Author: Jade
Story: Dark Wings
Pairings: Jason/Kim, Tommy/Kat
Disclaimer: I own no one.
Summary: Maligore's Children will have their revenge…
Author Notes: Hiya! Thanks to Estel Kenobi for the name of a planet. Also, anyone who wants to see a pixel version of the Court of Flames, go here: http:// jadetate dot livejournal dot com slash 54077 dot html #cutid4. (substitute "dot" for "." and "slash" for "/") You can also find the Chapter banners for Chapters 1, 2, and 3.
Warnings: Torture, cursing, slash, death, war, and….that's all I got for now.

Mal: You have the same right as anyone else to live and try to kill people.
Being a new prince of Darkness has its challenges. Jareth thought as he observed the room he was currently holding court in. Once Zedd's stronghold on Maldoran, it had been given to Jareth and Khetala when the former Lord was reduced to a Baron, the lowest noble title in Dark Spector's vast network. Unfortunately, Zedd hadn't actually been to Maldoran for quite some time and he throne room was less than hospitable.

"My Lord, if I may inquire on your next course of action?" Dwyn, the newest member of the court, was a low level sorcerer and warrior. What he lacked in actual magical power, he more than made up with his fighting and tactical skills. Jareth smirked, glancing at Scorpina who leered back.

"We're going to attack and capture Earth of course." He informed him coolly. Lasair and Janus, the twin assassins, exchanged a grin while Sirona lay back against the wall, studying her nails.

"When do we leave, my lord?" Tyr, Jareth's right hand fighter, asked politely. Jareth glanced at him, taking in the full crimson body suit he'd taken to wearing since swearing his allegiance to the Flames. Tyr was renowned in the cosmos as one of the deadliest fighters to ever grace Dark Spector's court. He was also known as the most polite warrior many had ever met—Astronema had informed Jareth that Tyr would no doubt apologize to the Rangers before kicking their asses.

"We won't leave for a few days yet. I have a plan that will greatly reduce the number of allies Earth can count on." Jareth informed them. He suddenly frowned, looking around. "Where is Khetala, Hecate, and Eisa?"

"Here, Jareth dear." Khetela said, stepping from the doorway on the right. Jareth raked his eyes over her, a slow smile crossing his face as he took in her new look. Calf high, crimson leather boots adorned her legs, stopping just under a black and crimson skirt. Her stomach was bare and her chest was encased in a crimson and black corset tube top. Covering her arms and back from the cold was a black floor length jacket with silver lining. Her once brown hair was now blood red and put up in two top knots, accenting her red eyes and small throat. All in all, Jareth approved.

"You like?" She asked, twirling. Jareth glanced at the others in the court and glowered—Dwyn, Lasair, and Janus were ogling Khetala and throwing her appreciative smiles. Glancing at Scorpina and Sirona, he was pleased to see both of them nodding in approval but nothing else. Without warning, Khetala sat down on his lap.

"So…have you filled them in?" Khetala asked, settling in so her back was against the arm rest and her head was on his shoulder. Rolling his eyes, he turned to his court, taking stock of the fact Hecate was sitting demurely on a chair while Eise had plopped herself in between the twins. Neither Lasair nor Janus appeared upset about this, as they leered the small ninja.

"Tyr! Scorpina, come forth!" Jareth growled, turning his head to nip at Khetala's neck before staring his two chief warriors down.

"I have an assignment for you two. Using whatever resources you must, attack Triforia and Aquitar. Do not retreat until sufficient damage has been done. You are also to deliver a personal message to their King's—this message." He waved his arm and two scrolls appeared in a flash of flames. Tyr and Scorpina grasped them and nodded. Jareth glanced at Khetala who was staring at him, her eyes hooded. His pants suddenly tight, he glared at the two assassins.

"Go and make sure they know that anyone who helps Earth against us will not live to regret it." He snarled, standing abruptly, cradling Khetala in his arms. He glared at the others as Scorpina and Tyr left quickly to do his command.

"The rest of you, prepare for our departure in two days; I want as many Keres as you can make and you five ready for battle." He snarled before walking from the room, his lips crushed to Khetala's. Eyes alight, Dwyn, Sirona, Lasair, Janus, and Eise shot to their feet and rushed from the room. Hecate stood much more slowly, taking care to smooth out her skirt. Looking around the empty throne room, she nodded. She was going to enjoy her employment with the Great Flames.

It'd been a week since he'd returned to Earth and Billy was still struggling to adjust to all the changes. Tommy was in a constant foul mood; Kat was struggling to help her boyfriend and failing miserably. Adam and Tanya were struggling to help Justin, Rocky himself wasn't a ranger anymore, and everyone had finally graduated. To say Billy was feeling slightly out of place was an understatement.

"Hey Billy." Rocky greeted as he teleported in. That was another thing; Rocky was spending nearly as much time in the Power Chamber these days as Billy. The former blue took this as a sign that he missed being a ranger; something Billy could definitely relate to. Smiling at him, he went back to studying the computer. Rocky stepped up behind him, fidgeting.

"Anything I can do to help?" He asked hesitantly. Without pausing in his search, Billy pointed at another computer screen.

"Look for anything pertaining to Maligore. We have to find out as much about him as possible to figure out a way to get Kim and Jason back." He said, eyes raking over the text on his own screen. Billy felt Rocky nod and move away. There was silence for a few minutes before Rocky finally caved.

"So, what did Cestria say about you coming back?" he asked. Billy smiled slightly; he'd wondered how long it would take one of them to ask.

"Seeing as how Cestria and I didn't last more than a month, she was fine with it. She told me to be careful." He added as an afterthought.

"You guys broke up?" Rocky asked, surprised. Billy glanced at him and nodded.

"I realized a few things while I was with her and…lets just say she wasn't my type." He put forth before going back to his computer. He could practically feel Rocky frowning.

"But…she's a smarty. She's pretty. How is she not your type?" He asked, confused. Billy debated on answering before finally deciding he needed to tell someone.

"First of all, I've been afraid of aquatic life since I was boy. Dating a half fish was a bit odd, even for me being a former ranger." He told him, glancing over to see Rocky grin. Steadying himself, he prayed that what he was about to say didn't cause any strife with his friend.

"Second, she's female." He said softly, and glanced at the former ranger. Rocky didn't seem fazed; if anything, his grin had gotten bigger.

"I thought as much." He nodded, his eyes twinkling. Billy gaped at him.

"Pardon?" He spluttered. Rocky shrugged.

"Billy, my man, you have had girls lining up for years and none of them ever 'felt right.' After Shannah and you fell through, I started thinking and finally decided the reason they didn't feel right for you was cause they were the wrong gender." He explained. Billy continued to gape at him, astounded at the insight his normally clueless friend had just displayed. Finally, when Rocky began fidgeting under Billy's stare, the original blue gathered his wits.

"And why did you not see fit to explain this insight to me before now?" He asked curiously. Rocky, surprisingly, blushed.

"Billy, how do you think most guys react when someone tells them that they thing they're gay?" He asked and Billy nodded in understanding.

"I would have undoubtfully denied it." He sighed. Rocky nodded sagely.

"Been there, done that." He waved a hand and Billy blinked. Before he could say anything to that, Rocky's eyes began glimmering with mischievousness.

"So, any particular guy you like?" He asked innocently. Billy spluttered again, unable to reply. Laughing, Rocky went back to reading.

End Notes: Thanks toCoolDiva,Tsukino Akume, and Lonly Girl for the reviews!

Tsukino Akume: Justin is in a very odd place at this point in time if you think about it. He's 11 years old, a power ranger, he failed in rescuing Jason and Kim, and now he's meeting the "original blue" to tell help him that two of his best friends are now evil. I'd be "I want to be invisible!" too if I was in his shoes.

As for the issues with Billy kinda ignoring Justin? It is touched upon in this chapter—it's not that Billy was dismissive exactly, he was just worried for his friend and former teammate (especially since none of the rangers seemed happy about having to call Aquitar in the first place) and for him that took precedence over making the new blue feel welcome.

Also? You have no idea how happy your review made me! I've been reading your stuff for a while now (I don't review anything very often cause it'd probably just be me gaping or scowling :) ) and the fact you reviewed my fic…I was thrilled. In fact, I ditched my plan to post this chapter next Friday and am posting it now. (grins)