By Angel Mouse
In the distant future, about two thousand years after Time Force had policed the galaxy, after Empires had rose and fell, a Prophecy came into being. It stated that heroes from the past would come to the aide of the Universe of the Future, and that even though some may fall, peace would be secured for all time, for all beings in the known Universe. This Prophecy also stated that an era of darkness would come, and many worlds would fall under it's sway and only one would be able to lead the team of past heroes to victory against this ultimate evil. This one would be the last of his race and the Master Warrior would guide him in his choice of heroes. Together, they would then guide these heroes to victory and the ultimate freedom of the universe.
Over time this Prophecy began to come true and after numerous planets fell to evil's forces, the last survivor of a once proud and noble race, came out of hiding and made his way to Phaedos, home of the Master Warrior and one whom he hoped could help him. It was a long and perilous journey, with many dangers and many beings trying to stop him reaching his destination. But eventually he made his destination and meet with the Master Warrior.
Our tale begins with that historic meeting…
The years had not changed Phaedos what so ever; it was still a lush, green beautiful planet. Zaron walked slowly down into the temple ruins. That was untouched as well over the ages. He had found the records of this place amongst the ruins of his planet. He knew of the Great Power that resided there and it's guardian. He was hoping that the guardian could provide him with the information he needed to help defeat the darkness. Suddenly, he felt a presence near by and he looked around. The only thing he could see was an animal, a bird he thought, watching him. He didn't move and suddenly the bird glowed and faster than he could blink a woman was standing there before him. She was a stunningly beautiful woman, yet he could tell that there was power barely contained behind those wise and old golden eyes.
"State your business at the Temple of the Ninjetti. Who are you and what do you want here?" Zaron bowed low to the woman and when he straightened he gave a small smile.
"My lady, I am Zaron, the last of the Eltarans. I have come seeking your assistance. I came across a prophecy that mentions you. It states that you may be able to help me in my quest to defeat the darkness that is encompassing the universe at the moment." The woman watched him a moment and then nodded.
"I know of the Prophecy you speak of. I am Dulcea, Master Warrior. Welcome to Phaedos Zaron of Eltare. I am honoured to meet you." Dulcea bowed her head slightly and moved over to the centre of the temple floor.
"Thank you. The Prophecy states that I will gather heroes to accept this duty, but I've looked all over the universe and cannot seem to find anyone worthy of such a responsibility! Can you help me please." Dulcea gave him a tiny smile as she moved over to the fire pit and waved her hand over it. Instantly, a large blaze began and she looked up at him.
"Zaron, remember the Prophecy. Exactly what does it state?" Dulcea looked mildly amused and he frowned slightly, recalling what he had read.
"It says something along the lines that the heroes of the past shall rise again. Am I mistaking its meaning?"
"Perhaps. What do you think it means?"
"That the universe needs Power Rangers again." Zaron's voice was firm, he was that strong in his belief.
"That is correct. And so you have been looking for them, haven't you?"
"Yes, but I have not come across a single being I feel is worthy. I found the records my ancestor Zordon had kept and read through all of them. He had stated what he judged worthy for someone to become a Power Ranger. I have been looking for beings that have those qualities." Dulcea looked at him, curiosity on her face.
"And what qualities would they be Zaron?" Zaron frowned but answered her question. He had a feeling she was testing him, but he wasn't sure what about.
"Honesty. Compassion. Strength. Honour. Intelligent. And above all have the ability to be able to cope with some of the worst situations imaginable."
"And you have yet to locate someone that matches these qualities?"
"Yes, I've looked every where." And here Dulcea gave him a mysterious smile.
"Ah, but have you looked every when?"
"Excuse me? What do you mean, every when?" Dulcea gestured for him to come and stand by her, near the fire.
"Zaron, when Power Rangers were prevalent in the universe, in Zordon's time and afterwards, he had chosen some of the best warriors he could find. After his sacrifice, other young people found other sources of power and carried on the legacy of Power Rangers. But Zordon began the legacy by finding young people that embodied all those qualities and more, and they made him proud. They defeated evil after evil. They are the heroes that you are after Zaron. You need special rangers from the past Zaron. And I know exactly who you need." Zaron looked at her and she gestured to the fire. "Watch, and we shall see who you need." Zaron didn't know what to say, so just watched the fire.
The fire showed a young man in blue, fighting not very well, with his friends fighting in and around him. It changed to show him bent over a computer console and then flashed to him working on various things - mostly strange objects and weapons. It then flashed to showing him fighting again, this time expertly and he was easily holding his own, while most of the same people as before fought around him.
"This is the very first Blue Ranger from Earth, Billy Cranston. In the time frame you will be retrieving him from he was known as the Blue Wolf Ninjetti. A very powerful ranger of his time, but he didn't start out that way. With determination and persistence, he improved his fighting skills until he could hold his own, as you can see. He is also the longest serving original ranger from Earth. His intelligence is unequalled in the universe. His compassion, integrity and honesty, plus his great intelligence helped more than two worlds achieve a lasting peace and tranquillity. He will be a most valuable asset." Zaron nodded and spoke softly.
"What records I could get of Zordon's, they spoke highly of this young man." Dulcea nodded and pointed to the fire again.
"These next two Rangers are essential Zaron, without them, you will fail in your quest." The fire flared and they watched closely.
The first scene they saw showed the two Rangers. They were fighting to protect some people against an obviously overwhelming attack by monsters and various types of foot soldiers. The next scene showed them fighting side by side, un-morphed on an alien desert planet in terrible conditions. They seemed to fight almost as one person they were that good together. Then he saw the two of them walking along a woodland path, laughing and smiling. And then suddenly they could hear them speak clearly.
"We'll fight as a team, always."
"Always and forever." The two obvious friends sealed the words with a handshake and he watched in amazement as once more, it showed the two of them fighting together. This time they were sneaking aboard some sort of ship, monsters and metallic soldiers all around them. Zaron turned to Dulcea; his expression amazed yet confused.
"These two, they seem almost as one being. Who are they?" Dulcea gave a smile and pointed to the Red Ranger.
"This is Andros, leader of the Astro Rangers. He is from KO35 and he is the one that led the Astro Rangers to defeat Dark Spectre and Astronema. He is also the one that had the terrible duty to carry out Zordon's last order, to destroy Zordon's energy tube to save the Universe. It was a large price to pay to free the Universe from an awful lot of evil, but he did it. The sign of a true and good leader is the ability to carry out the harshest of choices and make the right decision. He is a good and kind person. His sister had been kidnapped when they were younger and brain washed into being Astronema. He had to fight and kill her before he could free Zordon, I think that was the hardest thing he had to do. But Zordon's energy freed her from the evil that possessed her and gave her a second chance at life. She later on became a Power Ranger herself but more on that later. But Andros is the leader that you are after Zaron." Zaron listened to her words as he watched various scenes from Andros's life.
"What a terrible choice he had to make, yet he made it."
"Yes. And that is the sign of a true leader. A leader that puts the needs of the many over the needs or the wants of the one." Zaron just nodded, mulling over her words a few moments. He then looked over to her again, curious as to the other fighter and wanting to mull over her words some more. He had a feeling he knew who it was, but wanted it confirmed.
"Who is that one that fights with him?" Dulcea could not help but smile. Even after all these millennia, Zhane still had that affect on people.
"Zhane of KO35 is the Silver Ranger - the most powerful Power Ranger ever. And Andros's best friend." Zaron just looked at her in shock. The Silver Ranger was a legend that still talked about in some places even today. He was right about his guess, but he thought that the Silver Ranger was just a legend, made up, not actually real.
"The Silver Ranger?" Dulcea smiled at him gently.
"Yes, the Silver Ranger. Zhane swore to fight alongside Andros for ever, and he made the ultimate sacrifice for his friend." Dulcea gestured and the picture in the fire changed back to the first scene of the two of them fighting alongside one another. "During this attack, Andros was severely knocked down and was about to be killed. Zhane rushed in and took the blow meant for him and it almost killed him. Andros placed him in hypersleep for just over two years to save his life. When he emerged he faced several trials to regain his former powers and once he did, he fought alongside his friend once more. They are the most formidable duo ever to hold the Power. They fight as one, because they are one. They are closer than brothers are, they are best friends, and would do anything, including sacrificing their lives, for one another. Together, they are practically unbeatable." Zaron stared in amazement at the scenes before him. It showed the two rangers fighting side by side in all sorts of situations. And they always came out on top no matter how bad the odds. He looked at Dulcea and smiled at her.
"Those two, they are perfect." Dulcea gave a tiny laugh and smiled gently at him.
"Then those two we will bring here, once we have chosen the rest of the people you will need." Zaron looked at her and nodded.
"Yes, I will need others. But how could anyone be even better than these two?"
"Not better, but just as good. And been through just as much. Watch." Dulcea gestured again and this time it showed a young dark haired man-fighting bug like creatures. "Now, to the next Ranger you will need. I will warn you now, you won't have trouble recruiting him, but you will have trouble getting him to be a team player. He is a Lone Wolf and one of the most skilled fighters I have ever seen. He is even almost a match for myself." Zaron raised an eyebrow, impressed in spite of himself. Dulcea's prowess in battle and as a warrior was unmatched.
"Sounds interesting. Who is he?"
"He's someone who knows what it's like to be old and out of place, and also be used by evil." Dulcea waved her hands once more at the fire and a figure appeared dressed in a white uniform, fighting desperately to protect a woman standing behind him. The figure then changed to one of a monster that's fighting skills were excellent. "Over six thousand years ago on Earth, there was a place called Anamaria, where the Wild Zords flourished and prospered. Five Ancient Warriors protected Anamaria, the Wild Zords and their Guardian with all their might but it wasn't enough. Princess Shayla was the Guardian of the Wild Zords and a most gentle soul. An over whelming and devastating force attacked them, taking them by surprise. There was a fierce battle and her Protector placed the Princess in a deep sleep for over three thousand years. To defeat the enemy, Merrick, her Protector and your Ranger, donned a cursed mask that enabled him to defeat the enemy, but at the same time, turned him evil. He knew that it would be the price for defeating the Orgs, but he was prepared to pay it. He would do anything to protect the Princess and the Anamarian. He was imprisoned for over three thousand years as that evil monster - his compatriots; the Ancient Warriors having no choice as he attacked them; and when he was released and awoke, it was the Wild Force Rangers that broke the spell and brought Merrick back to being human again. Merrick became the Luna Wolf Ranger, and one of the most skilled fighters against evil." Zaron watched in amazement as Merrick fought over whelming odds time and time again. He watched as Merrick protected the Princess and their interaction, also their attraction with one another. He watched as Merrick even fought the monster he had been in one final, overwhelming battle. "Merrick resumed his duties as the Princess's Protector and also fought along side the Wild Force Rangers. But he never really felt a part of the team, or understood how to be a team member, as he felt out of place with the time he found himself in. If it hadn't been for the Princess Shayla, he would have not fought along side them. But besides being her protector the two of them were also deeply in love, which was forbidden by their positions." Dulcea gave a sad smile. "They were perfect for each other really, destined to be together. And, I must say in passing, that after many years apart, they did manage to finally forget their positions and be together." Zaron smiled, watching the images of the two of them together.
"They look happy, in the end."
"And they were. Shayla returned the Anamarian to the Earth after they confirmed there was no more evil that would confront them and began a normal life with Merrick. They were very happy together." Zaron nodded, watching the fire for a few moments. It began to go over the images of the people had seen so far. The four rangers were shown in all sorts of situations and Zaron found himself watching them, studying the way they fought, interacted and even relaxed. He found himself fascinated by each and every one of them and suddenly he was extremely eager to meet each and every one of them. He turned to Dulcea, his expression eager. But then he stopped himself.
"Just exactly how are these four young men going to able to defeat everything that's going on out there." Dulcea just smiled gently at him.
"Those young men between them have defeated more evil than what's facing you at the moment. Trust in them. And now, there are two more Rangers you must meet. The first is Andros's sister, she will make up the fifth member of your team." He looked at her, confused.
"A fifth member? A woman?" Dulcea just looked at him and he blushed. "Sorry, I didn't mean it like that. And why would it be Andros's sister? What's so special about her?" Dulcea just grinned at him and gestured to the fire again.
"Karone is someone that everyone who has been evil and knows the working of evil intimately."
"What do you mean?"
"Just watch." Zaron focussed on the fire, curious to see what he would see. The fire flared and showed a nice, normal family scene. A brother and sister were playing with a ball in a park.
"Karone was kidnapped from KO35 when she was just three years old." The fire showed Karone being taken and then her brother yelling for her, searching for her. "Andros spent the next twelve years looking for her non-stop. Karone was brainwashed and believed that the Power Rangers had murdered her parents. They turned her into Astronema, Princess of Evil. Under that guise she attacked many worlds and tried to kill the Astro Rangers. But it was thanks to Zhane and Andros broke through the conditioning and Karone remembered who she was. Unfortunately, she was captured again and this time the brainwashing was implanted directly into her brain." Images were shown of where Andros and Zhane tried to rescue her, but were unsuccessful. "When Zordon made his sacrifice, Karone was given a second chance at life and spent that time wisely. When Kendrix Morgan, the Pink Galaxy Ranger, was killed, Karone placed herself in great danger to retrieve Kendrix's Galaxy sabre, and Kendrix's spirit choose Karone to take her place as the Pink Galaxy Ranger. During her time as the Galaxy Ranger, Karone time and time again proved to herself and to others that she was no longer evil. She was finally allowed to be the person she was meant to be. When Kendrix returned to them she went back to KO35 where she and Zhane lived happily together for many years along with Andros and Ashley, the yellow Galaxy Ranger." The images changed to show the four of them happy together over the years. Finally the fire died down and Dulcea looked at him. Zaron was silent a few minutes, absorbing everything he had seen. After a while he looked up and gave a tiny smile.
"I believe that they have been through a lot, and seen a lot more. They will be able to help me." Dulcea smiled.
"Plus, you have the added advantage of having Merrick and Karone both having experience evil, and they know how evil thinks and works. They may not want to tap into that experience, but it will be needed."
"I understand. Now, who is the last Ranger that you are talking about?" Dulcea smiled and gestured to the fire. This time the images showed a young man fighting along side with four other male rangers and a female ranger. They were dressed in ninja uniforms and fighting in a secluded woodland area. It then changed to show him sitting in front of a computer, working hard. Then piloting a Zord and fighting alongside his friends.
"Cameron Wantabe is the Green Samurai Ranger. Along with his fellow Rangers - the Wind and Thunder Ninja Rangers, he fought against his evil uncle who was intent on destroying the Universe. He and Billy have much in common. They both lost their mothers at a young age and are both extremely intelligent. Without either of them, their respective teams would have lost their battles against evil. Cameron is also a very skilled fighter, being both trained in Ninja and Samurai fighting styles. He is very skilled but is similar to Merrick and Billy come to think of it, as being a bit of a loner. But he will understand more than the others on the value of team work." Zaron nodded, sighing as the enormity of the task ahead of him began to sink in. he managed a tiny smile and looked up at Dulcea.
"Now, how do we get them here, to this time?" Dulcea just smiled gently at him and gestured to the darkened sky.
"We will be able to do so in the morning, using the Great Power." Dulcea's expression became serious. "What we will be attempting will be extremely dangerous, and we can only do it during daylight hours. It will require a lot of energy from both of us tomorrow; and showing you these Rangers from the past has been very tiring to myself. So, I suggest we both take some rest." Zaron nodded and followed Dulcea to a cave where she lived when she wasn't out and about on the planet. Zaron soon settled down on some furs and was quickly asleep. Dulcea sat at the mouth of the cave and sighed, looking out at the monolith where the Great Power resided. This would not be easy. On any of them.
Tbc.
