A/N: See Chs. 1, 15, 16 and 27 for that which does not belong to me.

A/N 2: This is the last chapter, I am sorry to say. I can't say enough about those of you who have been right by my side waiting for updates...and 'you' know who 'you' are. Be sure to stay tuned, because there will be a sequel to the story and it will begin soon! Be sure to stay tuned for further updates on Master Vile and the Pink Power, as well as a Tommy/Kimberly story involving the Olympic Games...it will be either from the 2000 or the 2008 Olympics...I'm considering the 2008 Olympics because of the Trini/China factor as well as the Dino Thunder Rangers.

Chapter 29-Escape in the Dark of Night

Sunday, June 8, 1997

11:00 p.m. local time

Underground Power Chamber

Angel Grove, CA

"I can't believe she's doing this," said Jason, as he glanced at his teammates. The Ninjetti Rangers had gone to retire for the night after dessert, simply because they could see Jason almost getting ready to erupt like Mt. St. Helens, and they didn't want to be around him.

Jason had been fuming for the last several hours since the exchange of gifts and shocking plans from the Gold Ninjetti.

"She's taking them, Sarah and Zordon and LEAVING US to fend for ourselves? How can they do this to us?"

"Jason, that's enough of your negative attitude!" snapped Tanya. "You won't like what I'm about to say, but she's RIGHT that it isn't safe for them to be on Earth for very much longer...we're dealing with not one, but TWO threats here! You're certainly not acting like a former leader of the Power Rangers right now."

Jason frowned. Normally, he adored the spunky teenager-future pop star-to-be, but the bottom line for him was that he'd been in the Ranger business far longer than Tanya had, but here she was challenging someone with heavy leadership influence.

"And what gives you the right to challenge my authority, Tanya?" said Jason, glaring at Tanya, as he continued to put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher.

"Jason, you really do need to calm yourself down," said Trini. "In case you noticed, you're not the leader of the Rangers anymore. Haven't been for about three years. Tanya just made a good point, and you're flat out dismissing it. You need to listen to every single different viewpoint before you rush to judgment."

"I-I know," he said. "I'm-I'm...just...really scared..."

"Believe me, Jason," said Katherine, "I understand how you feel. Not many of you know this, but I have a small crush on Billy. I'm scared of him leaving and maybe never coming back. Then again, I had it when he went to Aquitar, too."

Jason looked at her with a surprised glance. It was one thing for Katherine to say something, but to actually admit her feelings for another person was quite shocking.

"Y-you feel the same way I do," said Jason as he began to cry, which was not something the Rangers saw often. Usually, they saw the mentally and physically powerful side of Jaosn, not the humane side. "I'm scared of my little sister and the closest thing I have to a brother leaving...and never coming back..."

"They can take care of themselves, Jase. Relax," said Zack. "I doubt anything's going to tear them apart after this last debacle."

"Maybe you're right, Zack. But I guess I'm also scared of the threat this Zera character might pose," said Jason. "Sabrina said Zera's main weapon is that she can seduce people. I'm afraid of what might happen if Tommy falls under her power! Or if Kimberly succumbs to Zedd's never-ending attacks!"

"Look, Jason," said Trini. "Both you and Tanya have good points. But the bottom line is that it's not safe for them to be here right now. The ultimate monarch of evil should be our main focus right now, and he's on Earth's moon, with the Machine Empire as well. Andros even reported that Mondo was on the moon. He could come try to capture them at any moment, and then we might have seven Rangers we'd have to fight. Do you want that?"

"Besides, they'll have Zordon with them," said Kat. "And his daughter. And we'll still have Ninjor here with us if we ever need him, as well as a host of others."

Jason nodded. He'd been out-argued, and he knew it.

"Y-you guys were right," said Jason. "I just get really nervous whenever I get separated from those two lovebirds."

"We all know how you feel, Jase," said Zack. "The main thing is, you got your emotions out."

Jason's face then became as bright red as the color helmet he used to wear. He knew he had an apology to make, because Tanya was still there, and he knew she didn't deserve that tongue-lashing.

"Tanya," he said, shifting to his left as he loaded another dish, "I'm sorry. I let my emotions get in the way of rational thought. It's just...when it comes to Tommy and Kim, I get really shook up."

"It's OK, Jason," said Tanya. "I sometimes let my emotions get in the way when it comes to someone I love. That's why music is my escape."

"It's a good escape, too," said Jason. "Maybe when this whole thing is over, you and Kim could start being rockstars or something. Now, let's finish these dishes."

Monday, June 9, 1997

8:00 a.m.

Underground Power Chamber

Angel Grove, CA

"Monday, Monday, So good to me..." hummed Kimberly as she rummaged around packing her suitcase and belongings. In the next-door double room on their floor, Tommy was doing the same. Breakfast would be in an hour, and in the meantime the Ninjetti were using this time to pack for the trip to Eltar. They'd consulted with Zordon about what to pack, and were packing according to his instructions.

His instructions had been as follows...bring all the nice clothes they could. He said they'd most likely be seeing much of Eltar's top royalty while on the planet, so he'd asked them to dress nicely.

He'd also told them to bring an appetite, as he noted that there often were a lot more spontaneous parties that happened on that planet as opposed to Earth. Rocky had, of course, salivated about that, after which Aisha had smacked his arm, as usual.

Sabrina was giving the rest of the team a lesson on how to use their necklaces. She had decided that since she'd see the Ninjetti later that night, she'd give them their lessons on her spaceship. It would take them several days to get to Eltar, after all, as they would be going by a back way so as not to be seen by Specter's troops.

"Hmm. That should about do it...for now," said Kim aloud. "All my nice dresses, blouses, skirts, athletic stuff, most of it's here. Just need to come back and finish up later."

"Good. Then you have time for this," said a voice behind her, which was followed by a quick, simple kiss.

Kim looked to her right, and saw Tommy in a white polo shirt.

"Hey, Handsome," said Kim. "How's the packing coming?"

"Coming along fast, much like yours. Turned out going to bed early was a real boon for me as well as you. We were able to get up at five and start."

"I couldn't believe it when I saw you up at five, considering how you're late for everything."

"Yeah, whatever," muttered Tommy as he rolled his eyes. "How's Jason?"

"When I saw him, he was OK. He was really mad last night, huh?"

"Yeah, I've never seen him that angry. Who got to him to get him to calm down?"

"Word through the grapevine is it was Tanya. Those two had a little spat."

"Tanya, huh? I never thought Tanya would think about sticking herself out and challenging Jason."

"My question is, what was he mad about?"

"I can only guess he's not so much mad as he is worried. He has always been worried when it comes to us," said Tommy as he rubbed his head.

"Do you think he's right? Could Zedd's sister really harm us that much?"

"I don't know how much damage she could do to the team, but I certainly don't like the prospect of Zedd still out there somewhere, much less with a sister. Do you think we can go for a walk outside?"

"I wouldn't advise it," said Kim. "Zordon said himself that Specter's watching us. He said Specter wouldn't attack till tomorrow, but that he'd consider coming after us today if he sees any of us alone. Yeah, I'd like to go get a breather, but not at the price of getting ambushed by some of Specter's cronies."

Kim pressed a button on her necklace, and listened to some voices.

"Kim?" said Tommy.

"They're ready. We better go to the dining room," said Kim.

"Ahead of schedule?" said Tommy.

"Yup," said Kim. "Come on, Handsome."

30 minutes later...

"Man, awesome breakfast tacos!" said Zack, as he dug deeper into a flour tortilla containing sausage, scrambled eggs, cheese, and some salsa he'd added. "Where'd Kim come up with this one?"

"She learned it," said Shawna, from nearby, "from a teammate who came to Pan-Globals from Austin, Texas. This is good old, homemade Tex-Mex right here. Kim later gave me a copy of this recipe. I still have it."

"Well, obviously you still have it," said Trini, "otherwise we wouldn't be enjoying this. I'd always wanted to see what food from Texas tasted like."

"My main occupation while not keeping an eye on Zedd and Rita," said Sabrina, "after I got on Earth, was traveler. One of the first places I went to in the States was Texas. Believe me when I say that if you think this is good, this isn't anything like the brisket they have down there. I'd always wanted to get a recipe, but never could. Wish I had, though."

"Where'd you go in Texas?" said Aisha.

"Austin and San Antonio. Tanya would enjoy the music scene in Austin...there's a reason they call that place the live music capital of the world."

"Where else have you traveled, besides the States?" said Tommy.

"I actually spent about a week in Paris," said Sabrina, "and one of the lesser reasons I feel sorry for what happened to Kim with this Lady Chaos thing and her parents is that if this hadn't happened, Paris would have been a good place for her to live. I adore that city. It's the type of city where Kim would flourish...very artsy, very craftsy...that kind of place."

"Mother always did like Paris, even before she met my stepfather," said Kim. "I'm really not surprised you say that. From what I hear, Paris has great shopping, too. I'll definitely have to check that out one day."

"It does have great shopping," Sabrina said, winking at Kim. "You'd like that."

"I've also been to Ireland, Germany and Spain," she continued.

"Holy cow!" said Adam, gasping. "You've really been all over the place!"

"Yeah, I have," Sabrina said. "I even thought about venturing over to Switzerland until I remembered Jason, Zack and Trini were there at that time, and I didn't want to risk running into them and getting crucified for my past."

"Switzerland is a beautiful place," said Jason. "I still have many connections over there, especially in the major police departments in Germany, Austria and France. When this whole thing is over, I'll have to take all of you over there. And Sabrina's right, Paris is gorgeous. I can't get visions out of my head of the Louvre, in particular. That's an awesome place."

"We'll all have to do a Europe trip sometime," said Tommy. Then, Tommy turned towards the Gold Ninjetti and said, "Sabrina, did you say we'd have some decisions to make?"

"Yes, and it has to do with the Zeo Crystal," Sabrina said. "My father's been working off-and-on this last day to get the Zeo Crystal fully operational again."

"And?" Tanya said.

"It works," Sabrina said. "The only problem is that the former Zeo Rangers now have the Turbo Powers."

"So, you're saying we're going to need new Rangers?" Kim said.

"Yes. The ones who already have their powers can keep them. But I would like to christen these new Zeo Rangers before we leave."

"But how? None of these guys here have any fighting experience!" said Adam.

"That's what Ninjor is for. He won't be able to give these Rangers Ninja Powers, obviously," said Sabrina, "but he can teach them the fundamentals of what being a Ranger is about, and can teach them about their weapons, how to use them wisely, and how to defend themselves in battle. They'll have others here, too. We're only going to be taking ourselves, my family and Archerina."

"Archerina will come with us?" said Adam.

"Yes. Specter likes to attack at least-expected times, which includes at night-time," said Sabrina. "We at least need someone to keep an eye out for Specter's troops during the night hours."

"I don't doubt your judgment," said Tommy, "and I think Archerina would be handy to have around. Kind of like a bodyguard."

"Exactly," said Sabrina.

"Actually," said Tommy, "we may not have to make a decision. What if the Power picks them?"

"Hmmm. Interesting thought, Handsome," said Kim. "We'll have to see how that works."

"Can I say something for a second, guys?" said a voice from the back of the kitchen. The Rangers turned to see Baboo.

"Go right ahead, Baboo," said Kim.

"I should mention that the Zeo Powers come with more power than last time, as well as new abilities," said Baboo.

'Hm,' thought Tommy. 'Wonder how Zordon was able to pull that off.'

"Also," said Baboo, "one thing about these new Rangers is that most of the Alliance won't anticipate their abilities, so they'll have the 'drop' so to speak, on the UAE early on at least."

"So what are you guys saying?" said Lt. Stone.

"That everyone not a Ranger who is currently within these compounds should be prepared to become one should the Power pick them," said Tommy. "Thing is, you guys don't get a choice in the matter. Fate does."

"I'm done," Tommy said to Kim. "Let's go continue to pack, Beautiful."

As the famed Original Power Couple left, hand in hand, Adam muttered, "Man, Tommy taking care of things ahead of time, and NOT procrastinating? That's a first."

"Watch it, man!" Sabrina said, lightly slapping him on the arm. "He might still hear you!"

"Don't worry. We pick on him about it all the time."

"I remember back in the day, when Jason, Zack and Trini were still in Angel Grove the first time, and when I was still in Rita's service, Kim was trying to help Tommy remember stuff. Has it ever worked?"

"He's still pretty forgetful sometimes, but I think he's improving," said Adam. "He's always pulled us out of the fire, though, so I can't say I have any problem with that, though I will say he doesn't think the game like you do."

"Yeah, he does get a bit heroic, but it's worked. And if it isn't broke, you don't fix it," Sabrina said. "He's the heart and soul of your team, you must remember."

4:30 p.m.

Main Chamber

"Rangers of Earth," said Zordon, "I am glad you came up here. I am sure Sabrina has told you about the situation with the Zeo Crystal."

"We know, Zordon," said Jason. "Any of us are prepared to take whatever power is necessary for this team to have the best chance of winning the war that is about to ensue."

"Very good. I can see that once a Ranger, always a Ranger is heavily implied right now," said Zordon. "Though, for many of you, it will be a first time to be a Ranger. It's your team. How do you think you should handle it?"

"I think we all go one-by-one, and see if any Crystal chooses us," said Jason. "That way, everyone gets a fair shot."

"Very well," said Zordon.

One-by-one, the participants, which included Ernie, Mr. Kaplan, and Ms. Appleby and Mr. Wilton, went up to see if the Power chose them. Each one came up short, until the only ones left who hadn't chosen a crystal were Shawna, Angela, Kimberly's cousin Kelly Williams, Justin and Lt. Stone.

"Well, this is getting frustrating," muttered Tommy.

"Patience, Tommy, patience," said Zordon calmly. "The Power has designated who it wants. Now, we must await the results."

Angela was next, and started to go through the crystals.

Nothing happened with the Pink Zeo Crystal.

The Yellow Zeo Crystal, on the other hand, sent energy rushing through Angela's body like she'd never felt in her life, which sent her screaming. When the yellow light subsided, there stood the newly minted Zeo Ranger II.

"I...I don't believe this," said Angela as she uncertainly unlatched her helmet. "I'm a Ranger?"

"I know it's gonna sound scary, Ang," said Zack, rushing to her side, "but yes, you are a Ranger. It's going to be OK. You're going to be taught well in these next few weeks."

Shawna went next, and knowing that the female Rangers typically wore yellow or pink, she immediately gravitated towards the pink crystal. As soon as she touched it, she began to scream as well.

When the light faded, there stood a new Zeo Ranger I.

"Whoa," she said. "I'm a Ranger too. Just like...Aisha..."

"Yep, it'll be scary for you, too," said Aisha, "but you'll be fine as well. You're a strong woman, and you'll have a lot on hand to teach you the skills you need to know. I think it chose you because your gymnastics skills, much like Kimberly's, will pose problems.

"Justin?" said Rocky. "Aren't you going to try?"

"Surely it won't pick me," said Justin. "I mean, I'm still only what, 12 years old?"

"You never know unless you try, man," said Tommy. "Go ahead. Give it a whirl."

Justin tried the red crystal.

No dice.

He next tried the Blue Zeo Crystal.

Again, nothing.

Reluctantly, he went to touch the Green Zeo Crystal, and when he did, he, too, began to scream uncontrollably.

A few seconds later, there was Zeo Ranger IV.

"I can't...believe this," said Justin. "I'm the Green Ranger? How is this possible?"

"Justin, let me put it this way," said Kim. "The Power wouldn't have picked you if it didn't deem you worthy of holding it. You were one of the main reasons we beat Serpentera."

"You're going to be OK, Just," said Tanya. "We'll teach you the ropes."

Lt. Stone went next, and he tried the red crystal.

Nothing.

So he went to touch the blue crystal, and when he did, it was all he could do to keep from screaming...the rush inside him was so great.

When the blue light subsided, the lanky cop stood as Zeo Ranger III.

"Hey, the title of Power Ranger fits you well, man," said Tommy. "Congratulations. And welcome to our little 'family.'"

"Gonna be kind of strange actually taking orders from people," said Lt. Stone, unlatching his helmet, "but whatever it takes to get this planet safe, I'm up for it."

"That's the true spirit of a Ranger...doing whatever it takes. You'll be a great fit here."

"Problem now is the Red Ranger," said Tommy.

"Sabrina, has a woman ever led a Ranger team?" said Kim.

"Very seldom has it ever happened, Kim," Sabrina said with a small smile. "I led my first group of Rangers on Eltar well over 10,000 years ago, and Delphine leads the Rangers of Aquitar, of course. Other than that, there hasn't been a female Ranger to lead any team."

"Then I guess it fits that I give the Green Coin to someone else," said Jason, as he unlatched his morpher and took the coin out, "and I can only guess the red crystal will choose me."

"Makes sense," said Tommy. "The Power probably wants someone with experience to lead the team, bro."

Jason gave his best friend a small smile, then went to touch the red crystal.

As expected, he was engulfed by the power he'd held for a brief time, and he once again became Zeo Ranger V.

"Feels good to be back in red," said Jason.

"Welcome back to a leadership role, bro," said Tommy as gave Jason his customary handshake.

"That still leaves the problem of the Green Ranger, though. The Power has to choose someone."

"I can try," said Kelly. "I'm still in Angel Grove High. I'd be as qualified as any candidate."

"Kel," said Kimberly, "to attempt to call upon the Green Ranger Powers, fasten the coin into the Morpher, hold it in front of you, and yell, IT'S MORPHIN TIME! DRAGONZORD!"

"Got it," said the perky cheerleader, who had greatly improved her skills and confidence since Kimberly and Tommy's pep talk several years earlier.

"OK, here goes nothing," said Kelly after the Morpher was secured.

"IT'S MORPHIN TIME! DRAGONZORD!"

A moment later, a female Green Ranger stood in front of all of the crowd.

"Yes! The Green Ranger Powers are fully operational!" said Alpha.

"So, does that mean it picked me?" said Kelly.

"Yes, my dear," said Zordon. "Had it picked someone else, the Power inside you would be weaker."

"Guys," said Tommy as he stood in front of the newly minted Rangers, "I kind of hate to tell you this, but there are some rules that come with the Power."

He looked to Zordon, who nodded assent for him to continue.

"You know the first one...that you can tell nobody our secret. No one may know you are a Power Ranger."

Every single one of the new Rangers nodded; they'd known that even before they became Rangers.

"There are two more," said Tommy. "One is to never use your power for personal gain."

"What do you mean?" said Angela.

"Like injuries, for example," said Kim. "If any of you gets hurt during a battle, you can't call upon your powers to heal your injuries. Fortunately, we've rarely, if ever, had that happen to us. That doesn't mean it won't happen to you, so remember that rule."

"And finally, maybe more importantly," said Tommy, "you can't escalate the battle unless the bad guy forces you. That's why we don't attack unless attacked, and it's why you never see the Zords unless the monster grows to city-wrecking mode. Remember that one."

They could see where this was going...in almost every battle they'd seen on the news, the Rangers never attacked the other guy first.

"Understand that a breach of any of these rules means you're no longer a Ranger. Do all of you understand?" said Tommy.

"We do," said the six Rangers in unison.

"Very well," said Tommy. "I wish you much luck. There's one more thing I want to do before this meeting adjourns. Sabrina, come here."

"Yes, Tommy?" said the Gold Ninjetti.

"You've said you led a team of Rangers before?" said Tommy.

"I have."

"Well, how would you like to lead another team of Rangers?"

"Tommy, no!" shouted Jason. "You can't give up your leadership position!"

"Relax, Jase, I'm not," said Tommy. "I'll still play a leadership role. But I can't do it alone. The last major battle showed me that...it really took a toll on me. I need someone to help me lead these teams. I'm offering Sabrina a co-leadership position, with me. It's hers if she wants it."

Everybody in the room looked in a funny way at Tommy. He'd never offered that kind of position to anyone else before, until now.

But tensions were slowed when Zordon spoke.

"I'm glad that Tommy had the foresight to speak about this so soon, Rangers," said Zordon. "There will come a time when I am no longer with you...it is prophesized that I will have to sacrifice myself for a greater cause. At that point in time, Sabrina will take over in my place...she was to be my heir for a long time as a master of the Power. This will only help to augment her in that status."

"I don't have a problem with it," said Rocky. "We wouldn't be here today if not for her. She's one I'd be willing to fight for."

"Here, here," said Aisha.

"You know my stance," said Adam.

"Affirmative," said Billy.

"It would be morphinominal," said Kimberly. "Two leaders instead of one, and they work well together. I like."

"We're with your decision, Tommy," said Zack.

The Zeo Rangers nodded their head as well.

"I wouldn't have taken it if you guys didn't want it," said Sabrina. "I'd be honored."

The two friends embraced each other, and when it was finished, Tommy said, "You're now co-leader of the Rangers, with me. Welcome to the bigtime."

"And by the way," said Tommy, "this meeting is adjourned. Ninjetti Rangers, you know what we should be doing. Finish packing, and when Sabrina and I tell you, we'll get our things and depart."

9:00 p.m.

Tommy and Kim, still arm-in-arm, appeared in the doorway of Sabrina's room.

"Is it time?" both asked.

"Yes, it is," she said. "Adam's right outside the door, and Rocky and Billy are waiting in the main control room. The villains are indeed preparing to attack bigtime tomorrow, so they have gone to bed. It is time for us to depart. The others are at the site of my spaceship to see us off."

Tuesday, June 10

12:15 a.m. local time

Tampa, FL

"I really hate to do this, guys, but we have to leave," said Tommy.

Billy suddenly went up to Katherine, and gave her a kiss, which quite surprised her.

"I'm sorry I have to leave you, Kat," said Billy. "You don't know this, or haven't yet, but...but...I love you."

"Billy!" said Katherine, shocked beyond belief.

"Kat?" he said.

"I'm sorry...I'm...just shocked," said Kat. "I do love you too, Billy. I'm sorry it took me so long to get it out. But what about Cestria?"

"I can never return to Aquitar on a permanent basis, Kat," said Billy. "That last battle was proof of it. My destiny belongs here, with you. I will see you again, someday."

"Take care, Billy," said Kat. "Be safe."

"Now that that's overwith," said Tommy, still chuckling, "is everyone ready?"

All nodded, and all loaded their suitcases into Sabrina's rather large spaceship, which could hold in upwards of 30 people of Rangers. Included in the load were pizzas from Pizza Hut...the Rangers had been so busy packing, they'd forgotten to eat, something which was not lost on Rocky.

As soon as everything was loaded, Tommy came back out, to be greeted by Jason with a friendly hug.

"Good luck, bro," said Jason. "You keep my lil' sis safe over on Zordon's planet, or you'll never hear the end of it."

Tommy lightly laughed about that.

"Just be sure you keep Angel Grove safe," said Tommy. "I hear there's a large invasion force coming tomorrow morning. Be ready."

Tommy then turned to his girlfriend.

"You ready, Beautiful?" said Tommy.

"You bet, Handsome. Let's get to a safe harbor," said Kim.

"Go, my Ranger friends," said Ninjor. "Your safety awaits you. May the Power protect you."

One by one, the Rangers, Archerina, and Zordon's family disappeared into the spaceship, and the door closed.

Inside the spaceship, Sabrina said to her computer, "Alphrane, set a course for Eltar, full speed. And take the backway. We need to get out of here, pronto. Specter's on this planet, and we can't have him noticing us."

"Right-o, Gold Ranger," said a voice as the spaceship rocketed into the sky.

"Is that another sentient computer?" said Rocky.

"It is. She's named this computer Alphrane, in honor of our own Alpha 5. This is a fully sentient computer, capable of corresponding with each one of us," said Zordon.

Outside the ship, several faces smiled grimly.

"Good luck, guys," said Jason, with a wry smile. "Hopefully they get out of here without a hitch."

"Um, guys," said Justin. "Doesn't everyone think we should be getting back and getting to bed?"

"Man, that kid is way too smart for his own good," muttered Katherine. "He's right."

"Let's head back, guys," said Jason, as they disappeared towards California in several flashes of light.

Back inside the spaceship, Zordon then turned to his original Power Couple, who were munching on one of the pizzas brought onboard.

"How are you two feeling?" said Zordon.

"In a daze," said Kim. "Everything's just happened so damn fast...the letter, Lady Chaos coming after me, me being turned against the Rangers, the rescue...which I STILL can't believe you guys managed to pull off as you really caught them with their pants down...the final battle vs. the now deceased Serpentera, and this whole party thing.

"I feel the same way as Beautiful does...I'm exhausted," said Tommy as he held Kimberly close. "I think the only one that kept on an even keel was Sabrina, and that's probably because she's more experienced than any of us. She looks like she's no older than 21 years old, but she has the experience of thousands of years."

"Those of us with little experience really panicked."

Zordon laughed and said, "My daughter is a bevy of contradictions. She has enough amenities to be a snobby, snooty person, but she's not because of her experiences throughout her life. She was to be my heir to the Power of the Morphin Grid, and still is, and yet her focus is not on that, but on the battle at hand. She looks young enough to be a first-time Ranger, but she knows as much about magic and the Morphin Grid as I do, and doesn't abuse it."

"You don't know this, Beautiful, but on the day before we sprung our surprise, I cried uncontrollably with fear," Tommy said. "I knew that it was now or never, and the pressure, the weight of the world, was starting to fall on my shoulders. Ninjor had to come calm me down. That's why I said I can't lead the team alone anymore. I need someone who can help keep me on an even keel."

"I bet you did," said Kim. "You shouldn't blame yourself for that, Handsome. I'm just glad Jason diagnosed Zedd's plan and that you guys were able to carry out an effective rescue. I've actually been waiting for co-leaders of the Rangers for a long time, as I cannot even imagine being in those shoes alone."

In a nearby room, Sabrina was getting ready for bed. She'd had a couple slices of pizza, and decided that was enough. Rocky was still eating, to no one's surprise, and Billy and Aisha reading magazines.

Suddenly, the Gold Ninjetti felt herself being pulled into a hug. Smiling, she looked up at Adam.

"Congratulations, and welcome home, champ," said Adam.

:"Uh, champ?"

"Yep. Champ. In every way," said Adam. "You did what I never thought was possible...bring our Falcon and Crane back together. You have to understand I was the one who read that letter to Tommy, that very day. Needless to say, it was a devastating day for all of us. These last two days, on the other hand, have been exhilirating. This is what it's all about."

"I'd be willing to bet he wasn't as effective of a leader after that," said the Gold Ninjetti.

"Correct. He had a hard time concentrating in a lot of fights after that, which gave the Machine Empire a temporary edge over us," said Adam.

"I'd always wanted to experience the reverence those two have been given in these circles. They deserve every bit of love that you and your teammates have given them. By the way, I've been in contact with Eltar's main capital city the last couple of hours. Let's just say I've told the royalty there I'm coming home, and I'm bringing cargo with me. They can't wait to see you guys."

"How long's it been since Eltar's seen Power Rangers?"

"None since my team was disbanded after Rita got me. Needless to say it's been a long while."

"Do they know who we are?"

"Yep. Let's just say I bragged up you guys more than a little bit after I went home a short time following my escape from Lord Zedd."

"I bet it'll be a party scene," said Adam.

"Got that right. We LOVE to party, and your first appearance there, as well as my return home, is gonna cause a ruckus."

"Well, you'd be more than worth the price of admission to such a ruckus. How long's it gonna take us to get there?"

"About three to four days."

"Plenty of time for us to get to know each other more."

In another room...

Tommy and Kimberly, the Original Power Couple, were getting ready to go to bed themselves. It had been a long day packing and saying goodbye to their friends, and they wanted nothing more than to climb into a nice bed and relax.

"Man, she wasn't kidding when she said her spaceship was full of amenities!" said Kim, who had decided on a whim to tour the ship a little while ago.

"A makeshift kitchen, a dining room, bedrooms, man this place could almost be like a home if we wanted it to be!" said Kim.

"I'd never seen a spaceship before," said Tommy, "but I very seriously doubt it could be as good as this. Andros says this ship trumps his ship, the Astro Megaship, by far."

"What are you thinking about, Beautiful?" said Tommy, as he noticed a bit more of a grim look in Kimberly's eyes.

"Us," said Kimberly. "Just how we've been through hell and back. I don't want to be a snob about it, but I truly believe that we deserve a happy ending."

"Well, we have one for now," said Tommy. "But you know there'll be somebody to try and take away what we have...yet again."

"I know this much," said Kim. "I have no choice but to be a Ranger again, and to make sure evil never ruins another person's life again. The United Alliance of Evil has ruined my life as I've known it...first they ruined my gymnastics dream by targeting me, then it was my parents."

"It nearly ruined mine, too, Beautiful," said Tommy. "I couldn't concentrate in several fights after the letter. The Machine Empire nearly beat us because of that."

"I can't imagine what it was like for the person who first got the letter," said Kim.

"It was Adam," said Tommy. When Tommy said this, Kim's face went four shades of pale.

"Oh, my gosh," said Kim. "Now Jason I wouldn't be so worried about, but Adam...that had to be so devastating for him."

"Adam muttered under his breath for several days afterwards about how could my Kimberly do this to me. Thank the stars above Sabrina was watching for trouble when we weren't."

"I know this much," said Kim. "We both have a lot to make up for."

"And we'll do it," said Tommy. "We've both learned our lesson...that there'll always be people who will try to take what we have."

"I don't know about you," said Kim, "but I think we should get some shuteye."

"I agree," said Tommy, as they both climbed into bed. "Good night, Beautiful."

"Good night, Handsome," said Kim, as she kissed her boyfriend passionately.

The End...or is it?