A/N: A very pleasant Wednesday from the Great State of Texas. Welcome to the main event of the Project Phoenix series. As a disclaimer, this series is inspired by Kctimes2's The Adoption. Before reading this, you should read The Crane's Destructive Path and its accompanying one shot, Granted Wishes. Hope everyone is staying safe in the middle of the coronavirus. I got my first vaccine recently and will get my second dose in May.

A/N 2: The kids may not like it, but now understand it is their destiny. The quest to save the Phoenix (again) begins. And Tommy shows Kim around the DT lab for the first time.

A/N 3: Couples featured are Jayden/Mia, Memily, Lantonio, Jason/Kat, Adam/Tanya and a slew of other old-school pairings.

A/N 4: Usual disclaimer. Power Rangers doesn't belong to me. Used to be Saban, then Disney, then Saban, now Hasbro owns them.

Chapter 43 - Save the Phoenix I

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

The Chamber of Command

Angel Grove, CA

"Understood. But if we don't throw everything we have at this, leave nothing to chance, then there may not be a world to come back to," Kim said.

Whether they wanted to hear it or not, Kim's words, they knew, were true. And the Power Rangers of Earth all knew it.

This was the ballgame right here. Whether they knew Jayden personally or not, his accomplishments over the past three months spoke for themselves. They did NOT want to imagine that awesome power on the other side, facing them.

It was time to start speaking if they knew anything.

"Our two kids, who are just short of the age Justin was at when he became a Ranger, are acting pretty weird lately and it really started to pick up after Thanksgiving," Tanya said. "Our kids have attended two of the other Ninja academies in Blue Bay since they were five, so about five years."

"They're both skilled fighters and have excelled at every level of their academies, but I wonder if they're ready to handle something of this magnitude. I'm sure that will be up to their senseis to decide," Adam said, pulling out a picture of two very young kids in Ninja uniforms. "That's Matthew and that's Ashala. Our pride and joy."

"Very clean cut, very professional looking," Kim said, immediately recognizing them from Thanksgiving not long ago, although not having met them yet. "They look like two people who could be chosen."

"You said there are 'other' academies besides the Wind and Thunder academies," Kim said. "Is this true?"

"Definitely," another voice interjected as Nova walked into the room with Kiya right behind her. "Kiya is definitely not as involved anymore, but I am and talk with the various academies. There is Fire, Ice, Celestial as well as a very elite school that combines all three of these plus Thunder and Wind. Only a VERY select few get into that last one."

"She talks with the Ice Academy all the time, where Matthew and Ashala are currently. Yukia, who heads the Ice Academy and was once a dear friend of mine before I did...what I did, to my knowledge gushes about them all the time," Kiya added.

"She does," Nova added. "Ice is not an easy element to master, but your children are great students, Adam, Tanya. They are very young and I realize they aren't about the Ranger business, but Kiya and I are reasonably confident if they ever got in it they'd excel."

"Our oldest son Derek attends the Celestial Ninja Academy and he's been acting a little weird too. Gets good marks, but senseis has been saying recently that he's been glowing. A lot," Jason said. "It sort of makes sense, though, since Kat was an apprentice to an evil space witch once."

Kat glared at her husband for just a second as if to say, 'yeah, thanks for that.'

"Our two children attend the Fire Academy, and Sensei Hijiri can't say enough good things about them. Olivia and Marcus. But he, too, says they've been acting weird," Aisha said.

"DeSantos, correct?" Nova said. "I can confirm this per my sources. They are two of the best students at that academy. They'll never have Phoenix fire as Jayden does, but they master their element very well."

"I've wondered why there's never been a Ninja fire academy all these years," Kimberly said. "Yeah I know, Jayden's Phoenix fire and everything, but others have controlled that element too. It was also Lothor's weakness as he..."

she said as she nodded at Kiya, "knows too well."

"Yep, if there was a fire academy or had been, I could well have been burnt to a crisp. That was a major mistake," Kiya said.

"Laziness," Shane said. "I love Senseis Watanabe and Omino but they just didn't want to do it. Just total laziness which is uncharacteristic."

"So that means if those kids have Ninjetti powers potentially..." Justin said, "we need to protect them too right?"

What no one knew, yet, but would soon learn, was that these five kids, who weren't even Justin's age, were already protected so they could have their destinies play out.

To be part of the next generation of Earth's Ninjetti heroes.

But for the moment a new voice cut in and said, "They are safe, Rangers, trust me, and we will help protect them."

The Rangers looked at Ninjor and instantly knew it was true. They trusted him, implicitly.

Phaedos, same time

At the same time, five young kids had been suddenly whisked away from what they were doing. Which was getting ready for school.

They all went to school together at Angel Grove Elementary, it should be noted and were about the same age. This was, in fact, their fifth grade year. Today they had getting ready on their own. Not to mention they had training sessions three days a week in Blue Bay Harbor. It seemed that their parents were having another of those "conferences." They were having a lot of those these days.

They knew, very much, that Jayden, their older cousin by about seven years, was in a war for the very soul of the planet. They couldn't imagine being involved somehow. They were kids living their lives.

But as they looked around this place they'd never been, they suddenly realized fate had different plans for them.

"I don't think we're in Angel Grove anymore, guys," the leader, Derek Scott said. He was the exact spitting image of his parents; he had the tall, good looks of Jason, but the blond hair of his mother Katherine.

Meanwhile, Ashala Park, the quietest member of the group, scratched her chin thoughtfully.

"I got a funny feeling," Ashala suddenly said, which surprised the group. She never, ever spoke; she was like her father. Getting a statement from her was like pulling teeth; Matthew was the talkative one. "Remember I told you guys that story about how Mom and Dad had to go to this place called Phaedos once?"

"Yeah?" Olivia DeSantos said, looking at her childhood best friend.

"Well this place looks a lot like that. I'm not saying it is, but..." Ashala trailed off.

"No..." Marcus DeSantos said. "Just...no way. We're 10 years old. This is better left to the adults. Why would they call us here?"

All of them agreed, but they had a feeling something was going on. One thing they did know, they were gonna be late for class and when they were, they were going to be grounded like no one's business.

"I am afraid that even at your young ages, you cannot sit on the sidelines any longer," an alluring, clearly female voice said.

"Agreed," another voice said.

The group of five turned, as one, to see a female warrior wearing a green Ninja suit...not as provocative as when the first six Earth Rangers who came to Phaedos arrived to stop Ivan Ooze.

Beside her was another female Derek recognized instantly.

"Sensei Galaxia," Derek said.

"Yes, hello, Derek. And beside me is Dulcea, the Master Warrior of the planet Phaedos and keeper of the Ninjetti power. Welcome, young ones."

Rocky and Aisha's, along with Adam and Tanya's, kids gulped. They had heard stories about what Dulcea was capable of. This was now big time.

"I'm almost afraid to ask, but why would you bring us here when we're going to be late for school? Our parents are going to be really mad," Olivia said.

"Unfortunately, your daily activities must wait. I have no time to wait to talk to your parents. This matter is of the utmost importance, young ones," Dulcea said. "Your cousin Jayden is captured and is at risk. Your world is teetering as we speak."

"In addition, that army that is attacking Earth has killed two Power Rangers," Galaxia added, and the five gathered put their hands to their mouths.

"No, not your parents, as yet. They still live," Dulcea said. "Your cousin Jayden's best friend Antonio was murdered 48 Earth hours ago, as was the leader o the Mystic Force Power Rangers, your aunt Udonna."

The gravity of the situation began to sink in. This was a serious situation.

"You're telling us that without our help, the world may be lost. Forever," Ashala said. Dulcea and Galaxia both nodded.

"No pressure on 10 year old kids or anything," Marcus added, which incredibly brought some levity to the situation.

"Actually, you have a lot of advantages. You will have older people watching you, people whom you trust. Also, Lady Flammia's army will not be expecting you. The tricky line we have to walk is whether to unlock your future Ranger powers fully now, or do enough to just be able to save Jayden for now," Dulcea said.

"If we must be Rangers in the future then so be it, but I for one am not ready to go all the way just yet," Olivia said. The others nodded, and Dulcea looked at Galaxia.

"They're right. They aren't quite ready for that. It would take a journey to the Monolith," Dulcea mouthed silently. Galaxia nodded.

"Very well. We will simply be teaching you how to meditate enough to unlock your animal spirits which will help Jayden in what is about to happen. I will give you the very quick version. Flammia's army not only killed two Rangers, they are trying to turn your cousin evil...into a pawn to destroy the planet," Galaxia said.

"You already have these animal spirits inside you," Dulcea said. "We shall begin preparations after your schooling today. For now, you must return."

Later that afternoon

The Chamber of Command

Angel Grove, CA

This was one of the rare days where Kim had absolutely nothing to do.

This was the rare down time that Kim was getting. Evil wasn't in control of her body anymore, her son was in captivity (although she was fully confident they'd succeed in getting him back), and Tommy was off teaching high school students.

That still didn't sound right to her. Tommy, a high school science teacher. But that, he was. And was seemingly very well respected.

Kira had done a very nice thing for her in the last week or two...she'd bought Kim a guitar, since she knew Kim wouldn't have enough money to buy one for herself.

For Kim, it'd been a while since she'd picked up a musical instrument, but she had soon found out that playing a guitar was still like fighting alien monsters...like riding a bike.

So she'd spent this Tuesday strumming her guitar mostly (except for when she'd gone to the mess hall to eat). Kira had been kind enough to show Kim some of her musical talents over the last number of days, and Kim was thus not surprised she was making millions of dollars.

She was doing this until sometime, she guessed it was later in the afternoon, until she heard a knock at the door. As she opened it, she saw the smiling face of her once, and she hoped soon to be again, boyfriend. There were few things that could make her smile, and Tommy's face was one of them.

"Kevin wasn't kidding that you were rocking that guitar," Tommy said, chuckling slightly as Kim set the guitar to the side. "I thought that today, now that I'm finished with school today, we could go see my Dino Thunder lab now that you are free of Maligore's influence. You up for it?"

"Definitely. I've been wanting to see it since I got back," Kim said.

"Great, Beautiful, then we'll take the Ranger express," Tommy said. "I'll go back and get my car later and bring it home."

A few minutes later, 1492 Valencia Drive

Reefside, CA

It wasn't the old place she spent a lot of her time in as a teenager, and certainly wasn't the new place which was stacked to the gills with modern amenities, but this was pretty nice.

It was a little dusty, she thought, but she suspected that was the case because this wasn't used quite as often after the defeat of Mesogog. Besides, they couldn't have some random cleaning lady coming down here and getting exposed to their Ranger secrets.

It had the feel of a secure place, too. She came to understand, years ago, that this place had been attacked by a henchman of Mesogog, Zeltrax and had been torn apart. She couldn't imagine how much work it took to rebuild the place and make it more secure.

"Kim?" she heard Tommy call from the entrance way to the lab, or what she assumed was the entrance way.

Kim headed towards the front of the lab, where she assumed Tommy was doing just a routine check up.

"Zordon would be proud of this, Tommy," Kim said.

"You still haven't seen everything yet either. I have some things hidden that are for just us, Beautiful. That's for after this whole thing is behind us," Tommy said.

"Routine check up?" Kim said.

"Yeah, I've been wanting to do this since Thanksgiving and finally got around to it," Tommy said. "Justin helped rebuild and refine the security system after we beat Mesogog, which I am eternally grateful for."

"The powers that I was given when evil made me understand that Mesogog's henchman Zeltrax broke in here during that fight," Kim said. "It must have been heartbreaking."

"Defeating but not destroying, Kim," Tommy said. "Anton was beating himself up and I told him, you can't let it affect us."

Then, suddenly, out of nowhere, their heads were throbbing in pain for a moment, but then settled down. They saw visions. Mainly of a Phoenix, who looked to be in not so good shape.

Tommy sent a mental message to Kim saying basically, 'if that's Jayden then I don't want to know what those goons are doing to him.'

But before they could say anything more, they came up on an amazing sight.

A polar bear. A penguin. A fire breathing iguana (one they liked this time). A raven. And a majestic unicorn leading them all, lending the Phoenix what energy they could, although they noticed that the energy was not well developed.

Then they noticed a turquoise colored dove there too.

Then, it clicked. If that was Mia...

'You don't think...' Tommy said over his mental link.

'I think Dulcea jumped us. Let's give them a boost, and let's do the same for our son if that's him.' Kim replied.

The both of them focused deep into the well of their powers...Kim hadn't practiced this a lot...check that, hardly at all...over the years, so it took some mental work but finally, a falcon and crane appeared at the scene and shot two beams of light at the injured Phoenix. They could see the Phoenix was getting better already. There was just one problem.

'Tommy, it's toot much, I haven't practiced this too often...' Kim said.

'Gracious, Kim!' Tommy shouted back over their link.

Mercifully, Kim was removed from the link but her head was throbbing in pain, Tommy to a lesser extent too. Instantly, they were back in the Chamber of Command again, their visit to the lab rudely interrupted by...whatever was going on.

"Tommy! Kim!" Aisha said as she rushed over to her best friends. "What the hell happened?"

"We were together exploring Tommy's lab," Kim said, holding her head in pain still, "and then we saw visions. Of a Phoenix, Dove and five animals that we were never aware of before now."

"And the animals?" Rocky demanded to know.

"Polar bear, penguin, iguana, raven and unicorn," Tommy said. "They seemed to be lending strength to the Phoenix...if that Phoenix is Jayden then I don't want to know what those assholes on the moon have done to him."

"If those five animals are our kids I'm going to fucking murder Dulcea," Jason growled, his anger rising by the moment. "She's taking our kids WITHOUT our consent!"

"Take a number," Rocky said. Kat nodded her agreement.

"I would like to see you try to 'fucking kill' me, Dragon, because I assure you I would kick your ass as I did your best friend years ago," a voice suddenly cut in. It came from the screen in the main room.

Everyone whirled to the screen to see Dulcea, with another woman standing beside her.

"You are going to be in for it, Dulcea, if you took my kid without my consent," Katherine said sharply, echoing Jason's sentiments.

"Relax. All of you. Relax. You are not helping the situation," Dulcea said sharply. "Yes. I summoned them here this morning. Do you want your leader back?"

Everyone in the room nodded.

"Then you're going to have to be all in, together. I assure you the other side is not going to Murianthias for fun and games," Dulcea said with a sternness in her voice that the original six who had gone to Phaedos had not heard since they left Phaedos itself. "It is your kids' destiny, Rangers. If they do not accept it, the world is doomed. They understand the significance and so should you."

"You mean they could turn him?" Kimberly asked, worry rising in her voice.

"They certainly will try, but I'm less worried about that than I am more of you dying...including Jayden. You saw how ruthless that army could be," Dulcea said. "They will definitely try to murder Jayden if they cannot turn him. And he cannot do it by himself as great as he is."

Everyone in the room gulped. They knew she was 100 percent right. Madame Woe and Vipera had murdered two beloved Rangers in cold blood. And now the top boss was back.

"They will be fine, Rangers," the other woman said. Jason finally got a look at her and saw that it was Derek's sensei, Galaxia. "Be more concerned about yourselves. You are all going to have to work together to survive Murianthias unscathed."

"Dulcea, what happened on that last round?" Kim said. "I tried to focus deep into my powers...and suddenly..."

"You tried to do too much, I think," Dulcea said. "You have hardly practiced that since Jayden fought Deker. It will hurt less with repetition. Work on that more before you leave for Murianthias. Once you get there, it's showtime."

"Are the kids handling those exercises OK?" Tanya asked, worried.

"They are, Tanya," Galaxia said. "In fact they got further along today than I thought they would. They will get better quickly, as they will need to do. They will continue to practice daily until it is time to leave for Murianthias."

"If I may, I would suggest getting some rest, Rangers," Ninjor said. "You're going to need all the rest you can get right now. Showtime will arrive...soon. I will be going with you."

The original six who had known Ninjor longest smiled at that. He was a trusted friend and would be ready to fight. Not just for them and for their legacies, but for the Phoenix itself as Ninjor had been one of the first to meet Jayden on this journey.

"I will send your kids home and will bring them back again tomorrow. We will also contact you when we sense the bad guys are leaving," Dulcea said.

"May the Power protect us all," Kim finished.

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