Kim
Trini was sitting up when I walked into the medical bay of the Command Center. She looked over at me as I entered and gave me a smile. The Ranger Slayer was not here though, her bed empty as it had been the last time I walked in here. I wasn't too surprised at this. After our conversation the night before, I knew she wasn't going to stay still for too long. I worried though, hoping she hadn't taken off after Drakkon like she had been planning to. Trini looked over at her bed and nodded. "She ran off to do something quickly. She's meeting Finster."
"So soon? I wish she wouldn't run off without backup. Especially now that Silverback is after us." I said, walking towards her.
"I know. She said she would be right back though. She went to the old Command Center to meet with him." I gave her a confused look. She shrugged her shoulders. "I have no clue. I didn't ask questions."
"How are you feeling?" I asked as she stood up. She winced for a quick second and held her side. I could see that some of her bruising had gone down and Billy had put a bandage on her cuts. She looked better now than she had when we first came back here. The way Silverback had pretty much stomped on her had made me worried she might have internal injuries but I was glad to see that she would be okay. In the end, he seemed worse off than us though. I was hopeful that I had caused more damage to him with my arrow before he ran off. With the amount of blood left behind, it would be nice if he had crawled off to die somewhere but I wasn't going to hold my breath on that one.
"I'll live." She replied. "How are things with you? Jason told me that you and Tommy were going to spend some private time last night." She gave me a small smile, putting a hand on my shoulder. This told me right away that Jason had spoken to her after our conversation last night. Sighing, I ran a hand through my hair.
"It was the first time in a long time where I was able to sit down and talk to Tommy," I whispered, looking down at my hands. I thought about what Tommy had said to me, the hopeful but dreadful look in his eyes that told me he knew he would be heading off into very certain death at some point today. I shook my head, raising my head to look up at my best friend again. "I'll be a lot better once we figure out what the hell we need to do to fix everything."
"Everything is going to be okay," Trini said. "Tommy and Jason know what they have to do and have the skills to get this done. Tommy would never do anything to let you down."
"That's what I'm afraid of," I said, feeling those tears begin to form in my eyes again. "Trini, I want Abby here as much as possible but the thought of Tommy just running off into danger after just getting back here with him…" I trailed off, unable to form the rest of the words to the thoughts I was having. Saying them out loud made it more real like I was manifesting it from some higher plane that I was trying to avoid happening in front of my eyes.
Behind me, I heard the sound of running feet followed by yelling. Trini and I exchanged confused looks before heading out into the hallway. There was no one there but the sound was echoing off the stone walls around us as we jogged towards the source. It was coming from the direction of the control room where we found Jason, Tommy, both Zacks, both Billys, and Alpha standing. Zordon was in his tube and Saba was floating in the air between Tommy and Zordon. There was a thick tension in the room and I began to wonder if Tommy and Jason's plan to head to the other universe had suddenly been discovered. Tommy stood between Jason and Saba, Jason holding his arm back from attacking the floating sword.
"What's going on?" Trini asked me in a hushed tone.
"That's a good question," I said under my breath. "Something tells me we are about to find out though." Stepping further into the room, I saw that Saba and Tommy were busy exchanging death glares with one another.
"Zordon, there's something I must tell you about Tommy Oliver," Saba said, turning his sights on Zordon.
"You don't have to do this," Jason said, stepping closer to the sword and releasing Tommy's arm. Saba floated two feet higher, just out of everyone's reach.
"What is it, Saba?" Zordon asked. Walking over, I put a hand on Tommy's bicep. Glancing down, he gave me an apprehensive look before turning back to Saba and Zordon. I knew I was right about the plan being discovered just by the worried look on Tommy and Jason's faces. Everyone seemed to be feeling it now, no one daring to speak up for them. The Billys looked just as confused as the rest of us who were included in the plan, this not being a part of it.
"Please, Saba," Tommy stressed through his teeth. The floating weapon glared at Tommy for interrupting.
"Zordon," the weapon said. "It's with some reservation that I tell you that Tommy is ready for the White Ranger powers," Saba said. Tommy's eyes widened at the statement Saba had just made. "Tommy has shown all the parts of what it takes to become the new leader of the Power Rangers. It is time for him to be given his rightful new powers to claim."
"What?" Jason and Tommy asked at the same time. Saba turned back to the both of them, floating closer.
"During the exercises, I wanted you to showcase a number of different things. I know you had some difficulties with these, especially when it came to thinking as a leader. However, only a true leader of a power team would know enough that taking matters into your own hands for the protection of those you serve is important. You were willing to go behind even Zordon's back to save your daughter and you risked your own life by saving Jason when we had our little scuttle down below."
"I don't understand," Tommy said. "I didn't pass the tests."
"No. You passed your own." Saba replied, giving what looked like an attempt at a smile. "Tommy, the tests I had put into place for you were ones that the creator of the Morphing Grid had entrusted with me for a number of reasons. Knowing how to make the right decisions based on the well-being of others, even when the best decision it's the easiest, is a key part of becoming a leader of any team. I know we haven't worked well together so far. You are reckless, quick to make unnecessary decisions and think with your emotions instead of your brain but I would be willing to work with a man willing to risk everything in order to save the people he loves. Zordon has put great trust in you based on your abilities as a Ranger. I can see how well this team works together and the knowledge that you are willing to risk your life in order to protect them speaks volumes. Your patience to come up with a plan such as yours and your dedication to ensuring that the team is on the same level also helped proved my point today. Your team needs you and respects you as a Ranger. It's only right that you take your rightful place as the leader of the Power Rangers."
"Saba is right, Tommy," Zordon said, gazing down at all of us. "Though you are a young man who has made some mistakes in his past, you have shown and proven yourself worthy of being not only a Ranger but the White Power Ranger. I know you have self-doubts about your abilities, strengths, and loyalty gave your past with Rita but I promise that if given the chance, I would have chosen you for our team as well. Your dedication, compassion, and integrity are what bring you to stand in front of me today. The Tommy Oliver standing in front of us is not capable of becoming Lord Drakkon. That is why you are the only reasonable choice for this power. Alpha, please prepare the power coin for the transfer of power."
"Yes, Zordon. Right away!" Alpha said in a chipper voice. He turned to Tommy. "You did a great job," Alpha said, patting Tommy on the arm. He sounded very proud of Tommy and I could tell from the pink tinge on Tommy's cheeks and ears, that he was feeling the appreciation.
"They're all right, man," Jason said, smiling at him. "You're gonna lead us right to the end." He clapped Tommy on the back who smiled. Turning to me, Tommy took my hands.
"Looks like we're going to be doing this a different way but I promise you the same outcome." He said.
"I can't wait for Abby to meet you," I whispered, smiling up at him. This was it. Tommy was going to be able to take the new powers and together, our team was going to be able to save her and little Tommy from Drakkon. It had been forever since I had fought in a battle but I was ready for one now.
Suddenly, there was a blaring alarm around the room. It made me jump nearly out of my skin from the abrupt ringing. The shrill noise was made worse by the echo that followed, making it sound like it went on forever. Around me, everyone was scrambling to find the source of it. The older Trini appeared now from somewhere, looking confused at the sound as she ran towards the middle of the room.
"What's going on?" I called over the noise, covering my ears. Billy, William, and Trini ran towards the control panel. Alpha did as well, pressing some buttons. It killed the alarm, leaving an empty quiet feeling in its place. My ears continued to ring softly though from the memory of the noise. It reminded me of the fire alarm bell when we were in school, something that was sure to wake you up if you were in Miss Appleby's class after lunch.
"There's some kind of energy reading outside the Command Center," Trini said, looking down at the screen with confusion.
"Trini is correct," Alpha said, bending to take a look at where Trini was. "There seems to be something giving some sort of power or energy nearby."
"The computer is sensing someone along the perimeter of the area," William said. "Their proximity is closing in."
"Which direction?" Jason asked, turning his attention to the monitor.
"The northeast," Billy replied.
"Let's go greet them then." The older Zack said. He, Tommy, Jason, Zack, and our Billy ran towards the front entrance of the Command Center. I walked over to Trini, looking at what looked like a flashing green orb blink on the screen. There was indeed something walking outside of the Command Center. It was moving fairly quickly towards where the Ranger Slayer and I had sat last night when we had spoken. Five more dots appeared on the screen, smaller than the green one. A few seconds later, they all merged together and made some erratic movements. Together, they all started back towards the front entrance again.
"How does anyone know where this place is?" I questioned, looking over at Trini.
"They don't. There's a cloaking device over it that blocks out any kind of interference that our systems can cause." William replied. "Whoever this person is seems to have prior knowledge."
"Terrific," I mutter. Up the ramp where the boys had disappeared to find the source came some loud voices followed by the noise of heavy footsteps. Billy appeared first, his face looking rather pale. Zack was next, shaking his head as he entered.
"Look who came to pay us a visit." He said, pointing his thumb over his shoulder. Tommy and Jason appeared next, the older Zack with them, and to my surprise, Goldar was in the middle of the three of them. Everyone in the room took a fighting stance as they led him to the middle of the room. Goldar's beady red eyes looked around a smug look on his face.
"So, this is the Command Center. I always thought it would be bigger, Zordon." His garbled voice called out, glaring up towards Zordon. He looked a bit more battle-worn than the last time I had seen him. I wondered if this was due to the fact he had witnessed his master's death right in front of him.
"What's the matter, Goldar? Did Drakkon run out of his other lapdogs to send so you got stuck with security detail?" I asked, crossing my arms to glare at him.
"Silence, you worthless human." He hissed. This earned him a punch from Tommy, sending Goldar back into Jason who shoved him back to his standing position.
"I'd place nicely if I were you." Older Zack said, his hand on his weapon on his hip.
"Why did Drakkon send you here?" Tommy asked, stepping in front of Goldar.
"He didn't," Goldar replied, glaring down at Tommy. Tommy chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Right. Sure, he didn't. He just blows up all the towers and the portals in the area but doesn't know that you're here. Sounds legit." Tommy stepped closer to him. "There's no point in lying. We have you now."
"You Rangers are pathetic," Goldar said. "And you're all the same." Tommy shrugged.
"Alright. We can just toss you into one of our cells then. I'm sure that if Drakkon doesn't know you're here, he won't mind you just coming up missing for a few weeks." He offered. At that moment, I saw that tiny flick of fear on Goldar's features. He might be a ruthless warrior but he was still deathly afraid of what Drakkon would do to him.
"I came to make a deal with you Power Geeks." He grumbled. "I have some information you might want in exchange for something I want."
"How do we know we can even trust a thing you have to say?" Jason asked. "It's not like we're friends."
"It's a risk you've gotta learn to take, Red Ranger," Goldar growled.
"What exactly do you want from us?" I asked, narrowing my eyes at him. Goldar never did anything for anyone else unless he wanted something big in return. I had seen it happen numerous times during my time at the castle.
"I want you to spare Silverback." He said, putting his hands on his armored hips. "When it comes to the final battle, I want you to leave him unharmed."
"I didn't realize the two of you were so close." Tommy mused, crossing his arms. Goldar shook his head.
"I want to be the one to kill my brother," Goldar admitted, surprising me. Trini glanced over at me with a look of shock as well. "With my history with my brother, I am the only one worthy of that chance."
"Hold up. You want to help us and betray Drakkon so that you can kill your own brother?" Zack asked, looking confused. "That's cold, even for you, Goldar."
"I don't need to explain myself to any of you." Goldar snarled. "Do we have a deal or not? Because I can take the information I have about saving one of your own with me."
"One of our own?" Jason asked, looking around the room. I did as well, wondering what he could be referring to.
"Kimberly." The older Trini said, narrowing her eyes towards Goldar. Everyone looked around as well, seeing that she was the only one not here.
"What have you done with her, Goldar?" Tommy asked.
"I haven't done a thing." He replied. "But I can't guarantee that she isn't in trouble. Now, do we have a deal?" Tommy stared at him with a hard look, deep in thought. I knew he didn't want to listen to Goldar and making a deal with him was the last thing he'd ever want. Though he wasn't our Goldar, Tommy had been brutalized by the Goldar of our world while under Rita's control. Giving in to any form of him went against every fiber of Tommy's being probably. But I also knew that Tommy couldn't let the Ranger Slayer be at risk, especially if it had anything to do with Drakkon.
"Fine. What do you know, Goldar?" Tommy asked.
"The Ranger Slayer was able to turn Finster against Lord Drakkon, it seems. Lord Drakkon killed Finster last night." Goldar said. "He learned of his betrayal from my brother and served him a punishment he saw fit."
"Last night?" Our Trini asked. "Goldar, are you sure it was last night?" He nodded.
"I was present when they removed his body."
"What's wrong, Trini?" Jason asked, giving her a concerned look.
"She told me this morning that Finster had asked to meet with her at the Old Command Center. I was there when he was writing to her when we woke up. That's where she is right now." She replied. "If it wasn't Finster…" She trailed off.
"It was Drakkon." I finished for her. Tommy and I shot each other a quick glance, silently telling each other what we needed to know.
"Zordon, we need to do that power transfer now," Tommy called, turning to look up at Zordon.
"Indeed. Alpha, begin the sequence." Zordon's voice boomed around the room.
"Team, get ready to head out. We will go for Abby once we are able to get the Slayer to safety." Tommy said to our group.
"Might as well kill two birds with one stone, Rangers," Goldar said, smiling. "Lord Drakkon didn't head off alone. He took my brother and the two children with him when he traveled to your world."
"What?" I whispered, stepping towards him. "Abby is somewhere here?" He nodded.
"Yes. She's the key to his master plan."
"What the fuck does that mean?" Tommy questioned, reaching for Goldar.
"That's for you to figure out, Green Ranger," Goldar said, grabbing his sword. Before we could stop him, he slammed it to the ground and disappeared. Tommy fell forward slightly in the space where Goldar had been, swearing loudly.
"Tommy, hold out your right hand," Alpha said, grabbing his arm. "We must do this quickly now." He yanked Tommy towards Zordon and Saba. Around us, everyone began to load up their weapons. Willaim handed out the pieces of the gems to everyone. When he handed mine to me, I gazed down at the pink little gem in awe. My team each received a gem while William, Tri, and Zack did not. The three of them grabbed weapons that were not powered by the Grid and armor that snapped into place. In front of our group, Tommy stood and held out his right hand. Saba lowered, stopping near him. In the palm of Tommy's hand, a white light began to shine.
"With this Power Coin, you will be able to use the power of the White Tiger. Built with honor, loyalty, and strength, these powers were destined for those who seek them for the greater good. It's my honor to present them to you today." Saba said. A power coin appeared in Tommy's hand in the white light. I noticed too that the faded green gem that was still perched on the monitor where they had been sitting was glowing now, white light instead of the green.
"You'll need to transfer the Green Power Coin now," Zordon said. "Alpha will be able to assist with its safekeeping." Nodding, Tommy reached down to his Morpher and popped out the Dragonzord Power Coin. It flashed green as he did before he popped the new one in its place. The green one was charred and cracked, stemming from the last battle he had fought against Drakkon.
"This feels weird," Tommy said, holding the coin out to Alpha who took it gingerly.
"I promise it will be safe with me," Alpha said, opening the front panel of his chest. From inside, he pulled out a small wooden box with some odd writing on the top of it. He opened it and put the coin in there before putting it back into the space in his chest cavity. William picked up the white gem now and handed it to Tommy. As he did, the rest of the crystals began to glow brightly in our hands.
"The white portion of the Zeo crystal has recharged the rest," Zordon explained. "You will have enough power to morph and use your weapons in order to save the Ranger Slayer. Your time and access will be limited however and I cannot guarantee how long you will be able to stay in your morphed forms."
"Tommy, morph now and take your rightful place as the leader of the Power Rangers," Saba said proudly. Tommy reached for his Morpher and paused. Turning, he walked over to me quickly and cupped my face in his hands.
"Don't forget what we talked about, okay?" He whispered, looking down at me. "If things go south, you take Abby and go."
"Tommy…" I whispered, a lump forming in my throat. He gave me a sweet smile, pressing his lips to my forehead.
"I've lived a thousand years waiting for you and having you back these last couple of days has been worth every moment. If this is our last chance to be together, just know that I love you more than I could ever tell you. Nothing means more to me than you and Abby right now. Never forget that."
"I love you, too." He kissed me, his lips lingering on mine for a moment. When he pulled away, he grabbed his Morpher. Shooting me a wink, he smiled.
"It's morphin' time!"