Disclaimer: Not mine. It's Disney's. I promise.

Author's Note: I have decided that my muse was bored and decided to liven up my writing life. Therefore, this was created. I don't know if I'll continue it or leave it here but I'll leave it open ended for now. If I decide to end it here, I'll make sure to change it to complete. Otherwise, I think I left it at a place where I don't need to continue it but I can if I wish to.

Pain of Destiny

The young Eltarian let his leg dangle from the tree branch as he randomly picked off some of the leaves that were beginning to grow. He leaned back, resting against the hard bark and dropped one of the leaves at a time downward until they rested upon his sleeping companion's head. Sighing, he tried again, but the only thing the prevailed was that the other's hair was covered in leaves. Determined at this point, and not wanting to get out of the tree, he found some of the buds that hadn't grown yet and picked those, tossing them down after. When his companion jumped up, ready for a fight, the first leaned back and looked amused. At his snickering, the second looked up in annoyance.

"You could not have just called my name?" He demanded and the first shook his head.

"Be ready for anything. That's what my father always says," he answered with a smirk as he jumped out of the tree. "Besides, I was getting bored."

"There are other things to do which do not bothering me, Zedd. Such as your favored game of chasing any available female," he grumbled and Zedd looked insulted.

"Not every one," he said before grinning. "Just most. I'm not interested in just one girl like you, Zordon."

"I am not…" he began, but he was cut off before he could finish.

"Donnie!" A shrill voice called out causing the young Eltarian to close his eyes. He counted backwards for about seven numbers before sighing and turning around and trying to smile at the young woman as she ran toward him. His companion snickered next to him, finding the situation amusing. Zordon gave him a quick glare before turning his attention to the girl as she ran toward them. "Donnie!"

"Why do you insist on calling me by that absurd nickname?" He asked as she finally caught up with him. He made sure to stop her from falling forward as she tended to do when she was excited and held her in place. "My name is Zordon, Diva. Zordon."

"I like Donnie," Diva answered, sticking her nose up a bit. Her twin sister offered Zordon a small smile and shrugged. Zordon did his best not to sigh at the pair as he let Diva go. She was loud, abrasive, outgoing, vain, and followed them around like a puppy. Still, she knew what she wanted and she wasn't about to back down which Zordon had to admire. It was her sister, Dimitria, that worried Zordon. Unlike her sister, she was shy and had unfortunately gotten the speech of Inquiris unlike her sister where everything came out as a question. Needless to say, Dimitria didn't say much out of embarrassment. Not that that stopped Diva from including her sister and it was hard to get a word in around the more talkative sister anyway.

"I realize you do, Diva," Zordon answered, trying not to get too annoyed. "Yet, I do not."

"You just think you don't," Diva assured him and waved over at his companion. "Hi, Z!"

Zedd nodded back at her, trying not to laugh at the moment since that would anger both of them and he was pretty sure that Dimitria wasn't quite strong enough to pull them off him. Instead, he put his hand on his companion's shoulder smiling a bit at the slightly older Eltarian. "It's Diva."

Zordon sighed and nodded before turning to the offending girl. "What did you need, Diva?"

"Huh? Oh right. Cea sent us. She and Rita just got back," she answered happily. She didn't have to say anything else as Zordon took off into a dead run right after that. Zedd burst out laughing at the sight before putting one arm around Diva and the other around Dimitria. Diva looked toward where Zordon had raced off. "You're welcome!"

Zedd laughed again. "Don't take it personally, Diva," he assured her. "You know how he gets around those two. Besides, it's his loss if he's going to leave two perfectly beautiful women behind."

"He'd never do that for me if I came back," she pouted instead. He snickered and kissed her cheek.

"How would we know? You never leave," he joked and she turned on him, causing him to race after Zordon as Diva turned violent. Dimitria sighed, but followed after, slower than the others.

Rita dusted her dress off and glanced over at Dulcea. The other woman always looked to be in control of the situation, something that Rita greatly admired. Then again, while Rita excelled in magic, the only magic Dulcea could use was to turn herself into an owl which would have been far behind Rita's own power to turn others into birds.

Dulcea looked over at her and smiled. "Did you remember your bags?" She asked and Rita held them up proudly. She'd forgotten them last time and the two women had had to go all the way back to get them. The younger woman had the feeling that the priestess wasn't going to let her live that down anytime soon. "Good."

"What do you think is taking them so long?" Rita asked after a moment, looking outward and Dulcea laughed.

"Patience, Rita. Patience. I am certain that Diva is doing what she can," the older woman assured her. "Look, here he comes now."

Rita sighed and shook her head a bit. "He was worried again," she muttered and Dulcea smiled.

"He worries about you, Rita," she reminded her. "He loves you."

Zordon stopped in front of them, quickly looking them over. "Thank you for helping to keep her safe, Dulcea," he said politely, giving a small bow. Dulcea nodded her own head in acknowledgement.

"I did little," she answered. "She has grown, Zordon."

Rita stood up proudly and nodded as Zordon chuckled. "She has, has she?" He asked.

"I don't know," Zedd said casually as he waltzed up behind them. "She still looks like the runt we sent with Dulcea to me."

"Who asked you?" Rita snapped, to which Zedd held his hands up mockingly, before she looked at Zordon instead. "I'm top of my class."

Zordon nodded appreciatively and smiled. "I would expect nothing less from my little sister. Come. Father is waiting," he told her and glanced at Dulcea. "Will you be staying a few days?"

She nodded. "Go. I will talk with you at a later time," she assured him. He nodded and the duo headed off. Zedd glanced at her looking uncharacteristically serious once he was certain that the twins were not in earshot and his other friends were gone. A quick glanced showed him that the four were catching up and he turned back to Dulcea.

"What's wrong, Cea?" He asked her and she sighed.

"I am not…" she started but at his look, she continued. "Zandrenth."

Zedd looked a little confused by that. "Zandrenth? Uncle Zandrenth? The one that just adopted that orphaned boy… Regis, Ronald…"

"Rito," Dulcea answered. "Yes. We fear he has switched sides."

Zedd whistled and shook his head. "Not good."

"No," she agreed. "I need Zordon to come with me. We must find out if the rumors are true."

"Hope they're not. He gives the best presents," Zedd joked. Dulcea shot him a look and he put his hands up in surrender. "So, why Zordon?"

"It will be more convincing if two of us can testify as to any wrongdoing or to prove him innocent. Zordon is best equipped for either outcome," she answered.

Zedd winced a bit. "Wesprin is not going to like that," he said softly. "He was hoping that he'd have another year before he lost his son."

"I am not taking him. Merely borrowing him," she answered and looked at him. "Did you wish to come, Zedd?"

He shook his head. "No. I'm a talented sorcerer, but I'm not much of a fighter. You know that. Besides, someone needs to keep an eye on the girls."

Dulcea chuckled. "And yet, you would never think of protecting me?"

"Cea, you're many things. Helpless isn't one of them," he said grinning before sobering up again. "Good luck."

"Thank you," she assured him before heading back to the ship. "I appreciate that."

Zordon watched with a smile as his father changed from the stern diplomat to a happy father as he swung his teenage daughter in the air. The younger male folded his arms as he watched before finally giving a small cough to remind them both he was in the room. "I realize you are pleased, Father, but I would like some time with my sister as well. Especially considering the day."

"I was worried I wouldn't make it back in time," Rita said, though she was smiling when she said it. Ten years. Ten years since I came to live with Wesprin and Zordon. She released Wesprin and smiled at Zordon who nodded back as Wesprin led them to the table. Dinner was a time for discussing the children's day and afterward, Wesprin would let them know if anything of interest had come up.

Rita told them of the various spells she'd learned during the past three months. A couple of years behind him, Zordon could tell that she'd be just as capable as him. He had the feeling that Wesprin would be bragging to Zedd's father, Toren, in the morning. At least Rita wasn't competing against anyone as Zordon had been. Zedd and Zordon had tried hard to outdo each other at magic for the years they'd been at their own school. Toren and Wesprin had taken turns bragging to each other about their children to the amusement of Rita who insisted she'd beat them both out eventually. Still, it had been a surprise to both of the elder Eltarians to find that their offspring acted like the other's parent. Zordon, like Toren, was willing to fight for justice and Toren had taught him everything he knew to make sure the young man was capable. It was more than he could get out of his own son, who Wesprin had figured out at an early age that Zedd's gift for talking himself out of trouble might be better suited for a life of diplomacy.

"What about you, Zordon?" Rita asked and he shrugged.

"Practicing, mostly. Keeping Zedd and the girls out of trouble," Zordon answered. Wesprin chuckled.

"He is exaggerating," the elder Eltarian answered. "I have been teaching Zedd for most of the day."

"Fine tuning his ability to talk himself out of trouble, Father. That is all you are doing. I assure you, the fathers of the village are not going to thank you," Zordon assured him, though he was smiling when he said it. Rita laughed as she looked between the two and shook her head. She relaxed a bit, happy to be home.

Zordon stepped onto the ship, stretching as he did so. With Rita home, he'd taken the day off that Toren had been trying to force on him for a full season which meant that he'd overslept for the first time in a long time. He knocked on the side of the ship and stifled a yawn as he waited for Dulcea to answer. For some reason, she insisted on staying within it when she was on Eltar instead of staying with his family. The door opened, allowing him within its confines as he faced Dulcea. He smiled and nodded at her properly as he entered the ship and she did the same until the door was closed. Afterward, he wasn't sure who had begun it, but both of them were enjoying the kiss that had happened. After a few minutes, he let her go and looked at her.

"Welcome back, Dulcea," he said softly and she returned the smile he gave her. He rested in the co-pilot's chair as she sat down in the pilot's seat and looked at her. "I missed you."

"I missed you as well," she assured him before sighing. "I did not wish to ask this…"

"No. Dulcea, she just got back," Zordon said sternly. "You just have gotten back. Stay."

"I cannot. We cannot. Zordon, I need you," Dulcea answered though she looked much more uncomfortable. "You know as well as I that the only reason you are still here is because Toren wished it to make sure you had a better teaching than others. The Council of Light is not going to allow you all of that time now. They sent me to try to make it easier on you."

"You know I do not want this, Dulcea. Toren wants me to take over here. I could stay on Eltar…" he began and the woman next to him sighed.

"We were the top of our class," she reminded him. "If it was not you, it would be Zedd."

Zordon thought about his oldest friend being dragged into a fight that he didn't want to be in. He wouldn't want to force his own fate onto the other. He sighed and nodded. "Father will not be pleased."

"I know," she answered. "We leave tomorrow."

He only nodded as she explained the situation, hoping that this would be the last time he'd have to travel from Eltar. Perhaps he could convince Dulcea to settle down there and they could begin a new life, but for now, they each had their duty. It was only for small favors that they were able to do it together.

"You're not serious!" Zordon sighed at his sister's words, wishing he'd taken Zedd's advice and left in the night without telling her. Wesprin, not to his surprise, had reacted about as well as Zedd had expected, but he'd given his blessing to his son. Zordon was glad for it, knowing it would have been harder to go without it. Still, that left Rita who was not about to give her blessing for this 'fool's errand' as she'd put it and had been trying to talk him out of it since. Dulcea placed his bags on the ship while he turned back to his enraged younger sister.

"Rita, Dulcea and I need to check this out. If Zandrenth has changed sides, then Destrina will know," Zordon reminded her. He glanced over at Dimitria and Diva. "Is there anything you want me to tell your mother?"

"Just tell her we're doing okay, Donnie," Diva said happily as Dimitria nodded. "And we love her. That stuff."

Zordon nodded once and turned to Rita. "I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise. Be good for Father."

She nodded and watched as Dulcea and her brother took off in the ship, heading toward what they hoped would be answers. Rita sighed and felt an arm around her, looking over to see Zedd giving her a small smile.

"Come on. Let's get back inside. It's getting late," he reminded her.

They made their way back to the house when the first explosion hit. Zedd's eyes widened, not sure what was going on. After the second explosion happened, however, he quickly figured it out. "Dimi, Diva, stay close you two! Rita, don't leave my side."

All three young women nodded and he led them through the streets, trying to find somewhere safe. The streets were filled with screams and Zedd watched as various people were picked up off the street by large birds and dropped onto the ground, killing them instantly. He felt sick to his stomach as he watched and hurried to his father's house, hoping he'd know what to do. He knew that Rita's father would be worried, but it was better if they survived right now rather than relieving the elder Eltarian's fear.

He rushed into his house, finding it empty. "Father! Father!" He called, but no response was given. He sighed, but nodded to himself and turned to Rita. "Stay here."

"Where are you going?" She asked and Zedd sighed.

"Look, we can't all stay here. Especially if they can sense magic. Besides, I've got to hide Diva and Dimi too," Zedd answered. Before he could continue, he heard the door slam open. "Or, new plan. Rita, basement. Diva, attic. Dimi, pick a bedroom."

All three girls quickly obeyed. He breathed in and out slowly as he waited, hoping it was just his father as he grabbed his practice staff. He tried not to make too much noise and got ready to fight back, though most everyone knew that he wasn't like Zordon. His magic was easily on par with his best friend, but his fighting abilities weren't. "Zedd."

Zedd's heart stopped when he heard the voice and looked into the eyes of his father as the man was bound and being dragged in. The young man could see the physical pain his father was in and the emotional turmoil at seeing his only son standing there. His eyes moved up into the dark pair of Zandrenth's. The man looked at Zedd and forced a fake smile. "Zeddy."

"Don't call me that," Zedd answered coldly. This man had been an ally, he'd come to Zedd's fourteenth birthday, been notified when Zedd had been born. His father, Zordon's father, they had both trusted him. His father tried to break through his bonds, no doubt to save his only child. Zedd fired off three different spells, but they did nothing. Zandrenth merely threw out a hand and Zedd went down. He heard his father calling his name and tried to pull himself back up. He wanted to yell at his father to stop, worried that Rita, Diva, or Dimitria would come running.

"Your father didn't brag about you enough, Boy," Zandrenth informed him, kneeling down to Zedd's level. Zedd tried to pull himself back up again, but Zandrenth held him down. "That should have killed you."

"Bastard," Zedd whispered and Zandrenth chuckled.

"Quite the boy you have here, Toren," Zandrenth mentioned. "Stronger than I would have expected."

"Good," Toren answered with both pride and anger. Zandrenth chuckled.

"I shouldn't leave him alive, but strong as he is, he's no match for me. He never will be a match for me," Zandrenth answered and looked back down at Zedd. "Consider your life to be an early birthday present."

He pulled himself off of the boy and turned to Toren, heading over to him. Zedd's father seemed to know what was coming and stood ready, not taking his eyes off his son. The young man tried again to pull himself up, but instead he could only watch as Zandrenth impaled his father, watching in amusement as the old warrior hit the floor, eyes still wide opened from the pain. Zedd heard his voice call out and then he heard the scream. He whipped his head around, easily cursing himself for doing so, to see Rita standing in the door way.

"Rita! Run!" Zedd commanded, but she seemed frozen in place.

"Uncle," she murmured instead. Zedd pulled himself, heading toward her, but Zandrenth got in the way again, tossing Zedd aside.

"Wesprin's girl," he said, looking Rita over. "You'll do."

"Get your hands off her!" Zedd yelled, charging at him. He felt the magic rip into him, knocking him back to the ground.

"Stay out of my way, Boy," Zandrenth commanded. He reached over to Rita, gently putting her to sleep with magic.

"Zandrenth…!" Zedd called out and the man turned back to him, once again looking amused. He dropped the humanish illusion and became black and gold, a monstrous appearance.

"Vile, Zedd. Master Vile," he corrected. He patted the young man on the head, patronizing him, and picked up Rita. Zedd tried to get up, but he couldn't. He wanted to chase after, to kill the other, but instead he fell into unconsciousness.

"Z? You alive? Z?" Zedd groaned as he woke from Diva's voice calling to him.

"Are you alive, Zedd?" There was Dimitria. He thought about rolling over, making it look like he was still sleeping. That usually worked with both women. "Perhaps he died like his father?"

"No!" Diva's voice rang out. "He groaned, didn't he? He's fine!"

"Perhaps it was just air?" Dimitria tried again. As they argued, Zedd tried to collect his thoughts. He'd been unconscious because of Vile. It took him a minute, but everything hit. He was up, nearly knocking both girls over as he did so.

"Zedd! You alright?" Diva asked but Zedd didn't answer the question.

"Wesprin. Did you check on Wesprin?" He asked and both girls nodded, though they looked unsure as what to say. Zedd took the hint, knowing that he wouldn't have to tell his mentor about Rita after all. "Are those things gone?"

"Yes," Diva answered. "Where's Rita?"

"Gone," he answered. He didn't answer further than that, hatred clouding his judgment. He ran his fist into a wall, ignoring the blood that came from it. "Is anyone still alive?"

"Lots," Diva assured him. "They just… left."

Zedd nodded. "Good. We're going to stay here until Zordon and Dulcea get back."

"Then what?" Dimitria asked.

"Then I'm going after that bastard," he answered clutching the staff in his hands as he stopped talking afterward. Dimitria hugged herself and he heard Diva crying on the other side. For him, there was only anger.

When the ship pulled down, it was clear that Zandrenth hadn't been the only traitor for the time being. The ship was lucky to land considering the shape it was in and Zedd had the feeling it wasn't going to be back in space anytime soon. That was fine with him. He'd gotten another instead and Dulcea wouldn't be able to stop him if he chose to take a different one. Zordon and Dulcea limped out the doors as she clutched her shoulder and he favored his right side. Considering he was still alive, Zedd concluded that the wounds to his friend's side weren't as bad as they looked. Zedd nodded to the twins and they rushed to help Dulcea who gladly took their help. Zedd headed over and helped with Zordon.

They rested nearby, though not going all the way back to the houses. Zedd wanted to tell them what had happened, not show them. They sat there in silence for a moment before Zordon spoke, mostly to Dimitria and Diva. "We were nearly shot down," he told them. "At first, I thought something had happened to your mother but…"

"What were they?' Diva interrupted.

"Space pirates," he answered. "Your mother, she's one of them. You both shouldn't go home right now."

Zedd nodded to them and put one arm around each girl. They leaned into him and he took a breath. "Zandrenth…"

"We were unable to find out," Dulcea answered, but Zedd shook his head.

"He attacked while you were gone," Zedd answered. He removed his top to show the various wounds he had acquired himself. Most of it were just bruises, inside damage considering there had been more magic involved instead of physical weaponry. He slowly put the tunic back on, knowing that he had the duo's attention. He hated himself for having to tell Zordon this when he'd just gotten back and he hated himself for letting it happen. "Your father, Zordon, he's dead."

Zordon's eyes widened and Zedd couldn't blame him. Like Zedd, Wesprin was a diplomat. He had magical experience, but not military expertise. He should have been left alone, but things had changed. Zedd himself had begun to train and learn to fight over the past few days, not about to allow Wesprin's fate to happen to him before he got Rita back. "What is Toren…?"

"Zordon, listen to me. They attacked right after you left. At some point, they killed your father. They killed mine in our house, bound and helpless," Zedd answered angrily. He hadn't been able to do anything and he'd been free. Still, it wasn't Zordon's fault and he tried to soften his voice for the last bit of news. "They took Rita."

"She's dead?!" Zordon demanded and Zedd shook his head.

"No, they just took her. Zandrenth… Master Vile took her," Zedd answered. He strengthened his voice and looked at his old friend. "I'm going after her."

"Zedd, that is a death sentence!" Zordon protested. "We will get her back, but for now we cannot save her. Dulcea and I need to heal. You must heal. You are not a warrior."

"Maybe not before," Zedd agreed. "But I will be this time. I'm the one who lost her and I'm getting her back."

Before Zordon could say anything else, he'd turned and stormed away. He had hoped that Zordon would be just as willing to go as him, but he had always been the more sensible one. Zedd was the hot-head. He could live with that. He'd just go alone. He'd get her back, they'd be happy again, and maybe, in time, he would forgive himself.