This is it! The Epilogue is finally here and finished! I can't believe I managed to pull off finishing this story before returning to Year Two University! This chapter is more or less focused on Kimberly and her three year stay on Eltar. I did put in a lot more flashbacks than normal. It spreads over Zeo, Turbo and nearing the end of In Space. Yes, I am aware I have left potential for some standalone stories; which I might consider writing.
However, I will be taking a long break, I might not have time to write again until I get a break from University. So I will consider my proposals.
Disclaimer: I do not own the song: Just Stay - A Skylit Drive. It's only used for entertainment purposes.
Enjoy the last and final chapter!
"The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him,
but because he loves what is behind him."
- G.K. Chesterton
Epilogue: Prepare To War
Three Years Later…
Year: 1999…
Canon: Power Rangers In Space; Pre-Countdown To Destruction
(Scene: Kimberly's Room, Resting Quarters, Eltar Army Barracks, Eltar/Kimberly's POV)
I sat inside my living quarters, getting some much needed rest after a long war meeting with mother and the rest of the officials; both from the barracks and the Elders of Eltar. I decided to take my armour off because I was starting to sweat in it. It took me a while to adapt to Eltar, but once I got into routine and began helping around; it really sped up the process. A lot has happened in the past three years; The Elders allowed me to be second-in-command, behind my mom; I'm basically the equivalent of a Lieutenant. I oversaw the training of the army and helped improve the weaponry. Eltar has now moved on from swords, shields and other weapons of old warfare.
They have now advanced to laser technology; designing literally laser guns, with thanks to the advanced technology of KO-35. Heavy battalion armour has also been scrapped, switching it for lightweight, but durable military style gear; similar to SWAT or the army from Earth. Well, the one thing I did suggest was that they keep the swords, short swords and daggers as a side arm; even though they have their laser pistols. I even took some combat tactics that I read up, like adding an attachment underneath their laser rifles and snipers; like a combat knife.
I thought back to three years ago, so much has changed, I feel have changed too. War does that to you sometimes. I miss my friends: Jason, Zach, Trini and Billy; from my time when we started off as the Original Rangers. Then Aisha, Rocky, Kat and Adam; becoming the second generation of the Original Rangers. I especially miss my ex-boyfriend Tommy. He's heartbroken, hurt, but I think he has moved on. My father sent my letter to Tommy by the time he and the others became Zeo Rangers; their powers no longer came from the Power Coins which are now destroyed, but the shards of the Zeo Crystal. Thinking back to my third best female friend; the Austrailian blonde Kat, I feel bad for her. I burdened with the fact; for three years she knew I'm here on mine and father's home planet, fighting in a war. She was well aware that Zordon was going to send Tommy my letter. I am being unfair on her, after everything she did for! Now I'm the selfish one!
Back to the Zel Crystals. In total there are six shards; the five my friends have and then the Gold Zeo Crystal, that resides on the planet of Triforia. I believe the current owner is Prince Trey; that's a story I'll set to the side for now. Speaking of ranger powers, I got my Ninjetti Powers back! It came back just when my friends lost their powers and became Zeo Rangers. I was sparring with one of the soldiers.
Three Years Ago…
11:00 (Earth Time)…
Morning (Eltarian Time)
Year: Spring, 1996…
(Flashback/Scene: Sparring Grounds, Eltar Army Barracks, Eltar/Kimberly's POV)
I rolled under a side kick from one of the soldiers I decided to spar with. In fact, I took him under my wing personally. I retaliated with various punches and hooks, while the solider; I believe his name is Bohan blocked them all, making me smile. He could barely do any of this five weeks ago, however, he makes up for it with his excellent marksmanship; he has quite a sharp eye. His position is with the snipers, hand him a laser sniper; he'll put down the targets before you even blink. Yet he struggled with close quarter combat training, which I introduced. It was important to ensure that the soldiers can handle themselves unarmed; but Bohan's struggle will get him killed. He even had difficulty in sword fighting. So I took him to the side and I trained him personally, going at his pace and I used the sword fighting lessons my mom taught me; well… from her advisor Boreas. I have to say; like Uncle Ninjor and my surrogate uncle, Ernie, Boreas is like another family member. Boreas is also one of the best swordsman on this planet. Bohan quickly caught on though, now he could at least keep up with myself and even Jason if they were to meet.
Then, I jumped over a sweep kick he executed, before following it up with a right hook. Once more, I blocked it and countered with a punch of my own. This punch was different, instead of sending him sprawling to the sandy ground of the sparring arena, he flew a complete two meters away from me! I ran over to help him up and apologised. Before he could even accept my apology, he got spooked when he told me I was glowing! At first, I thought he was being stupid, until I looked at my hands. He was right! I was glowing and I was glowing pink! What does this mean? It wasn't long until I heard the familiar screech of a bird I know too well: my Crane. Surprisingly, the Eltarian soldier was able to see my Animal Spirit, looking in awe as my spirit flew around me, playfully. The young soldier and others on the grounds, knew they stood before the presence of a Ninjetti and a bearer of The Great Power.
"Rhea!" I said, calling out her name, in English. "You came back! But how?",
"A matter we will discuss privately." She answered, resting on my shoulder. I looked back to Bohan, he already accepted my apology. I nodded, then switched back to Eltarian.
"You are dismissed solider." Bohan saluted me sharply, the official Eltarian salute: standing stiff and straight, right arm across the chest and moved it backwards, so his fist met the centre of his chest. I did the same thing and he left. Now, back to more pressing matters like… how the hell are my Ninjetti Powers back!? I swore I gave them to Kat!
Ten Minutes Later…
11:05 (Earth Time)…
(Scene: Kimberly's Room, Resting Quarters, Eltar Army Barracks, Eltar/Kimberly's POV)
I walked back to my room and closed my door, so I could talk to Rhea undisturbed. She flew off from my shoulder and landed on the bed. I grabbed a chair and sat down in front of her. Now, I can speak full on English. I swear I'm going to give myself a headache from all this language jumping or switching for that matter.
"Rhea, how are you here? I thought I passed on my powers to Kat?" I questioned,
"Did you forget what your aunt and uncle told you about the Ninjetti Powers? And the Animal Spirits?" Rhea asked me. I frowned, thinking long and hard. Then it struck me.
"You're my Animal Spirit! You are a representation of me, not Kat!",
"Exactly my human! I never belonged to Kat. I belonged to you." She exclaimed,
"Well, I got a transmission from my father a few days ago, for a so-called friendly catch up. It does not tolerate for your behaviour towards Kat." I said to her sharply, my Lieutenant demeanour showing through, "What was this I heard about you not listening to Kat or her sometimes loosing control of the Crane Ninja Zord?" I sat back in my chair and crossed my arms, waiting for Rhea's reply.
"She just wasn't you! Sometimes we even clashed!" Rhea flapped her wings in an agitated manner. I growled frustratedly, I was on the verge of pulling my hair out.
"RHEA!" I yelled, "That does not give you the excuse to disobey someone I entrusted my powers to! When we go back, you are profusely apologising to Kat!",
"Kat wields the Zeo Powers now. It doesn't matter." She said to me stubbornly. Sometimes I love and hate the fact mine and the other Ninjetti's Animal Spirits are a representation of ourselves. It's a blessing and a curse. However, hearing a new power got my attention.
"Zeo Powers? What happened to the Ninjetti?" I asked. Damn, I really feel disconnected.
"Master Vile destroyed the Power Coins. Don't worry, the Ninja Zords are safely stored in the Zord Bay." I was trying to wrap my head around this. Wow, so much has happened when I was gone! Who's Master Vile? I'll look into that later or ask my mother. So… oh no! They're fighting the Machine Empire! We were actually in the process of tracking King Mondo's movements.
"So let me get this straight Rhea; so the Power Coins actually acted like a… tether to the other rangers. So when they were destroyed, that tether broke?",
"Yes! That's right Kara!" Rhea flapped her wings again, this time excitingly, "When the tether broke, I was free from the bondage of the coin, allowing me to find you! The other spirits: Caesar, Artemis, Loki, Kek and Daedalus went to their owners; your friends and remained inside of them, now dormant." Wow, that's a lot to take in. Then my mind struck something. I felt a pang of hurt hit me when Rhea mentioned Caesar, in which she's referring to Tommy. I pushed him to the side of my mind then.
"What of the Command Centre?" I asked her desperately,
"Destroyed, but your father, Alpha and friends are fine. The Command Centre rebuilt itself and is now the Command Chamber." Rhea reassured and I sighed with relief. At least none of my friends are dead, or my father and Alpha.
"Thanks for coming back to me Rhea." I smiled at my Crane Spirit. With that, Rhea flew over to me, landing on my shoulder and nuzzled into my neck.
"I am glad too." She cooed.
(Flashback Ends)
So that's that memory. It was a little crazy. A year flew by and before I knew it, it was the year nineteen-ninety-seven! I spent a whole year on Eltar. Soon, Tommy, Billy, Kat, Rocky, Aisha and Adam will be graduating from Angel Grove High School. Someday, I'll return to Earth when all this is over; when this blasted war is over. Now, violence and resistance is beginning to pick up. I had to dispatch some troops to aid in the fighting; I too helped in some of the campaigns as well and freeing small, key planets like Mirinoi. I was honoured to meet the Champions of the legendary Galaxy Sabres. I did tell my mom about the return of my Ninjetti Powers, they couldn't have timed their arrival ever so perfectly! They will greatly help in the war, even give us an edge and offer a sign of hope to some people. Not to mention, she was overjoyed to see Rhea again, her former Animal Spirit; those two talked for hours on end.
If I'm honest, Rhea did help me cope with my lonliness. The Summer of that year was also when, I was feeling a little depressed. I missed my friends, I knew Tommy needed some closure, an explanation to why I broke up with him. I looked at my newly made communicator, unlike Billy's model; no offence to him, I can now teleport locally and interplanetary. Aria, being my mom as per usual, if she isn't carrying out her war duties; noted I was upset and decided to give me a few days off from service. Actually… it was more like a short, forced vacation, I was thankful for that; yet at the same time, it was the worst vacation ever. So this is how it happened.
Two Years Ago…
13:00…
Tuesday…
5th May 1997…
Canon: Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie
(Flashback/Scene: Back Road, Outside Angel Grove, Earth/Kimberly's POV)
I landed five minutes away from Angel Grove, so I'm not far from the city. Holding my duffle bag, Rhea appeared again to keep me company. I wore loose clothes, on the healer's orders after my last fight on Mirinoi. I sort of battered my left shoulder, so it's a little sensitive; and to why it's bandaged up. Scorpius, another member of The UAE; attacked the indigenous planet. Stingwingers; Scorpius' foot soldiers, plant some mines. I was close one of those mines and it went off; the shrapnel embedding itself into my shoulder. Not fun. As I began walking, I heard a car honk from behind me. I turned, seeing the car pull up beside me; Rhea vanished in fear of being spotted, even though anyone who hasn't touched The Power can't see her. The person inside pulled down the car window, revealing none other than my brother Jason. I cracked a wide smile.
"Jason!" I cried, instantly getting into the car as quickly as he revealed himself. I hopped in and hugged him tightly.
"Kim! I would like to breathe!" He wheezed and I pulled away. Damn Eltarian strength these days.
"Sorry Jase." I apologised sheepishly, "I just haven't seen you in ages!",
"I can say the same about you. You vanished off the face of the Earth for a solid year!" Jason said, with a tinge of worry in his voice. I sighed, Jason is my brother; he at least deserves to know the truth. I bet Kat still kept my secret and it does burden her. She promised to keep it though. Jason saw my bandaged shoulder and instantly got into big brother mode. "Kim, what happened to your shoulder!? You better start explaining and no lies sis!",
"The reason why I disappeared from Earth, was because I wasn't on the planet at all. I was on my home planet Eltar; helping the war effort." That gave Jason the shock of his life.
"YOU'RE DOING WHAT!" He shouted, causing me to cover my ears. Jason took deep, long breaths to calm himself down. Once he cleared his head, he began the interrogation, as I expected. "Do the others know? What about Tommy?",
"Tommy and I are no longer together Jason." He leaned back in his seat.
"Oh right. The 'Dear John' letter. How could I forget? You really hurt him Kim. It's not like you! Tommy will go through hell and high water for you!",
"I did it to stop him from following me to Eltar! I'm needed there, he's needed on Earth!" I reasoned, "Also Eltarians have much longer life spans. Is that fair on Tommy!? He deserves to be with someone he can grow old with!" Jason sighed, I knew he gave into my deductive reasoning.
"Listen, I'm on my way to help out with Little Angel's Orphanage. Before that, how about we go scuba diving? I did promise to take you a few years back." He gave me a little cheeky smile and I laughed a little. My god! Jason, you are an insufferable older brother.
"I'd love that big brother." I patted his shoulder. Jason turned the car back on and pulled the handbrake, not before putting in one last sentence.
"You still didn't answer my question on how you injured your shoulder." I looked away, before facing him again; staring into his dark brown eyes.
"I injured it while giving aid to the people of Mirinoi in their rebellion.",
"You know what, I'm not going to go even further than that. Right now, you and I need sibling bonding time."
(Flashback Ends)
As you all know, that is probably the last time, I promised myself about going on a 'relaxing' trip with my big brother. Next time, I'll just go on a shopping trip with Aisha, Kat and Trini. What can go wrong with that? During our diving experience, we ended up being captured by a Space Pirate; who I like to call The Lady Gaga Wannabe. The Space Pirate is named Divatox; at first we were held as a bargaining chip to get the Zeo Rangers to trade the Dimensional Gatekeeper Lerigot, for us. Zordon was pretty angry that I was captured, let alone, he didn't know I was back on Earth. Thankfully his anger was directed towards Divatox; the last time he was this angry was when Lord Zedd held me captive.
Lord Zedd and Rita Repulsa haven't been seen since they high tailed and abandoned the Moon Palace when The Machine Empire arrived. They're not fully defeated, but their forces have been weakened. Then we got intelligence from one of our spies that movements and activity is picking up within The United Alliance of Evil. It's pretty worrying. Now, back to what was dubbed by the former Turbo Rangers as: The Muranthias Incident. Unlike The Ooze Incident, this fight was thankfully held in a different dimension. Anyways, while our friends were following Divatox and save us from her clutches, Jason and I were having a nice catch up inside the bilge of her Subcraft.
It was when he told me that Billy decided to stay on the planet of Aquitar after, what was described to be an ageing problem. However, he said he was happy, so maybe I might meet him if I have to attend political affairs, or war meetings on that planet. Jason even got to be a ranger again tempoarily! He became the Gold Zeo Ranger after Trey lost control of his powers. Unfortunately, the Gold Zeo Powers were not made to be wielded by a human, so they began to leech off his life force and nearly killed him! So, back to the rest of the story.
(Flashback/Scene: Bilge, Subcraft, Unknown Location, Ocean, Earth/Kimberly's POV)
Jason supported my weight as I listened in on psychotic Lady Gaga Wannabe rant on and on about how she's going to sacrifice us to a volcano demon named Maligore. Then she's going to join his hand in marriage and take over the universe. I read some manuscripts and books about Maligore and how he was sealed away inside his volcano on the lost island of Muranthias by the Ninjetti of Old. I have seen drawings and depictions of Maligore, none are too appealing to look at; he is a literal demon. Not to mention; Maligore is the younger brother of Dark Spectre, the mastermind behind The United Alliance of Evil. It's creepy, those two are literal versions of Hell's twins. Also, we are not the only ones trapped here in the bilge. Bulk and Skull are here too and one of Divatox' goons scrambled their brains, like I'm sure they overstep the line of their normal idiocy and stupidity. If that's even possible, but oh god! They smell like they drove through a fish market or something like that!
After hearing the Rangers' new enemy's plan, Jason let me hop down from his hand and watched as I sighed. Just when Divatox' voice rang through the bilge, cackling over the fact she has Zordon's daughter in tow and we're both former rangers. Also the fact, we'll make Maligore very powerful.
"Great." I said, to break the silence, before I get a headache just from hearing her voice above us. "All I wanted was a little break from the war, help you with the orphanage and now we're going to become munchies for a demon." This is not how I imagined my death and refuse to be some monster's dinner plate!
"The others will reach us Kim. Don't give up." Jason comforted, patting my shoulder. I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, so it'll be out of my face. Good thing I always bring an emergency bobble. "Like you said, I wish we could morph." That was when Rhea appeared, surprising Jason as he let out a yelp. "Good grief!" I tried to muffle my laughter; he's not used to Animal Spirits popping up, out of the blue and unexpected. Then Rhea spoke to both of us.
"Jason, good to see you despite the situation.",
"Yeah?" Jason responded, raising his voice an octave. It's not something you hear everyday, but it does lighten up our scenario. "Nice to to meet you too." Rhea turned to me.
"Kara, you can morph! You can blast us out of here!",
"OUT OF THE QUESTION!" I yelled, making Jason quiver in fear slightly. I filled him in on how I'm a Lieutenant in the Eltarian Army and that side of me is showing. "I'm sorry for yelling, but it's too dangerous! If Divatox knows I still have my powers; she could… have me delivered to The UAE.",
"The UAE?" Jason asked me,
"The United Alliance of Evil." Said Rhea to Jason. It doesn't take a genius to know they are bad news and mean serious trouble; on an intergalactic scale. I had to look at the cell, to make sure Bulk and Skull weren't looking or listening; even though they can't see Rhea. I clutched my necklace, rubbing it tentatively. Jason instantly knew I was scared and I genuinely am.
"If you won't morph, so what will we do?",
"We use brain power." I smiled, looking at the panel behind me and Jason instantly copped onto what I was planning. However, he saw the risks and flaws in my idea.
"But… isn't that going to flood the entire bilge with water?" Wordlessly, I grabbed my brother's arm, where he wore his diving computer and activated it.
"Listen, we're at four hundred and thirty-two meters at the moment. Once we reach the Nemesis Triangle, and we are one hundred meters then…" Jason followed my idea.
"We swim out in one breath." I nodded in response.
"A smart, but risky plan Kara." Rhea agreed, "The two of you must act quickly. The Nemesis Triangle is fast approaching and Lerigot is going to open the gateway."
Ten Minutes Later…
Oh god! This was actually a bad idea! A very bad idea. Myself and Jason were after prying the panel loose to allow the water to come in, now that we're passing through The Nemesis Triangle, water is gushing in all of a sudden. That was a bit too soon than I originally planned. The two of us leaned our bodies against the panel, we're not exactly one hundred meters below sea level! I looked at Jason's diving computer as the meters counted down. Now it's near enough a hundred meters. A hundred and ten meters will have to do, before we loose all our air supply in the bilge when this place floods! We have to get the panel open now! Right now, I'm pretty much relying on my Eltarian strength at this point, but the pressure of the water behind is becoming too great!
"Jason! Find the pipe you made! Help me get the panel open!" I ordered,
"Alright!" Jason took his breath and swam underneath to find the pipe he put down. He didn't spend too long, arising to the surface with the object in hand. He placed the curved side of the pipe into the gap of the panel and we both pulled. "It's not working! It's too heavy!" He grunted,
"Keep pulling Jason! I can't do all the heavy work! I'm not freaking Supergirl!",
"What you two doing?" Bulk asked us in a stupid accent,
"Are we drowning?" There's Skull's voice, thinking he's a bloody German and they ticked me off, because I'm trying to focus! God! When we get back to Angel Grove, I hope they remember none of this! None! It was just a dream to them. I turned around sharply glaring at them and yelled, like I would be giving out to a soldier who disobeyed my orders.
"WILL YOU GUYS BE QUIET!? I'M TRYING TO GET US ALL OUT OF HERE ALIVE!" I turned back to help Jason open the panel and I definitely shut Bulk and Skull up. We tugged at the circular door again.
"I feel sorry for the soldiers of Eltar." Jason joked and I glared at him.
"Jason!" I growled and the former Tyrannosaurus Ranger backed down. I only act like this when I'm stressed and that's what I'm feeling right now. Finally, the panel came loose, opening up our exit. "Jase, we need to get Bulk and Skull out too." It literally took us ten seconds to get the two former school bullies out of their cell and we explained to them what to do. The four of us took one deep breath and dove underwater. Bulk and Skull were out first, that's the one thing Zordon told us to do, with or without powers: civilians come first. I made Jason go next, I couldn't afford to lose my brother, thankfully he did not fight me on this and swam through. Unfortunately, his skin tight water suit got caught, must be in the nail and probably a thick dangling thread. I eventually managed to free him and he was out of the Subcraft. As long as my big brother is safe, I don't care what happens to me. Then just as I was about to swim out, an emergency door shut my exit, so I was forced to swim back. Next, all the water was drained out, allowing me to get my breath back.
I heard Divatox open the hatch above me, expecting to find myself and Jason, but she only saw me. Her face made a sneer.
"Well, I guess Maligore will have to do with one sacrifice." I smiled at her, knowing that she lost a sacrifice, but also, a former ranger. "I'm sure he will take great pleasure in having an Eltarian for lunch!" And she shut the hatch. I sat down inside the bilge and sighed. Rhea appeared again, resting on my lap to comfort me. Jason is safe now, so my Animal Spirit is good enough as company.
(Flashback Ends)
Eventually, we arrived at the lost island of Muranthias; I was chained by the wrists, which kind of brought back memories when Zedd had me in his cell. It was the first time I was actually turned evil and literally attacked my home and my friends. I prayed that the situation was different, that I'll just die after being lowered into the volcano. Sadly, Jason's freedom didn't last long, when we reached the entrance to The Serpent's Temple, I saw Jason tied to a long, thick strong pole. He was captured by what looked like a tribe, worshippers of Maligore and protectors of his temple. I believe the people are known as Malichians. It made me sick how these people could worship a monster.
That was when Divatox forced poor, sickly weak Lerigot to open the door and send the tribe to their knees. The Serpent's Temple was the last place Jason and I wanted to be, because right in the middle, was large freaking lava pit! Oh man! What was it called again? The Pit of Eternal Flame? Jason was scared, I was scared and Rhea was too. The three of prayed that the other Rangers will come and rescue us. What occurred in the temple was… one of my darkest moments. Sometimes, I get nightmares about it. There's always something addicting, like a drug, about being turned evil, corrupted by what was called The Flame of Destruction.
(Flashback/Scene: The Serpent's Temple, Inside Volcano, Muranthias/Kimberly's POV)
Jason and I dangled over the hot searing lava pit, that made our bodies cover in sweat. The fire that was being ejected from the lava, didn't really help our situation and well knowing we are definitely becoming munchies for Maligore and I'm sure he'll savour the Eltarian blood. I can at least thank the Great Power that Divatox did not take my mother's necklace, because I did notice her obsession and fetish for over the top jewellery. Hey! What would she see in the necklace that is practically a hand-me down? It's just plain silver, or I think it is silver. Why didn't I be more stubborn and not accept the forced vacation from my mom? I should have stayed on Eltar, just like Billy who's staying on Aquitar, quite a secure, safe planet.
It wasn't long when the Rangers entered the scene, surprising everyone. Huh? Their suits are different. I thought Tommy and the others were Zeo Rangers, did they get a power upgrade? I see Tommy is still in red, but no offence, I prefer him in White or Green. Red… just doesn't suit him very well. I bet he'll look much hotter in basic black; OK! Don't jinx myself, Tommy may eventually retire from active Ranger duty some time. I could feel Caesar inside his soul, he's trying to wake up; he senses his mate Rhea. I looked to the Green Ranger, and can instantly tell it's Froggy Boy underneath the helmet. Kek is still in there. I didn't need to second guess that the Pink Ranger is Kat; then I looked at Blue and Yellow Ranger, expecting it to be Aisha and Rocky; but I couldn't feel Artemis and Loki, so it's not them.
"Who invited you?" She sneered at the five rangers.
"We did!" I said boldly to her. I looked at both sides. "Rangers, this is Divatox. Divatox, meet your worst nightmare!" That caused her to growl, while Tommy and Kat attempted to muffle their chuckles. They know my reputation for joking in these situations.
"Kim!" Jason hissed, "Now is not the time for your inappropriately timed humour!" Then, Lady Gaga Wannabe just scoffed.
"Lower them into the pit!" Myself and Jason couldn't help but yell out in fear as we were being lowered by her two foot soldiers called Piranhatrons. Now, all chaos ensues. We both see Tommy making his way to us, but the person in blue was making quick headway. I have to say, it definitely isn't Rocky, you didn't have to think twice that it was a KID underneath the helmet; high pitched, unbroken voice, this lad hasn't even hit puberty! My best bet is he's about two or three years older than Fred Kelman. I couldn't help but let out a few Eltarian and English explicits, calling my father every sort of name in the book. Jason decided to outright ignore me. He's not used to hearing me speak a foreign language.
Despite being a kid and the youngest Power Ranger to date, he was holding his own quite well. Though, he appears to be new at the fighting, it does look like he had some lessons in a form of Martial Arts, but his stances and technique were a little off, not well perfected. He didn't appear to have any form of strategy or co-ordination. Besides all that, he defeated the guards and stopped the gear from lowering us any further. It allowed myself and Jason to breathe in relief. It didn't last long when that weird looking henchman, Elgar I think. I swear I read his file somewhere, he went after the Blue Ranger, leaving the heavyweight tin can to lower us again. God damn it! No!
The situation caused Rhea to awaken and cry out in distress, begging Tommy and Caesar to save us! It gave Tommy a renewed sense of energy, hearing the Crane call out to him, but it wasn't enough. The Piranhatrons outnumbered the Rangers, holding them back and we were fully lowered into The Pit of Eternal Flame. That was when Jason and I lost consciousness.
(Scene: Kimberly's Conscience/Kimberly's POV)
I opened my eyes and looked around. My surroundings were entirely black, just… endless darkness in all directions. I looked at my hands, they were still shackled, that was when I heard my name being called out, but not by my adoptive name, but my birth name. The voice started off as a whisper, yet it eventually got louder and it scared me. Oh my god! What's happening? What is going on? The darkness surrounding me was lit up by a pair of glaring, glowing red eyes. I gulped out of fear. I'm guessing that's Maligore.
"You are right Kara of Eltar, daughter of Zordon and Aria of Eltar and Phaedos." His voice deep and demonic. The books weren't kidding about him being a volcano or Fire Demon. I decided to stand bold anyways, I have some fight in me!
"I'm not going to fight my friends Maligore! You can't make me!" All that did, was make him chuckle and darkly. I don't like where this is going.
"You won't fight me Kara. My Flame is too powerful, even for an Eltarian like you." His eyes moved a little closer, I swear that I have caught sight of his lower jaw! "Even better. I have a Ninjetti; a wielder of The Great Power in my midst. You are too precious to devour, you will make a valuable ally for my brother's Alliance!" He growled, with a sense of triumph in his voice. Shit! I'm busted! Maligore's eyes began to glow fiercely. "Now Pink Crane Ninjetti! Accept the Flame of Destruction! Accept its power! Become my child!"
From his eyes, jets of intense fire came pouring from them, heading directly towards me. The fire began to surround me, it forced Rhea to appear, as she cried out in pain. I saw her glow a deep shade of red and another bird separated from her body. This bird let out a proud screech because it is now free. Oh god! It's my Thunder Zord! I thought I forever lost that spirit after Rito destroyed the Thunder Zords! Firebird accepted the power of the flame, as it corrupted her and twisted my former Thunder Zord Spirit into something… pure evil. Next, I was the one who cried out as the Flame of Destruction took over my body. I fell to my knees as the fire possessed me. Maligore laughed as I writhed in pain.
"Do not fight it. Accept it my child! Become Firebird!" Then… all I could see was red.
(Scene: The Serpent's Temple, Inside Volcano, Muranthias/Kimberly's POV)
Jason and I appeared again in a shower of fire, our backs turned to everyone. I ignored the commotion and comments being made. The two of us turned around, facing the Turbo Rangers. They all took a step back out of slight fear. They do not know who they are dealing with now. Kimberly and Jason are no longer here!
"Kimberly? Jason?" Poor Tommy, he sounds so nervous. It's not like the former White Falcon Ninjetti, to let out a hint of fear. Looking at Tommy and his team, I let out a subtle smirk, before demonstrating a part of my strength. I raised my arms and with pure strength alone, with the added enhanced Eltarian strength, I broke the shackles clean off my wrists. Rex followed suit. It made everyone wary. That was when the annoying Space Witch yelled out.
"Maligore's children! Destroy all that is good and pure!" Who does she think she is? She does not call the shots; Rex and I shall do things our way. I leaped off the edge of the pit, landing like a predator, ready to pounce on its prey. Rex wasn't long behind as he somersaulted to the sandy floor. I looked to my brother.
"Ready to play Rex?" He looked at me with his glowing red eyes and smiled evilly.
"I sure am Firebird." He replied to me, in a deep and demonic voice. I stood up, my eyes set on Kitty Kat. I let low growl emanate from my throat. Now the food chain has been reversed. It's time for the bird to kill the cat. Then… Rex and I attacked.
(Flashback Ends)
That was the worst moment of my live and I hope to never relive it. I attacked my friends with a strength and brute force I never thought I had. Jason went after Adam and the Yellow Ranger first. I was making my way to Kat when the Blue Ranger child for in my way. The suit makes him more muscled and taller, it still didn't anything for unbroken voice. I grabbed that kid by the throat, knee him in the stomach and I threw him across the room. Kat intervened and… god! After everything she did for me; keeping my secret of where I truly was; under Maligore's control, being someone else like Firebird, I just said some really spiteful and hurtful things to her. Hell! I was about to break her arm clean!
If it weren't for Tommy, I would have injured Kat and seriously too. It terrifies me that Maligore has given me this alter ego to live with for the rest of my life; even though Firebird is sealed away in my mind, in hopes she will never hurt anyone again. Everything worked itself out eventually in the end, Lerigot and his wife were able to free and myself and Jason from Maligore's control. For some, I only got a side-effect from being evil; whenever I get angry or agitated, my eyes would flash red. It's like how Tommy's eyes would flash green. Even though Jason now has his own alter ego Rex; an evil version of his Tyranosaurus Zord Spirit, he doesn't have that side-effect. He's lucky his eyes don't flash.
After the Rangers got us home, we made a trip to the Command Chamber. I was reunited with father for a short while, got to meet Alpha again. The two unknown Turbo Rangers revealed themselves as Justin Steward and Tanya Sloan. Two nice people, but I was still skeptical about having a kid this young being a Power Ranger. Although, I shouldn't doubt my father's judgement. That was when Lerigot, his wife and child; Yara and Bethel said their goodbyes and went home back to the planet of Liaria. I am certain that Divatox won't be going after them again and will leave their planet alone.
Once that was dealt with, Jason offered to compete in Rocky's place after he damaged his back during training. That explains why Justin was given the Turbo Powers. I decided to stay for the match, then at the end, bring Tommy to the side and clear things up between us. That plan was shattered after they the twenty-five thousand dollar prize money for Little Angel's Orphanage. I was about to go to the ring, until I saw Kat kiss Tommy's cheek. That was Rhea cried out in anguish, Tommy and Caesar belonged to us, not her. Yet I could see they're happy, I couldn't destroy that. I'm sorry for leaving like this Jason, but I guess it's time for me to return home. I whispered goodbye to everyone, especially Tommy and literally, I vanished; teleporting to the Command Chamber to say goodbye to father and Alpha again. Next, I tapped my new communicator to go back home. Once I got back to Eltar, which was early morning, I pretty much cried myself to sleep on that.
I sighed, I guess I'm just bound for a time of lonliness. Because of my increased life span, I'm afraid now of getting close to people. Perhaps I'm better off staying on Eltar, there's nothing for me on Earth; Tommy has clearly moved on from me, he's happy with Kat. I can't break that. I stared at my guitar, that I placed in the corner of my living quarters. Zordon had it sent to me, as a small reminder of home; it was before father and Alpha themselves, left to return home after my planet suffered a serious attack we managed to fend off. That fight left me a little battered, but I'm not worse for wear. I tried to keep the use of my Ninjetti Powers to a minimum, until they are really needed, so for now, I'm fighting just all the other soldiers. Father was impressed at the fact I gained the army's trust and loyalty, even though I spent my entire lifetime on Earth.
After that, everything was all go, go! Small attacks, then guerrilla warfare was becoming more and more frequent. Rebellion among other planets were in full swing. I helped mother and Zordon where to strategically place the anti-air and ground turrets, snipers etcetera, all the usual business of war. That was when all hell broke loose, after the Command Chamber was destroyed; the Turbo Rangers were left to fend for themselves after Dimitria, the Blue Centurion and Alpha 6 left to return here to Eltar! They should have stayed with the Rangers! So I was quite peeved and not to mention, cold towards Dimitria of Inquirius. Then what really threw me off the bat and caused my eyes to glow red, literally frightening everyone in the war meeting; was she revealed that her sister Divatox, formerly Diana, joined forces with The United Alliance of Evil. Mother instantly realised I fell prey to Maligore's control. I refused to talk about it, but she made me and I broke down crying at what I did. It was much worse than when Lord Zedd put me under a spell!
I got that issue off my chest, what worried us now was when Astronema was going to begin Countdown To Destruction; her's and Dark Spectre's, he's Maligore's brother, ambitious campaign for universal dominance. I then looked out to the dark, starry night sky; that feeling of calm before the storm is all too real. I clutched my necklace, I hope father is alright and unharmed; he's held captive up in The Dark Fortress; The UAE's main headquarters. Mother and I dispatched troops to a couple of different planets: Mirinoi, Triforia, Sentai Six, KO-35 and even Aquitar. Astronema's Quantrons wouldn't be able for the planet's watery system, neither the Cogs belonging to The Machine Empire; it doesn't stop Lady Gaga Wannabe's Piranhatrons from being sent there as a strategic attack. Being attacked while scuba-diving proved that point.
Out of fear for the planet's safety, even my mom Aria agreed, I sent a transmission to the planet to prepare themselves for war. On a happy note, I did get to talk to Billy, who was very surprised to see me. I told him to be safe, if he can't morph, to not play hero and get to safety. He reassured me, he can after reawakening Daedalus; I must say, Rhea was overjoyed to hear from her Spirit Brother. That was the last time I talked to Billy. The Rangers of Aquitar won't leave their planet unprotected and I believe Billy fell in love with the White Aquitarian Ranger; Cestra I think her name is. At least Billy is happy. As far as I know, all the planets are preparing for war and its going to be a big attack, with long days of fighting ahead.
My thoughts ran back to Tommy again. Damn it! Why now? I don't need any distractions! I must admit, I do miss him; I long for him to hold like he used to, I miss his company. Like I said, he's moved on; Tommy is with Kat now and I don't think his parents would even want to see my face on their doorstep. I need to get this off my chest, if the theory of Parallel Universes or The Multiverse is true, perhaps on one of those Earths, another Kimberly who is not burdened of being an intergalactic being's daughter; is just a normal human being. I hope that Kimberly is with Tommy, probably married and has children of her own. I've slowly come to accept that on this Earth, that isn't the case. I stood up, grabbing my guitar and headed for the top of the Western Tower.
7:00 (Earth Time)…
Night (Eltarian Time)…
(Scene: Western Tower, Eltar Army Barracks, Eltar/Kimberly's POV)
I sat on the ledge of the Western Tower of the heavily secured army barracks. I looked up at the night sky, knowing Tommy he might be looking up at the stars on Earth, thinking about. Great, now I feel a part of him has moved on with Kat, but another part of his heart remains with me. I sort of wish that Tommy was here with me, but Eltar will become a war zone and it's too dangerous for him; I wonder what he was thinking when he thought I was 'leaving' for Paris. I ignored it at first, but I swore I heard his Falcon cry out to myself and Rhea to just stay. I wrote a song before I left Eltar, had it finished by then, but I didn't know what title to give it; that answer was in the lyrics I wrote and what Caesar cried out: Just Stay.
I got comfortable on the ledge and began to strum the chords of the song. Like most of my songs, they sound happy, but until you here the lyrics, they're not really happy at all. I started to sing, in English.
"I won't see you for miles,
Hoping every day, you find the strength to stay with me.
I'm crippled by the sound, you make when I walk out,
Not too much longer now.
Just stay!
Another life I'd always be there.
Another night of barely breathing.
But when the lights go out I'll be listening.
Just stay!
I cannot turn around or take back everything, I missed while I was away.
Just stay!
I need for you to believe,
If it were up to me, we'd live out every day the same.
But I won't see you for days.
Another life I'd always be there.
Another night of barely breathing.
But when the lights go out I'll be listening.
Just stay!
Another life I'd never understand.
Another night I'll give you all I can.
I know I need you now more than I ever did.
Just stay!
Just stay, stay with me.
Just stay a little longer.
Another life I'd always be there.
Another night of barely breathing.
But when the lights go out I'll be listening.
Just stay!
Another life I'd never understand.
Another night I'll give you all I can.
I know I need you now, more than I ever did.
Just stay!
Just stay!
Just stay with me."
After that song, I just cried. My heart is yearning for Tommy, but I can't, I'll just have to live through the pain. He still hasn't got the closure about the letter I sent him, maybe someday I'll return to Earth and clear the air between us. Someday. Someday.
Fin
That's it! That finishes up The Lost Child of Zordon. It was great fun writing it, despite the ups and down of my technique. I'm so glad you all liked it! And regardless if I got no reviews, I still would have kept writing. Anyways, I will come back to fix mistakes in the previous chapters. I have noticed a few common errors.
Yes, I ended the story on a sadder and depressing note than expected. Even myself! I know I was sort of cruel towards Tommy and Kimberly. Who knows in future stories, I might give them another shot at love!
Now, regarding the salute of the Eltarian army that I was describing, that was the actual salute used in Power Rangers: SPD, so I pretended that SPD copied the salute of the Eltarians by the time it is established. Sort of cool huh?
Thank you for taking the time to read this! Bye!