Author's Notes: Well, here I go with yet another story, this time a full-fledged epic series! This is my most ambitious project yet, as I attempt to deepen both the Rangers and the villians far beyond what we saw on the show. As per usual in my stories, expect to see a lot of the villians in these works, as I explore the dark side of the Rangerverse...and is it really as dark as we commonly think?
This story is set in mid-season 2 of MMPR, shortly before Tommy received the White Power Coin, and immediately goes AU from there. All canon characters on both sides up to that point will be included, as well the following characters from what would have been future seasons: Adam, Aisha, Rocky, Katherine, Tanya, Rito, Master Vile, the Royal House of Gadgetry, Divatox, Astronema, Ecliptor, and Dark Spectre. (Unfortunately, Justin and the Astro Rangers are simply too young to be used in this time period. While Astronema is about the same age as the Astro Rangers, she, unlike them, has been trained for her role since she was a small child).
The sole Original Character I'm planning on using (other than the forces of Chaos) is, as usual, my villain Donovan, the Dark Warrior. However, he will NOT play the central role he plays in my other work. In fact, according to what I've planned so far, he only appears in this first story, though I can't rule out appearances in the future.
The idea of using Chaotics was inspired by their use in Vespera's latest "Streaks of Purple" story. I have written her asking her permission, but have not heard back from her. As her website has not been updated in over 8 months, I fear she has abandoned the fandom. If any of my readers are in contact with her, please tell her about this story. Thank you.
SUMMARY:
There is good...
There is evil...
And there is chaos...
In accordance with an ancient prophecy, the forces of Chaos threaten all. The Council of Light and the United Alliance of Evil must join forces in a desperate attempt to stem the tide. But can such an unnatural alliance hold...and can the Rangers of Earth and the villians who face them really put aside a over a year of mutual hatred?
In an attempt to seal the Alliance, Dark Spectre offers to perform an incredible favor for the Rangers...but asks for a high price in return.
CHAOS RISING 1: A GATHERING OF GUNS
CHAPTER 1: EVERY STORY HAS A BEGINNING
It was a place few even knew existed, fewer still could reach, and very few indeed could comprehend. It was the Astral Plane.
Two of those chosen few communed with each other in solitude. Even they rarely frequented this realm. In fact, the last time they been there together was 800,000 years ago, just before the War started.
"It is happening," the one that glowed with goodness stated. "You cannot deny it, for you have felt it as well."
"I do not deny it," hissed the one who's evil was blacker than the blackest depths of space. "Unlike all too many of those under my command, I do not allow myself delusions."
"The prophecy has begun to come true."
"It figures. The rest of that woman's writings were pure garbage, but THIS prophecy just had to be real."
"You know what we must do."
"You have a real talent for stating the obvious! Part of the reason I enjoy being evil is that I don't have to listen to it. Enjoy explaining this to the Council of Light and the Rangers. I have a feeling even your reputation only goes so far."
"And you?"
"My followers will do whatever I tell them to. I can...convince them."
"In your own inimitable fashion, of course."
"Do you ever show anyone else your sarcastic side, Zordon of Eltar?"
"Only you, Dark Spectre. Only you."
"Let us do it, then. Let us see what the future has in store."
For that was one of the great powers of the Astral Plane: time was revealed. Not all of it, of course, and not always in chronological order. But the most powerful of beings could learn much. So they communed with each other, seeing much more together than either could alone. They saw what would be, what could be, and what might have been.
Both of them left the Astral Plane deeply shaken.
(SCENE CHANGE)
Alpha 5 watched anxiously as Zordon's image reappeared in his tube. He always hated in when Zordon had to cut himself off to do things like this; the robot felt it left him and the Rangers dangerously vulnerable. "It's good to have you back, Zordon. Was your mission successful?"
"Yes, Alpha." Only someone who knew Zordon as well as Alpha 5 could have deciphered the blurry image and deduced that Zordon was very concerned about something. For once, the robot restrained himself from expressing his anxiety. "However, I must immediately leave again to consult with the Council of Light. Also, inform the Rangers to meet here in one week from today at midnight." Then he was gone again.
"Ayiyiyiyiyiyii!" Now Alpha 5 was really concerned. Zordon tried in interfere with the Rangers' normal lives as little as possible. Having them sneak out of their beds at midnight? It made no sense. But Alpha trusted Zordon completely, so he made a note in his internal log to do as asked and continued to monitor the city for any signs of an attack by Zedd.
(SCENE CHANGE)
Astronema hurried throught the corridors of the Dark Fortress, ignoring the grudging gestures of respect various villians shows her as she passed. When her master called for her, it was wise to answer quickly.
She finally made it to the throne room, only to be shocked into immobility: Dark Spectre was PACING. He had never before showed any signs of nervousness, at least not to her, his closest confidant.
"Ah, my Astronema" he said, looking up and catching sight of her. As usual he wasted no time on pleasantries. "I have a task for you. I am calling a holographic summit meeting of the UAE. I want you to arrange it for two hours from now."
She inclined her head respectfully. "Yes, master." She wasn't concerned; she'd already done several of these. "Who will be attending?"
"Everyone."
Astronema was shocked again. The UAE contained over 2,000 members. As far as she knew, there had NEVER been a holo-summit including ALL of them. "Forgive me, master, but all as in..."
"All as in all," he said with finality. "Everyone but the foot soldiers. Oh, and invite the Machine Empire as well. They may hate me, but they'll come out of curiosity if nothing else."
Only years of the self-control drilled into her by Ecliptor as appropiate for a Princess of Evil kept her from gaping. The Machine Empire were considered traitors for breaking away from the UAE, and everyone knew her master's views on traitors.
"Also," Dark Spectre continued, too distracted to be aware of her emotions, "I am assigning you to a very important detached duty, along with Ecliptor and Donovan. Do not fail me!" However, his usual threat seemed half-hearted and routine at best.
Excitement now replaced shock for Astronema. This was her first real mission; up till now, she'd mainly done organizing and the electronic version of paperwork. She never complained, and not just because she wasn't suicidal; she knew it was important work. But she was finally going to do field work, and with her two favorite fellow villians--the only two, besides her master, she had any real respect for. Ecliptor was her father in all but name, of course. And Donovan, though he lacked Ecliptor's sense of honor (something the two had clashed about in the past), was fun to be around, as well as a highly effective villian. When he made friends, he kept them, even though Astronema thought his taste in that area was sometimes questionable (Goldar being a case in point). She bowed deeply and hurried out of the throne room.
Only to stop dead in the hallway as the enormity of the situation sank in. Her master had chosen three of the best, most trustworthy, most loyal villians for this task, whatever it was. And it was also likely the topic of the upcoming meeting.
Whatever this was about, it was BIG.
Resuming her walk, she tried to battle her sudden case of nerves by speculating on the nature of her assignment. Could it have something to do with Earth? Zordon had long been a thorn in evil's side, and his latest team of Rangers had exceeded all expectations. At least last time, Rita had fought the Eltarian to a draw, their final battle ending up with both imprisoned. This time she had failed completely, only to be replaced by Zedd. Zedd had been somewhat more successful--having recently destroyed the Green Ranger's powers--but he, too, was far behind schedule. Perhaps Dark Spectre had decided to clean up the mess. It made sense; Astronema was, after all, the only human the in UAE. She could understand the Rangers better than any alien. She found herself hoping she was right; she was looking forward to the challenge.
NEXT TIME: "Two Meetings"
The Council and the UAE gather for the most important meetings in their entire history...only to be shocked at what is said. Can Dark Spectre's and Zordon's radical proposal actually work? And what will be the Rangers reaction to the official, albeit temporary, end to The War?