Disclaimer: I don't own the red, blue, yellow, pink, black or white power
rangers nor their enemies, I do not intend to make a profit off of this
story so don't sue me.
Authors note: This is part four of the Silver Guardian Ranger 'trilogy' I just couldn't leave it how it was so I wrote this. Read it and tell me if you want more. Ps. Thanks to SilverRider for reading the others.
Time had pasted slowly for the residences of Angel Grove, it had been close to a month since the unfortunate accident which stole the young life of Andrece Primer. She had left her friends in Angel Grove to say her final good byes to her dying brother, who was ironically still living. Although the general population had only been mildly shocked by the death, but the public high school had taken things much harder, specially a small group of students.
The atmosphere surrounding those students was somber to say the least, each had grieved for their lost friend in their own way and each had been trying to return to the way their lives had been before. Zack had devoted more time to his dance/karate classes which he taught after school at the Youth Center. The closest female friend to the dearly departed was Kimberly, a young woman who had decided to focus all available energy towards her love of gymnastics. Both Billy and Trini threw themselves into their studies but also in Trini's case devoting some of her time to develop her kung fu abilities. The normally sullen Tommy had become a very vocal promoter of women's self-defense classes, which he taught during his free time with the help now and then of Trini, and Zack. The final member of their group which had been dubbed 'the gang' Jason had become withdrawn from most of the social events, he no longer spent as much time after school hanging out with his friends at the center but mumbled off one excuse or another. Before Andrece's death he was the calmest of the young men in the group, less prone to lose his temper, but now it was he who was more frequently flaring up at the least meaningful issues.
Life had changed with her departure from this life and not all for the best. Through the constant monitoring of the 'gang' and keeping a close eye on their alien foe, the being known as Zordon felt a change was coming. He had Alpha almost on a daily bases recalibrating the sensors in the power chamber in hopes of detecting what ever he thought he felt coming. Only time would tell, and even that was running out quickly.
"Oh Zeddy this is simply the perfect timing." screeched a shrill voice which modestly resembled that belonging to a woman. The speaker was an alien witch named Rita, the wife of Lord Zedd, the swore enemy to all that was good in the universe, the enemy of the Power Rangers.
"What are you squawking about now Rita?" asked Zedd in a half sigh. He was becoming bored with his wife's constantly annoying voice. She spoke far too much for his liking. Her constant jabbering combined with the useless aid of Goldar, Squat and Baboon along with a swarm of mindless putties was enough to drive any man to the brink of insanity. Lucky for Zedd he was already there, and had been for a time.
"It's the Power Rangers. Their Silver Guardian is dead, and they are feeling sorry for themselves. And I was thinking-"
"You are thinking? Well there's a new concept." muttered Zedd.
Rita ignored her husband's interruption, "I was thinking that since our anniversary is coming up that you could send down that new monster you've been hiding away. They are so distracted now there is no way they can stop us from destroying them and Zordon."
Zedd thought for a moment, what was said was true. The Rangers were distracted and he did have one of his most powerful monsters waiting for the order to attack. Rising from his throne he walked across the cold stone floor of the throne room to stand next to Rita upon the balcony. His staff tapping every other step came to rest on his left side. "Very well, Goldar tell Finster to release the monster."
"Oh Zeddy, you're too good to me." Rita cackled in glee as she watched the golden form of Goldar march from the room. "This should be interesting."
The six tone alarm alerted the Rangers that they were needed, removing themselves from the more public section of the Youth Center they huddled together to listen to their next battle opponent.
"We read you Zordon," Tommy said as the others gathered near.
Rangers, an evil presence had been detected in the park. I can not pin point the location just yet, there is a secondary power signature interfering with our sensors. Rangers be careful.
"Understood. Come on, let's do it." As he spoke he and the rest of the group pressed a series of buttons on their wrist communicators which would teleport them to the Angel Grove Park and transform them into the fighting force of the Power Rangers.
Once they arrived with caution they glanced around the familiar territory. To their surprise there were no people in sight, no children playing on the jungle gym, no couples taking walks along the board walk, no one.
"I have a bad feeling about this." muttered Zack.
"Keep your eyes open guys; Zordon didn't say what monster this was." Tommy paused, "I think we better split up. Billy, Kim and Jase you guys check out the wooded area, Zack and Trini and me will patrol along the water then catch up with you." Jason nodded and led his part of the team towards the wooded lot that boarded the park land.
After walking up and then retracing their path the white, black and yellow rangers headed to meet up with the rest of the group. They hadn't spotted a single person, nor monster, where as far as Zack was concerned was a good thing. He wasn't in the mood to fight a creature off on a power high with a bad sense of humor. From the corner of his eye he saw a flash of light, it caught his attention and when his eyes focused in on the course they saw an outline of a human body running further in to the woods.
"Guys, this way!" he called as he ran to follow the mystery figure. As soon as he and the other rangers entered the woods they could hear the sounds of a battle; the clash of metal weapons against each other, the muffled explosions of energy blasts and the cries of the victims receiving the blows. Following their ears the three rangers found themselves watching their friends trade attacks with a mystical creature.
"What is that thing?" asked Tommy aloud.
"It's a harpy, a creature that is half bird half woman." Tommy looked over to the yellow ranger. She shrugged, "I'm taking Greek Mythology in English now." She said as way of an explanation.
"Well what ever it is, it looks like the others could use our help. Come on." Tommy's white suited form ran towards his friends drawing his sword as he reached them. Trini and Zack were close behind both calling for their own weapons, of a power axe and power sias.
The harpy as Trini had named it was dressed in a form fitting black suit, the skin which was revealed was the color of a new penny, the long hair that flew in the air as the creature spun or moved on attack or defense was a midnight black with purple highlights. The most impressive feature of their foe was the shining black wings sprouting from its back. As the newly arrived rangers took in their situation the other three attacked.
They attacked as one, flashed of red blue and pink could be seen as they engaged the Harpy in a deadly dance. Kimberly was the first to be tossed from the fight; her left had flown to her right side as she picked herself up off the leaf covered ground. Billy was tossed into Tommy as he tried to enter the fray. Barely holding his own Jason backed away regrouping with his teammates.
As a group of six they attacked the creature without mercy, trying to get past the flying sword which seemed to be an extension of the Harpy's arm. One by on they were tossed aside, again the Red Ranger last of all. Jason ducked under the sword of the Harpy and blocked a second swipe with his own sword which he held with both hands. The Harpy gave him a grim smiled and released one of her talon tipped hands from the hilt of her sword and gripped him around the neck. She demonstrated her inhuman strength by hoisting the young man off his feet with out visible strain. Jason tried kicking his capture with no avail and as time passed his attacks became weaker.
Tommy advanced on the enemy once he saw Jason's struggling gestures slow, just as he raised his own sword above his head for a powerful strike the Harpy threw Jason aside defended herself against the White Ranger. From the corner of his eye Tommy saw his best friends body slam into a near by tree and power down leaving Jason defenseless.
Spurred on with anger now the other rangers joined Tommy in his attack but like before the Harpy tossed them aside. "It is useless to fight me rangers. I can not be defeated by the likes of you." the Harpy said in a steely voice. She held her sword above her head and charged it with an eerie green energy. "Now surrender your power coins or else loose another from your ranks." She pointed her sword at the still form of Jason. Tommy glanced from his best friend to the Harpy the whole time thinking of the possible out comes of this situation. Suddenly a muffled voice could be heard followed quickly by a sliver colored lightning bolt which struck the Harpy directly in the chest and released the green energy stored in the sword up and away from Jason.
"Wretched beings." hissed the Harpy as she regained her footing. "Next time you will not be so lucky. Mark my words." The Harpy opened her wings and flew away.
Standing still ready for battle the rangers couldn't believe what they had seen. "Did anyone see where that blast came from?" asked Tommy as he finally allowed his guard to relax.
"I'd say who I think it, but I don't think I even believe that idea." said Zack shaking his head slightly.
As the white and black rangers spoke the other three had gone to the side of their injured comrade. "We better return to the command center," Billy said returning to the side of their leader. "From what I can tell now Jason needs medical attention."
Tommy nodded, "Alright then, back to the command center." The teens grouped around the still unconscious Jason and teleported away.
Rangers! Place Jason in the medical bay.
As soon as Zack and Billy had left to tend to Jason Tommy turned to his mentor. Staring in to the eyes of his ancient leader he questioned, "Zordon what did you mean when you said there was a second power signature?"
At the time it was unknown, but now I have matched the power signature with a name. It seems some how the Silver Guardian Powers have been reactivated. I am not yet certain how. Tommy nodded as the others tried to conceal the look of hope on their faces.
"Zordon, it's not possible that is could be-"asked Kimberly hesitantly.
Sorely no Kimberly, Andrece is dead, she can not be the one using the powers.
"But you said that no one else was ready to take her powers, how can you explain it?" questioned Trini.
I can't explain it, at least not at this time. Rangers I believe that it is time for you to return home. We will continue to monitor the where-abouts of the Harpy and of Jason's condition.
"He is correct, there is nothing more that we can do. Jason is resting comfortably and until we can gather any more information on this new ranger or enemy." Billy stated as he and Zack rejoined the others.
"Okay okay, let's just go home." Tommy said irritation edging on to his voice. In a series of colored lights the six rangers vanished.
"Aiyiyiyi! Zordon some one is trying to enter the Power Chamber."
Who?
Before Alpha could reply the stranger appeared before them. "Hello Zordon."
Who are you?
"I know you recognize me. I haven't been gone that long, what about a month tops?" The stranger began to pace around the area between the computer consoles and the temporal tube which contained Zordon. "I know my arrival is unexpected to say the least but didn't know who else to come to."
I understand, please begin. The figure seated itself in the floor before Zordon and began to speak of the events in the time recently passed. It took close to an hour before the tale was ended. I have never heard of this happening before, I will contact Dulecea and speak with her about this. Until then I believe that you should inform the other rangers.
The figure nodded, "Where can I find them?"
Jason was injured in battle as I am certain you already know, he is resting in the medical bay, the others I would guess you'd find them at the Youth Center.
"Thank you Zordon." The stranger rose and headed towards the medical bay. Arriving in the bay she noticed one bed lay filled. The figure was well built and strong, he was lying on his side covered by a light sheet. She approached his side and allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "I'm back for you my love." Her fingers brushed threw his dark hair lightly.
Still groggy with sleep, Jason rolled over on to his back and through half closed eyes tried to focus on the familiar face standing over him. He hear the muffled words spoken to him, to tired to focus he let the darkness conceal his world again.
The rest of the gang was indeed as Zordon predicted at the Youth Center, Kimberly was mid way through her balance beam routine, and Tommy and Zack were sparring with each other the former working out some of the frustration brought on by their defeat. Near by Trini was working with Billy on a few kung fu moves. It wasn't until Kimberly had completed her successful somersault dismount that her eyes were drawn to a familiar figure watching the two boys spar.
'It can't be her. Even Zordon didn't think it could be her.' Kimberly thought as she approached the young woman. She wore her dark red hair long and loose as Kimberly remembered. The clothes were stylish yet conservative. Slowly with her eyes still studying the girl before her Kimberly approached. As if sensing her presence the red haired girl left quickly.
"Hey Kim could you come here for a second please?" asked Trini jogging up to her friend. Kimberly didn't respond, "Hello? Kim?"
Kimberly shook her head as if to clear it, "Sorry Trini, I can't right now. Look I'll be back in a few." Kim waved to Trini as she went to follow the strange yet familiar girl.
Kimberly caught up to the girl just outside the Youth Center in the sparsely used parking lot. Clearing her throat loudly she announced her presence, "Excuse me but could I talk to you for a moment?" she asked the girl who stopped walking stiffly. "I know this is going to sound really weird but you look an awful lot like a good friend of mine but she's dead now." Kim looked down at the ground in remembrance. "Could you just turn around?"
The girl sighed deeply and slowly did as Kimberly asked. Kim slowly let her eyes drift up towards the face, the girls hands were dug deeply into the shallow pockets of her light jacket, the jacket was black with a white t- shirt hidden underneath when Kim's eyes made it to the face she was shocked. That face was identical to the one she had last saw being encased in a casket and then lowered in to the cold hard ground. Never did she believe she would lock eyes with the sea green eyes of one of her best friends again.
Seeing the surprised look on her dear friends face Andrece spoke softly, "Hey gal, I bet you never thought you'd see me again eh? Well at least not in this life time." As if the voice was a trigger, Kimberly's feet became separate from the ground upon which she stood as she raced to embrace her friend. "Oh God Andrece!" she cried as she flung her arms around the other girls shoulders.
"I missed you too Kim." Andrece replied, her voice muffled by Kimberly.
"How did you get here? Why are you here? Are you really here?" the questions flew out of the shorter girl's mouth at a hundred miles per second.
"I'm not 1005 positive but from what I know it was my powers, I guess who ever is in charge of the good side thought that I was still needed." Andrece shrugged her friend off. "I just arrived I guess a few hours ago."
"Who cares how you came back the thing is you're here." Kim's mind began to work getting over the sudden shock, "Oh my wait until the others see you. They are just gunna flip out! Especially Jason." She hinted slyly. "Oh come one let's go say hi."
"I can't Kim. There are too many people there. Plus I don't think I'm ready to greet the whole gang just yet. I need some time to adjust and prepare."
"Right right, okay then how about this.later tonight you come over, they gang will already be there we have a weekly movie night thing but I think we can miss it once for this. Anyways, you come over then we can tell them the good news then. I swear this day can't get any better Drece; you're death really screwed up our lives. I bet more then you thought. But anyhow, I have to get back and we'll talk all about the stuff you missed later."
"Bye Kim." mumbled Andrece as she watched her friend bounce back into the Youth Center filled with a new sense of happiness. 'I hope she's right, I don't want to make their lives miserable again, especially his.' She thought to herself as she turned to walk to the mall. She needed to do a little shopping to clear her mind and to use up the few hours she had before she went over to Kim's.
Everyone arrived at their usual times, Zack and Trini around 6:30, followed by Billy at 7 and then finally Tommy who brought along a moody Jason at 7:30. Andrece had been at Kim's since 6 o clock and had been filled in on the events she missed when she was 'dead'.
Once everyone had taken up their normal seats in the down stairs rec. room and had settled Kimberly untangled herself from Tommy's arms and stood to make her announcement. "Okay I know you guys were expecting a typical movie night, but something interesting has come up. I thought we could all use a bit of very very good news."
"What are you talking about?" asked Jason, discontentment obvious in his voice.
'Oh just great, he's in a funk. Well I wonder how Andrece will cheer him up.' Kim thought to herself before continuing speaking aloud. "Well you didn't let me finish. I'm betting that the identity of that mysterious ranger has been on your minds ever since the fight with that Harpy thing, well I can now say that I know who it is."
"How did you arrive at this conclusion?" Billy asked as he munched on popcorn.
"Simple I asked the ranger herself." Kim walked over to the guest bedroom and poked her head inside and muttered instructions, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present the Silver Guardian Ranger..Andrece!!" Kim opened the door and pulled Andrece into the main room.
No one spoke, no one made a sound until Kimberly cleared her voice urging people on. Andrece was growing nervous, she knew that seeing her friends again was going to be one of the hardest things she'd ever have to do but she never believed she would be greeted like some carnival side show.
Tommy was the first to find his voice, "Is it really you?" he whispered although his words sounded as if he yelled them.
Andrece blushed and nodded, "Hey guys." She whispered gazing into everyone's eyes, last of all Jason's who would not return her look.
"H-h-how is this possible?" stammered Billy as he looked Andrece over from top to bottom and back again.
"I'll explain it if you want. Actually I don't know for sure how but from what I do know is that my ranger powers brought me back. From what Zordon and I can determine since there was no suitable replacement for me I was not allowed to. I guess pass over and so was brought back here."
"How can we be sure it's really you? I'm sorry to say but this seems like just the trick Rita and Zedd would use." Trini said.
Andrece thought for a moment, "I can prove it's me, before I left to go and see my brother I gave each of you a letter and a bracelet. I can tell you each of your designs. There is no way Zedd could do that."
"She's right." Zack said speaking suddenly, "Okay go ahead, name them off."
"Alright, Trini you had golden and yellow flowers, Billy yours' had blue fish, Jason had red zigzags, Zack you got black arrow heads, Tommy you had greed diamonds because white didn't look right and Kim you had Chinese staircases."
Each ranger glanced at their wrists to confirm the patterns. Sure enough each one was correct. "Astounding." muttered Billy as he looked back up to Andrece who was still standing looking a little out of place.
Jason mumbled something under his breath that Tommy barely caught the end of, "What did you say bro?"
Jason looked at Tommy, there was pain in his eyes, and then he glared at Andrece. "I asked why it took you so long to come back here. Did you like to see us grieve over you?"
"Jason!" screamed Kimberly but was waved off by Andrece.
In her eyes too there was pain, but not of grief hers was of betrayal. "No I didn't like to see you grieve, but I couldn't come back any sooner." Jason looked away anger still, but Andrece wouldn't let him cut her off. "You think I liked where I was? Is that what you think?" Jason didn't reply. "Well guess what Jason Lee Scott, I didn't. Each hour I was there the only thing I could think of was finding some way of coming back here, back to you." Andrece now stood towering over Jason's chair, "I thought you of all people would be happy to see me again, I guess I was wrong. Maybe I really should have died, that way at least you'd be happy. To hell with everyone else eh?"
Jason looked up and saw the tears streaming down her cheeks, the ice that had encased his heart was slowly melting and beginning to beat again only for her. "Drece.I-"
"Forget it Jason! You can have your wish!" she screamed at him, with that she turned and ran up the stairs or at least tried. Blinded so much by her tears she tripped on the first two steps and fell crying against the wall. With everyone watching him Jason stood and rushed to her side.
Cuddling her in his arms he tried to sooth her, "I'm sorry Drece. So so sorry." He said over and over until her sobbing had stopped.
Kimberly approached them and whispered to Jason, "You can take her to the guest room and talk. I'll keep the others busy out here." Jason nodded and helped Andrece to stand. With Kim's aid they guided her to the guest room to which the door was closed separating the group.
"I don't know what to say now." Zack said as Kimberly curled up with Tommy again. "I never knew how Jason really felt about loosing Andrece. I guess we know now eh?"
"Apparently.Kim how about that movie idea now? I believe we could all use a dose of non reality entertainment after the recent events." suggested Billy.
"Sure, what cha wanna watch."
Through the closed door, Jason could hear the beginning of a movie. He drew his attention away from the outside world and refocused on the pale, sobbing creature on the bed. Andrece was no longer vocally crying but tears still coursed down, forgotten on her cheeks. Her sea green eyes were red rimmed and glassy, her face unusually pale. In her arms she clutched tightly the white teddy bear he had given her on her last birthday.
Jason roughly rubbed a hand over his face wishing he could just wake up home in his bed and all this would just have been a nightmare. With a tired air around him he sat down heavily on the bed beside the silent Andrece. "Look Drece, I'm sorry for yelling at you like that. I had no right. But you have to understand you were the last person I expected to see in a million years."
"I shouldn't have come back." She said softly, her voice cracking with unleashed sobs.
Jason turned to face her; his eyes searched her eyes for the joy she had once carried within herself. "No. You did the right thing in coming back; the team needs you."
"Perhaps they do, but you don't." she locked her green eyes with his chocolate brown ones. She could see the pain in having her beside him. Seeing this brought the tears back but she would not shed any more over this.
"You're wrong. I do need you. When I found out about your death, I felt my entire world shatter. I could barely function without you by my side. With you gone I didn't have anyone to confide in, no one was there too tell me to let Tommy lead." His voice dropped to a whisper, "Andrece I will always need you."
With those words they embraced, letting the sadness and pain in their hearts evaporate away. After a few moments she broke away, "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that. When I was 'lost' thinking of you was the only thing that kept me going."
"What do you mean by lost?"
"I.I guess lost isn't the right word, it's like I knew where I was but I felt that it wasn't my time to be there. It was really weird."
"What was it like?"
Andrece smiled at his questions, he was acting like a small boy in wonder of the entire world. "Directly after the crash everything was white, there was nothing around me, no sound, no objects just me. After a few seconds it felt like, things like trees and mountains began to take shape but they were still mostly hidden in a milky fog. As I was wondering around I discovered a snow white owl. It was the only animal I had seen. As I approached it flew off a little ways, I decided to follow it due to lack of any better idea."
"I guess."
"I followed it for a long time, any time when my mind wandered off or I lost sight of the bird it would suddenly appear. At one point the shapes of tall buildings appeared, and somehow between one step and the next I was inside the youth center. You and the others were there, trying to do homework or something, I couldn't really tell. I tried to call out to you but nothing came out, then you guys started to fade away. I panicked and ran towards you that's when I heard the voice."
"Who's voice?"
"I'm not sure; I can't even tell you if it was a man or woman. It sounded like several people talking at once." Andrece tilted her head thinking back, trying to find a way to describe what she had heard. "Anyways, it told me not to worry that I would see you all again soon. I started to follow that bird again and then like what happened with the Youth Center suddenly appearing I was suddenly in the park, fully powered up. I heard the sounds of a battle and I went running towards it."
"Zack had said something about following a flash of silver; it was probably you he saw."
"Well you know the rest." Andrece lapsed back into silence as she allowed Jason time to assimilate all what she had told.
"Whoa." Jason smiled at an after thought, "So you were only thinking of me?"
Andrece smiled back a bit sheepishly blushing a bright pink, "Yes, I really missed you Jase." She hugged him tightly only letting go how ever reluctantly when there was a knock at the door.
"Yeah?" Jason called.
Kim poked her head in and smiled gently, "Hey, everything cool in here?" her friends nodded, "Good, uh we were just about to watch a different movie, I think we agreed upon Lord of the Rings, you two want to watch?"
"Sure why not?" said Andrece as she slide off the bed and walked out rejoining the others.
Before Jason could follow her Kimberly caught his arm and pulled him beside her, "So what did you two talk about?"
"I'll tell you later," he replied, as he left the room he called back over his shoulder, "Maybe."
"What ever. You know I will find out Jason Lee Scott!" Kim called back as she closed the guest room door. She settled herself down again in Tommy's arms. He gave her a light squeeze as the movie started. Kim gazed around the room, 'this is the way it should have been all along.' She thought. She saw her friends Billy, Trini and Zack engrossed in the magic of the movie; she saw Jason slide his arm across Andrece's shoulders as she gently leaned against him. Kim leaned back against Tommy and he kissed the top of her head. 'This is magic.'
Authors note: This is part four of the Silver Guardian Ranger 'trilogy' I just couldn't leave it how it was so I wrote this. Read it and tell me if you want more. Ps. Thanks to SilverRider for reading the others.
Time had pasted slowly for the residences of Angel Grove, it had been close to a month since the unfortunate accident which stole the young life of Andrece Primer. She had left her friends in Angel Grove to say her final good byes to her dying brother, who was ironically still living. Although the general population had only been mildly shocked by the death, but the public high school had taken things much harder, specially a small group of students.
The atmosphere surrounding those students was somber to say the least, each had grieved for their lost friend in their own way and each had been trying to return to the way their lives had been before. Zack had devoted more time to his dance/karate classes which he taught after school at the Youth Center. The closest female friend to the dearly departed was Kimberly, a young woman who had decided to focus all available energy towards her love of gymnastics. Both Billy and Trini threw themselves into their studies but also in Trini's case devoting some of her time to develop her kung fu abilities. The normally sullen Tommy had become a very vocal promoter of women's self-defense classes, which he taught during his free time with the help now and then of Trini, and Zack. The final member of their group which had been dubbed 'the gang' Jason had become withdrawn from most of the social events, he no longer spent as much time after school hanging out with his friends at the center but mumbled off one excuse or another. Before Andrece's death he was the calmest of the young men in the group, less prone to lose his temper, but now it was he who was more frequently flaring up at the least meaningful issues.
Life had changed with her departure from this life and not all for the best. Through the constant monitoring of the 'gang' and keeping a close eye on their alien foe, the being known as Zordon felt a change was coming. He had Alpha almost on a daily bases recalibrating the sensors in the power chamber in hopes of detecting what ever he thought he felt coming. Only time would tell, and even that was running out quickly.
"Oh Zeddy this is simply the perfect timing." screeched a shrill voice which modestly resembled that belonging to a woman. The speaker was an alien witch named Rita, the wife of Lord Zedd, the swore enemy to all that was good in the universe, the enemy of the Power Rangers.
"What are you squawking about now Rita?" asked Zedd in a half sigh. He was becoming bored with his wife's constantly annoying voice. She spoke far too much for his liking. Her constant jabbering combined with the useless aid of Goldar, Squat and Baboon along with a swarm of mindless putties was enough to drive any man to the brink of insanity. Lucky for Zedd he was already there, and had been for a time.
"It's the Power Rangers. Their Silver Guardian is dead, and they are feeling sorry for themselves. And I was thinking-"
"You are thinking? Well there's a new concept." muttered Zedd.
Rita ignored her husband's interruption, "I was thinking that since our anniversary is coming up that you could send down that new monster you've been hiding away. They are so distracted now there is no way they can stop us from destroying them and Zordon."
Zedd thought for a moment, what was said was true. The Rangers were distracted and he did have one of his most powerful monsters waiting for the order to attack. Rising from his throne he walked across the cold stone floor of the throne room to stand next to Rita upon the balcony. His staff tapping every other step came to rest on his left side. "Very well, Goldar tell Finster to release the monster."
"Oh Zeddy, you're too good to me." Rita cackled in glee as she watched the golden form of Goldar march from the room. "This should be interesting."
The six tone alarm alerted the Rangers that they were needed, removing themselves from the more public section of the Youth Center they huddled together to listen to their next battle opponent.
"We read you Zordon," Tommy said as the others gathered near.
Rangers, an evil presence had been detected in the park. I can not pin point the location just yet, there is a secondary power signature interfering with our sensors. Rangers be careful.
"Understood. Come on, let's do it." As he spoke he and the rest of the group pressed a series of buttons on their wrist communicators which would teleport them to the Angel Grove Park and transform them into the fighting force of the Power Rangers.
Once they arrived with caution they glanced around the familiar territory. To their surprise there were no people in sight, no children playing on the jungle gym, no couples taking walks along the board walk, no one.
"I have a bad feeling about this." muttered Zack.
"Keep your eyes open guys; Zordon didn't say what monster this was." Tommy paused, "I think we better split up. Billy, Kim and Jase you guys check out the wooded area, Zack and Trini and me will patrol along the water then catch up with you." Jason nodded and led his part of the team towards the wooded lot that boarded the park land.
After walking up and then retracing their path the white, black and yellow rangers headed to meet up with the rest of the group. They hadn't spotted a single person, nor monster, where as far as Zack was concerned was a good thing. He wasn't in the mood to fight a creature off on a power high with a bad sense of humor. From the corner of his eye he saw a flash of light, it caught his attention and when his eyes focused in on the course they saw an outline of a human body running further in to the woods.
"Guys, this way!" he called as he ran to follow the mystery figure. As soon as he and the other rangers entered the woods they could hear the sounds of a battle; the clash of metal weapons against each other, the muffled explosions of energy blasts and the cries of the victims receiving the blows. Following their ears the three rangers found themselves watching their friends trade attacks with a mystical creature.
"What is that thing?" asked Tommy aloud.
"It's a harpy, a creature that is half bird half woman." Tommy looked over to the yellow ranger. She shrugged, "I'm taking Greek Mythology in English now." She said as way of an explanation.
"Well what ever it is, it looks like the others could use our help. Come on." Tommy's white suited form ran towards his friends drawing his sword as he reached them. Trini and Zack were close behind both calling for their own weapons, of a power axe and power sias.
The harpy as Trini had named it was dressed in a form fitting black suit, the skin which was revealed was the color of a new penny, the long hair that flew in the air as the creature spun or moved on attack or defense was a midnight black with purple highlights. The most impressive feature of their foe was the shining black wings sprouting from its back. As the newly arrived rangers took in their situation the other three attacked.
They attacked as one, flashed of red blue and pink could be seen as they engaged the Harpy in a deadly dance. Kimberly was the first to be tossed from the fight; her left had flown to her right side as she picked herself up off the leaf covered ground. Billy was tossed into Tommy as he tried to enter the fray. Barely holding his own Jason backed away regrouping with his teammates.
As a group of six they attacked the creature without mercy, trying to get past the flying sword which seemed to be an extension of the Harpy's arm. One by on they were tossed aside, again the Red Ranger last of all. Jason ducked under the sword of the Harpy and blocked a second swipe with his own sword which he held with both hands. The Harpy gave him a grim smiled and released one of her talon tipped hands from the hilt of her sword and gripped him around the neck. She demonstrated her inhuman strength by hoisting the young man off his feet with out visible strain. Jason tried kicking his capture with no avail and as time passed his attacks became weaker.
Tommy advanced on the enemy once he saw Jason's struggling gestures slow, just as he raised his own sword above his head for a powerful strike the Harpy threw Jason aside defended herself against the White Ranger. From the corner of his eye Tommy saw his best friends body slam into a near by tree and power down leaving Jason defenseless.
Spurred on with anger now the other rangers joined Tommy in his attack but like before the Harpy tossed them aside. "It is useless to fight me rangers. I can not be defeated by the likes of you." the Harpy said in a steely voice. She held her sword above her head and charged it with an eerie green energy. "Now surrender your power coins or else loose another from your ranks." She pointed her sword at the still form of Jason. Tommy glanced from his best friend to the Harpy the whole time thinking of the possible out comes of this situation. Suddenly a muffled voice could be heard followed quickly by a sliver colored lightning bolt which struck the Harpy directly in the chest and released the green energy stored in the sword up and away from Jason.
"Wretched beings." hissed the Harpy as she regained her footing. "Next time you will not be so lucky. Mark my words." The Harpy opened her wings and flew away.
Standing still ready for battle the rangers couldn't believe what they had seen. "Did anyone see where that blast came from?" asked Tommy as he finally allowed his guard to relax.
"I'd say who I think it, but I don't think I even believe that idea." said Zack shaking his head slightly.
As the white and black rangers spoke the other three had gone to the side of their injured comrade. "We better return to the command center," Billy said returning to the side of their leader. "From what I can tell now Jason needs medical attention."
Tommy nodded, "Alright then, back to the command center." The teens grouped around the still unconscious Jason and teleported away.
Rangers! Place Jason in the medical bay.
As soon as Zack and Billy had left to tend to Jason Tommy turned to his mentor. Staring in to the eyes of his ancient leader he questioned, "Zordon what did you mean when you said there was a second power signature?"
At the time it was unknown, but now I have matched the power signature with a name. It seems some how the Silver Guardian Powers have been reactivated. I am not yet certain how. Tommy nodded as the others tried to conceal the look of hope on their faces.
"Zordon, it's not possible that is could be-"asked Kimberly hesitantly.
Sorely no Kimberly, Andrece is dead, she can not be the one using the powers.
"But you said that no one else was ready to take her powers, how can you explain it?" questioned Trini.
I can't explain it, at least not at this time. Rangers I believe that it is time for you to return home. We will continue to monitor the where-abouts of the Harpy and of Jason's condition.
"He is correct, there is nothing more that we can do. Jason is resting comfortably and until we can gather any more information on this new ranger or enemy." Billy stated as he and Zack rejoined the others.
"Okay okay, let's just go home." Tommy said irritation edging on to his voice. In a series of colored lights the six rangers vanished.
"Aiyiyiyi! Zordon some one is trying to enter the Power Chamber."
Who?
Before Alpha could reply the stranger appeared before them. "Hello Zordon."
Who are you?
"I know you recognize me. I haven't been gone that long, what about a month tops?" The stranger began to pace around the area between the computer consoles and the temporal tube which contained Zordon. "I know my arrival is unexpected to say the least but didn't know who else to come to."
I understand, please begin. The figure seated itself in the floor before Zordon and began to speak of the events in the time recently passed. It took close to an hour before the tale was ended. I have never heard of this happening before, I will contact Dulecea and speak with her about this. Until then I believe that you should inform the other rangers.
The figure nodded, "Where can I find them?"
Jason was injured in battle as I am certain you already know, he is resting in the medical bay, the others I would guess you'd find them at the Youth Center.
"Thank you Zordon." The stranger rose and headed towards the medical bay. Arriving in the bay she noticed one bed lay filled. The figure was well built and strong, he was lying on his side covered by a light sheet. She approached his side and allowed a small smile to grace her lips. "I'm back for you my love." Her fingers brushed threw his dark hair lightly.
Still groggy with sleep, Jason rolled over on to his back and through half closed eyes tried to focus on the familiar face standing over him. He hear the muffled words spoken to him, to tired to focus he let the darkness conceal his world again.
The rest of the gang was indeed as Zordon predicted at the Youth Center, Kimberly was mid way through her balance beam routine, and Tommy and Zack were sparring with each other the former working out some of the frustration brought on by their defeat. Near by Trini was working with Billy on a few kung fu moves. It wasn't until Kimberly had completed her successful somersault dismount that her eyes were drawn to a familiar figure watching the two boys spar.
'It can't be her. Even Zordon didn't think it could be her.' Kimberly thought as she approached the young woman. She wore her dark red hair long and loose as Kimberly remembered. The clothes were stylish yet conservative. Slowly with her eyes still studying the girl before her Kimberly approached. As if sensing her presence the red haired girl left quickly.
"Hey Kim could you come here for a second please?" asked Trini jogging up to her friend. Kimberly didn't respond, "Hello? Kim?"
Kimberly shook her head as if to clear it, "Sorry Trini, I can't right now. Look I'll be back in a few." Kim waved to Trini as she went to follow the strange yet familiar girl.
Kimberly caught up to the girl just outside the Youth Center in the sparsely used parking lot. Clearing her throat loudly she announced her presence, "Excuse me but could I talk to you for a moment?" she asked the girl who stopped walking stiffly. "I know this is going to sound really weird but you look an awful lot like a good friend of mine but she's dead now." Kim looked down at the ground in remembrance. "Could you just turn around?"
The girl sighed deeply and slowly did as Kimberly asked. Kim slowly let her eyes drift up towards the face, the girls hands were dug deeply into the shallow pockets of her light jacket, the jacket was black with a white t- shirt hidden underneath when Kim's eyes made it to the face she was shocked. That face was identical to the one she had last saw being encased in a casket and then lowered in to the cold hard ground. Never did she believe she would lock eyes with the sea green eyes of one of her best friends again.
Seeing the surprised look on her dear friends face Andrece spoke softly, "Hey gal, I bet you never thought you'd see me again eh? Well at least not in this life time." As if the voice was a trigger, Kimberly's feet became separate from the ground upon which she stood as she raced to embrace her friend. "Oh God Andrece!" she cried as she flung her arms around the other girls shoulders.
"I missed you too Kim." Andrece replied, her voice muffled by Kimberly.
"How did you get here? Why are you here? Are you really here?" the questions flew out of the shorter girl's mouth at a hundred miles per second.
"I'm not 1005 positive but from what I know it was my powers, I guess who ever is in charge of the good side thought that I was still needed." Andrece shrugged her friend off. "I just arrived I guess a few hours ago."
"Who cares how you came back the thing is you're here." Kim's mind began to work getting over the sudden shock, "Oh my wait until the others see you. They are just gunna flip out! Especially Jason." She hinted slyly. "Oh come one let's go say hi."
"I can't Kim. There are too many people there. Plus I don't think I'm ready to greet the whole gang just yet. I need some time to adjust and prepare."
"Right right, okay then how about this.later tonight you come over, they gang will already be there we have a weekly movie night thing but I think we can miss it once for this. Anyways, you come over then we can tell them the good news then. I swear this day can't get any better Drece; you're death really screwed up our lives. I bet more then you thought. But anyhow, I have to get back and we'll talk all about the stuff you missed later."
"Bye Kim." mumbled Andrece as she watched her friend bounce back into the Youth Center filled with a new sense of happiness. 'I hope she's right, I don't want to make their lives miserable again, especially his.' She thought to herself as she turned to walk to the mall. She needed to do a little shopping to clear her mind and to use up the few hours she had before she went over to Kim's.
Everyone arrived at their usual times, Zack and Trini around 6:30, followed by Billy at 7 and then finally Tommy who brought along a moody Jason at 7:30. Andrece had been at Kim's since 6 o clock and had been filled in on the events she missed when she was 'dead'.
Once everyone had taken up their normal seats in the down stairs rec. room and had settled Kimberly untangled herself from Tommy's arms and stood to make her announcement. "Okay I know you guys were expecting a typical movie night, but something interesting has come up. I thought we could all use a bit of very very good news."
"What are you talking about?" asked Jason, discontentment obvious in his voice.
'Oh just great, he's in a funk. Well I wonder how Andrece will cheer him up.' Kim thought to herself before continuing speaking aloud. "Well you didn't let me finish. I'm betting that the identity of that mysterious ranger has been on your minds ever since the fight with that Harpy thing, well I can now say that I know who it is."
"How did you arrive at this conclusion?" Billy asked as he munched on popcorn.
"Simple I asked the ranger herself." Kim walked over to the guest bedroom and poked her head inside and muttered instructions, "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to present the Silver Guardian Ranger..Andrece!!" Kim opened the door and pulled Andrece into the main room.
No one spoke, no one made a sound until Kimberly cleared her voice urging people on. Andrece was growing nervous, she knew that seeing her friends again was going to be one of the hardest things she'd ever have to do but she never believed she would be greeted like some carnival side show.
Tommy was the first to find his voice, "Is it really you?" he whispered although his words sounded as if he yelled them.
Andrece blushed and nodded, "Hey guys." She whispered gazing into everyone's eyes, last of all Jason's who would not return her look.
"H-h-how is this possible?" stammered Billy as he looked Andrece over from top to bottom and back again.
"I'll explain it if you want. Actually I don't know for sure how but from what I do know is that my ranger powers brought me back. From what Zordon and I can determine since there was no suitable replacement for me I was not allowed to. I guess pass over and so was brought back here."
"How can we be sure it's really you? I'm sorry to say but this seems like just the trick Rita and Zedd would use." Trini said.
Andrece thought for a moment, "I can prove it's me, before I left to go and see my brother I gave each of you a letter and a bracelet. I can tell you each of your designs. There is no way Zedd could do that."
"She's right." Zack said speaking suddenly, "Okay go ahead, name them off."
"Alright, Trini you had golden and yellow flowers, Billy yours' had blue fish, Jason had red zigzags, Zack you got black arrow heads, Tommy you had greed diamonds because white didn't look right and Kim you had Chinese staircases."
Each ranger glanced at their wrists to confirm the patterns. Sure enough each one was correct. "Astounding." muttered Billy as he looked back up to Andrece who was still standing looking a little out of place.
Jason mumbled something under his breath that Tommy barely caught the end of, "What did you say bro?"
Jason looked at Tommy, there was pain in his eyes, and then he glared at Andrece. "I asked why it took you so long to come back here. Did you like to see us grieve over you?"
"Jason!" screamed Kimberly but was waved off by Andrece.
In her eyes too there was pain, but not of grief hers was of betrayal. "No I didn't like to see you grieve, but I couldn't come back any sooner." Jason looked away anger still, but Andrece wouldn't let him cut her off. "You think I liked where I was? Is that what you think?" Jason didn't reply. "Well guess what Jason Lee Scott, I didn't. Each hour I was there the only thing I could think of was finding some way of coming back here, back to you." Andrece now stood towering over Jason's chair, "I thought you of all people would be happy to see me again, I guess I was wrong. Maybe I really should have died, that way at least you'd be happy. To hell with everyone else eh?"
Jason looked up and saw the tears streaming down her cheeks, the ice that had encased his heart was slowly melting and beginning to beat again only for her. "Drece.I-"
"Forget it Jason! You can have your wish!" she screamed at him, with that she turned and ran up the stairs or at least tried. Blinded so much by her tears she tripped on the first two steps and fell crying against the wall. With everyone watching him Jason stood and rushed to her side.
Cuddling her in his arms he tried to sooth her, "I'm sorry Drece. So so sorry." He said over and over until her sobbing had stopped.
Kimberly approached them and whispered to Jason, "You can take her to the guest room and talk. I'll keep the others busy out here." Jason nodded and helped Andrece to stand. With Kim's aid they guided her to the guest room to which the door was closed separating the group.
"I don't know what to say now." Zack said as Kimberly curled up with Tommy again. "I never knew how Jason really felt about loosing Andrece. I guess we know now eh?"
"Apparently.Kim how about that movie idea now? I believe we could all use a dose of non reality entertainment after the recent events." suggested Billy.
"Sure, what cha wanna watch."
Through the closed door, Jason could hear the beginning of a movie. He drew his attention away from the outside world and refocused on the pale, sobbing creature on the bed. Andrece was no longer vocally crying but tears still coursed down, forgotten on her cheeks. Her sea green eyes were red rimmed and glassy, her face unusually pale. In her arms she clutched tightly the white teddy bear he had given her on her last birthday.
Jason roughly rubbed a hand over his face wishing he could just wake up home in his bed and all this would just have been a nightmare. With a tired air around him he sat down heavily on the bed beside the silent Andrece. "Look Drece, I'm sorry for yelling at you like that. I had no right. But you have to understand you were the last person I expected to see in a million years."
"I shouldn't have come back." She said softly, her voice cracking with unleashed sobs.
Jason turned to face her; his eyes searched her eyes for the joy she had once carried within herself. "No. You did the right thing in coming back; the team needs you."
"Perhaps they do, but you don't." she locked her green eyes with his chocolate brown ones. She could see the pain in having her beside him. Seeing this brought the tears back but she would not shed any more over this.
"You're wrong. I do need you. When I found out about your death, I felt my entire world shatter. I could barely function without you by my side. With you gone I didn't have anyone to confide in, no one was there too tell me to let Tommy lead." His voice dropped to a whisper, "Andrece I will always need you."
With those words they embraced, letting the sadness and pain in their hearts evaporate away. After a few moments she broke away, "You have no idea how long I've waited to hear you say that. When I was 'lost' thinking of you was the only thing that kept me going."
"What do you mean by lost?"
"I.I guess lost isn't the right word, it's like I knew where I was but I felt that it wasn't my time to be there. It was really weird."
"What was it like?"
Andrece smiled at his questions, he was acting like a small boy in wonder of the entire world. "Directly after the crash everything was white, there was nothing around me, no sound, no objects just me. After a few seconds it felt like, things like trees and mountains began to take shape but they were still mostly hidden in a milky fog. As I was wondering around I discovered a snow white owl. It was the only animal I had seen. As I approached it flew off a little ways, I decided to follow it due to lack of any better idea."
"I guess."
"I followed it for a long time, any time when my mind wandered off or I lost sight of the bird it would suddenly appear. At one point the shapes of tall buildings appeared, and somehow between one step and the next I was inside the youth center. You and the others were there, trying to do homework or something, I couldn't really tell. I tried to call out to you but nothing came out, then you guys started to fade away. I panicked and ran towards you that's when I heard the voice."
"Who's voice?"
"I'm not sure; I can't even tell you if it was a man or woman. It sounded like several people talking at once." Andrece tilted her head thinking back, trying to find a way to describe what she had heard. "Anyways, it told me not to worry that I would see you all again soon. I started to follow that bird again and then like what happened with the Youth Center suddenly appearing I was suddenly in the park, fully powered up. I heard the sounds of a battle and I went running towards it."
"Zack had said something about following a flash of silver; it was probably you he saw."
"Well you know the rest." Andrece lapsed back into silence as she allowed Jason time to assimilate all what she had told.
"Whoa." Jason smiled at an after thought, "So you were only thinking of me?"
Andrece smiled back a bit sheepishly blushing a bright pink, "Yes, I really missed you Jase." She hugged him tightly only letting go how ever reluctantly when there was a knock at the door.
"Yeah?" Jason called.
Kim poked her head in and smiled gently, "Hey, everything cool in here?" her friends nodded, "Good, uh we were just about to watch a different movie, I think we agreed upon Lord of the Rings, you two want to watch?"
"Sure why not?" said Andrece as she slide off the bed and walked out rejoining the others.
Before Jason could follow her Kimberly caught his arm and pulled him beside her, "So what did you two talk about?"
"I'll tell you later," he replied, as he left the room he called back over his shoulder, "Maybe."
"What ever. You know I will find out Jason Lee Scott!" Kim called back as she closed the guest room door. She settled herself down again in Tommy's arms. He gave her a light squeeze as the movie started. Kim gazed around the room, 'this is the way it should have been all along.' She thought. She saw her friends Billy, Trini and Zack engrossed in the magic of the movie; she saw Jason slide his arm across Andrece's shoulders as she gently leaned against him. Kim leaned back against Tommy and he kissed the top of her head. 'This is magic.'