the power to change your world lives inside of you.  May the power protect you.”  Zordon’s parting words melted into silence as the assembled group soon found themselves back in Rootcore staring at Clare, Itassis, Nikki, Leelee, Phineas, and Toby.

 

“Well?” Clare asked.

 

“It’s done,” Udonna spoke.  “We’re ready.”

Legacy Of Power: At World’s End

Part 2 – Accepting Destiny

Chapter 9 – Evil Rising

Written By Pink-Green-White-4ever

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

 

Last Revised: August 1, 2007

Summary: While the Rangers were preparing to accept their destinies, their opponents had some plans of their own…

Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance

Rating: T for now

 

AN: This chapter is the shortest one I have so far, and because of it, you’re also getting chapter 10 posted.  I know everyone keeps asking about updates, so here’s my system.  I’m approximately 5 chapters ahead of this one (but with me posting chapter 10 too, it’ll be 4), meaning I’ve just finished chapter 14.  I’m trying to stay ahead of the game so that I can go back and change stuff if I need to, depending on the last minute ideas I get.  The majority of this story is set, meaning I know what’s supposed to happen, but I also lay those events out, usually 6 to 10 of them per chapter, which gives me room to improvise as well as adjust if need be. 

 

AN2: Please remember for upcoming chapters, that I’ve talked about in these chapters the need for balance in this world – the Mystic Rangers wiping out the Master destroyed that balance, Zordon’s death once restored it.  There will be casualties coming up near the climax of the story that will test the Rangers’ resolve.  I won’t say whether they are Ranger deaths or not, I will say this – there has to be a balance to everything, and while we know the Rangers always ultimately win, they do have a price to pay for that victory.  Remember that.

 

AN3: There is an official Legacy Of Power: At World’s End movie-style trailer up on my YouTube account.  It’s called Legacy Of Power: At World’s End – The Battle For Earth Trailer.  Check it out, let me know.  A word for the wise, it gives hints to a bad guy that is introduced in this chapter, but not named –winks--

 

“The things which we fear the most in life have already happened to us.” -- Robin Williams, One Hour Photo --

 

--

 

“Who are you?” the large form barked when the tall, lean shadowed figure slinked into the destroyed pit that had once housed the Master and the Darkness.

 

“Your worst nightmare,” the shadow hissed.

 

The large, hulking figure laughed.  “I highly doubt that.”  Before the large form had time to react, the shadow had moved and had it by him by the throat, pressing him into a wall that was crumbling.

 

The pair stared at each other in the dim light.  “You…” the large form hissed.

 

“Me.  I take it your master spoke of me?” the shadowed one chuckled evilly.

 

“Anyone who’s been against the Rangers the last couple of years knows of the original evil.”

 

“Then we both know I won’t have to exert my will on any of those coming, nor on you.”

“Don’t jump to conclusions; some of them will still argue, and you’ll still need to prove your ability.”

 

“Then they shall suffer my wrath.”

 

--

 

Sighing, Nadira quietly swung back and forth on the porch swing Lucas had built for her.  He’d been very sweet since they’d come back five years before from helping the Wild Force Rangers.  It had taken him three years to finally trust her enough to start seriously dating her.  Then a year ago, they’d moved into a house together.  Her father was still serving time in prison, but Captain Logan had hinted he might get out for good behavior and for helping the Wild Force and Time Force Rangers defeat the Mut-Orgs.  It had made her happy, but she’d been saddened to not be able to share the news with Lucas.  He, Katie, Trip and Ken had gone back to 2007 nearly three days before to help in a major Ranger war there.

 

“Excuse me, Ma’am,” a young man spoke, breaking Nadira from her thoughts.  The pink haired woman looked up and saw he was wearing a Time Force uniform and felt her heart jump into her throat.

 

“Can I help you?”

 

“Captain Logan and Officer Drake sent me to ask you to come to headquarters.”

 

“Is everything okay?” Nadira questioned, panic rising in her chest.  “What happened to Lucas and the others?”

 

Nadira gasped when the young man turned into what looked like a mutant from her father’s reign of terror.  She knew it was impossible, but he was standing there changing in front of her none the less.  “My master requests the presence of your father, and the only way to get to him, is through you.  Not to mention, it’ll put a nice little kink in the Rangers’ plans when they find out the stupid Blue Time Force Rangers’ beloved and her father are working for us.”

 

“I’ll never help you!” Nadira shouted before she tried to run for cover.  She let out a scream and tried to fight him when he intercepted her path, but he was quick and shot her with a stun gun.  Her last thought was of Lucas, and warning him, before the world went dark.

 

--

 

“Ms. Ally Samuels?”

 

The blonde haired woman turned from what she was doing to see what looked like a robot man behind her.  “Yes?”

 

“Could you come with me please?” he asked, smiling at her.

 

Ally raised an eyebrow and took a step back.  “Tell me who you are first.”

 

“Your boyfriend made a grave mistake, going to 2007 to fight.  He’s going to pay for it, through you.”

 

Ally let out a scream, which caused Piggy to come running in.  She was just backing up when he burst in. “Ally!” he yellowed seconds before she disappeared in a flash of light.  Piggy stared at him in shock.  “What have you done with her?”

 

“Tell SPD they’ve chosen their own fate.”

 

“MIRLOC!” Piggy finally gasped before the alien disappeared.

 

--

 

“Well?” Kat demanded.

 

Boom hung his head.  “Piggy was right.  Several of the containment cards, the ones with criminals B Squad locked up, are missing.”

 

“How many and who?” Kat hissed, causing Boom to wince.

 

“Mora, Broodwing, Benaag, and Gruumm.”

 

“What aren’t you telling me, Boom?” Kat asked him, seeing the painful look on his face.

 

“Mirloc’s escaped.

 

Kat swore before swinging around to the cadet at the communications console.  “Patch a line through to Commander Cruger via Time Force!  NOW!”

 

--

 

“How the hell did we get here?”

 

The general consensus among those gathered was that exactly.  “The Master’s plan worked!” the one with the mummy-like appearance laughed with glee as he swung his deadly-looking fan around.

 

“The Master?” a dark haired woman dressed in armor and sporting bat-like wings asked.  “The only Master I serve is Queen Bansheera.”

 

“Yes, Vypra, the Master,” the shadowed figure standing at the back of the pit announced.  “You’re here because the Master understood there was a chance he’d be defeated, and he wanted the Rangers taken out once and for all.”

 

“And who are you?” the figure of metal and muscle grumbled.  “And where is my wife?”

 

“Your wife is a traitor, now known as the Mystic Mother,” the large hulking form of a knight in purple armor announced.  “As to who we are, right now, we’re in charge.”

 

“You are in charge of no one, Koragg.”

 

The purple knight angled his head at the mummy man.  “So you think, Imperious.”

 

“Now, now, boys,” a woman cackled, stepping forward.  She wore a red leather skirt, thigh high black boots, a weird looking metal and cloth halter top, a half mask, and had her purple and brown hair pulled into a tight and high ponytail which swished behind her as she walked.  “How about we all introduce ourselves before the guys in green and purple here tell us why we’re here and how we got here.”

 

“Shut up, Divatox,” the man made of muscle and metal hissed.

 

The woman in question glared.  “Make me, Zeddie-kins,” she taunted, pouting her lips at him as he clenched his hands into fists.

 

“Both of you shut up,” a new voice commanded.  All eyes turned to the mutant-man at the entrance to the pit on the right side.  He wore all black leather and was flanked by a machine looking creature.

 

“Mesogog and Zeltrax,” Lothor hissed.

 

“We have a common goal,” he spoke, striding into the room.  “The Master has given us the power to rid ourselves of the Power Rangers once and for all.  I for one will not waste this second chance.”

 

“I want those snotty Wind and Thunder Rangers dead!  Not to mention my brother and his fool son!”

 

“You’ll get your chance, Lothor,” a three headed, snake-like man announced, entering behind Mesogog.  “I’ve already set plans into motion that will ensure our victory.”

 

Those gathered grinned.  “I was wondering if you’d show up, Master Vile,” the shadowy figure called out.

 

“You had better believe I wouldn’t miss this for anything.  We must be careful though, my spies tell me the Rangers have help, in an other-worldly form.  You can bet they’ll be powered up for anything we throw at them.”

 

The shadowy figure laughed, which made everyone in the room wince in fear.  “Oh, I have plans of my own, ones that will take out their will to fight.”

 

“Oh really?” a woman asked, striding forward.  She looked like a cross between a human and a rather large cockroach.

 

“Yes Trakeena, I do.”

 

The woman looked slightly taken aback that he should know her name, but she continued prodding him.  “What exactly do YOU think you can do to those damnable Rangers that will destroy their will to fight?” she sneered.

 

The shadow grinned.  “Take out their heart and soul, and the rest will crumble.”

Dear Readers, Fans and Friends,

Shawn and I are in need of your help.  By now, most of you have probably read our story Setting The Record Straight, which is Barbara Walters interviewing all 12 of the original Power Rangers.  While we still have a ways to go before the final chapters, we wanted to poll all you to ask what you'd like to see for the final "episode" if you will.

While I can't give exact details, I can tell you this, it's going to be a special episode, since it's the last, and we're having a tough time deciding on where it should take place.  So this is where you guys come in.

Please send Shawn or I an email, or reply to the lists this is posted at:

Which location do you want to see the final episode of Setting The Record Straight taped at
Kodak Theater, Los Angeles (this is where the Academy Awards, American Idol finales, etc are)
or
The Colosseum, Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas (where Celine Dion did her show the last couple of years)

The individual shows are being "tapped" in New York in a private studio that holds about 30 people, but we wanted to make this a big affair - celebrities, notable figures, and even some former Power Rangers may show up, so you guys gotta help us set the feel of the show!

Thanks for the help!

Kim Hart and Shawn

I've uploaded two new videos in the last week.

Looking Through Your Eyes: A Syd & Sky Tribute -  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkYvedzfSA4 - This was done for Shawn30, for inspiration, but seems to be a pretty good vid so far.

Heavily Broken: A Jen Scotts Tribute - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exXyrWVhR9Q - this one is a WesJen vid from Jen's POV.


Let me know what you think!

Trusting Starlight
Series presented by: Pink-Green-White-4ever
Challenge: Why
Last Revised: July 3, 2007

Summary: He just wanted to know why…
Disclaimer: I don’t own ‘em, wish I did.
Ship: Tommy/Kimberly

AN: This is set after the Turbo Movie, and is from Tommy’s POV.  From here on out, the chapters are the flipsides to the first 20 I posted.  Hopefully, some of these will go a little faster, as I have about half of these already pre-written.  This one…didn’t turn out as well as I would have liked, but I also got to the point where I didn’t want to beat an already dead animal to death further.

 

--

 

I can’t help but let my eyes take her in.  I shouldn’t feel the way I do, but I feel like a man starved at the mere sight of her.  It’s been a few short months since I received the letter that ended our relationship, and in that time I thought I’d gotten over her, gotten over us.  Kat and I have been dating for a few weeks now, since about the time Jason lost the Gold Ranger powers, and I had thought that I was past what had happened between her and I, but I knew, the moment I saw her on the viewing globe in Divatox’s ship that until I get the answer to the one question that has been burning a hole through my heart, I’ll never have closure.  I just want to know why.

 

She’s standing close to Jason and Rocky, the latter introducing the two of them to Justin, the newest member of our team.  I watch her smile at Justin’s obvious instant infatuation, but even from here, I can see the smile doesn’t reach her eyes.  Part me wonders why that is, when she obviously has everything she wants – a place on the Pan Global team, her friends surrounding her, someone waiting at home for her with open arms.

 

“You should go talk to her,” a voice whispers softly from my left.  Turning, my eyes land on my teammate, who looks a bit worried.  “You’re not going to be able to rest until you know why, and we’re not going to be able to make it past this if you don’t, because it’s always going to be a ghost in the background.”

 

I shake my head as I reach out to take Kat’s hand.  “I can’t.  She’s happy, and that’s all I’ve ever really wanted.  Bringing up the past will only make this harder in the long run.”  I know what Kat says is true, and part of me really does want to know why, but the part of me that has always loved and cherished Kimberly can’t bare the thought of hearing, not reading but hearing, her say she’s found someone else and she doesn’t love me anymore.  Even after all the hurt she’s inflicted on me, I can’t help but wonder why I don’t just march right over there, spin her around and demand to know what the hell happened to us, but I just can’t seem to move.

 

“Tommy,” Kat tries to smile at me, lifting her hand to touch my cheek.

 

I lean into her hand and try to smile.  “Dance with me?” I ask her.

 

She smiles and nods as I take her hand and lead her out onto the dance floor.  Even while we’re dancing, my eyes occasionally wander to Kim, who’s watching us.  The look on her face has me once again wondering the big question – why?  I’m surprised to see her talking to Skull, before they step out onto the dance floor with us and start dancing.  As long as she’s happy, I can deal with not knowing all the details behind why we ended. 

Power Rangers: Galactic Strike Force

Chapter 10: Memories Of The Past Pt. 4

By: Pink-Green-White-4ever

Last Revised: July 9, 2007

 

Genre: Action/Romance

Ships: Tommy/Kim, Billy/Cestria, Pallaton/Rhiannon, Peta/Kaia, Chogan/Kimana, Ashley/Andros, Cassie/T.J, Kendrix/Leo, Maya/Damon, Conner/Kira, and Zhane/Karone with mention of Tommy/Kat

Timeframe: AU, 1 year after Dino Thunder

Setting: Earth, Eltar, Aquitar

 

Disclaimer: I don’t own Tommy, Kim, Billy or any of the characters from the series Power Rangers.  I do own the Strike Force characters.  PLEASE DON’T SUE!

 

AN: Okay, so, it didn’t take me long to get this update out, and you’ll be happy to know, I have half of the next chapter written out.  There really aren’t going to be many more chapters, as technically this story was only supposed to be 10 chapters plus a prologue and epilogue, but I think it’s going to run over that just a little.  Just so you know, I’ve got special plans for the Epilogue, be on the look out for that.  Ideas got shifted for the end of the story, so I’ve decided to just go with it.  Thanks for all the support gang!

 

AN2: I haven’t reread most of the story until very recently, and it occurred to me in Chapter 8, I put the wrong planet when Kimberly and Billy are talking at the end.  She’s returning to Aquitar, not Eltar.  My apologies.

 

“Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.” -- Mary McLeod Bethune --

 

--

 

“They’ve progressed wonderfully,” Billy spoke, coming to a stop next to the petite figure watching Sani and Peta training their five new teammates on the grounds below the balcony.

 

“Yes, they have,” she responded quietly.  “What are you doing here, Billy?  I thought you were tied up on Aquitar?”

 

The former Blue Ranger smiled and shrugged.  “Have you talked to Andros lately?”

 

“Black,” was all she said.

 

Billy saw the grim look on her face and the glimmer in her eyes.  “Yeah, I checked in with Jason; they’re doing pretty good considering they’ve had to deal with an evil Ranger and a few million other things.”

 

“He’s come full circle then,” she murmured.  “From being the evil Ranger to defeating one; Zordon would be proud.”

 

The former Ninjetti nodded.  “Are you alright?”

 

“I’m fine.  I have no other choice but to be fine.  They,” she pointed to the seven Rangers below.  “Need me to be strong, to be their leader.  They just plain need me.  That part of my life can’t effect my present, I won’t let it.  What happened, happened, I’ve grown past it.”

 

“Your past is part of who you are, Kimberly,” Billy spoke her real name as so few were allowed to.  Her identity as the Pink Strike Force Ranger, Taregan, and Lady Crane, Princess of the Ninjetti, had all but drowned out the perky, pink-loving gymnast he’d known since childhood.  She had carefully immersed herself in her new life, as if she could severe all ties to the one she’d left behind on Earth so long ago.

 

“Billy?  Taregan?” Aurico’s voice sounded as the Red Aquitian Ranger walked onto the balcony.

 

“What’s wrong, Aurico?” Kimberly asked, effectively ending the conversation she and Billy were having.  The Pink Ranger wasn’t the least bit surprised to see him.  Usually, wherever Billy and Cestria went, one of Aquitar’s Rangers accompanied them.

 

“The Council has called an emergency meeting at the Parliament Building.”

 

The former Morphin’ Rangers shared a look before they took off into the palace, Aurico hot on their tails.

 

--

 

Eltar

Alliance of Peace Emergency Council Meeting

Parliament Building

 

“Taregan,” Andros greeted when Kim walked into the Parliament Building flanked by Strike Force.  The Red Space Ranger quickly noted that the Rangers were in their Ninjetti uniforms, and as tense as their leader.

 

“Andros,” Kim smiled at him, hoping to put him at ease, though she knew nothing would.  “What’s happened?  Why have they called this meeting?”

 

Andros shook his head.  “Honestly, I don’t know.  Cassie and Zhane have heard rumors the last couple of hours that it has to do with Dino Thunder.”

 

“Are they okay?”

 

“As far as I know.  He hasn’t contacted either Jason or I since they became Rangers.”

 

She nodded curtly and swept past him, her power shimmering around her, dressing her in her formal state robes.  The Strike Force team followed her, leaving Andros staring after them for two full seconds before he followed.  He had to admit, they had a tendency to make a statement when they swept through any place as they just had.

 

--

 

All chattering and side conversations in the meeting room stopped when the doors flew open and Strike Force strode through, catching everyone’s attention and looking like a force to be reckoned with.  Billy, Cestria and the Aquitian Rangers moved to their section of the audience seats while Andros joined the rest of the Space Rangers, Prince Trey of Triforia, and the Lost Galaxy Rangers, all of whom had been called to attend and now momentarily startled by the entrance of the reserve team.

 

The Pink Ranger paused briefly when she spotted Dimitria, Ninjor and with a bit of shock, Dulcea, near where the Council was designated to sit.  Granted, Dulcea and Dimitria were only astral projections, but it gave her a bit of a shock to see the Master Warrior, let alone that Dimitria was out on the floor and not with the other members of the council in their chamber room.

 

“Who is that with Ninjor?” Chogan asked, leaning toward Kimberly’s back so he could speak in her ear, though the rest of the team heard him loud and clear.

 

“The one in white is Councilwoman Dimitria of Inquiris,” Kaia murmured.  “I don’t recognize the other, though she’s dressed skimpily enough, isn’t she.”

 

“Her name is Dulcea of Phadoes,” Kimberly finally spoke, her voice sharp with irritation.  The team instantly quieted, understanding the unspoken command that was clearly issued.

 

Pet and Kaia stood just behind their leader, one on each side, their eyes meeting in surprise.  “How is she able to be here?” Peta asked.

 

Kim’s shoulders straightened.  “Astral projection.  She’s a Master Warrior of the Ninjetti; she carries powers unimaginable to even you.”

 

“Are we going to go and greet her?” Rhiannon posed.

 

“I will, the rest of you go sit down.”

 

All of the team except Sani looked shocked at her blatant dismissal of them.  “Don’t take it personally,” Sani told them, all eyes going to him even as Kim strode away from them.  “If Dulcea’s here, it means trouble is brewing.  Few have ever seen the Master Warrior in the years since the Ninjetti and Phadoes fell.”

 

The team sat in their designated area and continued to watch their Pink Ranger stalk toward the trio.  All three hit their knees at her presence.  “Wow,” Kaia murmured.

 

--

 

The council continued to drone on and one for hours about the problems facing the Dino Thunder team and what course of action to take, if any, to help them.  Kimberly, finally having had enough, rose from her seat and stepped into the center of the room.  The council continued to bicker back and forth, while everyone else’s attention went to Kimberly.

 

“That is absolutely ENOUGH!” she yelled, shutting everyone else up, including the council.

 

“Your Highness,” Councilman Minas of Eltar responded.

 

“Don’t you Your Highness me,” she warned.  “All of you are sitting here, clucking like a bunch of hens, and not one of you have a right to.  Dr. Oliver is training them, is fighting with them; they couldn’t have a better mentor unless they had Zordon himself.”

 

The council looked thoroughly chastised by her words.  “Princess,” Councilman Conrad of Alpha Centari started.

 

“Strike Force is on stand-by until they need us, but I believe this meeting is over.  Those of you presently sitting on this council, with Councilwoman Dimitria being the exception, do not understand what it means to be a Ranger and to be going through what Dino Thunder currently is.  Shame on all of you,” turning, she faced her team.  “Let’s go, we’ve wasted enough of our day listening to nonsense.”

 

Happily, the Rangers stood and escorted Kimberly from the building, leaving a quiet room, and a very shocked council and audience, behind.

 

--

 

“Wow, we’ve got the rest of the day off,” Pallaton laughed, collapsing onto one of the many couches in the Rangers’ unofficial living room.

 

“Only because Taregan needed some air,” Kimana reminded them.

 

“We should be training,” Kaia muttered even as Peta pulled her down next to him on the couch he was sitting on.

 

He gave her an annoyed but playful look.  “Bite your tongue,” he told her.  “We’ve been going nonstop for weeks now; it’s nice to have a break.”

 

The others murmured in agreement.  When Sani walked through the entrance, they heard the loud roar coming from outside from a familiar vehicle.  “How long will she be gone?” Rhiannon asked the Blue Elephant Ranger.

 

“I don’t know,” he told her truthfully.  “She’s upset, and she needs some time to herself.  Since she only her Ninjetti cycle and no bag of clothes, I assume she’s only going to be gone for a few hours.”

 

Chogan looked thoughtful.  “Is there anything we can do?”

 

“Relax, enjoy your time off,” he spoke easily.  “Kaia’s in charge, if any of you need me, I’ll be at the Temple.”  That said, he strode out the same way he’d entered, leaving the Rangers to their own entertainment.

 

--

 

She sat on the water’s edge, her legs tucked under her, eyes closed.  She knew that her teammates were worried but there wasn’t anything she could do about it.  Part of her was loyal to them, but the larger part of her loyalty belonged to Zordon, his memory, and those she’d served with under his command.  It sounded terrible and selfish and like she wasn’t letting go of her past, but her time as Earth’s Pink Ranger had been so much more different than her time as the Strike Force Pink Ranger.

 

The council’s sniveling and arguing about the Dino Thunder situation still had her angry.  That they’d even considered interfering with Tommy’s team when he was not only mentoring but fighting alongside them had irritated her beyond belief.  He’d been Zordon’s prized pupil, the one of the originals of Earth to have stayed longest, if anyone deserved loyalty and faith in the work he was doing now, it was him.

 

Shaking her head, Kim pushed thoughts of Tommy from her mind.  The only other thing those thoughts brought to her was pain, caused by her own stupidity.  Taking a deep breath, she let herself float into a meditative state.  She found she had no grasp on time, as half a day and most of the night soon passed her by.  She also had no idea that her powers had flared around her, causing a light show for those who looked to the horizon to watch the sun set and rise.

 

--

 

1 year later

Kimberly’s Quarters

Capital Residence

 

She stepped from her tub and wrapped one of the fluffy white towels around her slim body.  Quietly, she went about her nightly routine of rubbing various creams into her skin, to keep it healthy and glowing, before she dressed in a long, silk nightgown and robe that were a deep rose color.

 

Just as she was about to leave the room, her senses picked up a powerful disturbance in the air.  Spinning around, she gasped as a rip seemed to occur in the very fabric of time and space.  The rip soon revealed a monstrous looking Lord Zedd, a twisted looking Goldar, and good old Scorpina, looking as hideous as ever.  It was the latter whom shot out her fist, slamming it into Kimberly’s temple.

 

The Pink Ranger’s last conscious thought was to reach out to Billy and Sani in a blind panic.

 

--

 

 

Power Rangers: Galactic Strike Force

Chapter 9: Zedd vs. The Ninjetti

By: Pink-Green-White-4ever

Last Revised: July 5, 2007

 

Genre: Action/Romance

Ships: Tommy/Kim, Billy/Cestria, Pallaton/Rhiannon, Peta/Kaia, Chogan/Kimana, Ashley/Andros, Cassie/T.J, Kendrix/Leo, Maya/Damon, Conner/Kira, and Zhane/Karone with mention of Tommy/Kat

Timeframe: AU, 1 year after Dino Thunder

Setting: Earth, Eltar, Aquitar

 

Disclaimer: I don’t own Tommy, Kim, Billy or any of the characters from the series Power Rangers.  I do own the Strike Force characters.  PLEASE DON’T SUE!

 

AN: Yeah, sorry for the wait.  I just finished this chapter (writing it) about 3 days ago, but haven’t had time to type it up.  I promise, the next chapter is about half written right now, I hope it doesn’t take me as long to get it updated.

 

“My will shall shape the future. Whether I fail or succeed shall be no man's doing but my own. I am the force; I can clear any obstacle before me or I can be lost in the maze. My choice; my responsibility; win or lose, only I hold the key to my destiny.” -- Elaine Maxwell --

 

 

--

 

Tommy let out a grunt when Kimberly’s body collided with his.  He was amazed that they were still standing, but more so when he opened his eyes and saw a swirling cloud of pink and black holding off Zedd’s power energy attack.  “Kim?”

 

“Tommy, you need to get ready to ninja streak, because when I drop this shield, all hell is going break loose.”

 

“What about you?”

 

Kim grinned over her shoulder at him.  “Don’t worry about me.  Get to the others.  Tell Kaia and Sani to summon the rest of the team.”

 

“For?”

 

“Tell Bill they’re ready for their final attack.”

 

Tommy gave her a confused look.  “Kimberly.”

 

“Tommy, please, I know it grates, but just do it.”

 

He nodded.  “Be careful.”

 

Kim grinned again.  “Catch you on the flipside, Handsome,” she told him before turning her attention back to her shield.  “NOW!”

 

The White Ranger ninja streaked away from her when the shield fell.  “BILL!  KAIA!  SANI!”

 

The three in question surged forward.  “Tommy?”

 

“Kim said call the others, they’re ready for the final attack.”  The White Ranger felt his stomach drop out when a look of horror flashed across Billy’s face.  “Billy?”

 

“Kaia, Sani, call the others.  NOW!” Billy ordered.

 

“What’s wrong?” Aisha demanded to know.  Jason and Goldar were still fighting and Kim was facing Zedd on her own, leaving the others to gather together.

 

“If we don’t hurry, we’ve got a good chance of losing Kim!” Billy snapped.

 

“Tommy!  Look!” Katherine cried out.  The White Ranger spun around in the direction she was pointing.  He turned just in time to see Zedd blow Kimberly through the wall.

 

“Kimberly!”

 

--

 

“Cestro?” Cestria asked.

 

“Another hole has been ripped in the dimensional wall.”

 

“By what?” Conner gasped, the others gathering behind his chair.

 

Cestro almost cringed.  “By Taregan.”

 

All eyes swung to the Blue Alien Ranger, shock evident.

 

“Oh God!” Kira chirped in alarm.

 

--

 

Rhiannon knelt next to Peta, making sure he was alright since they had just discharged their powers in a way they hadn’t thought possible.  “Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked.  “It’s like you were hit harder than the rest of us.”

 

“It’s Kaia,” he gasped, struggling to separate his love’s agony from his own.

 

“KIM!” Rocky’s voice ripped through the air, sending involuntary shudders through the others until they too felt what the Pink Ranger was feeling.

 

“Let’s MOVE!” Pallaton’s voice sounded as he came running down the hall toward the group.  Chogan helped Rocky up while Pallaton knelt next to Rhiannon and Peta and helped the Gold Ranger to his feet.  The two girls were soon leading the way, all of them feeling Kaia and Sani’s urgent call on top of a haze of what ever was going on with Kimberly.

 

--

 

Jason grunted as he sank to a knee, panting.  Goldar mimicked his pose, both out of breath.  The former Red and Gold Ranger spared a glance to his little sister and only saw a hole in the wall she’d been standing next to.  Pushing away his fear, Jason faced Goldar once more.

 

“Tired Jason?”

 

“Are you?” he shot back.

 

“Titans don’t TIRE!” Goldar roared, surging to his feet.

 

Jason simply shook his head and sighed, before he pushed himself to his feet and charged his opponent.

 

--

 

Across the room from Jason and Goldar, the Rangers huddled together.  “Someone, please, tell me you have a plan,” Kaia grumbled miserably.

 

“Sani, Kaia, wait for the others.  The rest of us are going to go against Zedd,” Tommy told them, waiting until they nodded before he turned his attention to Billy.

 

“Tommy, you need to help them,” Billy nodded toward the two active Rangers, reminding Tommy that he was now a member of Strike Force.

 

“But...”

 

“Look, we’ve got this handled,” Billy grinned under his mask.  “Adam, did you bring what I asked you to?”

 

Adam nodded.  “Hayley sent Tommy’s too, just in case.”

 

Tommy looked confused until Adam brought his wrists up.  “Zeonizers?” Aisha asked, hopeful.

 

“Rocky has his, and I had Zeo I, II and V’s with me, plus my own.”

 

“Adam…” Tommy started, trying not to grin under his helmet but the action was futile.  He should have known his friends would be prepared for any event.

 

“Stealth as a Ninja…” Adam teased, shaking his wrists to summon his Zeonizers.

 

“Kat!  Tanya!” Billy called as he and Adam tossed the girls’ morphers in their direction.

 

Kat laughed as she strapped the devices to her wrist.  “Adam, I could kiss you!”

 

“Justin!  When Jason’s done, give him Tommy’s Zeonizers,” Adam ordered the young man.  Justin nodded in understanding.

 

“Ladies…” Billy grinned, gesturing with his arm for the two to join Adam.

 

“IT’S MORPHIN TIME!” Adam shouted the command.

 

“ZEO RANGER I, PINK!”

 

“ZEO RANGER II, YELLOW!”

 

“ZEO RANGER IV, GREEN!”

 

“You think you’ll stop me?” Zedd demanded.  “You silly Zeo Rangers could barely stop me the last time.”

 

“We’re sure as hell going to try!” Adam shot back at him.

 

Kaia gasped and stiffened, seeing the Zeo Rangers in the flesh for the first time after having only heard about them through stories and memories Billy and Kim had shared with her.  “The Mighty Zeo Rangers,” Sani murmured with reverence.

 

Across the room, Kimberly struggled to her feet and allowed her eyes to take in her friends and teammates, old and new.  ‘Guys’ she thought, smiling, as Adam, Kat and Tanya moved into position with Kaia and Sani.  Billy and Tommy headed for where she was recovering from Zedd’s blast.  She knew that Zack, Aisha and Justin were back by where Scorpina was, trying to stay out of the line of fire as Aisha was the only one with any powers at the moment.  Kim’s eyes momentarily strayed to Jason, who was in the process of kicking Goldar’s ass, and the Pink Ranger couldn’t help but smile.  Taking a deep breath, she started to center herself to let her powers begin building for her final attack.  She could feel Rocky leading the others toward them, and only hoped they arrived in time.

 

--

 

“MOVE YOUR ASSES!” Rocky demanded of the Rangers, his body all but flying down the hallway toward an unknown destination.

 

The group sensed his urgency along with their own.  “Gods, don’t let us be too late,” Kimana muttered.

 

“Less talking, more running!” Peta ordered.  The group obeyed and pushed themselves even faster.

 

Just when they thought they wouldn’t find their friends, Rocky spotted Justin through an open doorway.  “JUSTIN!” Rocky hollered to his predecessor.

 

“ROCKY!” the young man yelled back.

 

It took the Ninja two seconds to realize the others were morphed and already getting ready to fight Zedd.  Quickly, Rocky snapped his wrists up.  The Strike Force Rangers blinked in surprise with what happened next.  “ZEO RANGER III, BLUE!”

 

“What the heck?” Chogan choked out.

 

“A Zeo Ranger?  How?” Rhiannon questioned.  Her brother had told her stories of Earth’s Zeo Rangers, but she had thought the Zeo powers were lost.

 

“Stop talking, start fighting!” Rocky ordered, rushing into the room past Justin, Zack and Aisha.

 

“Let’s do it!” Peta ordered as the Rangers began their morphs.  “ALPHA CENTARI GOLD EAGLE RANGER POWER!”

 

“TRIFORIA SILVER LIONESS RANGER POWER!”

 

“LIARIA YELLOW BUTTERFLY RANGER POWER!”

 

“MIRINOI GREEN RAM RANGER POWER!”

 

“KO-35 BLACK HAWK RANGER POWER!”

 

Justin’s eyebrows shot up when he saw the Rangers’ morph.  Jason had told him and Zack about the new Rangers, be hadn’t been expecting to see them all in one place.  “Do I want to know?” he turned and asked Aisha and Zack, who shrugged.

 

“Honey, it’s a long story, but yes, that’s Kim’s new team.”

 

“Ah.”

 

--

 

The sky above the Capital Residence began to darken with each passing moment since Cestro had informed everyone of what he knew.  It had been nearly two hours since the others had gone to fight, and those left behind were starting to worry.

 

“This is not good,” Ashley murmured.

 

“Ash is right, they should have been back by now,” Cassie started.

 

Andros took Ashley’s hand while Carlos and T.J. gave Cassie’s shoulders a squeeze.  “They’ll be okay,” T.J. assured them.

 

Carlos nodded in agreement.  Andros was the only one who hadn’t responded, but his eyes were on the time space hole where the others had gone, his thoughts with them.

 

--

 

Jason knew he was losing strength, and fast.  He and Goldar had been going back and forth for nearly two hours by his estimate, and even a boost from the Morphin Grid wasn’t going to sustain him indefinitely.

 

“Jason!” Billy’s voice reached his ears.  “End it already!”

 

The former Red Ranger looked startled but knew Billy was right.  Pushing Billy’s commanding tone from his head, he concentrated on beating Goldar.  He found it strangely odd that he had the chance to steal Goldar’s sword right away.  It was like slow motion when he managed to flip the sword from Goldar’s grasp to his own before he pointed it at the Titan’s throat.

 

“Do it Jason!” Goldar taunted.

 

“No, because that’s what you want.”  In a blur of movement, Jason flipped the sword so that when he swung out with it, he was swinging with the handle aimed at Goldar.

 

Goldar didn’t have time to react as the handle of his own sword smashed into his head, knocking him unconscious.  “Nice job!” Justin told him, grinning.  “Catch!”

 

Jason dropped the sword and caught the objects Justin had tossed at him.  When he saw what they were, he smirked and strapped them to his wrists.  “ZEO RANGER V, RED!”

 

Zedd’s head snapped up when he spotted another Ranger headed for him and an unconscious Goldar in a heap on the floor.  “You damn brats will die, and you, my dearest Crane, shall be mine as I rule the universe!”

 

“Think again!” Tommy hissed.

 

“You will die first, White Falcon.”

 

“You never could keep your attention on the one Ranger who mattered most when it came to you losing, could you?” a voice hissed, drawing Zedd’s attention from Tommy.

 

All eyes took in the woman who was standing behind Zedd, her body aglow with power.  “I’m going to make you suffer, then I’m going to make you beg!” he threatened her.

 

“You wish,” Kim uttered.  “I’m done with your obsession with me, with your attitude, with you.  I’m done running, done being scared.  This ends here and now!”

 

--

 

 

Quiet Time

By: Pink-Green-White-4ever

Last Revised: July 2, 2007

 

Summary: A snowy night, a newly engaged couple…..one quiet moment in time.

Rating: T

Ship: Yeah…..check out the author’s notes.

 

Dedication – TO SHAWN WHO INSPIRED THIS!  *smooches*

 

AN: Shawn challenged me to this.  Challenge was – “Picture this: Big couch, grey. Semi-dark living room. A nice cabin in the mountains. evening time - snowing outside.  Tommy holding Kim under a blanket, very affectionate - he just asked her to marry him before they left for the trip.  Write a short one-shot - dialogue only if you can - be funny and sweet.  GO!”  It also had to include: 1. Kim being happy they are finally engaged, 2. Tommy teasing her about teaching her to ski, 3 and 4 are yours.

 

--

 

“I love snow,” she sighed happily, her gaze on the fire crackling before them, her hands wrapped around a mug of hot chocolate.  “Makes it seem that all is right with the world.”

 

He couldn’t help but chuckle.  “Couldn’t tell by the way you’re all snuggled under this blanket with me or the ‘Hurry Tommy!  Light the fire!’ comments I got when we came in front outside.”

 

She pouted.  “I couldn’t help it; you had me out there forever.  I’m a gymnast, not a skier,” she responded.

 

He kissed her cheek softly and held her close.  “One takes just as much grace, balance and coordination as the other.  You can get on a balance beam, why can’t you stand on skis?”

 

She turned her head slowly toward him, the sparkle from the diamond on her left ring finger catching her eye and causing her to come up with a devious plan.  “Fine, go ahead and continue teasing me.  Just because you slipped this lovely little bauble on my finger doesn’t guarantee you the right to sleep in the bedroom at all during this trip.”

 

The smile on his face faded for all of two who seconds, before he saw the impish sparkle in her eyes and felt her tiny hands shifting her mug so she could trail her fingertips up one of his arms.  “Funny Kim, very funny,” he told her, though the serious expression melted from his face, a new one, a less confident one, replacing it.  “Are you happy?”

 

“I haven’t been this happy since the day you told me you still loved me,” she replied.  “I never, not in my wildest dreams, ever thought we’d be back together, let alone engaged to be married.  So yes, I’m happy.”  Her eyes bore into his as she finally worked up the courage to ask him her own question.  “Are you?”

 

“I’m in a beautiful cabin, it’s twilight and snowing out, I spent all day out doors trying to teach my less than graceful fiancée how to ski and now I’m snuggled up under a blanket, with her in my arms, a fire roaring, and no day or night job in sight for the next week to interrupt what I’m hoping is going to be a very passionate vacation.  So yeah, I’m all good.”

 

She all but melted at his words.  It was nice, to simply sit back and enjoy a quiet, peaceful vacation away from the worries of their lives.  It was even nicer that they were now engaged and their future was looking as bright as the sun had that morning when they’d hit the slopes.  Life was good.

 

“So, we’re getting up at six tomorrow to hit the slopes early, right?  I mean, you need all the practice you can get,” he teased her.

 

“TOMMY!” she growled seconds before he wiggled his eyebrows at her and sealed his lips over hers.  “I hate it when you do that,” she murmured when he pulled away.

 

“Hate it all you want, so long as you keep loving me, Beautiful.”

 

“I never stopped,” she whispered, leaning closer to kiss him again.  It was a short kiss, one full of promise, and when it was over they leaned back against the dark grey couch in the living room, listening to the fire snap and pop in the fireplace and the stars illuminate the night sky.

Legacy Of Power: At World’s End

Part 2 – Accepting Destiny

Chapter 8 – Grieving Normality

Written By Pink-Green-White-4ever

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

 

Last Revised: June 5, 2007

Summary: Saying goodbye to normal, and saying hello to the Power, AGAIN

Genre: Action, Adventure, Romance

Rating: T for now

 

AN: Thank you to eagle219406 for pointing out a mistake in Chapter 6: Mystic Gathering Part 1.  I accidentally posted the wrong version of that chapter; the correct version of the chapter is now up.

 

“The real questions are the ones that obtrude upon your consciousness whether you like it or not, the ones that make your mind start vibrating like a jackhammer, the ones that you "come to terms with" only to discover that they are still there. The real questions refuse to be placated. They barge into your life at the times when it seems most important for them to stay away. They are the questions asked most frequently and answered most inadequately, the ones that reveal their true natures slowly, reluctantly, most often against your will.” -- Ingrid Bengis --

 

 

--

 

With the Morphin’ and Zeo Rangers settled in, Udonna and Lianbow stood before the assembled group of Rangers and marveled at them all.  Each of the teams sat together, their attention on the White Mystic Ranger, waiting to see why they’d been asked to assemble together.

 

“First, I’d like to thank you all for coming,” Udonna started, her hands clasped in front of her.  She took a deep breath and gave Lianbow a smile when his hand rubbed her back.  “As you all know, we’re facing quite possibly the greatest challenge to Earth’s very existence.  Two weeks ago, I had two dreamscape visitors.  Some of you may know them, and if what I’ve heard is correct, some of you had your own encounters with one of them.”

 

“Zordon and Trini,” the brown haired, brown eyed woman in blue jeans and a black shirt spoke up from Udonna’s right.

 

The White Mystic Ranger turned her attention to the woman and nodded.  “Yes, Kimberly.”

 

“Why now, why after all this time and both their deaths are they summoning us to this place, and this time?” Andros asked.

 

“I’ve kept this secret close to my heart since I found out,” Udonna told them.  “According to the two of them, a dire chain of events was set into motion when we,” Udonna gestured to the Mystic Force Rangers.  “Defeated the Master in November.  I was told once we were all gathered to use my snow staff and contact Zordon and the rest would be explained then, and now we are all gathered.”

 

“We’re ready when you are,” Tommy announced.

 

Udonna nodded and stepped away from Lianbow.  With a thought, her snow staff was in her hand.  “Noru-Estraba-Luxrotu!” she called, channeling her power through her staff.  The other Rangers gasped when snow flakes began to fall from the ceiling and then a vortex of power began to open above them.  “I summon Zordon of Eltar, friend and mentor of the Power Rangers!”

 

The Rangers cried out in momentary shock seconds before the room’s inhabitants disappeared in a burst of white light.

 

--

 

“Welcome Rangers,” a warm voice rang out.  Gasps went out from some of the Rangers while others stared in surprise at the two beings standing before them.  They were on a large, grassy hillside with an open air temple of sorts situated before them.

 

“Zordon?” Andros gasped in shock.

 

“Trini,” Kim’s soft voice uttered.

 

“It’s good to see all of you here,” Zordon spoke, stepping forward, his robe swishing carefully around his legs.  Trini was a few steps behind him, her arms clasped behind her back.  “I assume that Udonna has told you that you’re going to be told why we’ve called you together.”

 

“The thought had crossed our minds,” Nick quipped sarcastically.  Udonna and several of the older Rangers shot Nick glares while Zordon chuckled.

 

“Nick Russell, Red Mystic Ranger, keeper of the Red Mystic Phoenix, son of Udonna and Lianbow, and the heart and soul twin of she who is the keeper of the Blue Mystic Mermaid.”  Both Nick and Maddy felt their cheeks redden – Nick because of the scolding and Maddy because of the last part of Zordon’s words.  “Do not worry, Udonna, you son is no less spirited than any of the Rangers that were under my protection.”

 

Kim’s head bowed slightly and she elbowed her fiancé and Aisha when Zordon turned his gaze on her and they started laughing.  “Zordon, what’s going on?” Jason finally stepped forward, his natural instinct to lead coming out.  “Udonna said it had to do with the Master.”

 

“And she’s quite correct,” he told them, stepping back toward Trini before bringing his hand up and waving it to the right.  A sort of ripple shot through the air, and suddenly the Rangers found themselves watching what looked like battle footage of the Mystic Force Rangers.  “This is from the final battle with the Master.  With his destruction, a wave of power was released, a spell if you will, that could have catastrophic events on your world, and the very fabric of the universe.”

 

“What?” Eric’s question rang out.

 

“His power has resurrected your most powerful foes, with stronger powers and newer abilities,” Zordon informed them.

 

“We’ve discovered they’re gathering together in what was the pit of the forces of Darkness, the same one Udonna, Itassis and Necrolai thought they destroyed in the fight with Sculpin,” Trini finally spoke up.

 

“How is any of this even possible?” Jack wanted to know, stepping forward.  “One minute we’re minding our own business, then next thing we know we’re being dragged through time,” Jack muttered, pointing to his teammates and then himself.

 

Zordon smiled.  The strands of destiny were, even now, weaving themselves together.  Bonds were being created or mended, and those who would finish this fight were already making up their minds to fight it, while those who would lead were already stepping forward.  “Anything is possible, Jack Landors, for those who have carried the Great Power in any of its many forms, as well as for those who wield the immeasurable powers of evil.”

 

“Okay, see, now I’m really confused,” Dustin raised his hand.  “What does any of this really have to do with us?”

 

“Dustin Brooks,” Zordon spoke, surprising the former Yellow Ninja Ranger.  “It has everything to do with you.  The Mystic Force Rangers are the newest team to become a part of the legacy.  The next team, has not yet gained their powers, and will not be called into this fight.  And with so many past evils coming back, the Tribunal of Magic and the Council of Elders wants those of you who have already faced these foes to be the ones to stop their plans.  At the root of it all, it starts with the fact that the Mystic Force Rangers destroyed the Master instead of containing him, and the council was not aware of the Master’s plan to launch the spell upon his death.”

“So basically you’re saying it’s our fault, right?” Chip asked.

 

“No, Chip, we’re not,” Trini told him with a smile.  “The council accepts that it is to blame for not telling you of the consequences, and of not knowing of the situation, when you were facing your final battle.  Not even Mystic Mother knew of the spell, until it was already too late.  You did as you were taught, you did what you were supposed to, just as every Ranger before you has – you fulfilled your destiny by restoring the balance between the powers of good and evil.”

 

Jen stepped forward, standing between Jack and Tommy as she stared at Zordon.  “That’s why we’ve been called here, isn’t it?  We’re supposed to restore the balance?  There are more of them than one Ranger team can handle, that’s why you’ve asked us all to come, right?”

 

“Yes.”

 

With that one word answer, one lone figure moved away from the large group and looked up at the man who was more of a father to her than either of her own.  “How are we supposed to give up our lives, yet again, to fight this evil?  How can the council and the tribunal ask that of us?  We’ve all already made sacrifices for this cause; most of all, most of us gave up our powers at the end of our big fights.”  Kimberly’s passionate words created a silence among the Rangers.  “You two, of all people, are aware of what joining this fight means we have to give up.  Why would you ask that of us?”

 

Zordon looked down at the woman who had grown from the girl he’d first bestowed the Pink Ranger powers on nearly fifteen years before.  Even when he’d first given her the Pink powers, he’d done so, not out of choice, but out of recognition.  Even then she’d been the heart and soul of their team, the one who kept them bound together.  He remembered watching her grown even more confident, if unknowingly, into that role over the years, and when her tenure as a Ranger was finally over, he watched as she recognized and chose her successor, and then watched the team struggle to regroup.  Kimberly, he knew, never realized she had played such an important part as a Ranger – she’d been the one who’d kept them in touch with the human side of their mission when the day to day struggles against evil had threatened to turn them into hardened, unfeeling soldiers.

 

Reaching out, Zordon skimmed the knuckles of his right hand down her cheek, and spoke just loud enough for them all to hear, “Because you are the only ones who can complete this mission, the only ones who have the abilities to do so successfully, and because I told the council and the tribunal there are no others I’d trust more with this last, final, and most important mission, than my Rangers.”

 

Despite her attempt not to, Kimberly began to cry then.  They weren’t the tears of the teenager he’d last seen.  No, these were the tears of a woman who was learning that her destiny lay in a direction she didn’t want to travel.  He could see it in those tear-filled, doe brown eyes that Kimberly would see this last mission through, no matter how hard she tried not to want to, and she was only doing it for him, for the memory of the man she had always considered her real father.  “You, my dear Kimberly, you will learn to soar again, and in doing so, you will lead the others to victory.  This I know, because I know you.  Of them all, you will prove the Rangers’ most valuable motto true – that anything, when you believe, is possible.”

 

The others watched on, many too transfixed to look away as the legendary mentor spoke with one of his prized pupils.  The scene was heartbreaking and yet uplifting at once.  He had such faith in them, all of them, that many would not refuse to participate in this last, most important fight of their lives.

 

Kimberly and Zordon embraced before they stepped back from one another.  “You have three days to decide, and then those of you who agree to help will be given the arsenal you’ll need to complete your mission.  Until then, goodbye Rangers.”

 

In the blink of an eye, the group found themselves back in the library at Rootcore.  “Udonna!” Daggeron and Lianbow cried out when the White Ranger collapsed into Lianbow’s arms.

 

“MOM!” Nick cried out, rushing away from the other members of his team to his mother’s side.  “Mom, are you okay?”

 

“I’m fine,” Udonna reassured him, reaching up to touch his face.  “Just tired.  Clare?”

 

The blonde haired sorceress came forward and kneeled next to her aunt.  “I’m right here.”

 

“See to the others, please.  I need to rest.”

 

Clare smiled and nodded.  “I’ll have Nick and the others help me get them all settled.  Don’t worry.”

 

Nodding to Clare, Lianbow gathered Udonna into his arms and carried her out of the library toward their room.  Clare, Nick and Daggeron stood and the Solaris Knight gestured for the rest of the Mystic Force Rangers to approach them.  When the group stood together, Daggeron spoke.  “We need to get them into rooms, get them fed, and we all need to rest.  Clare’s going to help me come up with a suitable set of room assignments, but because we have limited space, you’re going to have to share your rooms.  They can’t sleep in the library again.”

 

The Rangers nodded.  “How about while you two are doing that, we’ll go get supplies for dinner?” Madison asked.

 

Daggeron smiled.  “Thank you, Maddy.  You’re in charge of dinner then.”

 

“I’m guessing maybe we should each take two teams and find out what they like,” Chip suggested.

 

“The easiest thing would be pizzas,” Nick put in.

 

“And who’s going to pay for that many pizzas?” Vida asked, looked at him like he’d lost his mind.

 

“I think I know someone with that much money,” Jen called out, causing the group to turn and stare at the Pink Time Force Ranger.  Reaching over, she handed Nick a blank check that had been signed.  “Why don’t the five of you go shopping?  You can use mine and Wes’ account, there’s plenty of money in there,” she told them.  Others stepped forward to protest and were silence with a look.

 

“Yeah, there’s no reason when we’ve got all that money backing us from my dad’s company not to use it, especially for Ranger business,” Wes laughed.  “If you have any problems using the check, have them call the number on there, it’s my cell phone, which is on.”

 

“Are you sure?” Madison asked them.  “This could get expensive.”

 

Eric laughed.  “Kid, he’s a billionaire; it won’t phase his account in the least.”

 

--

 

The sixteen of them were scattered around the balcony outside of Rootcore.  Adam, Rocky and Justin sat together, elbows resting on their knees and chins propped up by their hands.  Tanya and Kat stood together, Tanya with her arm wrapped around Kat’s waist and Kat’s arm around Tanya’s shoulders.  The two had their heads leaning together.  Jason, Zack and Billy stood together, with Billy standing just slightly apart from his two teammates, whose heads were bent together and who were talking quietly.  Hayley, Trent, Kira, Conner and Ethan stood together near the door, quietly watching Tommy.  Aisha stood in the middle of the balcony, her arms folded over her chest.  And Tommy was standing just behind Kimberly, whose hands were clenched on the railing, her head bowed and her eyes closed.

 

“Talk to us Beautiful,” Tommy tried to coax her, reaching out to rub her back lovingly.  In the nearly two years they’d been back together, he’d had to learn to read her emotions and moods all over again, but he found despite having grown up, Kimberly was still very much the same person he’d fallen in love with so many years before.

 

“How the hell can they even think to guilt trip us into doing this?” she forcefully asked, spinning around to face everyone.  “Us!” she gestured to the original eleven Rangers.  “Haven’t we given enough of our blood, sweat and tears for this job?  Haven’t we suffered enough at the hands of Rita, Zedd, the Machine Empire, and Divatox?  At some point, each of us has had our powers striped from us; how can they ask us to take on this mission knowing how it’s going to end?”

 

“We don’t know how it’s going to end, Kimberly, other than we’re going to come out on the other side of a victory, like always,” Aisha told her.  “None of us want to do this any more than you do, because we’ve all found our places in the world.”

 

“That’s my point, Aisha.  If we accept this, we accept that we could lose those places.”

 

Kira stepped forward then, her eyes on Kimberly.  “And if we don’t win this war, those places won’t be there for you to return to.”

 

The original Pink Ranger stared at the young woman who had inherited the power of the Pterodactyl quietly.  Kira looked as strong and capable as any female Ranger before her, which made Kimberly’s eyes water.  The young woman before her embodied her color and the spirit and essence of a female Ranger almost better than any Kimberly had met.  “I lost all of you once, I won’t go through that again,” Kimberly’s lips trembled as her eyes filled with tears.  Though it sounded as though she wasn’t about to help, those who knew her best, knew she was in this for the long haul.  “I’ll be damned if I sit back and lose you again.  As much as I don’t want to be, I’m in.”

 

There were smiles on everyone’s faces.  “So, obviously, most of us are the veterans among the veterans,” Jason grinned, causing a few people to chuckle.  “How do you think this is going to all work out?”

 

All eyes went to Tommy, who sighed.  “Why is it when things go wrong, you all look to me?” he asked.

 

“Face it, oh Christmas Tree Ranger,” Rocky joked, causing more than a few of them to crack up.  Jason brought a hand to his forehead and shook his head while Zack snickered.  The girls rolled their eyes, and Ethan and Kira shared a look that said they now knew where Conner got those Conner-type comments from; it was inherited through the red spandex.  “When it comes down to it, you’re the best of the best, and you’ve been leader longer than anyone, save maybe Jason.  Besides, you’ve got the most experience.”

 

Tommy leveled Rocky with a look.  “Look, like Kim said, we’ve all got lives outside of this, but we’re all in agreement right?”

 

“I think I speak for all of us from back in the day when I say yes,” Jason responded.  Tommy nodded and all eyes hit the group of five who were silent.

 

“Guys?” Tommy asked.

 

Conner eyed his teammates and their technical advisor before looking back up at their mentor.  “Well, you know, it’d be a shame for all that training you put us through to go to waste.  We’re in.”

 

--

 

As groups go, they were the biggest gathered that had the most links between them.  The Space, Lost Galaxy, Lightspeed, Time Force, and Wild Force Rangers were spread out throughout the library, each facing the center where the Red Rangers were sitting.  “Okay, so is this one for the record books or what?” Max quipped, drawing smiles from some and glares from others.

 

“Andros?” Shayla spoke, her voice quieting everyone.  “What do you think of all this?”

 

The Red Space Ranger sat back in his chair, his hand grasping Ashley’s tightly as the Yellow Ranger sat on the arm of his chair.  “To be honest, I’m a little overwhelmed.”  His eyes drifted around the gathered group.  He saw each of the Ranger couples sitting together, hands interlocked, while those who weren’t in couples were close to their teammates. 

 

He knew this group of five teams had a strong link to each other, all but Wild Force having teamed up with those before and after them, and all the Red Rangers having teamed together years before to take out Serpentara.  If they came to an agreement, he knew they would all be all right working with each other, as they were familiar with each other, at least a little.  “I never expected Zordon to ever come back, never expected us to be facing something bigger than the Machine Empire reviving Serpentara.”

 

“Each of us understands that we’ve all got lives that we’ve made apart from our time as Rangers, right?” Wes started, looking around the group as heads nodded.  “There’s nothing more we can do then, but to stay here and fight this fight, because if we don’t…”

 

“We won’t have lives to go back to,” Carter spoke up, his arm slipping around Dana’s shoulders.

 

Cole looked to each of his teammates and Princess Shayla, each of them nodding in unanimous agreement.  Smiling, he stood up.  “We may not know much about this Master or about those the rest of you faced as Rangers, but Wild Force,” Cole gestured to his team.  “Will stop at nothing to save Earth; count us in.”

 

Jen smiled and stood up as well, her eyes shifting to each of her teammates and her husband’s before she reached out and touched Cole’s arm.  “Count Time Force in as well; if we don’t stand between these monsters and the survival of humanity, who will?”

 

Carter took a silent general consensus from the Lightspeed Team before he stood up.  “Lightspeed is here to stay for the duration.”

 

“Space is as well,” Andros spoke up, before all eyes went to Lost Galaxy.

 

Leo looked at each of his teammates, his eyes lingering on Maya and then Kendrix.  “I guess since we’re staying, I need to get a hold of Mike, we might need him.”

 

Shayla watched each of them from her perch on the arm of Merrick’s chair.  Already they were unifying, coming together for this common cause, and Shayla knew she couldn’t have been prouder of any of them for putting aside the lives they’d built in the time after they’d been Rangers to save the world once more.

 

--

 

“Why are things like this always so awkward?” Z questioned out loud, not really expecting an answer.  The Ninja Storm and SPD Rangers were sitting in the main chamber of Rootcore, having wanted to give everyone else some space to deal.

 

Tori grinned at her.  “Unwritten rule?” the Blue Ninja Ranger suggested. 

 

Syd, who was sitting next to them, laughed and nodded.  “And here we thought that moment at The Rock Porium was awkward,” she teased Z, who rolled her eyes and laughed.

 

“What are you talking about?” Tori asked.

 

Z smiled.  “Xander stuck his foot in his mouth, so to speak,” the Yellow Ranger started.  “He ran into Syd before he learned she was here for the gathering, and sorta started hitting on her…”

 

Tori’s eyes widened and a grin erupted onto her face before she turned and nodded her head in Sky’s general direction.  “I take it he wasn’t too pleased.”  The three girls, after introductions had been made, had shared who their significant others were.

 

“That’s putting it mildly,” Syd sighed.  “I’ve never known him to be the jealous type, or worried like that.”

 

“I think it had a lot to do with your last assignment, Syd, and how he found out,” Z told her.

 

“Last assignment?” Tori asked.

 

Syd bore a tight smile and a deep blush.  “I had to go undercover as a prostitute, and Commander Cruger didn’t let me tell him until AFTER it was over.  He didn’t take it so well.”

 

Tori winced in sympathy and nodded.  “I’ll bet he didn’t.  Just general observation would tell you how deep his feelings for you run, Sydney, especially when he looks at you.”

 

While the girls continued to talk, the boys sat or stood together with Commander Cruger and Sensei Watanabe.  “What do you guys make of this?” Jack asked in general, waiting for the others to speak up.

 

“I don’t like the idea of having to save the world again, to be honest,” Shane spoke up.

 

“But the fact remains that every single one of us here has the proper training, to either lead a team or to be a team of Rangers,” Sky put in.  “We can’t back down from this fight, not now, not ever.”

 

“Sky’s got a point,” Hunter started.  “We did the same thing when the others needed our help against Lothor and Mesogog.”

 

Cam cleared his throat.  “The question remains, how are those of us who have no powers anymore going to fight?  You forget the Morphin’ and Dino Thunder Rangers, as well as the six of us, lost the ability to morph.”

 

“We shall think of a way for you to participate, Cam,” Sensei Watanabe told his son, letting his gaze bore into Cam’s.

 

Anubis cleared his throat. “Sensei Watanabe is right.  Zordon wouldn’t have summoned those of you without powers if he didn’t have a way to give them back to you.  You’ll all play vital roles in this war, don’t doubt that for one second.”

 

“So we’re in agreement?” Blake asked, watching as the girls came over and stood with them.  “We’ll all stay and fight?”  Twelve heads nodded in agreement to his question.

 

--

 

Chip, Vida, and Xander were helping Clare put away the groceries they’d bought in refrigerators that the young sorceress had conjured in the kitchen at Rootcore.  While the four were laughing and poking and having fun with each other, Nick and Madison had gone up to start readying the rooms for everyone at Daggeron’s urging.  The Blue Ranger carried a paper in her hand that had a list of room assignments carefully written on it.  She and Nick were in charge of enchanting each of the ten bedrooms – Clare’s, Daggeron and Jenji’s, Nick’s, Chip’s, Xander’s and Vida and Madison’s joint room along with four spare bedrooms – so that they could hold more occupants and wouldn’t have to be physically changed.

 

“Some days, I absolutely love magic,” Maddy grinned, waving her wand in unison with Nick’s as the two enchanted her and Vida’s room.  Madison, Vida, Z, Syd and Kira would be sharing the room.  Nick just grunted and continued to concentrate on what he was doing.  She knew he was irritated at having to share his room, and had thought about saying something to him about it but refrained.  So many people had been on his case the last few days; she didn’t want to spoil the quiet between them.

 

When they were done, they went moved across the hall to Nick’s room, which he’d be sharing with Jack, Kai, Trip, Carlos and Ethan.  “With so many people in each room, we’re not going to get to spend any time together, alone,” Nick muttered.

 

Maddy almost didn’t hear him, but when she translated his words, she blushed slightly and reached out to touch his cheek.  “It’s going to be okay.”

 

“I like having you sleep with me,” he told her, grinning.  Maddy blushed a deeper red and nodded.

 

She was halfway across his room to his bathroom when she turned around and spoke, “You know, at home, I have my own room, if it gets really bad…”  At the look on Nick’s face she grinned and moved toward the bathroom again, only she didn’t make it.  The next thing she knew, she found herself on her back, on Nick’s bed, with the Red Ranger towering over her, tickling her sides.  “NO FAIR!”

 

“Tease me will ya!” he laughed, moving his fingers up and down her sides.

 

“NICK!  STOP!” she laughed and wiggled, trying to get away from him.  Neither of them realized just how precarious their positions were until they found themselves pressed close together.  Maddy’s body cradled Nick’s carefully, his desire pressed against her center.  The Blue Ranger’s breathing hitched and her arms slid around his waist, her hands digging into the material of his shirt.

 

“Do you want me to move?” he asked softly, his muscles already moving to push off her.

 

“No,” she whispered, and then leaned up to kiss him.  “Stay.”

 

For several minute the pair kissed, each nipping at the other, moaning out loud and shifting their bodies slightly.  “I sent you up here to enchant the rooms, not make out.”

 

Nick jerked away from Maddy and landed on the floor.  Maddy pushed up onto her elbows and both she and Nick turned to the door where Daggeron was standing, arms crossed over his chest and a disapproving look in his eyes.  “Daggeron...” Nick started, only to be quieted with a look.

 

“Madison, go get started on the next room, Nick and I need to have a talk,” Daggeron ordered.  The Blue Ranger shot her boyfriend a look before she pushed off the bed and quickly left the room.  Knowing his mentor as well as he did, Nick chose to remain silent, well aware that he was about to get into trouble.  “Nick, I know you’re expecting a lecture, and considering what I just saw, I’m in a foul enough mood to give one.”

 

The Red Ranger winced.  “It’s not...”

 

“I was young once too,” Daggeron reminded him.  “I know what’s going through your head, and admittedly, you and Maddy have been through more than most.  I know there’s a bond between you, one that is stronger than I’ve ever seen, but are you really ready for that next step?”

 

Nick exhaled and lay back on the floor, his eyes closed.  “When I’m with her, I forget everything else.”

 

“You love her.”

 

“Yeah, I do.”

 

“As do I,” Daggeron spoke, watching Nick look up at him.  “She’s like the daughter I never had.  I want to see that she’s safe, cared for, but above all else, I want her happy.  I only have one tiny problem with what I just saw.”

 

“What’s that?” Nick asked, sitting up.

 

“Timing.  Do you want to get that involved with the war that’s coming practically at our door?”

 

Nick dropped his head to his chest.  “Daggeron, when do you know if it’s the right time?” he asked, looking up at his mentor.

 

Daggeron smiled.  “You’ll know.  When the time is right, for both of you, you’ll know.  Just don’t get carried away until you’re ready.  Now, I believe I asked the two of you to get busy on getting rooms ready, and I think this room is done,” Daggeron told him, gesturing to the bunk beds that now rested in the room.  “Why don’t you go join Maddy?”  The Red Ranger nodded and stood, striding out the door seconds later to find his girlfriend.

 

--

 

“I don’t think I want to look at another pizza ever again!” Vida muttered as she slipped the last of the twenty some odd pizzas they’d made into the oven and then tried to wipe pizza dough off her cheek.

 

“At least we didn’t have to be sitting around thinking about what’s coming next,” Chip tried to lighten the mood.  A glare from Vida had him grinning.  “Hey V, you’ve got something on your cheek.”

 

The Pink Ranger tried to wipe off whatever he saw but only managed to smear more dough and pizza sauce on her skin.  “Did I get it?”

 

“Here, let me,” Chip smiled at her and reached forward.  They stared at each other, eyes locked, the pizza sauce and dough on Vida’s face completely forgotten.  When Chip wiped off the spot on her face, Vida unconsciously cuddled into his hand.  They were so lost in each other, they were unaware of the argument brewing across the room.

 

“Xander, how did you escape getting dirty?” Clare demanded to know, her eyes pinning the nearly pristine Green Ranger with a look.

 

“I don’t work, I supervise.  Remember, I’m a born leader, Toby said so.”

 

Clare narrowed her eyes at him.  “Oh really?” she growled.  Sometimes, the young sorceress admitted, she just wanted to hit him, HARD.  The bag of flour on the counter caught her eyes, which began to twinkle with mischief.  Smiling sweetly, she said the spell in her head and grinned with satisfaction when half the bag rose into the air and then dropped down on Xander’s head.

 

“AHHHHHHHH!” Xander cried out, spitting and sputtering as he danced in a circle, attempting to get the flour off his head.

 

Vida and Chip swung around and their jaws dropped when they caught sight of the flour covered Xander and the smirking Clare.  “Do I want to ask?” Chip started.  He yelped when Vida pinched his side.  “OW!  V!”

 

“Xander just got a taste of my temper,” Clare huffed.  “He’ll think twice next time before he ever thinks he’ll get away with not helping!”

 

“Oh, you’re in for it now!” Xander grumbled, seconds before Clare started shrieking after a handful of flour hit her face and another went down the front of her dress.

 

“XANDER!” Clare screeched.  The sorceress waved her hand, sending more flour flying at him.  He deflected it, only to wince when Vida and Chip cried out.

 

“XANDER!”

 

The Green Ranger winced and turned his eyes in their direction.  Chip stood with his mouth and eyes closed, but a look of annoyance showed on his face.  Vida had her eyes closed and her mouth open, a look of indignation on her features as her mouth was full of flour.

 

Spitting out the flour and wiping her face off, Vida growled, “Xander Bly!  I’m going to rearrange your limbs!”

 

Just as the Pink Ranger lunged for her green counterpart, the kitchen door opened and several of the other Rangers stuck their heads in.  “See, I told you I heard something,” Conner grinned.  Rocky, Zack, Ethan, Max and Danny looked on, grinning wildly.

 

“Oh man,” Rocky smirked.

 

“Need help?” Max asked.

 

“NO!” the three Mystic Rangers yelled.  Clare just stood there, trying to get flour out of her top.

 

“RETREAT!” Zack laughed as flour began flying at the door.

 

--

 

The stars twinkled above, reminding her that she hadn’t seen them at this angle in a long time because Earth was no longer her home.  “First star to the right, and straight on till morning,” she absently murmured.

 

“What was that Ash?” Andros asked softly, his chin coming to rest on her shoulder.

 

“Nothing,” she answered.  “Missing home?”

 

“Not yet; give me a week or two and I will.”

 

Ashley realized by the tone of his voice what was really bothering him.  “He’s proud of you, of us, of all of us,” she started, letting her fingers slide under the cuffs of his jacket.  “We wouldn’t have been asked to come here if he wasn’t.”

 

“I know,” Andros breathed into her ear.  “I’m more worried about what this is going to mean for all of us.”

 

The Yellow Ranger grinned.  “Honey, when have we ever not been able to handle trouble?”

 

Andros mulled that over then sighed.  “We always seem to come out on top, I guess.”

 

“You guess?” Ashley laughed.  “We’ve never lost, we’re not about to start now.  We’ll face this head on, just like everything else we’ve faced before.  Stop worrying.”

 

Carefully, the Red Ranger turned his wife in his arms and stared into her beautiful brown eyes.  “I love you, Ashley.”

 

A smile blossomed on her face.  “I love you too, Andros.”

 

He reached up and brushed her blonde hair from her face.  “After this is all over, we’re going to start that family we’ve been talking forever about starting.”

 

Ashley smiled brighter and nodded before leaning up to kiss him.  “Told you there were out here sucking face,” Carlos’ voice teased.

 

The Red and Yellow Space Rangers broke their kiss and turned to see the other members of their team coming from the doorway to the balcony towards them.  “They’re married, they’re allowed,” Cassie scolded, even as she moved to hug Ashley.

 

“Hey guys.”

 

“So it’s the all powerful, mega morphing Power Rangers versus a rag tag team of evil villains, huh?” T.J. asked, smiling.

 

“Looks that way,” Andros grinned.  “Are we up for this?”

 

The others looked at each other and then at Andros.  “HELL YES!”

 

--

 

Tommy sighed.  The room was quiet, almost too quiet for him to sleep.  Rocky and Aisha slept on the bed nearest the bathroom.  The former Zeo Ranger was curled around their former Yellow Ninja, his arms holding her protectively to his chest.  Not far from them were Adam and Tanya.  The former Green and Black Ranger had his head pillowed on his wife’s chest.  On another bed, on the other side of the bed Tommy lay on with Kimberly, were Jason and Kat.  The former Pink Ranger was draped across Jason’s chest, her face turned into his neck and his arms wrapped around her slim waist.

 

Soon, Tommy’s gaze drifted back to Kimberly.  His fiancée was curled into a ball as far away from him as she could be without falling off the bed.  It broke his heart, knowing why she was laying so far away.

 

It had taken her a good three months after they started sleeping together before she would automatically cuddle against him at night.  A combination of worry, anger and more importantly, guilt, had made her draw into herself again.  Shaking his head, Tommy reached over and pulled her toward him.  “Tommy?” her sleepy voice asked.

 

“Shh.  Go back to sleep Beautiful.”

 

“I love you, Tommy.”

 

“I love you too, Beautiful,” he whispered, pecking a kiss to her forehead before falling asleep.