I'm back with a slightly new chapter. This has actually been finished for a while, I just haven't had much time to add it here. Much apologies for the lateness. I'm hoping to get out a couple new chapters this month. I'll address a couple things further down at the end of the chapter, but for now enjoy and review! :)

Chapter 9 – Hindsight

Briarwood

"Well Miss, I think I've told you everything I know about the rangers" Toby said with a smile, as he looked up at Angelique. The young man with her hadn't said a word since their arrival, he simply leaned against the counter surveying the other customers as they milled around the store.

"Just where might your employees be?" she inquired, "Perhaps they might know something as well"

"Oh well, Xander will be here soon, so that I can go for lunch" Toby replied with a nod, he gave a frown, "At least. He better be here soon.."

"If you'll excuse us, we have a bit of business to take care of. Though I'll be sure to come back and meet this..Xander" the young woman smiled and made her way out of the store, Dash following close behind.

As they left, he noticed a large monster outside. His skin was all green aside from two large, yellow sacks for shoulders. Toby shook his head, and made his way over to help a customer, while he waited for someone to show up for work.

Aquitar

The small monitor in front of Billy began to blink out, static covering the data he had been poring over. He was so intent on trying to coax the machine to work that he did not notice the figure as it crept up behind him quietly.

"Ahhh, come on and work already" he urged, fiddling with a small knob. He barely had time to react as a hand clamped down on his shoulder.

"Do all geniuses talk to themselves, Billy?" laughed Cestros as he leaned in to look at the monitor.

Billy gave a wry grin, "I'll let you know if I see one" he gestured at the monitor "Somethings been making this act up all day"

The Aquitan eyed the monitor, "Hmm, something interfering with the system most likely." he began to move back towards another console, tapping at it. "Communication has been cut off entirely. We can't send or receive anything"

Billy looked over at the man, "I wonder what made it go down" he thought out loud.

Cestros began to answer, though a distant boom cut him off, the room gave a small shake as a closer one rocked the building. Both mens eyes went wide, and ran for the door to check on things outside. Billy stumbled through the doorway as more explosions began to make the ground tremble beneath his feet. When he pushed himself upright, he looked in horror as swarms of ships flew over the city, sending a hail of laser blasts into the streets. Fire's had begun to start on the rooftops of several buildings, roofs beginning to crumble inwards.

"Cestros...go find the others, we need to get people to safety" Billy looked over at the other man, giving him a small nudge wondering if there even was a safe place, "Hurry! Get as many others out of here possible" he began to run in search of Cestria, looking back long enough to see the other nod and head up the street.

"I hope Andros isn't too late" Billy whispered under his breath as he looked up at the thick, clear dome that held the water out.

Silver Hills

Wes remained quiet from where he stood in the large dining room they had gathered in. The leader of these SPD rangers had insisted on returning to a safe place before recapping the events that had taken place in the future. He gave Jen a reassuring smile as her captain tapped his chin in thought. The story had been quite long, one ranger, Bridge had dozed off in the corner where he was seated.

"Well I must admit. I had not expected so many additional rangers to arrive here. However, I believe we will need all the help we can get, and am glad to have you" Logan finally said, nodding at the rangers who claimed to be from a place called Corinth.

"I mean no disrespect sir" began their leader, "But if we know things are going to start happening here, why aren't we out there trying to find them before they strike first?"

"Because we need a plan. We still have time to rally anyone else we can get before they strike. Maybe even strike at them first if we're lucky" the captain replied.

Bridge suddenly gave a jolt, waking instantly. Several of his teammates moved in to check on him at once. The man eyed the room as it went quiet, everyone's attention on him.

"We're too late" he said quietly "It's already begun"

Cimmerian Planet

Tenaya gave a sigh as she sat on the floor sharpening her new blade. The sniveling fool had not entertained her for very long, and now with him gone she was bored again. But still. This new master of hers seemed far more competent than Venjix and the others. Perhaps, just perhaps he would actually succeed. She smirked as the witch, Rita Repulsa, shuffled past her in a rush to deliver more news. Rita is a fool, she thought to herself, her ears perked up as the master called for everyone to attend him. Tenaya rose from her spot, giving a small stretch as she moved to sit at a long table. Several others quickly entered the room, rushing to seat themselves, not wanting to stall things.

His cold eyes made their way across all who were present. He made a small motion with one hand, turning to face the viewscreen as King Mondo appeared on it. "Report" he said simply, in his cold voice.

"Master, I am pleased to inform you that the entire city lays in ruins. We got what we came for, and were met with little resistance." the robot spoke with a pleased tone, he shuffled in one spot as if awaiting praise.

"Good. Continue on to your next target where you will meet up with Scorpius and his ship" he waved his hand again, the screen going dark. He regarded those that had gathered, "You have your orders, begin your work and do not fail me" With that, he strode from the room as his followers began their preparations.

Blue Bay Harbor

Cam carefully snuck his way through the forest used to train the students. The academy still visible behind him, bustling with activity at this time of day. He needed time to think, ever since he had been contacted by Hayley. With some luck and enough peace and quiet, he could probably have things on schedule. He found a fair sized boulder to sit on, setting up his laptop to begin work. Somewhere close a twig snapped, making him whirl around to eye his surroundings warily.

He gave a small laugh at how jumpy he'd become, turning back to his work. Within seconds two figures jumped out of the bushes in front of him, making him flail backwards.

"Hi Cam! Whatcha doing all the way out here?" yelled Kapri with excitement

"Yeah! We like saw you sneaking off, and thought we'd like, you know follow" nodded Mahrah.

"I well...I thought I'd come and work out here for a bit" he replied, slightly annoyed. He dusted himself off a bit, working to regain composure.

Kapri gave a wide smile, "Oh! What kind of work, maybe we can like, help"

"Yeah! We're like really really good with helping, just ask Sensei" added Mahrah, as she moved to peer at the computer.

"Well, thank you. But I think I've got it covered" Cam replied, as he began bringing up the needed files.

He looked over his shoulder to see the two girls pouting at him sadly. "Are you sure Cam?" Mahrah asked.

"Yeah Cam, pleeeeease" Kapri asked, pouting a bit more.

Cam wilted under the combined looks, and even more when voices spoke up from behind them.

"Awww come on Cam, have a heart. They just want to help" Shane grinned, as he and the other previous rangers arrived.

Dustin moved off to the side, covering a laugh with his hand. "Yeah dude, it's not very nice to sneak off on us like this. Just what are you up to anyways?"

Cam gave a sigh and took on a lecturing tone, "Hayley over in Reefside suggested that preparations be made, in the event Earth is attacked again. Her and the other rangers over that way believe it could happen at anytime. So. I came out here to see what I could do in getting things on our end running smoothly"

"Ok. But who, or what would attack us?" Blake piped up from his spot.

"That's the thing, Hayley said all the reports indicate monsters that have already been destroyed' Cam answered, not looking up from his work.

"What has your father said about this?" inquired Hunter as he moved up to look at the laptop, as it analyzed various data.

"That we should prepare ourselves, and keep an eye on things here. One of us should give Tori a heads up" Cam gave a grin, "But you know Mahrah, Kapri. If you want to help I'll need supplies from town, though I'm sure Shane and Dustin would love to go with you and help carry it all"

"Oh! Yay a shopping trip!" the sisters giggled, as they scrambled over to Shane and Dustin. "We are like, going to have so much fun!"

In the background, Blake turned to answer his phone, taking a few steps away from the noise. Cam began to laugh at the looks on the others faces, though it turned to horror as he saw smoke rising from the direction of the academy.

Reefside

Tommy spread a large map out across one table in the empty cafe. Various markings laid out across different places. He studied it closely, searching for something, anything that could help. He gave Hayley a thankful smile as she brought fresh drinks for everyone.

"I spoke to Cam, at the Ninja Academy. He seemed confident that they'll have things up and running soon" she announced as she looked over the map, adding another marking to it. "Also, there are more reports of strange creatures being seen in the outskirts of town"

"Creatures we'll deal with in time, but first we need to get our lab back up and going" Tommy said, analyzing the map from top to bottom.

"Well, perhaps we can help with the creatures" a familiar voice said from the doorway.

Tommy looked up, seeing Carter Grayson and Dana Mitchell. A grin spread across his face. "Oh man, it's really good to see you guys here" he motioned for them to join. "This is Hayley, and Ethan" he made quick introductions, as they walked over.

"It's good to meet you both" Dana smiled, as she looked down at the table, and pointed at the markings. "How bad are things looking so far?"

"Well. Pretty bad, but it could be worse" Ethan said, as he pointed out various spots. "Some places, like Angel Grove have been hit with odd occurrences, yet it never gets worse"

"While some places, remain untouched so far" Tommy added, indicating Turtle Cove, "While others seem to have an increase in sightings, like we've had"

Carter frowned at the map, "That doesn't make much sense, it's as if things are happening at random. Where's the pattern?"

Dana looked over things, "Your missing a couple spots" she said, pointing to Silver Hills, "On our way here, there was a report of several strange sightings outside of town"

Hayley added another marker with a frown, "What is it these places have in common" she murmured half to herself.

"Perhaps we should give Wes a call, see what he's heard?" Carter suggested, pulling out his phone. "Maybe he knows something we're missing"

Tommy gave a nod, "Good idea. Ethan, why don't you contact Connor and Trent, have them head back here. If they haven't found anything, we could use their help back here" he gave a small sigh as Ethan made the call.

"Tommy, did Jason say when the others would arrive here?" Hayley asked quietly.

"They should be here tomorrow night at the latest" he replied, looking up to watch Carter pace back and forth on the phone.

"Wait, what others?" Dana asked, looking back and forth between them.

"Some of my old teammates, I've been asking around to see if I can't get us to start grouping up a bit. Most of the original team will be here. A couple others that were in the country as well" he said. "I just hope they get here safely"

Space

Ashley gave a lazy stretch, as she lounged in her quarters. They would be arriving at Aquitar soon, she hoped that Billy would have the answer in how to cure the transformed colonists. Yet, Dru seemed to have been unaffected. Perhaps the answer lies in him. She looked over to her door as TJ and Carlos slid inside to sit with her.

"Any word on how much longer?" she asked, as they settled into their seats.

"DECA says another half hour at our current speed" TJ replied, "Though if we push ourselves, we could half the time"

Ashley gave a smile, "Good, the sooner we get there the better. How is Dru holding up?"

Carlos gave a shake of his head, "That's the odd thing to me. He seems completely alright for someone who saw what happened to his friends, even his family"

Ashley's door slide open again, her room becoming crowded as Zhane and Cassie entered. The young man shook his head, "His name isn't on the list of colonists either. At least not that I have found so far"

Ashley looked between her friends, "Well. So far. That means there's still a chance his name could be on there right?"

Cassie gave a nod, "Exactly, and everyone deals with things differently. Look at what we've been through in our time as rangers, especially at the end"

Out in the corridor, Dru peered around the corner. He leaned against the wall, wondering how much longer he'd have to put up with this facade. At least he'd soon be able to meet up with others, perhaps not soon enough if they discovered him.

Briarwood

The large group of rangers worked their way out of the tree connected to the magical realm. Mack shook his head, thinking traveling through trees was something he'd never get used to. He stopped a moment to help Rose as she stumbled out after him.

"Haha, careful there Rose" he grinned, as she brushed herself off.

"I don't think this type of travel would be so bad, if you didn't trip over the roots on your way out" she laughed.

The two of them looked around as they waited for Kira, who appeared moments later with her phone pressed between her shoulder and ear. She covered the mouthpiece as she thanked them. "Yeah Connor, I'm still here, no I had to be transported through a tree....yes a tree. No I'm not crazy" she said, moving away from the two.

Mack and Rose looked at each other and stifled their giggles as they moved to sit on a bench with Tori. "What are we waiting for?" Rose asked as she tried to make herself comfortable on the stone bench.

"Xander of course" Tori said, giving her mouth a small quirk. "Though something tells me we'll be waiting a long time for him" she looked over towards the Porium, giving a small frown.

Mack looked around as Adam joined them. "Something wrong Tori?" the man asked, as he stood in front of them.

"Over at the store, that..thing. It looks like its standing guard or something" Tori gave herself a small shake, "I don't know, it just seems a bit creepy, that's all"

Adam turned to stare the creature a moment. "Well. Maybe we should head inside, see if Xander ever arrived" he looked over to the tree where some of the Mystic rangers had stopped to speak with Udonna quietly.

"Yeah, sounds good. I'll go see if I can't pry Kira away from that phone" Rose said, moving towards the still chatting Kira.

Adam gave a laugh "Good luck Rose, you'll need it"

Smogger watched as the rangers huddled in their groups to stop and chat. If it could, it would have smiled at just how unprepared they were for what was to come. It watched as only one of them dared to come close. Well, it was either now or never and it had only a short time to do it's job and get out alive.

It raised it's hands with a small rumble of a laugh as it fired energy blasts just ahead of the man to get his attention. It rumbled again as it sent more green energy to slow the other rangers down. By this time the young man had regained himself and ran towards the monster, yelling something. It didn't care what he yelled, Smogger turned and ran inside the store, firing several blasts to frighten customers back. A white gas began to hiss from it's hollowed finger tips. Turning once more, it shook with anticipation as all the rangers outside had begun to run to the store. A small portal appeared, sucking the monster back to safety.

Toby ran to the window, trying to wave and warn off the others. Seconds seemed to pass like minutes, as he tried to usher frightened customers to the back of the store. He glanced over his shoulder at the last second to see someone try rushing into the store, the bell jingling one last time as the back draft ignited. Then all went black for him.

Ok. Various odds and ends.

Filling in the SPD roster is Syd (Pink), Z (Yellow), Bridge (Red), Sophie (Green), and Jack (Blue). With Sky acting as Commander.

As for the battle a couple chapters back it generally went as followed:

A large number of Cyclobots fought against the rangers. Named monsters/villains included Hydrax (vs Syd), Tomars (vs Bridge), Tenaya (vs Dillon once he arrived), Grumm, Ransik, and Frax. All the rangers were morphed, SPD upon being ambushed and the others as they joined combat.

As the fights get around this size, if not bigger I'll definately work to keep things clear on who's fighting who etc.

As far as Aquitar is concerned, there wasn't a whole lot to go by on how they live which is why I went with a domed city under the water. Ranger powers will be made clear as they come up. That should cover everything/anything for now ^_^