AN: Well, here we go with Part 2! Sailor Moon steps back into action in this chapter. Let's see how the Rangers handle the new arrival.

And in case anyone's wondering about Tommy Oliver, I do have plans for him in this story. Don't expect him for a little while yet, but when he does show up---it'll probably be around the halfway point, and things will get ugly. See you then!

"I've found it at last! With this power, those Power Geeks won't stand a chance!"

Rita Repulsa's loyal minions looked on as their empress swung about her newest treasure gleefully. Whatever she'd found, it had to be good if it'd brought Rita such joy.

"What is it, Boss?" Squatt angled his head, trying to peek around Baboo for a glimpse of the object.

"This, you fools, is a shard of the Black Crystal! I knew Beryl, that sweetheart, would be kind enough to leave a parting gift for us." The thought filled Rita with exhilaration. This was the sweetest sort of revenge she could have wished for.

"…Beryl, my empress?" Finster appeared confused. He'd never heard Rita mention that name before. Who was she?

Rita clenched her fist tightly, the raw memories bubbling angrily to the surface like vomit up the throat. Beryl. The opportunistic witch who had stolen Rita's glory, ruined her palace, and destroyed her reputation---all in the name of squashing some moon brat.

"Forget about that, you numbskulls! She's in the past---now let's finish the Power Rangers forever!" With a cackle, she lifted what remained of the Black Crystal to her lunar wand.

"Now, my crystal, grant me your power! To the destruction of the Power Rangers!"

"To the destruction of the Power Rangers!" The gathered minions chorused gleefully with Rita as the Black Crystal's power crackled around Rita's wand, granting a new monster-creating power that would give Rita the edge she needed. Now, the Rangers' morals would be put to the test! They could fight her clay Putties without a shred of remorse, but what about an ordinary civilian transformed into a monster by her newest spell?

Rita wasn't normally one to give a conniving witch like Beryl credit, but here, at least, she had to concede that the woman had been creative. You had to be if you were going to conquer a commandingly persuasive queen with an almighty silver crystal.

But Beryl was dead, and the glorious task of conquering Earth had been left to Rita. With a steady wave of her lunar wand, her newest spell descended upon her chosen victim. Now this would be entertainment---the pre-show to her main event of destruction!

Elsewhere, the five Power Rangers appeared before Zordon in a flash of light.

"What is it, Zordon?" Trini asked.

"RANGERS, I'M AFRAID WE HAVE A GRAVE SITUATION ON OUR HANDS. RITA REPULSA HAS FOUND A WAY TO TRANSFORM ORDINARY CITIZENS OF ANGEL GROVE INTO HER NEWEST ARMY OF MONSTERS."

"No way! She can't do that." Kim fought back the terror that was threatening to take over her voice. She couldn't---wouldn't---use her Power Bow against an ordinary person who'd stumbled across Rita's path.

"Way, Kimberly." Alpha added sadly. "Observe the viewing globe,"

The Ranges gathered around the viewing globe, and the sight that greeted them was truly gruesome. They watched helplessly as one of Rita's putties fired a ray of black energy at a small boy, causing him to scream in terror. A tiny golden ball of light left his body, and the boy's form started to change---it grew taller and lankier, the skin became scales, claws ripped through the hands and feet, and the face warped into something resembling a cross between a tiger and a velociraptor. It roared and turned on the citizens of Angel Grove gathered in the park, causing them to scatter in a panic.

"What can we do?" Zack finally averted his eyes from the nightmare, feeling subdued for the first time in a while. This wasn't a normal fight. They couldn't hurt the kid.

"Do you know of any antidotes that would reverse the effects of the transformation?" Billy inquired, frowning at the sight---he'd never seen molecular mutation like that before.

"We'll get him back without hurting him." Jason decided. "But we can't let everyone in Angel Grove get hurt either."

"I AM AFRAID THERE IS NO KNOWN ANTIDOTE, AND IT WOULD TAKE FAR MORE TIME THAN WE HAVE TO DEVELOP ONE. RANGERS, YOU MUST FIGHT THIS BATTLE. TRY TO CONTAIN THE MONSTER AND AVOID HARMING IT IF YOU CAN. ALPHA AND I WILL CONTACT YOU IF WE DEVISE A SOLUTION."

"I guess we've gotta do what we've gotta do." Zack said, and the others nodded in agreement. Now wasn't the time for idling around and wishing things were different. They had a boy and a city to save, and they would. Somehow. Hopefully.

"It's morphin' time!" Jason ordered, reaching for the morpher on his back belt. The others quickly followed suit.

"Mastodon!"

"Pterodactyl!"

"Triceratops!"

"Saber-Toothed Tiger!"

"Tyrannosaurus!"

With that, the Rangers warped out of the Command Center and into battle. Zordon watched as Alpha set to work pressing buttons in his frantic search for a cure, hoping against hope that the Rangers would pull through this time.

Back at the Youth Center, in a back corner that even Ernie rarely ventured to, a sleek black cat with a crescent moon on her forehead was flicking her paws across a keypad. Her strangely human blue eyes were fixed on the attached screen. Luna hoped against hope that the connection would go through. They'd promise to stay in touch, but establishing a video link between California and Japan was more difficult than it looked.

Luna's call eventually reached the Tsukino household, where a lonely Artemis now resided. She needed his advice now more than ever.

The black cat waited anxiously at the phone, tail swishing impatiently. Surely Artemis wouldn't have gone out at this time of night---the time difference between them had taken some getting used to. But he had to answer! This wasn't a crisis Luna fancied dealing with alone. Finally, there was Artemis, looking frantically over his shoulder as he answered Luna's call.

"Hey, Luna." Artemis's voice sounded different over the phone. "What do you need?"

"Artemis, we have a major problem. Do you remember Rita Repulsa?"

Artemis frowned at the question. Of course he did, but why would she ask? This couldn't be anything good---and after the death of his beloved Minako, he could hardly remember what good news was supposed to feel like. "She was the witch that Beryl worked with for a time before the attack on the Moon Kingdom, right? But she vanished after a while."

"That's the problem." Luna batted at her nose with a paw. This wasn't going to end well. "She's appeared again, and she's set out to conquer Earth. Her minions are attacking here in Angel Grove."

So that was it. Those strange monster attacks he'd read about had reminded him of what the Sailor Soldiers once faced. An evil witch was behind it---no surprise there.

"I've been following the news over there as best I can. I learned some English over in England with---" Artemis choked up for a moment, fighting back a strangled sob at the sudden memory of his former owner happily chattering at him in broken English. Luna averted her eyes, giving her partner a moment to compose himself. After a minute, he continued. "Anyway, from what I could gather, there's a group of superheroes called the Power Rangers protecting the people, isn't there?"

"Yes, but I don't think they can do it alone. I saw one of Rita's minions turn a little boy into a monster over in the park, and that's never happened here before. I don't think the Rangers can heal him."

Artemis sighed, bowing his head. So that's what this was about. He knew Luna better than anyone, and he could safely assume that Luna was arguing with herself over whether to revive Sailor Moon. It was clear as day that Luna loved the moon princess---she'd been the one who'd arranged an adoption for Usagi and started her over with a new life and new identity. She'd erased the Sailor Soldiers from Usagi's memory to spare her from overwhelming sadness and pain. She was obviously reluctant to put the girl through her paces again after all they'd already lost.

"Luna, I know you don't want to do this. We agreed that giving her a normal life would be a good thing, but what would Usagi say? If Usagi knew that people were getting hurt because you wouldn't send her back and let her help, how would she feel?"

"I know that better than anyone! I've spent the past year with her, I've seen her become so strong. I watched her grow up before she was ready, I watched her take on responsibilities that most adults have never faced. I'm proud of her, but she deserves to start over, Artemis. After everything she's lost, she's happy now. And that's all I can want for her."

"Luna…for all we know, Sailor Moon's the only one who can save the boy. She's a brave girl, I know she'll pull through. I think you know what has to be done."

Luna closed her eyes, fighting back a tear. What if the transformation triggered Serena's memories? What if everything she'd lost came back to cripple her? What if she couldn't work with the Rangers the way she'd fought alongside her own guardians? There appeared to be no other choice, though---so she reluctantly relented.

"That's it, then. I'll send you an update later, Artemis." With that, Luna logged off the system and darted off towards the girl with long yellow pigtails in the arcade, hoping she wasn't too late.

"Serena…Usagi…I'm sorry."

"Billy, behind you!" As the Yellow Ranger, Trini was one of the more graceful and composed Rangers on the battlefield. But nothing set her berserk button off more than the threat of her friends being hurt. With a roar and a leap, she successfully kicked back at the boy-turned-monster and pulled the Blue Ranger out of the line of fire.

"I appreciate your assistance, Trini---hey!" The Blue Ranger noticed the monster's attempt at escape and deftly leapt over it, bringing the Power Lance in front of his chest. He wouldn't allow this kid to harm anyone else.

"That all you got, buddy?" Zack seemed to dance across the quarry, luring the monster in with a weave here and a bob there until his target was too confused by the antics of the Black Ranger to move.

"Steady…don't move!" Kim as the Pink Ranger nervously kept the Power Bow trained on the monster, vowing in her head to only use it as a last resort.

"That's good, guys, keep it cool." The Red Ranger kept the team's morale up with his confidence, fueled by Jason's excellent discipline and leadership skills. Unfortunately, their target was about to spring a nasty little surprise---it sprouted tentacles!

"Look out!" Kim yelled, speeding towards the monster with the hopes of distracting it. Trini and Billy followed Kim's gaze to the monster's torso, watching with bizarre fascination as five pores suddenly opened in the flesh. A slimy tentacle crackling with electricity shot out of each hole, each ensnaring a Ranger. They immediately started writhing in pain, faces contorted behind the helmets. The Rangers needed help, and fast.

"Eek! Hey, what's the big idea?" Serena stumbled after Luna, who'd surprised the girl by appearing out of nowhere and attacking her skirt. Serena had moved to swat her off, annoyed, but the insistent cat kept evading her grasp. They found themselves in an abandoned storage room a moment later.

"Okay, what is it? You've really been weirding me out today, Luna. First you're hiding in weird places like the laundry basket in the house, then you're outside the window at school, and now you followed me to an arcade just to drag me here?" Serena folded her arms, unimpressed. She just wanted to get back to her video games where kitties who'd spent a little too much time near the catnip wouldn't be bothering her.

Luna stared intensely at Serena, as if she were thinking something through. Suddenly, Serena noticed, the eyes seemed all too human. Were they…was that regret? No way. Serena wasn't high on catnip, she wasn't about to suspect her pet of being a human in a cat's body, no siree---

"I'm sorry, Serena, but I need you to become Sailor Moon." Luna said simply.

"W-why is my cat talking?" Serena's jaw dropped in shock as she staggered backwards, hit hard by the force of everything she knew about reality turning upside down. If her senses weren't fooling her, Luna had just talked. In English. Like a human. This was way too bizarre for her. And what was that about Sailor Moon…? Something about the name felt indescribably familiar, but she didn't have time to ponder that at the moment.

"I'll explain as much as I can later, but we don't have time right now. This is serious! Rita Repulsa has started turning ordinary citizens of Angel Grove into monsters, and you're the only one who can heal them." Luna stared at the girl intently. Not only was her cat talking, but it was talking about those creepy monsters she saw on the news all the time. Thank goodness the Power Rangers were around to handle them!

Serena wasn't quite convinced. But hey, as long as her cat was talking, she might as well be polite and hold up her end of the conversation. "But that's crazy! That's what the Power Rangers are supposed to do, right? You know, the cool people in the bright suits and helmets who are always fighting them off?"

Luna shook her head. "I hoped you wouldn't have to do this, Serena. I wanted to be a normal pet for you, but the battle against Rita is too tough for the Rangers alone. They need you."

Serena slowly seemed to accept this, realizing that this wasn't a nightmare she'd be waking up from. She'd had to pinch herself ten times first, though. "Wait, I can't be a Power Ranger! They fight monsters, and I run from them! I can't kick 'em in the face and flip over 'em and stuff!"

"You're not a Power Ranger, Serena. You're Sailor Moon." There Luna was with that name again. For some reason, some part of her seemed to relax a little upon hearing it. "You can fight like the Rangers, but your powers are different. Like I said, Rita's started turning ordinary people into monsters. The Power Rangers don't have the power to heal them, but you do."

"Sailor Moon? Are you nuts? What's a sailor going to do to save the day?" Serena was slowly backing up, desperate for a way out. They were talking crazy talk now---but something kept her rooted in the storage room. Sailor Moon…that name felt so familiar, but she couldn't imagine why.

"You'll use your moon wand to restore Rita's victims." Luna suddenly leapt up and flipped through the air, and a golden compact appeared in a flash of light. She nudged it towards Serena. "All you have to do is yell 'Moon Prism Power, Make Up!' and you'll become Sailor Moon. Don't be afraid, you'll know what to do."

"Really? It just looks like a pretty brooch to me." Serena picked it up, As soon as her hand touched the metal, a strange jolt shot through her body like fire. The feeling was warm, as though she were reuniting with a long lost piece of herself. She studied the circle and crescent moon in the middle. It really did look familiar.

"Alright, but if I end up looking really stupid when this doesn't work, I'm not feeding you for a week." Serena cast a glance at Luna, who snorted.

"Go ahead, Serena. I promise not to laugh."

"'Kay…Moon Prism Power, Make Up!" Suddenly, Serena felt a warm cascade of light run down her body. Her normal clothing disappeared, and she instinctively pressed the compact against her chest. Ribbons shot out of the compact, first wrapping around her torso and forming a leotard. The ribbons raced up her arms, forming white gloves, and down her legs, shaping into red boots. A skirt appeared around her waist next, accompanied by a choker around her neck, tiara on her forehead, and glittering gems on her odango. Sailor Moon struck her finishing pose, and paused to look at the new outfit.

"Whoa…this is way past confusing. Am I supposed to fight in this?" Deep down, she knew the answer. Transforming had felt like being wrapped in a warm embrace, as if voices were whispering in her ear that she would be alright. She felt strong and energized far beyond her normal limits---and still, somehow, she had the feeling she'd done this all before.

"Just focus, and don't give up. I know it will be hard, but the power of the Moon will protect you. I wouldn't put you through this if I didn't believe in you" Luna gazed up at Sailor Moon, a nostalgic feeling settling within her. Just like the first time, but Sailor Moon was stronger now.

Sailor Moon smiled a bit at Luna's encouragement, but this was still strange and scary. Her, a hero? She'd be wearing this tiny outfit and fighting monsters that could tear her apart, all without any sort of practice. Yet deep down, something told her that everything would be alright. "I'll do it."

"Thank you, Serena. The fight's in Angel Grove Park. Let's go!" Luna suddenly raced out the door, leading her princess back into the fray. She could only hope she'd made the right decision.

"You guys think Zordon's had any ideas yet?" Kim struggled against the tentacle holding her, wishing with all she had that she could think of a way out.

Kim's call was answered by a flash of gold cutting past the monster, slicing each tentacle and freeing the Rangers before it careened back towards its owner. The newcomer fumbled for it, awkwardly slipping her tiara back on her head. A tiara Frisbee? Well, she didn't have a problem with weird weapons if they were useful.

"We're free!" Zack moved into his battle stance, finally catching sight of the strange girl in the sailor uniform. "Hey, who's that?"

Sailor Moon stared down at the kid-turned-monster and the waiting Rangers, suddenly feeling a strange compulsion to introduce herself. The routine was smooth, as though she'd rehearsed it a hundred times before.

"How dare Rita turn a loving person's heart into a weapon of her wickedness! I am the soldier of love and justice, Sailor Moon! And on behalf of the moon, I shall punish evil and set you free!" She finished by striking an oddly familiar pose, pointing and glaring at the monster.

Great job, Sailor Moon, but what am I supposed to do now?

The monster answered by baring its warped, pointy claws at the newest hero on the scene. He sprung at Sailor Moon suddenly, barely leaving her enough time to stumble out of the way. She backed up a few steps, eyes fixed on her target.

"Uh…"

"Hey, thanks for helping us back there, but don't just stand around! If you can fight him, great. But if not, step back so we can handle this." The Red Ranger gestured at her disapprovingly, in all likelihood frowning at her from behind that helmet. At least, he would be frowning if he had a face behind the helmet. Maybe the helmet was his face. Serena didn't claim to be an expert on the physiology of Power Rangers.

"I can too!" The monster chose that moment to interrupt their conversation, coming at the gathered Rangers and Sailor Soldier with a roar. The gathered Rangers rolled out the way with practiced ease while Sailor Moon faltered, but at least Serena's clumsy jump was a bit faster this time.

"We're fighting the monster, not Sailor Moon! Let's focus!" All eyes moved to the Yellow Ranger, who was busy teasing the monster by jumping in front of each tentacle and then jumping out of the way. Was she nuts? The Black Ranger was about to pull her back when he noticed the Blue Ranger joining her. Huh?

As the Yellow Ranger moved one way and the Blue Ranger another, the monster ended up tying its two front tentacles in a knot as he tried to catch both at once. So that's what they were doing. Tricking the monster into tangling its own tentacles and getting stuck. The Red, Black, and Pink Rangers moved into the fray as one, narrowly avoiding a few close calls as they slipped around each other and through the tentacles. Eventually, though, they had it mostly immobilized.

"Well this is great, guys, but how do we get the boy back?" The Black Ranger twirled his axe in his hand absently, at a loss for a solution. The Rangers exchanged glances with each other before turning their attention to Sailor Moon.

"Any ideas?" The Pink Ranger didn't think it could hurt to ask.

Something about the question had triggered Sailor Moon's memory---what had Luna said? She was the one who could heal the boy. Healing. Serena instinctively shot her gloved hand to the sky and concentrated, closing her fist as a simple wand topped with a crescent moon formed in her hand. She traced a circle in the air in front of herself, eyes fixed on the monster. Words sprang to her memory in a flash, and she summoned the power from within as though she'd been doing this forever.

"Moon Healing Escalation!" Soft golden light surrounded the monster at her call, sinking into the monster's skin. Fangs disappeared, scales and claws retracted, and in a moment a shivering young boy appeared where their opponent had been a moment ago. Sailor Moon lowered her wand, smiling softly at her first success. The kid seemed to be okay. Hey, maybe she could do it after all!

The Blue Ranger reached the kid first. "Are you experiencing any physical pain from that ordeal?"

Unfortunately, the question seemed to fly right over the kid's head (and the heads of half the heroes too). Thankfully, the Yellow Ranger was there to help.

"He means to ask if you're alright." She offered both the kid and the Blue Ranger comforting pats on the arm.

"Yeah, I'm okay…well I gotta get home. Mom's probably really worried! Thanks!" The kid shot past the gathered heroes with the speed of a late Serena in the mornings.

"Well, he's taking it well. Good for him." The Pink Ranger nodded approvingly. The Rangers passed high fives around for a moment, before they turned to face the girl who had finished the battle.

"Hey—Sailor Moon, was it? We should probably…huh. She's gone already." The Red Ranger folded his arms, staring at the spot where they'd seen her last.

"Guess she's the type who's always on the run." The Pink Ranger sighed. Again with the strangeness…but hey, maybe Zordon could answer a question or two.

"In any case, we should return to the Command Center." The Blue Ranger reached for his belt buckle, and the others followed. In a burst of color and light, that section of the park was empty.

END PART 2

And that ends Chapter 2. Next chapter: Zordon tries to explain things, the town learns of its newest heroes, and Serena tries to have fun with her newest group of friends. See you then!