Chapter Thirteen: 7,000 Years Later - The Return

1000 BC - Timeline B

Master Org watched in confusion as an extremely large blast of Animal Spirit and Morphing Energy erupted from Goom. It knocked Master Org flat onto his back, causing the ever loyal Retinax and Onikage to rush to his aid.

Magna Defender ran to Goom as Torozord continued to battle Predazord. "How do you know Animus!?"

Goom smiled at Magna Defender, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Because I am him."

Magna Defender paused for a moment. He had lost Hope of ever seeing Animus again. He knew Animus' nature allowed him to never fully be destroyed, but to have his Spirit recycled into the universe with his consciousness to be reborn at another time, in a new vessel. After nine thousand years since he watched Divatox take Animus' life, he had given up Hope of ever seeing his friend again. He dropped his sword and gave Goom/Animus a large hug.

"It is good to see you again, Animus."

Animus embraced Magna Defender. "It is good to see you, as well."

As Goom shot a shockwave of power at some Putrids rushing toward them, Magna Defender bowed his head. "I am sorry I was unable to save you back on Onyx..."

Animus shook his head. "Do not feel guilty because of that! It was not your fault! The forces of evil took us by surprise. I know you did all you could."

Magna Defender nodded, picking up his sword. A small piece of his soul felt as if it had been mended. He had been carrying the guilt of Animus' demise for quite some time, and the ability to speak to him again was very cathartic.

Animus then turned to stare at Master Org and his associates. "I am Animus, Lord of the Animal Realm. Lord of the Wild Zords. Leave now, or face my wrath!"

"Wait are you waiting for!? Get him!" Master Org ordered.

Animus floated up into the air. He began to spin about, unleashing massive amounts of power. Within moments, all of the Orgs found themselves on the ground alongside Master Org.

Magna Defender chuckled. "It seems like you've gotten stronger."

Animus shrugged. "I just get better with time."

Magna Defender smiled behind his helmet. "I'll leave you to it, then. We'll have lunch afterwards."

"Sounds great." Animus said. He flew down, covered in a blaze as he slammed into the ground, destroying three different Orgs and some Putrids as he dived down.

While this happened, Magna Defender looked up. Torozord was having a difficult time holding his own against Predazord. Nodding, Magna Defender had an idea.

"If this suit was built by Zordon, and that tech that transformed Toro was as well, they may be compatible..." Magna Defender thought out loud. He then reached his hands up into the air and yelled, "Mega Defender! Transform!"

Animus watched as the Mega Defender suit appeared around him. The suit had once been his, given to him by Orion and Zordon as a part of the Defender Initiative. He felt honored that Magnus had kept the Animal Defender armor after all of those years.

As the Mega Defender suit was activated, it triggered a protocol in Torozord. He shot lasers from his eyes, hooking up the Mega Defender suit to his own zord body. Mega Defender felt himself grow be as tall as Torozord. He then watched as Torozord opened up, his legs and arms shifting until they resembled a suit of army. Feeling prompted by the programming, Mega Defender leapt into Torozord. He felt the suit encase him, with Torozord's head dropping down over his own. He could suddenly sense Torozord's mind in his own, just as Torozord could sense Mega Defender's mind in his. They were of one heart and one mind. Together, they formed the Defender Torozord.

Deviot laughed. "Predator Wave!"

"Defender Torozord! Lighting Spin!" Defender yelled. He leapt into the air and began to spin about. The Predator Wave hit him, but was caught in the tornado of energy he was creating. He then flew down and slashed at Predazord, causing massive surges of electricity to spark from the Predazord.

As Predazord fell to a knee, Animus sent a blast that crippled Master Org as well. Master Org then lifted himself up, sneering. "If that is the way it will be, then fine! Toxica!"

Toxica ran to Master Org's side. "Yes?"

He ripped the staff from her hand. Reaching into the top of the staff, he grabbed several seeds, causing them to come out with his own Magic.

"No, Master Org!" Jindrax shouted. "If you grow, you'll never become small again!"

Master Org laughed, swallowing the seeds. "Who needs to be small when you can rule the world!?"

Jindrax walked up to Toxica, shaking his head. "He doesn't know it will make his powers unstable, does he?"

Toxica shook her head. "I hope this isn't the end of us all..."

Retinax screamed in anguish. "No! Master Org!"

Onikage stepped forward, folding his arms across his chest. "Please respect Master Org's wishes."

Looking up, Animus frowned. He could see the robes that once adorned Master Org were ripped off of him due to his new size. He was a bizarre creature, seemingly constantly obscured by shadows regardless of the lighting. He stood on two legs, had a thick trunk, had spikes protruding from his back, lights on his chest, a cone shaped head, and two arms. Anything else was impossible to tell.

Animus frowned as he saw a sword, or staff perhaps, appear in Master Org's hand. He saw he was going to strike Defender Torozord in the back. As that was to occur, Black Lion appeared from seemingly out of nowhere and slammed into Master Org.

"Good job, Black Lion!" Animus yelled.

Black Lion bowed. "I have heard of your return from others, Animus. It is an honor to have you back."

Animus laughed. "I'm still the same beast you knew before! Now, I have an idea. Bring your squad here now!"

Animus watched as, while Predazord and Defender Torozord continued to fight, the Buffalo, Condor, Saw Shark, and Jaguar Wild Zords appeared beside a roaring Black Lion. He then smiled.

"Yes! This will be perfect! Combine to form the Animal Lord Megazord!"

Buffalo Zord grunted. "Uh... is that safe?"

"It had better be." Saw Shark Zord said. "Or Zordon is going to hear some choice words from me."

"Combine!" Black Lion ordered as he saw Master Org lift himself up. The Buffalo Zord was the first to comply, twisting until it turned into a pair of legs. Black Lion leapt atop him, combining to form the torso. Saw Shark and Jaguar then took their places as the arms. Condor Wild Zord was the last, falling into place to serve as the Megazord's head.

Seeing the combination complete, Animus leapt up and into the Animal Lord Megazord. "Online and ready! Alright... let's do this..."

Master Org laughed. "You think your fancy machine can stop me!?"

Animus smirked. "Yes. Attack!"

. . .

Zordon heard the Monster Alarm sounding once again.

"Ai-yai-yai-yai-yai, Zordon!" Alpha 4 screamed. "There are more Orgs than ever before!"

Zordon nodded. "I know this, Alpha. But there is nothing more we can do but hope for the best. Have you gotten a hold of Triforia yet, for Trint?"

"Negative." Alpha 4 replied. "It appears as if the upgrades to the communication system Dr. Goier is trying to implement are still non-operational."

"We can't blame Dr. Goier for choosing now to upgrade the systems." Saba said to Zordon. "I mean, who would have thought that so soon after The Evil ended its cycle that we would have not one, but two enemies attack Earth!?"

Zordon shook his head. "Yes, but... We should have been prepared. I should have been prepared." He then looked up so that he was speaking also to Alpha 4. "We must not be caught off guard again in the future. We must always have a plan in store, for any occasion. If we do not do this, who's to say Dark Specter himself won't someday come down and attack Earth? We can't afford to be caught off guard again. Although he is busy conquering other planets, we know that someday, Dark Specter and the United Alliance of Evilwill strike."

"Copy that, Zordon." Alpha 4 said.

Saba nodded. "You are right."

"Shame you are wasting your time." A voice said from behind them. As the voice spoke, Zordon saw the square hologram in the sky connecting them to the Command Center vanish with a spark.

Both Saba and Zordon froze where they stood. It had been a long time since The Guardian had spoken to them in the Time Warp. Hearing someone else's voice echo through the desert which they called home was startling for them to say the least. What made things worse was how they had never heard the voice that was speaking to them before that point in time.

Zordon breathed in slowly. "And who are you?"

The man chuckled. Zordon and Saba turned slowly to look at him. They couldn't see much. It appeared to be a man, a little over six feet in height. He was wearing a long black cloak, with a hood concealing his entire face. His hands were covered in some sort of glove covered in wires and electronics. They sparked every so often. Saba sneered as the man bowed.

"You don't know me. I'm from a different universe than yours, although I once inhabited this universe long ago. I was cast out from here by the Watchers, but I have finally found a way to return through my technology!" The man said, shooting bolts of electricity at Zordon and Saba from his hands. Zordon instinctively leapt out of the way. Saba, however, wasn't quick enough and got hit in the leg, causing him to fall to the sand in pain.

"I am back to return what I need to destroy those who pester me." The hooded man said. "I feel you deserve to know why I am going to destroy you before I actually do. You see... When I was trying to create my device to get here, I felt your presence appear outside of Space and Time. I also saw your unique connection to the very universe I needed to get back to. I figure I can use you as a key to get into your universe, along with my tech. Of course, I'll have to drain you of your power first, little man."

Zordon just stared at the man. If he has a way in here, then he has to have a way out. I need to find out how he got here!

"You don't know who you're messing with." Zordon said, standing up and staring the hooded man down defiantly. "Ancient source: Meledon force!"

The hooded man laughed as he saw Meledon Ranger. "No matter where I go, I cannot escape the Power Rangers! Haha! Well, I've been battling my rangers for quite some time. They have yet to get the best of me. You see, it is you who does not know who you're 'messing' with. I am Mythical Master!"

. . .

8000 BC - Timeline B

The Guardian and his companions in the Hall of Legends watched as on Earth December shook his head. The Watcher could not understand how everything had become as unpredictable as it had. His palm device then beeped, indicating the scan of the Underground Temple was complete.

Alpha Ranger was able to intercept a portion of the transmission. "Odd. The transmission didn't actually get sent. Something is blocking that Watcher's signal to... whatever universe he's from."

A young man tapped on Guardian's shoulder. "Is that the Watcher you need to find?"

Guardian shook his head. "No, Zrin. He is not the one we need. According to my Time Crystal, though, that Watcher is close to our universe. If my calculations are correct, this is going to be his destination."

Zordon-A smiled. "But very good of you to be keeping track of what is going on. I'm impressed with you keeping track of everything."

Zrin laughed. "Dad, you seriously need to stop gushing over every small thing I do!"

Orion-A let out a hearty laugh as he heard the conversation. "You can't blame a man for being proud of his offspring! Haha!" As he laughed, though, he and Zordon-A exchanged knowing looks.

"Okay, here is the message I was able to grab:" Alpha Ranger said, his voice echoing through the Hall of Legends from the Inner Sanctum. "*"Th...December. ...anomaly... to be a temple under... It's origin... to be... universe that branched... this one... is older... supposed to be... come here from the future."

Burai-A limped into the white, crystal lined room. "Universe that branched into this one?"

"Get back to bed, Uncle Burai." Zrin said. "You shouldn't be walking around.

Zordon-A pursed his lips. "That sounds like my universe."

"The one you came from?" Orion-A asked. "The 'Nathadianverse'?"

Nodding, Zordon-A looked at the hologram depicting December standing above the Underground Temple. "So, the Ghost of Darkness comes from the Nathadianverse? How is that possible!?"

The Guardian nodded. "There's something else. It sounded like December was saying it came from the future. It's a Time traveler. My scans are confirming it. Guys? The Underground Temple came to this universe from our timeline."

Zrin was shocked. "As in 'TimelineA'?"

Guardian nodded. "It must have followed us to TimelineB..."

"I believe everyone needs to watch what's currently going on..." Alpha Ranger advised. "We can talk about the Ghost of Darkness later. It's September. He's here."

"Please... Call me September." September said, Blue Energy hovering around him. He hoped in his heart that December would have some sort of emotion for him.

"You are the Rogue to me. Nothing more. Nothing less." December said coldly.

September's face fell. He had forgotten how emotionless Watchers actually were. He had tried to sequester himself from them for a very long time after his escape from their prison.

"December..." September started. He then decided to speak to December about something that may earn his trust. "You are right. This is the temple of a Time traveler. I have been investigating this place and I have yet to finalize anything."

December shook his head. "If you hadn't changed the destiny of this universe, we would have been able to find this anomaly as it happened."

September shrugged. "The collateral damage when attempting to bring free will to all of creation."

A vortex at that point began forming behind December. September grew wide eyed. "But... how?"

"They lost contact with me. They want to find me in case... you are the disturbance." December said, matter of factly.

Zordon-A in the Hall of Legends frowned. "This is not good. We need to use the Nathadian Ranger powers."

Zrin shook his head. "No! They aren't ready yet!"

September pulled out a Trizyrium Crystal. "But I have this!"

The Guardian cocked his head. "A Trizyrium Crystal...!? How did he get one...?"

"We've made improvements." December said casually.

Burai-A grew worried as he hobbled over to the others, leaning on his cane. "If the Watchers have made improvements, does that mean they are getting closer to being able to break into here?"

Alpha Ranger was the one to respond. "It sounds that way. They must be upping their game not only for September, but for us as well."

Guardian sighed. "Ever since Prime attacked, the Watchers have had our exact location in the Nothingness surrounding the multiverse. They obviously are repelled by the Trizyrium Crystals, but... I don't know how much longer before they get in here."

All the while, on Earth, September tried teleporting out. He found that he couldn't. "...I can see that..." He then got into a fighting stance. He knew that soon he would need to be fighting for his life against the Freelancers.

As they saw him get ready to fight, Orion-A grunted. "We have to help him!"

Guardian shook his head. "We can't! You lot will be destroyed within moments out there."

"What about you!?" Zrin asked.

Guardian sighed. "I... I don't want to escalate things. Everything has been fairly calm since we defeated Prime. If they have forgotten about us, I don't want them to remember us. Not until we have September."

Burai-A was the one to reply to that statement. "But if you whisk in and grab him, then we'll have him! It will work!"

Shaking his head, Guardian lifted up his robe. The four were shocked to see a piece of his ranger suit was gone, exposing skin. The skin looked purple and bruised. "The Hall of Legends is breaking me down. I've been here longer than you. I've run some calculations and if I leave her, then return, it will just accelerate my destruction. I can't live out there, though, because it is not my timeline."

Zordon-A was very bothered by the statement. Not only did it mean they may soon lose The Guardian, but that they were also all looking at their eventual fates. "So, this means that..."

Sighing, The Guardian turned back to watch as the three familiar Freelancers, Link, Olivia, and Charlie, stepped through the Time Vortex. "That my days are numbered."