THE WEDDING PT 1

AUTHOR'S NOTE/DISCLAIMER

Power Rangers belongs to Haim Saban, Fox Kids, and Disney. I only own the subplot. Reference to "An Oyster Stew" in this chap and the next.

In Angel Grove High, Principal Caplan stood in front of a classroom.

"Class, I am pleased and proud to announce that Angel Grove High as been picked as teen exchange speakers to represent the United States in Australia for a week," he stated. The students clapped and started high fiving each other.

"All right!" Jason cheered.

"I bet the shops are amazing," Kimberly stated and everyone laughed. Two days later, they the class met outside of the high school to wait for the bus. Curtis fiddled with his communicator, an action that was presently noticed by Zack.

"Man, I did the same thing when Billy first created these," he said, coming to sit beside him.

"Sorry, cuz. It's just-"

"Hard getting used to the weight." Curtis laughed and nodded. Meanwhile, Trini was sitting between Angela and Richie.

"So, how do you deal with being-you know?" Richie wondered in a low tone.

"It's tough," Trini admitted. "But really worth it," she continued.

"Can I ask you a question?" Angela wondered.

"Sure."

"Did what you guys do have any connection to those disintegrating pearl earrings Zack gave me last year?"

"Yeah. They were connected to the Oysterizer." Presently, they noticed that someone in their group was missing.

"Hey, where's Jason? It's not like him to be late," Justin said.

"Yeah, I know," Kimberly said.

"I hope you know who didn't have anything to do with it," Skull commented softly.

"Me too," the others agreed.

"I'm sure he's okay. Even Jason Schmason runs late every now and then," Bulk stated.

"Why do you call him that anyways?" Aisha wondered.

"Because it drives him crazy."

"Bulk! You're terrible!"

"Well, if something is wrong, we'll cover for you," Richie promised, putting hand on Trini's shoulder.

"Right," Angela and Curtis agreed.

"Thanks guys," Trini said. Just then, the Red Ranger walked up.

"Hey, guys. Sorry I'm late. I was pickin' up an application for the Angel Grove Junior Police Patrol," Jason told them.

"That's a relief. You had us kind of worried," Zane stated.

"Well, I knew you were okay," Bulk boasted. Then, "But it's nice to have confirmation." Jason chuckled.

"Thanks, man." Ernie's brow furrowed. Since when were Bulk and Skull so friendly with Jason and his crowd? Then, he cast aside the thought and turned to the group.

"You guys all set to go?" Ernie asked.

"Yep," the group chorused.

"The train will be here soon to take you to the airport," Ernie reminded. "Do me a favor: keep an eye on Bulk and Skull. And don't forgot-send me a postcard from Australia!"

"We will," they promised.

"Have a safe trip guys. Take care," Ernie said and then took off.

"Wow, man. This is so cool," Rocky commented.

"Yeah, I know. A trip to Australia," Adam said. It was amazing.

"Yeah, I'm just glad Zordon informed us that our trip's coinciding with Zedd's one-hundred-year recharge," Jason answered.

"Yeah, it's just too bad that the guy couldn't stay asleep for a hundred years," Skull joked. Everyone laughed.

"Well, at least we know that there won't be any trouble while we're gone," Aisha said optimistically.

"Good point," the others agreed.

"I just hope that nothing interferes with my shopping. Because I did some research and the stores look really incredible," Kimberly stated.

"Really?" Aisha and Hilary chorused.

"Yeah," Kimberly confirmed.

"Wow," Aisha said.

"Cool," Hilary added and the guys laughed.

"Wait a minute. I'm confused. Is the train taking us all the way to Australia?" Skull suddenly asked.

"No. The train takes us to the airport, where we'll be taking a plane to Australia," Bulk corrected. His friend nodded. The group continued to talk. Up on the moon, Zedd stood before his throne.

"I better check on those annoying Earthlings one last time," he stated and then did so. "What's this! They're leaving town!" He growled in frustration. "What rotten luck. I should be attacking Angel Grove while they're gone, but the time has come. I must rest and rejuvenate my evil energies."

"Yes, my Liege, the Rejuvenation Chamber has been prepared," Goldar told him.

"Good. I feel a long nap coming on. And when I awake fully recharged, those pathetic Power Rangers shall be no match for me and the universe shall at last be mine." Meanwhile, someone was traveling across the galaxy, a space dumpster in hand. The person laughed.

"Our timing is perfect, Empress. While Zedd's having his little nap, we can start your plan," they said.

"Tell me: is it true that Goldar has willingly defected from Zedd?" Rita asked.

"Yes. Even as we speak, he's having Finster prepare a love potion that'll make Zedd fall madly in love with you so that you can take control back," the person answered. Rita and her minion began to laugh.

"Here I come!"