Chapter 8

Darkkon was disappointed, no he wasn't really feeling anything as the Green Ranger Tommy Oliver, one of the good versions of himself left with the other rangers and the Emissaries. All his hard work, all the years of scheming, killing and taking other ranger's powers from across the dimensions, it had all been for nothing. The Rangers, the ones he had not killed or taken prisoner had joined forces and had attacked the prison that had once been Rita's palace. It was also where the tower was located that allowed him to divide the ranger power among his troops. He knew that if they were able take that tower down then not only would all of his troops would lose their power. Drakkon himself wouldn't have enough power to enter the grid and retch the Heart of the Master but he had not been worried. No he knew that even with their combined forces from across the dimensions that they were no match for his army.

What he had not counted on was Zordon would go to the Rita from their own Dimension and drain away his own Green Ranger, his original power away. If Finster 5 hadn't shown up at the opportune moment, knocking the blasted candle away but given Drakkon what he needed, they might have stopped him. In the end he had done it. He had entered the grid, defeated the Emissaries, and took the heart. The power had felt exhilarating as it followed through him. He was a god, tearing down all of the Morphining worlds and making his own, perfect world.

That's what it had been, a perfect world. Zordon and Rita had been his parents, Finster was his trust butler, Trini and Zack his adoring reporter duo, Jen an obedient solider. Billy was his personal mechanic, Jason and Lindsey the sensei's of his own martial arts academy and Kim a simple waitress at the youth center.

Then the attacks began.

Large energy creatures attacked his perfect world but he was a god, with unlimited power, so he could handle them. It also helped to bring more admiration from the people of his perfect world, as he enjoyed their fanning over him. Drakkon had everything he could ever want but then he started to see Tommy, the Green Ranger he had stabbed in the back, suddenly he was everywhere Drakkon looked. In every reflective surface, be it glass, metal, water, anything that was reflective Tommy was there. He was taunting Drakkon with his words, saying that his perfect world was a fake, nothing in it was real. Drakkon should have known it was all a distraction so Tommy could make his friend's remember their lives as Rangers.

He should have seen it coming but he had been blind and when he had realized that something wasn't right it was too late. They all had their memoires and powers back but nothing was more infuriating then seeing Tommy was truly back as the Green Ranger. Drakkon should have won easy, defeated them, he was the one with the unlimited power but no. He had let Tommy get too close in the chaos of the battle and when he touched the Heart of the Master he and Drakkon both had its power. That was when Drakkon truly had lost as he let Tommy's words cut into his conviction and Drakkon lost focus. And with his loss his perfect world, all that remained of their known existence, began to crumble.

It was then the Emissaries, the very ones Drakkon had defeated appeared to take the rangers to safety but Tommy had to be the hero. "Listen… I know the pain you're in. I know what it feels like to be alone… and to be faced with what you could have had. But I also know it's never too late. Despite everything you've done, we can help you. Like they helped me. You don't have to be broken, you don't have to be alone."

Drakkon was stunned and appalled that his good counterpart had the audacity to suggest that he and his "friends" could help him. He didn't hesitate or regret turning his back on them to face the giant energy creatures that were approaching him. Drakkon could feel when the rift Tommy and the rangers had left through had close but he kept his gaze on the ones who would seal his fate. He was not however prepared for a ball of dark energy to hit the creatures and drive them back.

"So you are the one that is the source for all the darkness that plagued this so called Morphing Grid?" Drakkon turned to look at an old hunched man who held in his hand a giant key as a swordsmen would a sword. He seemed to have come into the clasping world by means of some dark gateway that was still open behind him. "You are also the one who did away with one of my vessels I assume?"

Drakkon then knew who this man must be. "If you are referring to that pink haired fool Marluxia then yes I did and I believe I did you a favor." He said as a new plan was forming quickly in his mind.

Xehanort raised an eyebrow, his bright yellow eyes intrigued. "Oh did you now? And why do you think that?"

"Because the moment he was brought into my throne room I could see that he was a weak minded fool and not worthy of trusting." Drakkon reasoned.

"And you are saying that you are not weak, despite just being defeated and that I can trust you?" Xehanort asked him, a small pleased smile beginning to form on his face.

Drakkon shook his head. "No, but I can be of help to you. Allow me to take the fool's place I will earn that trust and bring any who stand in the way of your goals to their knees." Though he knew his words were pleasing for the old man to hear as he accepted Drakkon's offer and allowed him to go through the dark gateway, they were hallow. Drakkon planned to bided his time, to regain all of the power he had lost, along with something new and then he would crush all who stood in the way of him finally getting what his heart desired most.

Revenge on all of the Power Rangers.

-o0o-

When Riku woke the next morning he was surprised to find that he was alone in bed, there was no sign of Alex at all. He pulled his boots on and covering a yawn, he went in search of her, though he had a good idea where she may be. He didn't have to go far as he found her outside meditating as her animal spirit seemed to happily twist around her. Mickey was watching the Phoenix, which didn't look much bigger than a swan at the moment as it flew away from Alex some times. It flew towards Mickey and then it brushed against him playfully, making the mouse king laugh a little before it returned to her.

"And how long has this little game been going on?" Riku asked as he came to stand next to Mickey, smiling as the phoenix spotted him and happily came flying over. It brushed up against Riku a small cooing sound coming from it as it rubbed its beak affectional in his hair before going back to Alex again. He now understood why Mickey was laughing when the currently playful animal spirit brushed against him as its energy body tickled.

"Not too long as I only came out here a few moments ago but Alex was already here, with her little friend greeting me as you saw." Mickey explained as they watched the phoenix as it flew around them both this time. "I suspect that Alex's animal spirit or I should say all Ninjetti animal spirit reflect the mood of those they are bonded with."

"That is a very astute observation King Mickey, as you are mostly correct." Both Riku and Mickey turned in surprise as they saw Dulcea and Master Yen Sid walking down the front steps. They were a bit taken back at seeing the curly red head in a forest green dress with a leather belt with gold wire inlay around her waist. "For those who like Alexandria have such a strong connection to other powers her animal spirit also shows the conditions of those powers. I happen to know that the darkness that had been taking over the Morphing grid has been purged. Right now I suspect she is simply seeing to it that the grid is restored to balance."

"That must mean the other Power Rangers defeated Drakkon and put things right." Riku said relieved to hear that, knowing Alex had been worried about her extend family.

"Indeed it is." Master Yen Sid said as he stroked his beard as he watched the phoenix as it once again came flying over again brushing past Riku and Mickey before heading over to the old keyblade master and master warrior.

As it flew around them it meet Dulcea's disapproving gaze and stopped flying around to hover in front of her. "I understand you are in a good mood guardian but you know better than to wonder from your chosen. Now off you go." She told the spirit well pointing back at Alex. If it was possible the phoenix looked ashamed of itself before it turned and went back to Alex. On the way it made sure to brush against Riku again before disappearing into it the young keeper.

Alex herself came out of her meditation a moment later and was just joining them when Sora's Gummieship arrived and landed. The 3 half pints came walking out, big grins on their face and they could all see why when Aqua and Ven fallowed a moment later. "Ven!" Mickey called out to the spiky haired blonde, happy to see him again.

"Mickey!" Ven called back bounding over to the mouse and the two embraced each other.

"It is good to see you both again, my koi and bat." Dulcea said as she walked forward to get a better look at them, surprised that it looked like nether of them had not aged over the past 15 years.

Aqua gasped well Ven's jaw dropped in surprise. "Dulcea, but what are you doing here? Not that I'm not happy to see you." Aqua inquired as a smile graced her face.

"It seemed that Xehanort, in his search for vessels or power paid Phaedos a visit and tried to cut her down." Master Yen Sid explained.

"He may have simply been looking for leads to Jessica's whereabouts." Dulcea said angry. "When she had come for training Jessica had seen fit to warn me about him and his ambitions. She was not wrong about the darkness that I could sense from him. I am just fortunate that Alexandria, Riku and King Mickey were able to come to my aid when I sent my owl spirit to them for help."

"Alexandria, who's that?" Ven asked confused as he looked around at the group, not noticing Alex's wince when he said her full name. Aqua of course did but she realized then that she had to explain some important things to Ven, before they headed into battle. "Ven, come with me as I have a few things about Jessica and Terra to tell you."

"If this has to do with the two of them being together, I already know that." Ven said with a grin as he put both of his hands behind his head. "I caught sight of the two of them kissing in a side hallway once but they didn't see me. So I didn't say anything, figuring they would tell us when they were ready."

At hearing about her mother and Terra kissing Alex's face had become red which made Sora, Donald and Goofy grin. Aqua was also blushing a little but couldn't help smiled as well, but it didn't reach her eyes as she was about to hurt Ven. "Your right they were together, in fact during the battle in the Keybalde Graveyard Jessica was pregnant."

"Wait are you serious?" Ven was shocked for all of 30 seconds before he became very excited. "Does this mean I'm an uncle?"

Alex made a choking sound, her face bright red by this point, well Sora started to laugh. "Shut up Sora! Ventus I'm tell you right now, I will never call you uncle."

Hearing Alex say this Ven looked at Alex well Aqua stepped forward placing a hand on Alex's shoulder well turning to Ven. "Ven this is Alex, Jessica's and Terra's daughter, though she only learned it herself the day before but I'm afraid there's some sad news too." It was then both Aqua and Alex told him about Jessica's illness that ultimately led to her unfortunate death. Ven was upset to hear that Jessica was gone as the two of them had been very close during her time in the Land of Departure.

After that there really wasn't much time left for them all talk as Kairi and Lea arrived and Master Yen Sid asked that they all go up to his office to discuss their next course of action. Yen Sid was kind to invite the still recovering Dulcea to join them and she was more than happy to except his invitation. She sat in a chair that Master Yen Sid had conjured for her on his right as she was still recovering from her encounter with Xigbar and Xehanort.

They all stood before Master Yen Sid as he began the meeting that they had all been waiting for and dreading. "At last we are all assembled. First: Sora, Riku, Alex, Donald, Goofy, Mickey, I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. And you, Aqua and Ventus: we are fortunate to have you back." He greeted them all, seeming well pleased at all of the guardians and the allies assembled before him.

"Thanks." Aqua said. "I only wish we could have returned sooner. We're grateful to all of you for rescuing us." Turning to 6 who had worked so hard to get them back.

"Thank you." Ven added.

"I feel bad for letting you guys down. We tried but we still haven't found Terra." Mickey said sadly as he remembered all the years the three had been lost, and at the loss of Jessica.

"Don't." Aqua assured him, as she did not see any reason he should feel bad. "He studied with Master Eraqua, just like us. He's our responsibility." It was then Riku walked over and informed Aqua that Mickey had told saving him that she had saved him in the realm of darkness after he had been freed from the Heartless Ansum. Riku then apologised for not being experienced enough to go after her, and bring her back to the realm of light. Aqua of course didn't hold it against him.

"Did you know Riku's a true Keyblade master now?" Goofy pointed out to Aqua, which lead to her congratulating not only him but Mickey as well when Donald pointed that out. Of course the duck had also to point out Sora's own short coming, saying he still had a long way to go, making the bulk of them laugh at him once again. Aqua did express that she was happy to see that Sora hadn't changed one bit, and it was soon after this Lea cleared his throat, bring him and Kairi to Master Yen Sid's attention. "Ah yes. Let us not forget our new Keyblade welders. Lea, Kairi, you have made tremendous strides."

"Hey there, and that's future Keyblade Master." Lea said confident about his skills and wishing to impress the new welders.

His moment of course was ruined when Aqua recognized Kairi as the little girl she and Mikey had saved outside the castle at Radiant Guardians, where they had first meet. Kairi and the others were surprised to hear this but that didn't stop Kairi from thanking Aqua. Lea cleared his throat again, getting everyone's attention. "This is all very touching guys, but where do I fit in? Ven looks just like Roxes- or is it Roxes looks just like Ven? And now I have to explain all of that to him- which is I itself a crazy long story- and, apparently everybody already knows everyone. This is an insane amount to get memorized!"

"Ah- is someone feeling left out?" Alex asked him with a bit of patronizing.

Lea glared at her as he snapped. "Hey watch it shorty or this time it will be you who has the bloody nose."

"Sorry Lea." Ven suddenly said causing the take the red head by surprise.

"You remember me?" Lea asked, a bit taken back.

"Yeah of course, we're friends." Ven assured him, like there was ever any doubt. "I can't believe you became a keyblade wielder just like me."

Lea was smiling as he was over joyed to hear Ven say this but it was ruined when Sora called him Axel and confused poor Ven. Thankfully Jiminy came to his rescue as he informed everyone that they could accesses his journal entries on the gummie phones that they were given. "Well… we've got our seven guardians." Mickey announced happily.

"Yeah, but… I do wish that Roxas, Namine and Terra could be here with us too." Sora said a bit sad.

"Since when do you mope Sora? Come on. Terra's got to be with the Organization, which means we'll have a chance to save him." Riku said as he saw Alex look away from the group, an unreadable expression on her face. He put a hand on her shoulder, causing her to look up at him and give him a smile that didn't meet her eyes.

"Leave it to Ven and I… we'll bring him home." Aqua stated well also smiling at Alex, hoping to put her friend's daughter at ease.

"Yeah, I made Terra a promise." Ven added. "I said I'd be there for him, when he needs me."

"And I'll figure Roxes out. Don't know how but… I'll get him back." Lea assured Sora, well at the same time Kairi reminded Sora that Namine was safe inside her heart.

"Kairi's right. We're all in this together, Sora." Mickey stated.

"And Donald and I are no keyblade welders, but we'll always be right there to help keep ya steady. We got your back…not just now… but always." Goofy said wisely and finally with everyone's reassurances Sora was smiling again even as Donald patted his fist on his leg and said. "Three half pints make a whole!"

"That again?" Sora asked sourly as once again they were all laughing at his expense.

It was then Master Yen Sid brought the discussion back on track. "It is a shame that all of our friends could not be here. But our seven guardians of light have united. Perhaps you might say we have 10 guardians… with Donald, Goofy, and Alex as well. Given time, I know the others will soon stand with us."

Soon after they were dismissed to recuperate as the next day they would be going to the Keyblade Graveyard for the war. Before Aqua and Ven went outside to tall and look up at the stars, she pulled Mickey off to the side where no one would over hear. "What is it Aqua?"

"I wanted to ask about what happened to Shisui? Why isn't he hear?" she asked, concern written all over her face.

Mickey smiled at her. "Don't worry Aqua he's alright. After you were taken from us he help me and Riku out for a bit but then he left us saying he had to take care of somethings back in his world. He also said he was going to find a way back into the realm of darkness to find you but that was 2 and half years ago. I don't know where he is now."

"I think I know what he had to take care of but I just hope he's ok. Thank you for letting me know." She told him and then headed outside to spend time with Ven.

-o0o-

Alex was quite on the way back to the Destiney Islands, having been invited by not only Riku but Sora and Kairi to see more of their home. They gave her a tour of the main island, and meeting their families and friends. When she meet Riku's father and they explained that she was the girl he once told his son didn't really exist, he apologised to both Alex and his son. It was later in the evening that they went to the play island to relax and hang out a bit. Well Sora and Kairi headed off to the Pabu tree Alex turned to Riku. "Riku… I've been thinking of trying to contact Jason and the others back home. Mickey said I can connect my communicator to my gummie phone and give them a call if I want."

Riku smiled. "That's a great idea as I imagine that their all worried about you but before that can I talk to you about something." He said as he sat down on the beach and indicated that she should sit next to him. Alex raised an eyebrow but shrugged before she sat down next to him, and looking at the beautiful sun set that was before them. "Alex, why are you going to fight in the war tomorrow?"

Alex looked at him in surprise. "I would think that is obvious Riku. You, Sora, Kairi, and the others, you all matter to me. I refuse to let you all go into the war without me, as I have the power, strength and determination to do my hardest to get everyone to the end alive. Why are you asking?" she wondered and a little confused.

He sighed. "Are you really doing it for yourself or are you doing it for your mother?" Her eyes grew wide in surprise from his question, Riku knew he had been right. "Alex, we asked you to help find Aqua, as the power of the Light Shard made things much easier and I have loved having with us. But Aqua and Ven both are with us and we have all seven of our guardians. No one and I mean no one will blame you if you wanted to go home to your adoptive family, Zordon, Alpha and the other Rangers. However if you want to stay and fight with us, I just want it to be because it's you want to not because you feel obligated to be in there your mom's absence."

Alex looked away from him. "Your right Riku I do want to be there because my mom can't be for her friends but that is not the only reason and not a very big one. You have been there for me for over 4 years, and I have felt that with everything you, Sora and Kairi have done, I need to give back. I need to be there more for you, as your friend, not as a stand in for my mom. I know that is what she would want me to do."

Riku smiled as he lend forward and places a kiss on her forehead. "I can live with that and I know you being there will increase our chances of success." He whispered in her ear as he gave her a hug. "Now go see if you can talk to your brothers and the other rangers before they convince Zordon to tell let them come after you."

That got a small laugh out of her as she placed a kiss on his cheek before she got up and headed towards the tree house for some privacy. Riku had a dusting if pink on his cheeks as he watched her go, well his replica in the heartless armor appeared next to him on the beach. ("Well that conversation went better then you thought. So when are you going to-")

"If you so much as even think of finishing that question, I will lock you away in the back of my mind." Riku snapped as he glared at him.

The Replica simply smirked, not bothered by the threat one bit. ("Alright I won't but I know you have thought about it.") Riku didn't answer as he looked out over the vast ocean before them.

-o0o-

Angel Grove- Youth Center

The 6 rangers were hanging out together as they always did, the boys were all sparing against each other, well the girls were standing by watching. "They make me tired just watching them." Tanya said to Kat, making the pink ranger smile.

"That they do but if Alex was here she'd be in the mix, making them slow down or simply watching and learning." Kat's face then fell as worry crossed her face. "I hope shes doing alright."

"Yeah, I know neither of them have said it but I can tell that Tommy and Jason are both worried about her being gone so long without any word." Tanya said as she watched the red and gold rangers as they faced off, well Adam pinned Rocky. Rocky soon tapped out and Adam was helping him back to his feet when their communicators went off. The 6 of them looked around to make sure no noticed them as they moved off to the side. "We read you Zordon." Tommy said.

"Rangers, please come to the command Center, immediately." Zordon ordered and they teleported there without a second thought.

They knew something was up when they arrived as Billy was standing next to Alpha, a smile on his face. "What's going one Zordon? Is the machine empire attacking?" Adam asked, worried that they had a new fighting monster to fight.

"No there is no attack at this time." Zordon said as he was also smiling as he went on to explain. "We received a communication a few moments ago and the one who made contact wishes to speak to all of you."

The Rangers exchanges confused looks before Kat asked. "Who is it Zordon? Someone we know?"

("Why don't you all turn around and see for yourselves.") Said a cheerful and very familiar feminine voice, coming from the main communication's display. The Rangers now knew why everyone was smiling as they turned around to see Alex's face in the display. ("Surprise!")

"Alex, it's so good to see you sis." Jason told her as he smiled over joyed to see his sister's face, well the others also smiled and said their hellos. "How are things going? Have you found Master Aqua yet?"

The grin that crossed her face made all of them feel a bit lighter from the stress they had been feeling the last few days. ("We sure did and Ventus as well. Terra we suspect is with the organization but Aqua and Ven are confident they'll be able to get him back. I won't bore you with all the details right now but there is a few things I need to tell you. First off Xehanort and one of his lackeys, who goes by the name of Xigbar attacked Dulcea on Phadoes.")

"What?! Is she ok, do we need to go and check on her?" Tommy asked worried about the ancient warrior.

("No need, shes staying at Master Yen Sid tower for now recovering and I think shes enjoying the company from some close to her age.") Alex assured them with a smile, but then it faded some as she looked away. ("It was actually well Riku, Mickey and I were saving her that I learned… well it turns out my mom Jessica was Master Eraque's 4th apprentice.") The rangers and Billy were stunned silent as she told them all that Aqua, Mickey and Yen Sid had told her about her mom and about the situation. Jason, who knew Alex the best could see that she was upset by this new turn of events in her life but was trying to be strong.

But Jason knew, like Riku did, that she was bottling her true feelings, one to not be a bother but mostly because she felt the situation at hand was more important. "Alex, tell me what you're really feeling." They all saw her hesitate, well avoiding eye contract, so this time Tommy tried. "Alex, you know if you don't get it all out and off your chest, you'll be less helpful to Riku and the other tomorrow."

Hearing this had the desires affect, as she looked at him in surprise. ("You guys don't mind that I'm choosing to stay and fight with them in the Keyblade War?")

"I think we all suspected that you be staying to help them to the very end." Kat said as they all nodded in agreement. "You wouldn't be a true Power Ranger if you didn't." Alex smiled at that and then told them what she had already told Riku. Some tears fell down her face but she was able to keep her composure and once she was done they all could see that she was feeling better.

"By the way Alex where are you right now? We can see a bit of sun coming in from the door but that's about it." Tanya said wanting to change the subject a bit and lighten the mode some too.

Alex couldn't keep the smile off her face as she exited the tree house and turned her G-phone around so they could see the beauty of her friend's home. She grinned as she heard some gasps of awe from the other side. "Guys I give you the Destiny Islands, the home of Riku, Sora and Kairi." She was proud to tell them.

("They grew up there? It looks like paradise.") Rocky said before he added with a bit of humor ("Maybe when our world is no longer in danger from the Machine Empire you should arrange for us to go there for a much needed vacation.") this of course made all of them laugh before Alex said good bye to them and hug up.

"I'm glad that Alex is alright, though I do wonder." Billy said as he began to think something over which had all of their attention.

"What is it Billy?" Alpha asked.

"Other than trying to find clues to Jessica's whereabouts why was Xehanort on Phaedos?" Billy asked and they realized he had a good point.

"There is no way of knowing for sure what purpose Xehanort had for going there, as he is not an enemy we are familiar with." Zordon remained them. "We must have faith in the Guardians of Light and in Alex to be able to handle the situation."

-o0o-

After they were done hanging out on the play island and a nerve-racking trip for Alex on the water back to the main island, they split up. Sora and Kairi headed to their family homes well Alex left with Riku to his house as she had been offered the guest room by Riku's father for the night. After a delicious meal and a few rounds of various card games, they turned in so they could get up early the next day.

Riku was laying on his back on his bed, staring up at his bed room celling, not really tired at all as he wondered about what tomorrow would hold. He was I brought out of his thoughts as his door opened and once again Alex slipped into the room but this time Riku couldn't help but stare. Having brought her pack with her when they had left Master Yen Sid tower she had decided to change into something to sleep in. She was simply dressed in a lose blue tank top and pair of short grey shorts, which left a lot of skin exposed for him to see. Riku fought back on some very impressable thoughts as he sat up well she came and sat next to him on his bed. He almost wished that he had put a shirt on to go with the sweats he was currently wearing. "What's up Alex? Nightmares again?" he asked grateful that the dark was hiding his red face.

"No, I just couldn't sleep as I have a few things- well mostly one thing on my mind anyway." Alex admitted as she looked at him with a look in her eyes that caused him to forget how to breathe. She didn't say anything more as she leaned forward and captured his lips in a kiss. He was slightly surprised but he quickly got over it as he kissed her back, soon he cradled the back of her head with his left hand, deepening it. Alex's hands weren't idle as she brought both up to rest on his chest, she pushed forcing him on his back, and she was soon straddling his waist. Riku took in a sharp breath in surprise before he pushed her back to look at her.

"Alex what are you doing?" Riku cursed his voice for sounding so out of breath.

Alex raised an eyebrow at him well she played with a few strands of his hair. "I think that would be obvious Riku." She said before grinding against him earning a moan from him well his hands shot to her hips, stopping her movements.

"Alex... have you thought this through? Because I don't want to do something you'll later regret and make me feel terrible about." He said as he studied her face for any doubt.

He saw none as she kissed him again, her hands in his hair before she brought her mouth to his ear. "I am sure and I know that you have thought about it too. I want to know what it's like to be with someone who wants to make love to me, not use my body for their own selfish reasons. And I want it to be you, as I know you care about me and I think I'm in love with you."

Riku couldn't help but smile as he wrapped his arms around her well his lips found the junction where her neck meet her shoulder. He experimented a bit by gently biting her skin there, smiling when she gave a load moan. Faster than Alex was expecting Riku had her on her back, looming over her with a heat in his eyes that made her wet. "I have to admit that I have thought about doing this with you Alex but I need to know right now, are you absolutely sure? Because once we start I don't know if I'll be able to stop myself."

Alex gave him a reassuring smile well she hooked a leg around him, bring their lower half's flush. "Would you stop trying to talk the both of us out of it make love to me already." That was all he needed to hear before he crashed his mouth on to hers, letting their desire take over. They made love long into the night, eventually collapsing in each other's arms, spent and without any regrets.