Chapter 3: The Return of Two Old Faces
Corinth City, Primary Dome Entrance,
The guards at the main entrance/exit to the domed city were on high alert because of Venjix being revealed to be alive. They all had their blasters pointed at the entrance since someone was knocking on the metal gates that went down when the shields were in place. "Yo, you mind opening up?!" A human voice asked from the other side.
Coronel Truman and Corporal Hicks then arrived on the scene after being called by the guards. "Who are you?" Coronel Truman asked through the gate.
"My name is Shark." The voice asked. "Look, I'm a friend of Tenaya. In fact, I was the one that helped the Zeo Rangers destroy the Grinders at the Prison camp that she, her brother and his girlfriend were taken to."
Coronel Truman remembered that Tommy and Kat had told him about Shark, that he being a skilled fighter and had helped deal with a large amount of Grinders. "Lower the shields." He ordered Hicks.
Hicks relayed the ordered to the temporary control center as the control tower was being rebuilt. The shields were lowered and the gates were raised up. This allowed Shark to get in without any more problems. "It took you guys long enough to open up." Shark said as he walked into the city. The gates then closed behind him and the shields were reactivated.
One of the soldiers stepped forward and started waving a scanner around Shark's body. "He's clear, sir." The soldier reported to Coronel Truman.
The coronel nodded and stepped forward. "I take it you're here to see Tenaya." He surmised and Shark nodded. Truman motioned for Shark to come with him. Shark and Truman got into the military vehicle and Hicks drove them to the RPM Garage.
Meanwhile, Power Rangers RPM Garage,
Tenaya was telling the RPM Rangers about Shark while Dr. K, Tommy and Kat discussed what they were going to do. "We need to reinforce the city's defenses." Dr. K said.
"I agree." Tommy said. "And the best way to do that would be to find other old power Rangers that were captured by Venjix."
"That would be futile because they could be anywhere on the planet." Dr. K said.
"Actually, the most likely places to look for those missing Rangers would be to go to the Prison Camps near the ruined cities that they once protected." A voice said from the Garage entrance. Everyone turned to see Shark entering the Garage with Coronel Truman.
"Shark!" Tenaya shouted happily. She rushed over and gave Shark a hug which he returned.
Dillon looked at the guy hugging his sister. 'Whoever this Shark guy is, he doesn't look so tough…' He thought angrily as he scowled.
Shark saw the look Dillon was giving him after Tenaya stopped hugging him. "You lookin' at something?" he asked sternly.
Summer nudged Dillon in the ribs causing him to wince in pain. The RPM Rangers introduced themselves to Shark. Dillon tried to crush Shark's hand when they shook but Shark did the same thing and, as it turned out, he was a little stronger than Dillon. Tenaya giggled as her brother rubbed his hand in pain. "That's what you get for being an asshole." She said to him with a teasing smile.
Dillon tried to glare at her but he smiled as he now knew that Tenaya wasn't exaggerating Shark's strength and skills. Shark was busy letting Tommy and Kat know that their old friend, Billy, was on his way with his wife to help. "Alpha and I also began the search for the Green Power Coin." Shark explained. "Then the scanners are going to start searching for Storm Chaser and Lightning Cruiser."
Tommy and Kat both realized what that meant. "You mean you're going to then start looking for TJ and Justin?" Kat asked happily and Shark smirked.
"No, I'm just looking for their cars." He retorted, earning him a smack upside the head from Tommy. "Ow, what was that for?"
"For being a smartass!" Tommy answered.
"Okay." Shark said comically. This caused everyone in the garage to chuckle, Coronel Truman and Dr. K actually smiled.
"Dr. Oliver, I have decided to take you up on your offer to house us in your Mobile Command Center." Dr. K said after everyone stopped laughing. The RPM Rangers were surprised but welcomed the chance to live with other Rangers. They then started packing up their things to be transferred it to the Brachiozord.
Meanwhile, Jungle Spirit Realm,
Master Mao watched as Casey, RJ, Dominic, Theo, Lily, Jarrod, Camille, Master Phant, Master Swoop and Master Finn training while Fran and Flit watched from the sidelines. 'Soon, they will return to help defend the planet from evil.' The Phi Zhua master thought.
Casey and Jarrod stopped sparing. The two had become like brothers since Dai Shi was destroyed. "I still can't believe it happened…" Casey said sadly.
"Yeah…" Jarrod agreed sadly.
They were both thinking about the Venjix attack on the Phi Zhua academy. The former Jungle Fury Rangers were all at the Academy welcoming Fran and Dominic back from their year long trip around the world. They were all caught off guard when the Grinders attacked the Academy. Those at the Academy fought back but were quickly being destroyed by endless onslaught of Grinders. Just as all hope seemed lost, the Rangers, along with Jarrod, Camille, Master Phant, Master Swoop, Master Finn and Flit were saved at the last second by Master Mao, who teleported all of them into the Jungle Spirit Realm. Master Mao explained that none of them would have survived if he hadn't intervened. They wanted to go back but that couldn't happen since Venjix had destroyed the Academy as well as all the students. The news about the fate of their students nearly destroyed those who survived.
Since that day, they have slowly been healing in the Jungle Spirit Realm thanks to the Spirits of the students saying that they do not blame their teachers for their deaths. That still doesn't help that Casey and Jarrod feel extremely guilty about it. Jarrod has been starting to move on and help Casey with his guilt.
"Hey, enough sulking, let's get back to training." Jarrod said with a smile.
Casey smiled weakly and agreed. They got back to training as well.
Half Hour Later, Animarium, Hidden in the Sky
Cole Evans was talking with the Red Lion Zord while a group of children watched. The Wild Zords were all living happily with the humans that had been evacuated to the safety of the floating island. Princess Shayla and Merrick were remembering the day Venjix had attacked Turtle Cove. Animus had sensed the virus before it was released and warned the Princess, who called the Wild Force Rangers back to action. Once the situation was explained to the Wild Force Rangers, Taylor Earheart-Myers instantly contacted her husband, Eric Myers, the Quantum Ranger, and warned him and the Silver Guardians.
The attacks were swift and devastating in their power. The Silver Guardian Headquarters was bombed, killing almost everyone inside. Mr. Collins was not in his office because of a red light and thus survived. Wes Collins, Red Time Force Ranger, and Jennifer Collins, Pink Time Force Ranger and Wes's wife from the future, survived and got a good chunk of the Silver Guardians and building's staff out of the building before it came crashing down. With Eric using the Q-Rex and the Wild Force Rangers using the Wild Force Megazord, they were able to hold out for a while against but there were too many Grinders and they were forced to fall back to the Animarium. The Grinders almost managed to get onto the Animarium but were destroyed by Zen-Aku and the timely arrival of Jindrax and Toxica. Animus, who had been resurrected been resurrected along with all the other Wild Zords, was on constant watch to make sure no one caught the Animarium off guard.
Since then the civilians, Silver Guardians, Wild Force and Time Force Rangers, and the three Duke Orgs have lived on the Animarium trying to find a way to destroy Venjix. Unfortunately, the Time Computer that allowed them to contact the future was destroyed during the bombing of Silver Guardians Headquarters, so they couldn't contact Trip for his help.
"I know that the RPM Rangers are doing fine holding Venjix at bay but we need to help them destroy it once and for all." Cole said to Red Lion. The lion growled its agreement.
Animus nodded in agreement as he listened to Cole and Red Lion's discussion. 'Soon we will be able to return to the planet and restore its natural beauty…' The ancient Megazord thought.
Animus did not realize it but soon, not only would the Animarium be able to return to the surface of the Earth, Animus would finally find the one worthy to use his Animal Crystals. As much as Animus liked Merrick, Merrick wasn't the one destined to use those crystals. Little did Animus, or any of the Wild Force Rangers realize that they would not only be returning to the surface sooner than they thought but, in Corinth, there was someone who was destined to use Animus's Animal Crystals.
RPM Area in the Brachiozord Mobile Command Center, Outside Corinth City,
"Is that the last of it?" Shark asked as he put down a box.
"Yeah, that's everything." Dr. K said after Shark had helped her and the RPM Rangers with unpacking and setting up their equipment. The RPM Area inside the Brachiozord looked exactly like the Garage had before they had moved out. Shark nodded and left.
"Where do you think he's going?" Ziggy asked but all the others just shrugged their shoulders.
A little while later, Wild Force Area, Brachiozord,
Shark went to go to the Wild Force Area, which was a massive jungle, even though it was still inside. It almost looked like the Animarium but was still different. Shark climbed up on the top of the mountain that the Red Lion Zord might sit. He sat there enjoying the peace and quiet until he seemed to sense someone trying to sneak up on him. "What're you doing, Shark?" Tenaya asked as she sat down next to him.
Shark shrugged. "Just enjoying the peace and quiet," he replied.
Suddenly, an alarm went off. "So much for that," Tenaya teased him as the two headed for the Control Center.
Meanwhile, One Mile from Corinth,
Venjix had rebuilt his body and his two best Generals, Shifter and Kilobyte. The plan was simple: attack Corinth with all the Grinders from his palace, destroy the Rangers and turn Tenaya back into Tenaya 15. Kilobyte was ready and waiting for the order to attack, while Shifter was scouting ahead to make sure everything went according to plan. "Soon Corinth will fall and the world will be mine." Venjix said evilly.
Unknown Location in the Universe,
Prince Gasket watched as his cogs worked quickly to try to convert the energy from what remained of the Universal Egg. The Cogs were working fast but not fast enough. One of the containers had exploded from having too much energy put in it. That explosion released a stream of pure white energy that shot out into the universe. "Ignore the energy." Gasket said cockily. "It was just a small fraction of the power I will soon wield."
Little did Prince Gasket realize, but that small fraction headed straight for Planet Eltar!!
Planet Eltar, A Hero's Final Resting Place,
The stream of white energy flew through the Universe and struck the tomb of the legendary Mentor of the Power Rangers: Zordon! The energy was absorbed into his body and Zordon was restored to life. "W-What happened…?" Zordon asked himself as he sat up. He was wearing white sage robes and had a silver staff. 'How strange…I seem to have restored by…' He then realized what the power was and used his mystical powers to find that the situation was bad and getting worse by the second. 'I must find Tommy; he will know how to locate the other Rangers or at least contact them…' He then stood up, picked up his staff and turned into a streak of white light as he took off into the skies.
Back on Earth, Brachiozord Control Center,
Shark was watching the main monitor screen as it showed Venjix and his generals leading an army of Grinders towards Corinth. There must have been hundreds, if not thousands of Grinders heading their way. "Holy shit…" Shark said before he could stop himself. Tommy, Kat and the RPM Rangers just looked at him for a few seconds.
"Aye, that about sums it up." Flynn said in agreement.
Tommy then took charge of the situation. "Alright, we need to start getting ready for this battle." He said.
Suddenly, a portal opened and the Jungle Fury Rangers, the Phi Zhua Masters, Fran and Flit stepped out of the portal. "We're here to help." RJ said with a smile to Tommy.
"Good to see you again, RJ." Tommy said with a smile. Tommy had been the one who helped RJ make the Solar Morphers. The two shook hands. Tommy introduced the others to RJ and the Jungle Fury team to the RPM Rangers.
Shark sighed as he realized that they wouldn't really need his help with the Grinders. He discreetly left the Control Center and went to the Scanner Room. Alpha 5 was waiting since the robotic assistant felt that Tommy could make a plan without him. "Hey Alpha," Shark said as he checked the scanners. "Any word from Billy yet?"
"Yes, he and Cestria just called a few seconds ago saying that they were getting ready to leave and come back to Earth." Alpha 5 replied. "I'm curious as to why you aren't with the others."
Shark sighed, "The Jungle Fury Rangers just showed up and I get the feeling that Tommy isn't going to want me taking part in the fight since I don't have powers."
Alpha nodded since he understood Shark's reasoning. "The universe scanners picked up a massive energy spike that went to Eltar but I have no idea what it could have been." Alpha said.
Shark looked shocked. "Did you just say Eltar, as in the resting place of Zordon?" Shark had found out about this while reading about the Turbo Rangers.
Alpha and Shark then thought the same thing. Zordon was back! They then started working on the scanners to make sure it wasn't a malfunction or just a solar flare.
Back in the Brachiozord Control Center,
Tommy and RJ had made a plan for dealing with the Venjix attack force. Coronel Truman was going to send in Eagle Squadron's fleet of unmanned fighter jets to bomb the Grinder Army. Then the Rangers, along with the Phi Zhua masters, would take on the remaining Grinders, Generals and Venjix itself. "What about me?" Tenaya asked.
Tommy looked at Dillon, who nodded slightly. "Tenaya, you're to stay here and defend the Brachiozord with Flit, Fran, Shark and Alpha 5." Tommy answered.
Tenaya glared at Tommy and then Dillon but didn't argue. Ziggy and Summer seemed sympathetic but couldn't do anything. "Let's get going." Scott said and the Rangers headed out to get Coronel Truman involved.
Tenaya waited for Fran and Flit to leave for the Jungle Fury Base in the Brachiozord before she stormed out of the Control Center and went in search of Shark.
Few minutes later, Brachiozord Scanner Room,
"Well, that's the last of the scanners and there was nothing wrong with them at all." Shark said as Tenaya entered the room. He and Alpha had just finished going over the systems and found nothing wrong with them.
"That means that Zordon could be returning!" Alpha said happily.
Tenaya looked confused but before Shark could explain, the planetary scanners picked up something coming in. A second later, a white streak of light landed gently in the room. Tenaya instinctively tried to activate her finger blasters but then realized they still weren't in her anymore. The light diminished and revealed a very much alive Zordon. "Aye yi, yi, Zordon!" shouted the surprised Alpha. "You're alive!"
Zordon smiled warmly. "It's good to see you too, Alpha." He said. He then turned to Shark and Tenaya. Shark gave Zordon a respectful nod, which Zordon interpreted as Shark's way of greeting him. Tenaya just glared at Zordon, since she didn't know who he was.
Shark noticed and intervened. "Tenaya, you're glaring at the first mentor of the Power Rangers and the one who provided the Original Five with their Power Coins." He said.
Tenaya realized just how important Zordon was to the fight against evil and started to apologize but Zordon stopped her. "You didn't know who I was Tenaya and you acted as I expected you would." He said calmly.
The Power Scanners then started beeping. Alpha pulled up the information. "Aye yi, yi, the scanners have located the Green Power Coin." The robot said as he pulled up the location. "It's in a cave outside of Angel Grove!"
Shark looked at the location. "That's near the Venjix Prison Camp where the survivors from the attack on Angel Grove were taken." He said sternly.
Zordon seemed confused so Alpha 5 explained what has recently taken place on Earth. The news was hard for the old sage to take as he had been surprised that there were so many Ranger teams but they had all been defeated the armies of Grinders. Shark shook his head and was really blunt when he said, "I'm not too surprised since most of them were caught off guard and those that did know about it didn't coordinate their activities with each other or inform those who didn't already know about the situation."
Zordon sadly agreed with Shark that the Rangers should have been more coordinated than they were. "How do you suggest we get to the Green Power Coin?" He asked Shark.
"Well, since Tommy has taken the others to fight Venjix, I was thinking that Tenaya and I could teleport out there and get the coin." Shark suggested.
Before anyone could comment, the planetary scanners picked up on a spacecraft entering the Earth's atmosphere. "It's an Aquitar Space Skimmer." Alpha informed Shark, Tenaya and Zordon.
"That means Billy has arrived." Shark said with a smile. Zordon nodded. Shark and Tenaya went to greet Billy at the vehicle hanger bay while Zordon focused his powers and recreated the Triceratops and Wolf Power Coins.
Aquitar Space Skimmer, Approaching Brachiozord,
Billy and his wife, Cestria, were preparing the ship to dock in the hanger bay when Cestria's telepathic abilities alerted her to Zordon's presence. "Billy, Zordon…" She started excitedly.
"What about Zordon?" Billy asked looking confused.
"He's back!" She replied. Billy was shocked and nearly forgot that he needed to slow down even further if he wanted to avoid crashing. Luckily, he did remember and they were able to safely enter the hanger bay.
Billy and Cestria disembarked from the ship and were greeted by Shark and Tenaya. "Billy, it's an honor to meet you." Shark said as the two shook hands.
"You must be Shark." Billy guessed and Shark smiled in response. Billy recognized Shark's voice from the call Alpha had made earlier. "Where's Zordon?"
Shark gestured over his shoulder. Billy and Cestria both looked and saw Alpha 5 and Zordon entering the hanger bay together. "It's good to see you again, Billy." Zordon said with a smile as he approached the original Blue Ranger. He held out his right hand which had the two Blue Power Coins in them.
Billy was speechless. "Zordon…?" He started.
"We need you, Billy." Zordon said calmly.
Billy nodded and took the two coins, which instantly glowed blue, bonding with him once again. Billy could feel the familiar powers returning to him after all those years. He looked at Shark and could tell something was up. "Let me guess, we have a mission to go on already?"
Shark chuckled and nodded his head. "Yup, I was hoping you'd come with me and Tenaya when we go get the Green Power Coin from the cave it's hidden in."
Billy realized the importance of getting to the Green Power Coin before it fell into the wrong hands. "What about Tommy, Kat and the others, are they going to be coming with us?" He asked.
"Tommy's leading Kat, the Jungle Fury and RPM Rangers against Venjix who is launching a final strike against Corinth." Zordon explained. "What Shark is planning is to get the Green Power Coin and free the other Mighty Morphin' and Zeo Rangers from the Venjix Prison Camp while Venjix is preoccupied with trying to conquer Corinth."
Billy seemed impressed. "I guess I was added to the plan after Cestria and I arrived in Earth's atmosphere." He surmised.
"You got it." Shark said.
"So, are you in?" Tenaya asked as she took off her robotic hands and attached ones that had finger blasters in them.
Billy smiled. "I'm in." He said.
Zordon cleared his throat. "I suggest that you three wait about one hour." He said. "I need the time to prepare a special gift for you."
Shark seemed a little worried but he reluctantly agreed. "Alright," he looked at the watch part of his wrist communicator, "It's noon now, so we'll be ready to leave at one o'clock." He said.
"I agree." Zordon said calmly. He could sense that Shark wanted to head out right away but knew whatever he had planned must be important. "Believe me, Shark; what I will be giving you will come in handy." Shark nodded and left with Tenaya. Alpha 5 showed Zordon to his chambers, where Zordon sat down in a meditation style and began working on his project.
One hour later, Brachiozord, Zordon's Resting Chamber,
Zordon was finished with his meditation, placed the items into a box and closed it. 'These will come in handy.' He thought as he tried to stand up but found that he was extremely tired. He climbed into the bed that was in the room and used the room communicator to call Alpha.
"What is it Zordon?" Alpha 5 asked as he arrived seconds later.
Zordon held out the box. "Give this to Shark." He instructed. "Tell him that it is for the Rangers they find in the Prison Camp."
Alpha nodded as Zordon closed his eyes to get some rest. Alpha seemed concerned but left anyway to give Shark the box. 'I sure hope Zordon will be alright.' He thought as he left. Alpha soon found Shark, Tenaya and Billy getting ready to leave. "Shark, Zordon asked me to give you this." He said as he handed Shark the box.
Shark nodded. "Alpha, why didn't Zordon bring this himself?" He asked looking concerned.
"Zordon is resting right now." Alpha said. "I believe that what he did was very exhausting."
Shark nodded. Billy then made a suggestion to his wife. "Cestria, why don't you go make something for Zordon to eat. I'm sure once he wakes up he'll be hungry."
"I agree, Billy." Cestria said with a smile. She then left to go start working on something to for Zordon to eat.
"Alpha, can you teleport us to an area near the cave that has the Green Power Coin?" Shark asked.
"I believe so." Alpha said.
"Just make sure there aren't any Grinders nearby." Tenaya said. "I don't think it would be a good idea for them to find out what we're up to until after we find the Power Coin." The others agreed with her. A few seconds later, Alpha activated the Teleporters and sent the three on their way.
Meanwhile, Outside Corinth City,
Tommy and the other Rangers watched as the unmanned Eagle Squadron Fighters bombed the Grinder Army and fought the flying drones. "So far things are going good for us." Coronel Truman said calmly.
Tommy shook his head. "The unmanned fighters aren't doing as much damaged as I thought they would." He said.
"Don't worry, Dr. O," Gem started.
"We can handle the Grinders!" Gemma finished.
The RPM Rangers agreed. "With all of us working together, this should be easy." Scott said cockily.
"Don't get overconfident." RJ warned. "This battle will be extremely difficult."
"I agree with RJ and Tommy." Kat said calmly.
Master Finn then said, "There may be more of us now but we are still greatly outnumbered."
The other Jungle Fury Rangers nodded in agreement. Tommy's communicator then went off. "Go ahead Alpha." He said calmly.
"Tommy, I just wanted to let you know that Shark, Tenaya and Billy have gone to get the Green Power Coin as well as getting the remaining Mighty Morphin' and Zeo Rangers." Alpha reported. "Oh, and Zordon sent a box with them for the others that I think might have their restored Power Coins."
Tommy and Kat where shocked. "Wait, Zordon's back?!" Tommy asked in shock.
"Oh, I forgot that you weren't contacted yet…" Alpha said sounding embarrassed. "Zordon hasn't explained how he was resurrected yet but only because he was busy."
"We'll talk later…" Tommy said with a sigh before he turned off his communicator. He looked out and saw that the Grinders were getting closer. Soon the Rangers would be in a massive fight against Venjix's forces.
Meanwhile, Just Outside of the Ruins of Angel Grove, Near Angel Grove Prison Camp,
Shark, Billy and Tenaya appeared outside their steaks of light. Billy's was blue while Shark and Tenaya's were white streaks. They landed in an area near the cave entrance that was out of sight. Unfortunately, there were prisoners and Grinders that would be able to see them if they tried to get into the cave. "We need a distraction." Shark said.
"I agree." Billy said as he pulled out the Triceratops Power Coin. "Shark, you go into the cave while Tenaya and I distract the Grinders."
Shark seemed reluctant but the sight of Tenaya's fingers turning into her blasters he nodded in agreement with Billy's plan. "Just be careful." Shark said to Tenaya, who just smiled and winked.
"It's Morphin' Time!" Billy shouted. He held the belt buckle out in front of him with the Triceratops coin in it. "Triceratops!" He then morphed into the Blue Mighty Morphin Power Ranger. "Let's go." He said to Tenaya. The two then charged toward the Prison Camp firing their blasters at the Grinders.
"Good luck…" Shark said quietly as he entered the cave. He quickly made his way to the back of the cave where he found a box waiting. He slowly reached forward and felt a protective field but it was instantly deactivated for some reason. Shark lifted the lid of the box and a green glow was reflected on him.
At the second, Angel Grove Prison Camp,
Tenaya and Billy were fighting against an army of Grinders. Unfortunately, they were completely outnumbered and the prisoners were being held in line by chains. Jason, Zack, Adam and Rocky were trying to get out of their chains but couldn't. The good news was that even though they were outnumbered, Tenaya and Billy were able to take out a large number of the Grinders and were about to break some of the chains holding the prisoners.
Suddenly, the robotic commander of the prison camp appeared out of nowhere, attacked Tenaya and Billy, and looked hauntingly familiar to Jason. "That looks like the General from the Machine Empire that tried to bring back Serpentera." He said in shock. The others remembered that mission since Jason and Tommy told them about it being one of the best team ups ever.
The robot did in fact look like General Venjix but had Venjix's symbol on its chest instead of a red glass. "I am General Viral." The robot said evilly. General Viral blasted both Billy and Tenaya, sending them flying backwards and crashing to the ground. The force on the impact forced Billy to demorph.
"BILLY!!!" Trini shouted. She and Billy had been like brother and sister even after Billy had left to live on Aquitar.
General Viral's right hand turned into a sword. "Say good bye, Power Ranger." Viral said angrily as he raised his sword to finish Billy off.
BOOOOM!!!!! A streak of green light erupted from the top of the mountain, which was above the cave Shark went into. The streak flew through the air, slashed through the chains holding all of the prisoners and knocked General Viral away from Billy before landing. The light dissipated and revealed someone who the original Power Rangers thought they'd never see again: The Mighty Morphin' Green Ranger!!
To Be Continued…
Arthor Note: I have set up a poll for fun about what type of Rangers powers you think Tenaya should get. This may just be for fun but I may still take your suggestions into considerations later on.