Chapter Two: Transformation Part II: Empowered
"So, I am the only one that's a Power Ranger." James says trying to understand the situation.
"I think you need to be examined for any cranial injuries." Justin says.
"Why?" James says.
"You are acting in a highly abnormal manner which is similar to that of amnesia." Justin says. "This can be associated with injuries sustained to the hippocampus."
"I can't wrap my mind around this lingo that you use." James says.
Justin is about to say something until an alarm goes off.
"What's going on?" James asks.
"Computer, threat assessment" Justin says as he walks over to a console.
"The monster known as Inferno has returned." The computer says. "Threat is considered high based on the earlier defeat the Red Ranger succumbed to."
"Alright, that means we are out in the field today." Justin says looking at James. "Well…"
"Well what?" James asks.
"You're going to need to morph." Keri says bringing out equipment.
"Oh yea." James says as his animorpher is brought to him. "It's morphin' time."
James once again transforms into Red Omega Ranger. The trio teleports downtown to where the fire is engulfing everything. Buildings and cars are ablaze along with immense heat being felt by all. People are running and screaming while fire trucks and hydrants are spread thin. The three arrive on the scene and see what is happening.
"Alright Red Ranger, you need to find and stop Inferno." Justin says.
"No, I've got to help these people." James says as he rushes away.
"Red Ranger, I want to help these people as well but more are going to get hurt if you do not stop Inferno." Justin says over a communicator.
"I can do both." James says as he super-speeds a family out of a burning building.
James continues to save people and families from buildings and cars. However the screams and cries for help persist. James changes his tactic and focuses on a being that is humanoid in shape but entirely engulfed in fire. James runs at him and kicks him in the chest at super-speed. However, he flies right through the being and lands foot first in the passenger side of a car. James shakes it off as Keri runs over.
"James… James… you're going to ne—" Keri says as James shoves her out of the way of a fire ball.
"Keri this is far too dangerous for you." James says.
"But James you need what I—" Keri begins.
"Keri, you are not a Power Ranger; I need to try and beat this guy to save everyone." James says as he runs toward Inferno.
Inferno launches another stream of fire at another building. A bunch of teenagers scream as rubble landed in front of them. James runs over and hears familiar voices as he gets over there.
"Guys, calm down." Phil says. "Everything is going to be all right."
"Phil is right guys; we're going to get you out of there." Wendy says.
"Phil, Wendy!" James yells as he gets over there.
Phil and Wendy look up after they start to move the rubble.
"What are you doing over here Red Ranger?" Wendy says.
"Yea, you need to go take care of that fire guy over there." Phil says.
"But you guys need help." James says.
"Don't worry, we can handle this." Wendy says.
"It's more important that you take care of everyone." Phil says as his eyes quickly flash with fire. "You don't have to bear the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have a team for a reason. Everyone knows the danger and still go out there with you. Do not continue to carry the weight of the past. Pave your future with your team."
"What?" James says with surprise.
"I said, get out there and kick some ass." Phil says. "We'll take care of this."
"Red Ranger!" Keri and Justin says as they run over.
"Yes" James said.
"You're going to need our help." Keri says.
"This is a solidification device." Justin says handing the device to James. "You will need to implant this into the monster and it will give him a non-ephemeral form."
"Excellent; thanks guys." James says.
"You're welcome." Keri says.
James runs at the beast and clutches the device firmly. He runs through Inferno and deposits the device within him. As he goes through, the Omega armor burned away leaving James in his civilian clothes. His animorpher begins to glow red like molten lava and assumes a liquid shape. It floats out of his hands and levitates above him. Soon it starts to form into a rectangular shape. The outside looks like an I-pod which has flames running from the bottom to the top. It gently floats down to James who grasps the new Morpher. Once in his hand, as if by instinct, he knows what to do.
"Elemental Power Energize!" James yells.
Suddenly James is engulfed in flames and red energy surrounds him. A small flame is the emblem that appears behind James. As the flames slowly recede, a brilliant red uniform is revealed. The transformation is complete with James in the Red Ranger uniform that is predominately red with a white trim along the arms and legs that connect to an emblem in the center which has the small flame along with five other symbols.
"Red Fire Ranger!" James yells as Inferno explodes.
The flames engulf the scene like fire burns away paper. James looks around and all he sees now is a void. A red being suddenly appears before him.
"James, you have passed the test that I have set out for you." The being says.
"Where am I? Who are you? Where are my friends?" James asks quickly.
"You are in the nexus of the elemental plane." The red being explains. "I am the avatar of fire, you have passed the test I set out for you to determine if you are the one to control the power of fire and you succeeded."
"How?" James asks.
"You trusted in your friends abilities." The red being says. "You let them help you and used them for what they bring."
"But I do that." James says.
"You do, however you carry the need to do everything." The red being says. "You realized that one person can not do it all and everyone shares equal responsibility on this team."
"So I assume that my team is being tested as well." James says.
"Yes, by other elemental avatars." The red being says.
"So what do I do now?" James asks.
"Well time is relative here." The red being says. "It will appear that you arrive all at the same time; which means you are on your way to Earth. Zordon will explain everything and the last thing I have to say is good luck."
James attempts to protest but soon disappears.
Meanwhile…
The group gets out of the car and walks toward the school. They are all laughing and joking together as they walk up to the building. Once they get to the door, they all see Keri walking in. Keri looks at the group longingly. Justin steps forward.
"What are you looking at freak?" Justin spits.
"Failure" Keri says as the group sniggers.
"Haha, I guess being a bitch comes with the territory of being a loser." Justin retorts.
"Don't forget being a skank." Phil chimes in.
"Please, like anybody would sleep with that." Wendy says. "I've seen football players with fewer bruises."
"Stop it." Keri says.
"Aww, the little freak can't stand it when the failure manages to have more friends than her and parents that actually care about him." Justin says viciously.
Keri starts to cry profusely as she runs into the building.
"Aren't you guys going to go after her?" Mike asks.
"No" James says.
"Why should we?" Justin says.
"Because she is distraught…" Mike says.
They all look at Mike for a moment and start laughing.
"Come on man, you're killing us today." James says. "Let's get to class."
Mike looks worriedly down the hallway after Keri. The day turned out rather uneventful. Mike was concerned about the way that the guys treated Keri and tried to figure out what the hell was going on.
'What the hell is up?' Mike thinks as his last class is ending. 'This is not right; none of it is. I just can't make out how the world is supposed to be. Maybe…'
"Mikey, snap out of it." Phil yells.
"Huh, what?" Mike says shaking his head.
"It's time to go man, school is over." Wendy says.
"Oh okay." Mike says as he grabs his stuff.
The group leaves the classroom and meets up with James and Justin. The full group goes to their lockers to pick up their stuff. Then they proceed to go to the exit of the school. They all talk excitedly about what each of them are going to do with their afternoon. Mike didn't say anything to them; instead he looks off down the way. He sees Keri walking across the parking lot. She looks quite sad until three monstrous creatures appear out of nowhere and surrounded her.
"Guys, there are things over there attacking Keri." Mike says.
"So" Wendy says.
"Well it looks like she needs help." Mike says.
"In more ways than one..." Justin says laughing.
"Dude it's not funny." Mike says angrily. "She could get hurt."
"Calm down bro, I guess we can call the police or like animal control or something like that." James says.
"For her or those things..." Justin says still laughing.
Mike looks at his friends then back to Keri. He faced his internal struggle that he always had. He wants to go and help her but all he's wanted was a normal life. At that moment, his life as a ranger flashed before eyes. He remembered all of the anguish he suffered being Night Wolf and how much he just wanted everything to be normal. That is all he ever wanted, not to be ranger. He didn't want to save people anymore, he didn't want the responsibility. However, he sees Keri in trouble and knows that it's the right thing to do to help her. He doesn't want to be like his friends, he can't just sit back and let her get hurt. The Power Rangers exist for a reason and he is ready to accept that.
"Get away from her you god-damned freaks." Mike says as he runs towards the beasts.
Keri closes her eyes and screams as one of the beasts lunges at her. She waits for the strike to happen but it did not. She opens her eyes and sees Mike punch the beast in the face.
"Get out of here." Mike yells as he kicks the other beast in the chest.
"What about you?" Keri asks.
"Don't worry about me, just go!" Mike says as one of the beasts pounces on him.
Keri runs behind a car as Mike kicks the beast off of him. He tries to hold off the beasts as long as he can, but they start to be too much for him. One of the beasts tackles him and the other two circle him. As the he feels the impending doom, he suddenly fells something different akin to a well of pride swell within him.
"I want to be a Ranger again!" Mike yells.
Suddenly, a black rectangle appears above Mike and seems to drive away the beasts. Mike reaches up and grabs the I-pod looking device. Once he holds it in his hand, it feels almost natural to morph.
"Elemental Power Energize!" Mike yells.
Suddenly, Mike is engulfed in the black energy that surrounds him. A small circular emblem appears behind Mike. As the energy slowly recedes, a sleek black uniform is revealed. Soon the transformation is complete with Mike in the Black Ranger uniform which is predominately black with a white trim which travels along his arms and legs. It connects to an emblem in the center which has the circular emblem along with five other symbols.
"Black Gravity Ranger!" Mike yells.
The scene soon flattens as if it had been steam rolled and soon there is a dark void. Within the dark void, blackness appears with a white outline of a humanoid shape.
"Michael, you have passed the exam that I have put forth." The being says.
"What test?" Mike asks.
"In order to receive the power of the elemental rangers, you must pass a test set forth by an avatar of the elements." The being begins. "You chose being a Power Ranger over something that you've wanted more than anything else. You chose that over being normal and not being a Power Ranger. You made the important decision to put the needs of others before the wants of yourself. That is a very important lesson to understand."
"So where are the 'real' others?" Mike asks.
"They, like you, are being tested by other elemental Avatars." The dark being says. "They will return to Earth if they have passed their test."
"What if they don't?" Mike asks.
"Then they are lost in that dimension forever." The being says.
"What?" Mike says angrily.
"Calm yourself Michael." The being says. "You all were chosen by the animal spirits for your incredible skills. Have faith that your friends will be as successful as you."
"I guess." Mike says.
"The time is here for you to return." The being says "Have faith you will see all of your friends and Zordon will explain everything. Good luck to you Michael."
Mike disappears as the being drifts back into the darkness. Elsewhere…
"I can't." Keri says. "I am not evil."
"It's who you are Keri." Phil says. "You showed us the way. This is all because of you and now you're lost. We can help you find the way."
"No, I don't need your help!" Keri says as she pushes Phil back.
Keri turns around and starts to run. She runs as fast as she can in any direction. She dodges lightning which strikes the Earth around her. She couldn't deal with it; it is all too much. She finally stops to catch her breath. She huffs and huffs as air flows through her lungs.
"You can't run from us." A male voice says.
Keri turns around; startled. She sees all of her friends standing there in their altered state.
"You're all not real." Keri says. "There is no way in the world any of you would ever turn evil."
"We all have our dark sides Keri." Mike says. "You missed mine as Night Wolf."
"And mine as Shadow Queen." Wendy says.
"We're all capable of being evil." James says. "But you know that better than anyone else, don't you?"
"No, I don't know what you're talking about." Keri says.
"I think you do." Justin says. "It doesn't take a genius to figure it out. You moved into Manhattan because your parents wanted to move you away from good old Angel Grove. This was after a recent problem Angel Grove had of an "Evil Ranger" going around terrorizing citizens. Now put two and two together…"
"How did you know?" Keri asks.
"Keri, I know everything." Justin simply replies.
"No, this is just all in my mind." Keri says. "That's all this is."
"Oh we are very much real." Mike says.
"Enough it's time for you to join the fold again." James says
"Never, I will fight you." Keri says as she moves into a fighting stance.
"Keri…" Phil begins to say.
Keri runs up and kicks Phil in the chest. He falls to the ground as Wendy tries to punch Keri. Keri ducks under her punch and delivers a powerful uppercut. Wendy flies backwards as Justin comes in with a double kick. Keri parries both kicks and begins jabbing him. Justin falls to his knees as Mike and James come in for a sweep kick. Keri falls forward, grabs Justin, flips him and throws him forward. She recovers and turns around to see the rangers on their feet with no apparent wear from the battle. Keri is breathing slightly harder than she was before. She turns and runs at them again. She focuses her energy on trying to defeat them. She thinks that might be the way to get out of here. However every time she fights them, they would just get back up with no visible wear. After a couple of hours, Keri is exhausted.
"Keri, now do you realize it's futile to fight us." James says.
"No, you're evil." Keri huffs. "I've tried so hard to make up for that incident. I am not evil, I am good and I will fight until I take my last breath."
"Keri, have you learned nothing?" Phil says sighing with resignation. "You can't fight it and you can't fight us. You can't run from it; it's just who you are."
"No" Keri says.
"Yes, it's just as much a part of you as your brown hair." Wendy says.
"The past defines us Keri." Justin says. "It makes us who we are and we must accept it. Each of us has darkness within us that we must face at one point or another. Keri, the darkness is apart of you and always will be."
"You're right; I do have a darkness within me." Keri says. "But I realize that there is something that I have as well. Along with darkness comes light, the light illuminate all!"
Suddenly a yellow rectangular box appears bathing the area in a brilliant golden light. The box floats down to Keri and she takes hold of it. She feels a warm glow engulf her and knows exactly what to do.
"Elemental Power Energize" Keri yelled.
Suddenly a light of yellow energy engulfs Keri and completely surrounds her. A small sun emblem appears behind her. The light starts to recede as a dazzling yellow Ranger uniform is revealed. A thin white trim goes from her arms and legs to her chest where the sun emblem and five other symbols appear.
"Yellow Light Ranger!" Keri yells.
The scene begins to burn away as the light generated from Keri destroys all of the darkness. The light becomes too much for Keri and she closes her eyes. When she opens them again, she is in a dark void. She gasps as a being of pure light appears. This being looks humanoid in shape and speaks rather softly.
"You have done well Keri." The being says.
"What is this? Who are you?" Keri asks.
"I am the elemental avatar of light." The being says. "This has been a test to see if you are worthy of being the elemental ranger of light and you passed."
"How could I? I have darkness in me." Keri says.
"Yes you do." The being says. "Everyone does, but you are willing to embrace the light and shine it upon others. That is what is most important."
"Well that makes sense I guess." Keri says. "Oh, where are the others?"
"They are undergoing their own tests." The being says. "They are being tested by other elemental avatars to see if they are worthy. But the time grows near for you to return to Earth. Be safe my young warrior of light and shine a bright as the glowing sun."
Keri is about to question the being further, but soon disappears. Meanwhile…
Justin watches as his dream teleport away; off to battle.
"I can't believe these things are real." Justin says.
"Yeah and we have you to thank." Keri says.
"Yea without thinking up this idea and coming up with the tech, we would never come up with a way to combat Blackborg." Phil says.
"So why didn't we go with a human operator." Justin asks.
The group looks at him oddly.
"You were the one that was staunchly against it." Wendy says walking up to Justin. "You said that human emotions would get in the way of logic."
"You also said that humans would not be able to do what is necessary." Phil says. "You were adamant that the logic aspect of the brain is far superior and technology reflects that."
"I guess that is true." Justin replies.
Justin turns his attention to the viewing screen to watch the rangers in action. In the field, the rangers see three beings. The one in the center appears to be a mechanical lion, while the one to the left appears to be a mechanical bee and the one to the right appears to be a mechanical lizard.
"Three targets acquired." The blue ranger says. "Presume to be the threat which has caused alarm."
"Evaluating threat level…" The pink ranger says. "Threat level: code yellow."
"Caution should be had, but their strength appears to be mediocre." The crimson ranger says.
"Initiate combat tactic thirteen." The red ranger says.
"Affirmative" The rest of the rangers say.
The robot rangers engage the three monsters. The Pink and Gold Rangers go after the mechanical bee, the Blue and Green Rangers go after the mechanical lizard and the Crimson and Red Rangers go after the mechanical lion. The rangers manage to get the upper hand soon enough as the robots fell back. The lion looks over at the crowd of people in the distance and its eyes begin to glow. Suddenly, three people appear in front of the three monsters as human shields.
"Hahaha" The lion says. "Now that there are humans in front of us, you would not dare strike us."
"Evaluating situation" The red robot ranger says.
"The three animal monsters are gaining more energy." The blue robot ranger says.
"Every course of action to save the three individuals will result in massive collateral damage as well as loss of life." The Pink robot says.
"Identifying humans captured." The Yellow robot says. "Identification confirmed; three recent parolees from Rikers."
"Appropriate course of action determined; termination." Red robot says.
Meanwhile, back at the base…
"What did they just order?" Justin exclaims.
"Termination" Wendy replies casually.
"Why?" Justin asks.
"Because statistically, that is the best option." Keri replies. "We used the logic design you came up with. You gave them the capability of judgment based on logic. Therefore, the decisions that they make are a direct reflection of you."
"No, I wouldn't —" Justin says.
"You created them to be logical like yourself." Phil says. "They respond to situations much like you would."
"But they should still value human life." Justin argues. "I would save people if I were in that situation."
"But that is illogical." Wendy says. "Listen Justin, I don't know what brought about this change, but we're doing good work here. If a few people get hurt, it is sad but think about the many lives they'll save doing so."
"At what expense?" Justin asks. "Who are we to justify who lives and who dies?"
"There is no need to get melodramatic about it. Those three are criminals; they don't really matter." Keri says.
"But they are still human." Justin counters.
"Logically speaking—" Phil begins.
"Screw logic, I am helping those people!" Justin says as he runs over to the computer.
Justin inputs commands and feels the familiar feeling of teleportation engulf him. Soon enough he is standing right in between the robot rangers and monsters with their criminal hostages.
"Stop!" Justin yells. "End termination command."
"Primary creator command… overridden." The red robot ranger says. "Primary creator, you have three seconds to move or be destroyed."
"You are not going to hurt these people. They are innocent." Justin says fiercely.
"The three seconds have elapsed. On my command, commence termination blast." The Red robot ranger says. "Fire!"
The six robot rangers each fire a blast of immense energy at the villains.
'I just want to stop them. I want to save everyone!' Justin thinks. 'I don't need logic and facts but the will to do so.'
As the blast draws near, it changes shape from a circular beam to a more rectangular blue box. It slows as Justin opens his eyes and reaches out. When he touches it, a blue box with white lined swirls appears in his hand. Justin knows exactly what he holds and bellows,
"Elemental Power Energize!"
On his words, he becomes engulfed in a tornado of blue energy. A symbol of wavy lines appears behind him. As the energy recedes, a deep blue Ranger uniform is revealed. There is a white trim around the arms and legs of the uniform which connects to six symbols on his chest; one of which being the wavy lines.
"Blue Wind Ranger!" Justin yelled.
The scene swirls away as Justin finds himself in a blue, cloudy realm. It looks as if Justin is standing in the middle of the sky. Justin looks around this mysterious place for any sign of life. Suddenly, a tornado erupted in front of Justin and starts to speak to him.
"You have done it Justin." The being says.
"Done what and who are you?" Justin asks bemused.
"I am the elemental avatar of wind and you have passed the trial that I have put before you." The avatar says.
"What do you mean? What happened? Where is everyone else?" Justin asks trying to wrap his mind around all of this.
"Calm yourself my wind warrior. In order to see if you and your friends were worthy of receiving the elemental powers, we set up tests." The avatar says. "You discovered that there is more to being ranger than just being intelligent."
"Yea, it's about being a person and trusting instinct." Justin says. "I already knew that."
"Did you?" The avatar asks. "After your battle with the Psycho Blue ranger, it seemed that logic was the only thing that you could trust."
"I guess you are right about that." Justin says looking away. "I considered creating robot rangers so no one would have to go through that."
"And now you've seen why you have to take the emotions good or bad." The avatar says. "They build us into who we are and give the capability of becoming Power Rangers. Now, it is time for you to go home."
"Wait I have more questions." Justin exclaims.
"I am sure you do." The avatar says. "Be well young warrior."
When the avatar says this, Justin disappears. In another place…
'I need to figure this out.' Wendy thinks as Judy hugs her.
"Are you alright then?" Judy asks.
"Yeah, I don't know what I was thinking." Wendy says breaking the hug. "I guess it must be that time of the month."
"Oh okay" Judy says. "Do you need anything?"
"No, I'll be fine." Wendy says.
"Alright, then I will see you later." Judy says.
"Later" Wendy says as Judy leaves the bathroom.
Wendy looks in the mirror and tries to think of a plan. She feels her pockets and looks for something.
'I was hoping that I would at least have my animorpher with me in this place.' Wendy thinks. 'Okay, what am I supposed to do? My friends are all not friends anymore, I don't have my powers, and I just can't deal with this. So many other people would know what to do. Justin would know what's going on; James would be able to figure out a plan; Mike would do something; Keri and Phil could even take charge and do something.'
Wendy's eyes begin to well with tears as the hopelessness of the situation hits her.
'What can I do?' Wendy thinks. 'How can I get things back to normal?'
At that moment, Keri enters the bathroom.
"Are you okay?" Keri asks.
"Oh, I'm fine." Wendy says brushing away the tears. "Are you, you look like you've been crying too."
"I… It's just been so hard since my parents got divorced." Keri says as she begins to cry again. "I don't know if I can go on. It's my entire fault anyway; I made it hard for our family."
"Don't say that Keri." Wendy says hugging her. "It's not your fault and you would be missed by a lot of people; so don't say things like that."
"I don't know why I am telling you all of this." Keri sobs. "It's not like we're even friends."
"Keri it doesn't matter if we're friends or not." Wendy says wiping her tears. "It matters that you are another human being who needs a shoulder to cry on."
"I don't understand why more people can't be like you." Keri says composing herself. "You are so compassionate and help people out all the time. I have never met someone who just brings people together and keeps them working together."
"I never thought about it that way." Wendy says thoughtfully.
"Yea Wendy, I think it's your calling." Keri says. "Well thanks for the talk; I'll see you soon."
"Wait, can you meet me in room 223 after the last bell?" Wendy asks.
"Why?" Keri asks.
"I think I have figured something out." Wendy says. "Trust me"
"Okay I guess" Keri says leaving.
"It's up to me to bring this team back together." Wendy says as she leaves.
The day continues to pass at its leisurely pace. Soon enough the final bell rings and Wendy walks over to room 223. She peeks inside to find five, very confused teens. She recognizes them immediately as her former friends. She walks in and the others look at her with various emotions.
"I got a text saying that the mathletes meeting was moved to this room." Justin says.
"Well we got a text saying that the cheerleading team was having practice in this room." James says for him and his brother Mike.
"I thought there was dance meeting here." Phil says.
"I sent those texts." Wendy says. 'Luckily their numbers are still the same.'
"So why did you bring us all here?" Phil asks.
"Look I don't know what happened; maybe those things in the sky zapped us to alternate dimension or something." Wendy begins. "Anyway, we are best friends. I know you don't remember it, but we were also a team of power rangers that defended the Earth from an evil cyborg known as Blackborg. We beat him, but then something new came and now we need to beat that too."
"You do realize how insane you sound." Justin says. "I'm outta here."
"Don't leave; I know I sound crazy but this is all true." Wendy says. "I bet I know you all better than you think I do."
"Fine; what is my I.Q.?" Justin asks.
"172. You were tested in the 9th grade and that is also when you were inducted into mensa." Wendy says.
"I didn't tell anyone that." Justin exclaims. "How did you know?"
"You told me when you were stressed out about all the testing and when you first got the news." Wendy says.
"Well that may be true for the nerd, but tell me this: What do I dream of doing?" James asks.
"That's easy, a cop. You wanted to become a cop because that was the closest thing you thought would be being a power ranger." Wendy says.
"Wow bro, I didn't even know that." Mike says.
"Yea, it's true." James says.
The questioning continues from person to person until the group stops in shock.
"Okay, this is freaking me out." Phil says. "How do you know so much about us?"
"I told you, we are best friends." Wendy says.
"Well why did we tell you these things?" Mike says.
"I don't really know." Wendy says. "I guess because you all trusted me with your secrets and thought you could count on me to be there."
"That is the type of person you are Wendy." Keri says as she puts her hand out. "You are there to give advice and listen to problems. I am would be glad to be your friend again."
"Yea, you seem like a pretty cool chick." Mike says as he put his hand over Keri's.
"I agree with bro; in order to know that stuff about us, you'd have to have been our best friend." James says putting his hand on Mike's.
"Based on the information you gave us, I have to come to the same assessment as the others." Justin says as he put his hand in. "I would be happy to be your friend."
"I don't know, this is all still pretty freaky." Phil says. "But, I have heard of weirder things happening. Welcome to the crew."
Phil walks over and puts his hand in the center. When he does this, a pink energy begins to form in the center of the group. Suddenly, the pink energy releases a glowing pink box which reflects light with a metallic luster. The rectangular box floats from the group over to Wendy. Wendy reaches up and grabs it. The others looked on in confusion as Wendy yells,
"Elemental Power Energize!"
On her words, she is engulfed in pink energy. A symbol of a triangle above an upside down trapezoid appears behind her. As the energy recedes, a bright pink Ranger uniform is revealed. There is a white trim around the arms and legs of the uniform which connects to six symbols on her chest; one of which being the triangle and trapezoid.
"Pink Metal Ranger!"
The pink energy still emanates from the group of friends. She looks up at them as they nod to her. She jumps towards the pink energy and is pulled into another realm. It looks as if she inside of an iron bar. Everything around her is lustrous and glistening. She looks around for some indication of anything until a silver being stands before. She immediately goes into a defensive stance.
"Be easy child, I will not harm you." The being says.
"Who are you?" Wendy says not lowering her guard.
"I am the avatar of metal." The avatar says. "It is I who tested you and you have passed."
"What test?" Wendy asks.
"The test of being worthy enough to have the elemental powers of metal." The avatar says. "You are and now they belong to you."
"How did I do that?" Wendy asks.
"You rediscovered the compassion that you have within you." The avatar says. "You still blamed yourself for becoming the Shadow Queen, not foreseeing what happened to Justin, losing your powers, and a world of other things. You are not going to be able to prevent everything, you just need to remember to be there when the bad happens. The group needs your ability to keep people together. It's the foundation for a team and is going to be needed soon."
"What do you mean?" Wendy says.
"I have said too much and you must go." The avatar says.
"But—" Wendy starts.
"Goodbye Wendy." The avatar says.
Wendy disappears from that plane of existence. Elsewhere, Phil wakes up in a place that is blurry and unfamiliar to him. As his eyes come into focus, he sees a dark room with dim red lights. As he tries to move, he hears the rattling of chains. He looks over to see his arms and his legs are shackled.
"What the—" Phil says.
"It's hopeless green ranger." Andromeda says.
"Andromeda, let me go!" Phil says.
"Why should I?" Andromeda replies.
"If you don't, my friends are going to come and destroy you to free me." Phil says defiantly.
"Do you really think they would come?" Andromeda laughs.
"Yes, they would give their lives to make sure that I am safe." Phil says.
"What do you think they are doing right now?" Andromeda says.
"Figuring out a way to save me." Phil says.
"Well look over there green ranger." Andromeda says as she points to the right.
Phil looks in the direction Andromeda is pointing in and sees an image. He sees the rangers in central park throwing around the football and having a picnic. They are laughing and enjoying themselves. Phil looks on with shock and anger.
"You're lying." Phil says. "That isn't true."
"Why would I lie, when the truth is hurting so much more?" Andromeda cackles. "I will leave you for now. Oh and just so you know, that apparatus hooked up behind you will deliver a painful stream of electricity once every ten minutes. Enjoy the show."
Andromeda walks out the room to the sound of Phil screaming in agony. A few hours later…
"Why are the guys not helping me?" Phil asks delirious with pain. "Why have they abandoned me?"
"We've abandoned you?" James says from the screen.
"Finally, I need you to help me." Phil says.
"I thought you were the protector of the power rangers." James says. "Aren't you supposed to be protecting us?"
"Well it's a two-way street." Phil struggles. "I thought we were friends."
"We are, but there is something you need to discover." James says. "You're a clever kid, you'll figure it out."
"What!" Phil yells as another stream of electricity courses through his body.
This last jolt exhausts Phil immensely. His eyes droop heavily. He feels his brain slowing with each passing minute.
'So this is what dying feels like." Phil thinks. 'No, I am not going die; I won't give in. If the group is not going to get me out of this, I am getting myself out of this. I am tired of being the one that doesn't fit it in. I am sick of just being the one who's there. I am Phil, green ranger and defender of good. Whether it is the others that I have to defend, innocents, or myself; I will give my heart and soul to making sure that we will be free.'
As his mind begins to shut down, a bright green light beams down on Phil. Phil feels energy returning to him as he opens his eyes. The first thing he sees is a forest green rectangular box. He feels compelled to reach out and grab it. He tugs at the chains but they do not budge. Phil puts his full strength into grabbing the box. The box glows brighter as Phil breaks the chains and grabs it. With new found strength, Phil yells,
"Elemental Power Energize!"
Suddenly, Phil is engulfed in the green energy. A small, jagged, circular emblem appears behind Phil. As the energy slowly recedes, a sleek green uniform is revealed. Soon the transformation is complete with Phil in the Green Ranger uniform which is predominately green with a white trim which travels along his arms and legs. It connects to an emblem in the center which has the jagged, circular emblem along with five other symbols.
"Green Earth Ranger!" Phil yells as everything explodes in green energy.
Phil is launched into another area which looks quite cave-like. There are stalagmites and stalactites everywhere. Phil looks at his surrounding area to gage where he is. The ground begins to rumble as a rock creature erupts from the ground. Phil assumes a fighting pose and goes to strike the creature. All of a sudden, he finds himself paralyzed.
"Whoa there" The creature says. "No need to be violent."
"What have you done to me?" Phil yells.
"I just disabled your ability to move." The creature says. "I am the avatar of Earth and since that suit draws on my power, I can effectively control it."
"Alright, then can you explain to me what happened?" Phil asks.
"You were just tested and passed." The avatar says.
"You did that to me?" Phil exclaims.
"Yes and no." The avatar says. "More like, it is because of me that you are tested, but the power creates the test."
"What 'power'?" Phil asks.
"The power of the elements." The avatar states. "It is a power so primal that it was forged from the fires that created your universe. It looks deep within the person and tests them as it sees fit."
"So, are the others being tested as well?" Phil asks.
"Yep" The avatar says. "Oh darn, it's time for you to go."
"What? But I have more questions." Phil says quickly.
"And they will be answered." The avatar says. "Farewell"
Phil tries to object further but he soon disappears. The sky on earth is dark as night has fallen. Six bright lights illuminate the sky over the ruins of the former power chamber. Six figures crash to the ground at this sacred site. They lie on the ground lifeless until energy engulfs them and they each feel the familiar feeling of teleportation.