Before they could blink, they had disappeared from the front lawn before landing with a hard thump on a solid stone surface.
Their arrival hadn't been the smoothest, their bodies were tangled together making it difficult to stand up, "Ah I should have known you would be involved", a kindly and familiar voice called out. It took them a few moments to recognise where they were, they had landed in a regal throne room.
After much pushing they untangled themselves and slowly got to their feet. They looked over and saw Rita Replusa sitting on a throne. She gave them a small smile and pulled out her staff to summon four comfy looking chairs. Rita paused and took a couple of deep breathes, the Rangers frowned, the space witch was looking gaunt and pale. Yet she still exuded a powerful magical presence. " Sit down please", she continued, "we have got a lot to talk about".
Cautiously the rangers took a seat and waited for the space witch to speak, "Before I explain what happened today, I need to explain something", Rita began, "the Rita Replusa you knew is gone"
Lauren, Kong and Daniel heads immediately snapped towards Dayu, "We meet again Nylok ", the Mystic mother continued, "it's a fascinating story but as time is for the essence I will give you the short version". She leaned back in her chair and took a deep breath, "In your universe and every other ranger universe i had been an evil space witch. However in some universes i was killed like in yours and in some others i turned to the side of good and became the Governer of magic the Mystic Mother".
"I thought it was just a myth", Charlie asked, "ancient superstitions".
"Yes the second time around for me", Dayu smiled.
"Sorry to interrupt Mystic Mother" Kong began, "but we seem to be missing our black ranger?"
Rita chuckled, "So eager to get to the point. The creature known to you as Salem was called for a new assignment". Rita paused for a moment, "Im not sure how to put this".
The rangers looked amongst themselves nervously for a moment, "He's gone?" Lauren asked.
"I'm sure he will return some day", the Mystic Mother sighed.
"This is just great", Daniel threw his hands up in the air, "not only has every ranger villain and his band of psycho's tried to kill every known ranger in every universe but now our friend is gone".
"All is not lost", Rita replied, "i have summoned you here for a reason " She waved her staff, a wooden box appeared. "Now i've changed your morphers." She paused again as her piercing blue eyes scanned the rangers, "But i've also fond you a replacement ranger".
"Erm", Dayu raised her hand, "but how?".
A broad smile appeared on the Mystic Mother's face and she broke out into laughter, "Young Nylok,". The morphers now looked like a modified Gertlinger. "Your replacement is her", Rita continued, suddenly the human form of Void Knight landed in front of the rangers with a thud.
"You?" Lauren spluttered, "weren't you Void Knight?".
"Indeed Miss Shiba", Rita smiled. "I'm sorry to burden you with this ", the mystic mother continued, "but unfortunately i needed rangers and you fit the bill"
VK gulped and looked at the weird device in his hand. Once again fate had dealt him a cruel hand, "So I'm to be the small dog themed ranger?" He asked the Mystic Mother.
"Yes", Rita smiled, "i didn't think you'd mind."
The rangers looked at their new recruit, the former Void Knight looked at them and smiled. " Hi " he said. Dayu looked at the others and smiled " Welcome to our merry band of misfits" she answered, " Yes welcome" Lauren said.
The rangers turned to the Mystic Mother, "May the power protect you " Rita said " Been waiting to say that"