Disclaimers
All characters appearing in IDW comics and Hasbro are property of their respective owners. No infringements of these copyrights are intended and are not authorized by the copyright holder.
All original characters and concepts are the property of Celgress.
Special thanks to my creative consultant Gaara King of the Sands who helped me flesh out this premise.
Power Rangers Upended Fate – Chapter One
By
Celgress
Angel Grove High School, late afternoon
"My uncle said he might have a student position for me this summer at his accounting firm. Next year is our senior year, so I need a new plan for my career and life. A job with his firm is a great first step." Kimberly told Aisha. The pair stood by their lockers chatting at the end of another school day.
"I didn't know you were good with numbers, Kim. Although I shouldn't be surprised. You've been killing it in math class lately." Aisha said.
"Ash, I've had a passion for solving math problems for as long as I can remember, just ask Bill. When we were kids I gave him a run for his money in the egghead department. It's been years since I put much work into stuff other than gymnastics is all." Kim said.
"Sorry about what happened last week," Aisha said lowering her eyes.
"Don't be, it was my choice," Kim said with a smile. "While I want to do a job that makes me feel fulfilled I don't want to sacrifice other things to get it. Besides, my second career choice has always been an actuary."
"What's that?" Aisha asked with a frown.
"A risk assessment expert," Kim answered. When Aisha's frown only deepened Kim explained. "You know how insurance firms charge fees to sell people different types of coverage, right. Well, in simple terms, actuaries determine those fees by way of assessing available data."
"Oh, I see," Aisha said even though she didn't.
Kimberly noticed her friend's gaze wonder when their fellow ranger Rocky walked by and waved. "You should ask Rock out, Ash. You like him, don't you?" She said.
"Yeah, but what if he says no. I don't want to ruin our friendship." Aisha said.
"But what if he says yes?" Kimberly said. "You only live once." She added under her breath. "Unless you're very lucky."
"Huh?" Aisha said.
"Nothing," Kimberly said. "Go on, ask him, Ash."
"Our friendship might be over if do," Aisha whined.
"Rocky is a great guy. I'm sure he wouldn't end your friendship over a date request." Kimberly said.
"You think so?" Aisha said hopefully.
"I know so," Kimberly said with a gentle smile. "If you hurry you can catch him before we meet up later at the Youth Center."
"See you there, Kim," Aisha said.
"Bye Ash," Kimberly said waving as her friend raced away much to the annoyance of a hall monitor.
"What was that about?" Tommy said.
"True love," Kimberly sighed putting her arms around Tommy's neck.
After a quick kiss, Tommy handed her a small blue valet box. "I bought you something." He said. Kimberly opened the box to discover a silver ring with a small diamond-chip set in it. "I know it isn't much. I hope it'll do for a promise ring until we graduate from high school and I can afford something better."
She gasped. "Tommy you shouldn't have."
"You don't like it?" Tommy asked a dejected look forming on his face.
"No, no, no, I love it!" Kimberly said with tears in her eyes. "It, it's too much. None of us have fulltime jobs. How could you afford this?"
"I use up most of my savings; from part-time jobs, birthday money," Tommy said. "You're worth every penny. So, Kimberly Hart will you make me the happiest guy in the world by accepting my promise ring?"
"How could you even ask. Of course, I will." Kimberly said giggling. She and Tommy kissed again, only this time their kiss lasted much longer and was much more passionate to the point they were told to take it outside by the hall monitor.
Angel Grove Youth Center, later
"It's on the house kids. I'm glad you're staying, Kim. Consider today's meals my treat." Ernie said when Kimberly and the others were about to leave.
"Thanks, Ernie, I'm also glad I'm staying," Kimberly said. She gave the heavyset man a quick hug.
"A friendly word of warning, Kim. That coach who was interested in you, he's been skulking around here all week. He's a real nasty piece of work. He's been very rude to my staff." Ernie said.
"Thanks, Ernie, don't worry. I can handle a creep like Gunthar Schmidt. I already have" Kimberly said confidently.
"We're going to see the new Star Wars movie," Rocky said his arm around Aisha's shoulders. "Let us know if anything comes up, okay?"
"Will do," Adam said.
"It's been quiet lately, so you should be safe," Tommy said alluding to the fact Zedd & Rita had not attacked the city in many days.
"The Rise of Skywalker is a great movie. Not as good as the originals but still is a fun ride. You'll never guess the big twist." Billy rambled.
"The Emperor is back, everyone knows. His laugh was in the trailer." Aisha said.
"Nah, I mean about Rey. Turns out she's P-," Billy said excitedly only for Kat to grab him by the arm and cut him off verbally.
"Billy, what did we agree?" Kat said sweetly.
"No spoiling the movie for others," Billy said.
"Right," Kat patting Billy's arm.
"Wait, you guys went to see the Rise of Skywalker together?" Tommy said.
"Well, we both separately decided to attend the premiere last weekend. We spotted each other there," Kat explained blushing.
"Can you believe Kat loves Star Wars as much as I do? She might even be more into it than I am. She has a full collection of the old EU or Legends books." Billy gushed.
"Billy," Kat said blushing even more. " I don't have every one of them."
"Hey, I have an idea. Kat, can we go again?" Billy pleaded.
"Sure, if you want," Kat said.
"Got to go. Before the tickets run out." Billy said grabbing Kat by her hand and pulling her along.
"Hey wait up! We haven't even seen it once!" Rocky called after them. "We better go, before the tickets are gone."
"Catch you later," Aisha said with a grin before she left with Rocky.
"I think I'll go too. I love sci-fi." Adam said before he to departed.
"Mind if I tag along, kids," Ernie said walking after Adam. "Did I ever tell you guys I waited in line a week to watch the Phantom Menace back in college?"
Kimberly laughed to herself. Everything was perfect. Everyone was happy. If only things could stay this way her do-over would go off without a hitch.
The Moon
"Why have we wasted our time hulling this junk back here?" Goldar growled tossing aside a rock about the size of his fist.
"Careful," Finster fretted. "These fragments of Ryan's Comet are invaluable to me. I need the rare elements contained within to create a new Power Coin. These elements are a vital ingredient."
"Looks like a pile of worthless rock to me," Rito said tossing more pieces aside.
"Oh, dear me," Finster said running about he picked up the fragments placing them carefully in a pile.
"There wasn't much left of that comet, eh?" Rito said looking at the sad little pile which was not even Finster's height. "We searched the entire solar system and this is what we found."
"Yes, colliding with Ivan Ooze's Morphicon Hornitor vaporized most of it," Goldar said.
"Ivan Ooze, I think you told me about him once, Goldie," Rito said.
"Stop calling me Goldie!" Goldar snapped.
"What a dreadful fellow," Finster said with a shiver. "Last year he imprisoned Lord Zedd, Queen Rita and I in a snow globe, He then almost destroyed Earth. Thank evil he is long gone."
"He would have won if the Power Rangers hadn't slammed him into Ryan's Comet. He was blown into a million tiny pieces" Goldar laughed.
"Enough reminiscing, boys," Finster said. "If we don't locate the other ingredients we'll join Ivan Ooze, Lord Zedd & Queen Rita will make certain of that." The three walked out of the chamber.
Left alone no one was there to witness a single drop of purple slime ooze from one of the fragments. The droplet feebly glowed a neon purple. With inhuman persistence, the droplet slowly snaked its way towards the sealed doorway. It then squeezed underneath the doorjamb and passed out of sight.
To Be Continued
Sorry for the short chapter. Next time I hope to post a longer one with action, some more world-building, and character development.
Author's Note -
I know I said twenty years ago in the previous chapter but I could not resist setting this story in modern times. Let's say Kimberly fell into an alternate dimension one that reflected imperfectly her past. This also explains why the events of Power Rangers the movie are canon in this timeline.