Chapter 10

Divided We Stand, United We Fall, Part V

(Original Posting Date: February 22nd, 2009)

Angel Grove

For a few minutes following Billy's arrival, all their spirits had been lifted. Once hugs and handshakes had been exchanged, however, the room had quickly quieted down, allowing them to update their friend with regards to what was happening. When Kat had mentioned what they were now referring to as the millennium message, a look of understanding seemed to cross Billy's face.

"Billy, what is it?" Trini asked, noticing his thoughtful expression. Due to the lack of sitting space in the room, she and Kimberly were sharing a chair by Tommy's bed. While Trini gave Billy her attention, Kimberly kept looking in Tommy's direction, hopeful that he'd come out of his coma somehow.

"When I left Aquitar," he answered pensively, "my ship's sensors detected Divatox's Subcraft orbiting in Aquitian space. She was waiting for something."

"So I guess this is really it, right?" Rocky commented from the far side of the room, where he and Adam were leaning on the windowsill. No one needed to answer the question. Deep inside, they all knew that Dark Specter's endgame was set to begin.

"No it's not," Jason declared, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled following Rocky's statement. "It never is," he continued, his tone determined and certain, as he looked at each of the former Rangers in turn. "We've all faced bad situations before, guys, beaten odds that seemed insurmountable. Every time we've had our backs against the wall, we've managed to pull through, stronger than before."

"Jason's right," Kimberly chimed in, standing up next to the team's original leader. "Our numbers were all up today. But we were all able, somehow, to make it. We can't give up now, you guys. We have to fight, for Tommy and Aisha, and everyone else who's depending on us."

Drawing from the original Pink and Red Rangers' resolve, the others' defeated and saddened looks were quickly replaced by determined and confident expressions.

"So, what now?" Kat asked, looking up from the bed where her boyfriend lay still. She winced slightly as a she felt a pang in her arm.

"Well, for starters," Billy said reaching in the back pocket of his jeans, "how about we take care of that arm?"

"What's that, Billy?" Zack inquired as he eyed the disc-like device his friend held in his hand. It was clear and seemed to be emitting a bluish aura.

"Just a little something I had a chance to work on back on Aquitar," Billy stated, walking over to where Kat stood. Without saying a word, he moved her hand away from her wound and gently removed the cloth that was covering it. Then, as the others watched attentively, he held the disc about an inch above the cut she'd sustained from Archerina's arrow. After a few seconds, the glow from the disc intensified, bathing her arm in the same blue light. Then, the impossible happened, as the gash on her arm slowly started healing, leaving her skin intact with only a few specks of blood to remind her of the injury.

"Oh my God," she whispered with a smile as she flexed and folded her arm a few times before dabbing away at the remaining droplets of blood with a clean section of the cloth.

Before Kat even had a chance to thank him, Billy had moved on to Trini, letting the disc heal the cuts she'd sustained to her forehead. As he held the disc in place longer this time around, the light not only bathed her head but it also started to envelop the rest of her upper body, clearing away all the bruises, the scrapes and the cuts caused by the explosion at the dojo.

"Well, I'd say that's as good a first step as any," Tanya commented with a smile, even as Billy's device worked its magic on Jason's bruises.

Shortly afterwards, Jason and Kimberly made their way to the waiting room to check on Bulk and Skull. They found them in the same spot, where they seemed to be in the midst of an animated yet hushed discussion. As they approached, the two friends quickly noticed them, quieting down.

"Any change?" Bulk asked once they were close enough.

"No," Jason answered, shaking is head.

"Hey," Kimberly said with a smile. "Jason told me about what you two did for Tommy. Thanks." She moved on to give each of them a heartfelt hug, a gesture they reciprocated, even though they were slightly surprised by it.

"It's nothing he wouldn't have done for us," Bulk answered. "Or hasn't done…"

"Huh?" Kimberly asked as she frowned and took a step back. "What are you talking about, Bulk?"

"It took us long enough," Skull explained, "but we've finally figured it out."

"Figured what out?" Jason asked, exchanging a puzzled look with Kimberly.

"That you guys are, or rather were, the Power Rangers," Bulk finished.

"And what would make you think that?" Kimberly asked, feigning nonchalance and forcing a laugh.

"We just put the pieces together," Bulk said. "Goldar attacking Tommy, the footage from the dojo explosion on the news, your being here when you should be in France, Billy showing up after being gone for nearly two years…"

"The way we figure," Skull continued, you two, Zack, Trini, Billy and Tommy were the original team. Three of you left for the peace conference we should have been selected for and were replaced by Adam, Rocky and Aisha, who became a part of your little clique. Kat replaced you when you left for Florida. Tanya replaced Aisha when she disappeared and Justin took Rocky's place when he hurt his back. You know, we didn't get into the Angel Grove Junior Police solely based on our dashing good looks."

"You don't have to worry," Bulk assured Kimberly and Jason, seeing the worried looks on their faces. "We're not going to tell anyone about this, not even the Professor. It's the least we can do to repay you for everything you've done for us."

They were quiet for a few moments, speechless. For almost an entire year, Bulk and Skull had made every imaginable effort to try and discover the Rangers' identities and reveal them to the world at large, always managing to come close to the truth, despite the zaniness of their schemes. And now, though their relentless search had been over for a few years, they'd managed to figure it all out.

"You two should leave now," was the first thing Jason found to say. "Take the Professor and get out."

"Jason," Kimberly scolded him, worried that her friend's abrupt tone might lead to unfortunate consequences.

"Look, Jason," Bulk answered, putting his hands up in front of him pleadingly, "I know we haven't always been the best of friends."

"That's kind of an understatement, Bulkie" Skull interjected, looking sideways.

"But you don't need to worry about us keeping your secret," Bulk continued. "I swear."

"I know, and I appreciate that, guys," Jason said, nodding. "And that's why I'm telling you both to leave. Get as far as you can from Angel Grove, because what started today? This is going to be the big one."

Bulk and Skull nodded without a word as they started to grasp the seriousness of the situation.

"But what are you guys going to do?" Bulk asked them. "I mean, do you even still have any powers to protect yourselves?"

"We're trying to figure that one out," Kimberly answered, giving a hopeful smile. She then caught a glimpse of the cuts on theirs arms that they'd sustained when they'd pulled Tommy out of his car. "Jase, do you think we can have Billy take care of those?" she asked, pointing.

"Yeah, of course," Jason said before he invited Bulk and Skull to follow them to Tommy's room.

"Alright guys," Billy stated as he pulled the healing disc away from Bulk's arms, "you're both as good as new."

"Thanks, Billy," Bulk said sincerely. He then exchanged looks with Jason and Kimberly before turning to his best friend. "Come on, Skull," he told him, nodding towards the door, "let's find the Professor and skip town."

As they made their way out of the room, they crossed paths with Rocky and Adam, who were returning from the hospital's parking with Adam and Tanya's suitcases as well as a gym bag filled with spare clothes that the Rangers had gotten used to leaving in the Rad Bug.

They set everything on the floor and started to rummage through the bags, occasionally pulling out something that could be worn in replacement of torn or otherwise damaged clothing.

"So, this disc," Kat asked as she took a pink shirt Adam handed her, "is there any chance it could bring Tommy out of his coma?"

"It's doubtful," Billy answered, eyeing the device, "though it couldn't hurt to try. At the very least, it'll completely heal his body."

With that, he pressed a button on the disc and placed it on Tommy chest. While before, it would have bathed the targeted area in a bluish light, this time it remained silent. "Just to be sure none of the nurses notice it and remove it," Billy explained.

"Astronema tried to wipe us all out," Trini mused out loud, having been silent ever since Billy had used the device on her. "She's worried about us."

"We're not active Rangers anymore, but that hasn't stopped us from interfering with her plans in the past," Adam completed the thought, handing a yellow tank top from Tanya's suitcase to Trini even as he exchanged a look with Justin.

"But you were almost destroyed when you used your power coin, Adam," Tanya observed.

"Speaking of which," Kimberly cut in, raising a finger in the air, "what's the status with all our powers anyway?"

"I still have mine," Justin offered helpfully, flicking his wrists to summon his turbo morpher and key, which materialized in a flash of blue light.

"The rest of the Turbo morphers are with the Space Rangers, though," Adam continued. "And as for the Zeo powers, they've been inaccessible ever since Divatox destroyed the Command Center."

"Since the combined energies of the Zeo shards gave us our powers," Tanya explained, "we think that the Zeo Crystal was shattered once again in the explosion. Unless we're able to reassemble the Crystal, then the Zeo powers aren't usable."

"As for the Power Coins," Jason continued, "Trini, Zack and I still have ours, though they've been useless ever since we transferred our powers to Rocky, Adam and Aisha."

"And the three coins created during the transfer, along with the rest of the coins were destroyed by Goldar before we went searching for the Zeo shards," Rocky finished.

"Well," Billy finally said with a hint of a smile, having stayed silent during the entire discussion, "judging from the direness of the situation and what you're all saying, I guess this wouldn't be an entirely inappropriate time for new powers."

"No way," Kimberly exclaimed as a glimmer of hope seemed to ease the tension in the room, curious looks and grateful smiles appearing on all their faces.

"It's another thing I worked on during my time on Aquitar," Billy explained. "There was always a chance that something like this would happen and that we'd need to take up the mantle again. I didn't think all our previous power sources would be unavailable though, so I only have enough morphers for a regular team of six Rangers."

"So, where are these morphers now, Billy?" Trini asked.

"Well, I didn't want to risk having them taken from me if I was attacked on my way here, so I left them in my shuttle," Billy answered. "It's cloaked in the park."

"What are we waiting for then?" Zack asked excitedly, before high-fiving Billy. "Let's go get us some news powers!"

"We'll wait until dawn," Jason announced. "Until then, everyone try and get some rest."

"What about Tommy?" Kat questioned. "Someone should stay with him, in case he wakes up."

Almost as if on cue, someone knocked on the door. Kimberly, who'd been closest to it, went to open it, finding a young woman outside.

"Can I help you?" Kimberly asked, noticing the woman wasn't dressed in hospital attire.

"Hi, my name's Hayley Sullivan," she said. "I'm a friend of Tommy Oliver's. I saw the wreckage from his car on my way down to Angel Grove and found out he'd been brought here. Can I see him?"

Pai Zhuq Academy

By the time the senseis and students of the Wind and Thunder Ninja Academies finally reached their destination, night had already fallen. The moon shone brightly in the clear sky and torches burned bright around the Academy's perimeter.

Waiting to greet them at the front gates was Master Mao, who acted as the Academy's headmaster. He was surrounded by a group of his more advanced students.

"Welcome," Mao greeted them simply, as he and his students bowed their heads slightly.

"Thank you," Kanoi answered, returning the gesture along with those who accompanied him.

"My students will show your charges to their rooms," Mao stated, signaling his pupils to lead their guests away. "We, on the other hand, have much to discuss."

Without another word, Mao turned away from Kanoi and Koichi and they walked in silence in the direction of the main hall of the Academy.

They soon arrived in a large room, where dark drapes bearing the mark of the Order the Claw hung against the walls. Much like it had been the case outside, torches burned brightly and shadows danced across the walls as the flames swayed gently.

Three men were waiting in the room when they arrived. Judging from their attire, they too, like Mao, were Masters. The tallest of them, who wore a pair of black shades, was the first to notice their presence and he signaled the others to quiet down.

"You both remember Master Finn, Master Phant and Master Swoop?" Mao asked as the three Masters nodded their heads in greeting.

"Of course," Kanoi answered with a warm smile. He and Koichi then stepped forward to shake hands with the three Masters.

"Let us get started," Mao announced after they'd had the chance to exchange a few pleasantries, inviting them all to take a seat around a large table.

"I thank you all for responding to my call so promptly," Mao said, looking at them all in turn.

"Of course," Finn said with a nod, speaking as much for himself as he did for the others.

"As you all know, over ten thousand years ago, the spirit of Dai Shi was locked away. Ever since, the Pai Zhuq have been entrusted with ensuring that he not be released into the world once again. Now however, I sense that a great battle is approaching and that the fate of our world and of the universe is at stake."

"A new Beast War?" Swoop asked succinctly.

"Perhaps," Mao answered. "And that is why I've summoned you all. We cannot allow Dai Shi to be freed."

Even as those gathered around the table nodded their approval, a man walked into the room, a worried expression on his face.

"Lope, what is it?" Mao asked, standing at once as the other Master walked towards to table.

"The surveillance systems have detected a large vessel approaching Earth," Lope informed him. "Nothing we've seen before."

"Where are the others?" Mao asked as he gazed downwards, stroking his chin.

"Rilla and a group of his students are currently patrolling the grounds," Lope answered. "As for Guin, she and her charges are staying near the dorm area, to ensure the younger students are safe in the event of an attack."

"Good," Mao stated, drawing what little comfort he could from knowing that the other Masters had things under control. "Tell them we'll take over at dawn with the students of the Ninja Academies, give you all a chance to rest."

"Right away," Lope answered before leaving the room.

"I suggest you all get some rest," Mao said as he turned back to the others, who now stood around the table. "Whatever is coming, we will need to be ready for it."

Angel Grove

They all left the hospital at dawn, leaving Hayley to watch over Tommy. Splitting up into two groups, they used both Adam's car and the Rad Bug to reach the park and then set off on foot towards the lake, Billy having mentioned his cloaked ship was in its vicinity.

Their current plan was to get Billy's new morphers and use his shuttle's communication systems to try and reach the Space Rangers, their most recent efforts to contact them using their communicators having had no success.

"Things finally seem to be looking up," Tanya said to Kat as they walked a few paces behind the rest of the group. "I don't remember seeing Adam look remotely relaxed ever since the attack on me in Los Angeles."

"Yeah," Kat agreed, though her voice betrayed her current state of mind. "But part of me can't put aside what Adam said last night. If we'd stayed…"

"We'll never know, Kat," Tanya cut her off, looping her arm in her best friend's. "But we couldn't have been expected to stay Rangers forever. Besides, had we stayed, we'd probably be off in space somewhere instead of here, where we can actually do something for Earth."

It wasn't long before the park's winding paths took them near the lake. At this point, they could feel that with every step they took, they were getting closer and closer to their new power source. Their steps were lighter, their chattering was growing more excited and laughter could even be heard between them.

"Astronema and her lackeys are so gonna flip out when they find out we have new powers," Kimberly told the others with a giggle, looking forward to what would most likely shape out to be their greatest adventure ever.

"I wish I could see the looks on their faces when that happens," Justin commented, grinning.

"So, Billy, my main brain," Zack asked their friend, who was walking ahead of the rest of the group, "how much farther until we reach your ship?"

"We're close," Billy stated, pointing to a cluster of trees nearby.

"What a heartwarming reunion," came a deep, booming voice from behind the group. "Our invitations must have gotten lost in the mail."

They all turned around, finding themselves face to face with Master Vile, who was flanked by Rito and Scorpina. At that same moment, a group of monsters they had once defeated materialized between them and their destination, blocking them off.

"Oh God," Kimberly whispered, standing ready, having no trouble recognizing the rest of their welcoming party. Nasty Knight, Madame Woe, Photomare and Stag Beetle had all been difficult opponents to beat individually back in their Ranger days. Their current odds clearly put them at a disadvantage.

"Everyone, stay close," Jason ordered the other former Rangers as he took a stand opposite the Stag Beetle. "Just keep them busy long enough for Billy to get to his ship."

"Right!" the others all chorused, taking up fighting stances and giving all their attention to their adversaries.

Before Jason could make his move, he noticed Billy turn away from the group and take a step back.

"Billy, what are you doing?" Trini asked from where she stood facing Madame Woe.

"That's not Billy," Jason whispered, clenching his fists as Billy continued to back away, a sinister look on his face. He could hear Vile laughing triumphantly behind him along with Rito and Scorpina. He knew they'd been had even before Primataur adopted his true form, ending the deception that had lured them all into Master Vile's trap.

To be continued...

So, end of Chapter 10. Sorry for taking so long to post it. I hope it'll have been worth the wait. I want to thank everyone here for reading. Feel free to post your requests and suggestions. I always enjoy reading and answering all my feedback. =)

There is one thing I feel I should address before someone points out I screwed up, and that's related to the inclusion of Masters Lope, Rilla and Guin. While a more self-contained interpretation of PRJF would seem to indicate that they died during the Great Beast War that took place tens of thousands of years ago, it's interesting to note that in Ghost of a Chance, Part I, Master Mao mentions that they were destroyed "during a great war". He didn't say it was during the Great Beast War. So, for the sake of PR: Countdown, they're still alive. After all, by the time I'm done, this war is going to make the "Great Beast War" look like a walk in the park.

That's it for now. Next time, I think there's gonna be a fight. Following chapter will most likely be like an aftermath/epilogue for the first two arcs, which will jumpstart some new storylines involving other seasons. We'll find out who's going to be attacking the Pai Zhuq Academy and what exactly Squatt, Finster & Baboo are up to. All that and a shocker regarding Billy's whereabouts, as Dark Specter launches the final assault.

Then, third arc, which among other things will include Operation Overdrive's Andrew Hartford. It's gonna be big!

Letters column!

Thanks to Whispering Ranger, milordo-z 2.0 & Iron-Mantis for writing in.

Whispering Ranger: I know you like the angst, but I'm glad you're also enjoying the funner stuff.

milordo-z 2.0: The group in the scrolls will quite likely be revealed in Chapter 12.

Iron-Mantis: You'll get your answer on the identity of the attackers in Chapter 12. And you've already gotten a brief glimpse of Master Swoop in this last chapter. I hope to be able to do something cool with the Masters.

Power down!