Disclaimer: I don't own the Rangers. Note: The song used in this chapter is called 'Hakuna Matada' and if you don't know that's from The Lion King well then you've been dead for a few years then haven't you!! There are two versions of the song, the one used in the movie, the one on the Rhythm of the Pride Lands CD (which if you haven't heard, go get, it's brilliant!). So, I have used the version from the movie. Mouse, September, 2002.
Destiny Chronicles 3: The Calm before the Storm
By Mouse.
Everything has beauty but not everyone sees it. – Proverb
Phaedos, January 2000.
There were various areas of activity around the Ninjetti Temple, which was kind of unsettling as the temple had barely seen any activity in eons. The Rangers had spilt up into small groups, preparing places to camp for the night. They had decided to stay on Phaedos for the evening, and set out on their quests in the morning. So the guys had spilt into two groups. One was busy setting up tents, exploring caves and the like; and the other was gathering firewood. The girls had been foraging with Dulcea's help and had also been able to get Alpha to send some supplies down from the ship. And, at the moment, they were busy cooking supper. All in all it looked more like the average ordinary camping trip taken by a bunch of good friends. If that bunch of good friends just happened to be the only hope the universe had of surviving the next year that is.
A little later as twilight was upon them, Jason, Zack and Billy walked back into camp with several pails full of water. That had been their task, given to them by 'head cook', Kimberley. They had accepted the task with a smile. Jason drew Billy and Zack's attention to the group of women.
"Looks like Kim has them all organized." Zack laughed.
"Yeah, brings back memories. Hey Billy, T'Risa looks like she's fitting in well."
"Yeah, she does. I'm glad." T'Risa, with help from Kat and Tanya, was busy cutting up bread and exchanging gossip. "Who wants to bet they're talking about us?" Billy laughed.
"No bet, Billy." They all burst out laughing and cast guilty glances the girls' way. "Come on, let's drop this water off and help with the tents." The three old friends laughed and made their way to the fire. Kai was kneeling down next to the fire pit, feeding the fire and setting up a stand so they could heat the water they had just brought back.
"Thanks Jason."
"Anytime, man." Smiling at the Blue Ninjetti they moved over to see if the remaining guys needed any help setting up the tents. Andros and Tommy walked over to talk to Billy and Jason, their expressions serious.
"Hey Jase, Billy. Listen, Andros and I have been talking and wanted to see what you guys thought."
"Sure Tommy, about what?"
"Well, in the morning we're all going to set out on the quest for the Great Power, right? And last time, once we succeeded, we got new Zords as well as our powers. What are we going to use for Zords this time? I assume were going to need something to fight in aren't we Billy?"
"Yes, we are." Billy smiled at them, his eyes laughing again. "I have some ideas for Zords. I was going to ask Trini, Justin, Carlos and Damon to help me design them. The Triforian Government has also offered their shipyards. And trust me, they are great ship builders. They shouldn't take too long to construct."
"Good idea. That's one problem solved." They all laughed at Andros's remark as they started moving back to the fire. Zack, when he was sure that they were alone, turned to Jason with a huge grin on his face.
"As if all our remaining problems are small ones." They both started laughing again.
~*~
Pryamidis, Great Barrier.
Prince Trey of Triforia watched the read outs with growing concern. The Great Barrier was getting weaker by the hour. Soon He would be able to break through completely. He ran some projections on Pyramidis's great computers and didn't like what he saw. Looking up through the view port of the bridge, he saw the shimmering field of colors that was the Great Barrier and his handsome face became worried.
Billy had asked him to keep an eye on the Barrier while he joined his friends in their quest for the Great Power. Trey had been honored to be asked as he counted the former Ranger as a close friend now. Not only were Triforia spatially close to the Great Barrier, it had also been Billy's home for the last year or so. Trey was determined to keep his post as long as possible. He knew what was at stake, more than anyone. Working quickly he sent the findings of his latest scans to the Astro MegaShip which was currently orbiting Phaedos. He knew that Billy would be given the information, and that it would be acted on, quickly.
He hoped.
~*~
Phaedos. January 2000.
After eating a lovely meal prepared by the girls, all the Rangers gathered around the large campfire. Dulcea and Dimitra sat off to one side watching them, not participating in the bonding that they were sharing. They were all gleefully roasting the marshmallows that Zhane had surprised them all with, chatting away, exchanging rumors, gossips, recipes that sort of thing. Aisha looked around at all of her friends and grinned.
"What we need is a sing-a-long. Any one have any suggestions?" Several groans greeted her remarks, along with good-natured grins.
"The first person who starts singing Kumbya, gets it!" They all laughed at Rocky's remark.
"I have a song." Everyone looked at Kat. The Australian was sitting next to Rocky, blushing slightly at all the attention. She had been quiet all afternoon, still not quite over her jetlag, although she had managed to get some sleep on the trip to Phaedos.
"What is it, Kat?" She smiled gratefully at Aisha.
"It's something I learned as a child in Australia, in Brownies." At the strange looks she was getting, she quickly explained. "It's our version of Girl Scouts." Understanding responses, of various types, greeted her. "It's just a silly little thing we used to sing as a round robin, that's if you want to try it?"
"Of course we do, Kat. Please, sing it." Nodding at Jason she lifted her head and sang, her clear accent ringing across the temple grounds.
Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree,
Merry merry king of the bush is he.
Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra.
Gay your life must be.
Kookaburra sits on the telephone wire,
Jumping up and down, his pants on fire.
Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra.
Gay your life must be.
Everyone burst out laughing at the last verse. Kat blushed even more and Rocky put his arm around his girlfriend, grinning at her discomfort.
"Oh man, that's funny. Come on, we can do this as a round robin." Aisha quickly organized everyone into four groups and they started singing. They went through the song twice before they couldn't contain their laughter any more; all of them stopping to catch their breaths. Dulcea and Dimitria looked on with smiles on their faces. Leo was the first one to recover.
"Okay, so what will we sing now?" Everyone looked around trying to think of something to sing. Aisha and Tanya were deep in whispered discussion when Tommy noticed it. Glancing at the two cousins he spoke out, his tone wary.
"Aisha, Tanya. I'm probably going to regret this but do you have a song we can sing?" They looked up at him, equally wicked grins greeting him. Everyone could see the family resemblance between the two young women.
"Not only do we have a song to sing, but everyone will know this one and can join in."
"What is it Aisha?" Adam looked at his oldest friend, suspicion in his eyes and a grin on his face. Various other Rangers were grinning as well, the well-known happiness of these two women was well known. They stood up and moved to the middle of the circle of friends.
"Oh, you'll know it. Okay, so when I point at you, you sing the next line okay? We'll exclude Andros, Zhane, Karone and Maya. They won't have a clue what we're singing about. Okay?"
"Fine by me. I don't like singing anyway."
"Lair." Zhane grinned at Karone unrepentedly. They were sitting together, hands firmly intertwined, next to Andros. Aisha and Tanya stood, and standing back to back, they started singing.
Aisha: Hakuna Matata. What a wonderful phrase.
Tanya: Hakuna Matata. Ain't no passing craze.
Aisha: It means no worries for the rest of your days.
Tanya: It's a problem-free philosophy.
T&A: Hakuna Matata
Kai: Why, when I was a young warthog.
Damon: When he was a young warthog.
Leo: I found my aroma lacked a certain appeal.
Mike: He could clear the Savannah after every meal.
Kendrix: I'm a sensitive soul, though I seemed think skinned.
Zack: And it hurt when no one ever stood down wind.
Jason: And, oh, the shame
Zack: he was ashamed
Tommy: Thoughta changin' my name
Zack: what's in a name
Trini: And I got downhearted
Zack: how did you feel
Kim: Ev'rytime that I..
Justin: Hey Kim, not in front of the kid.
Everyone: Hakuna Matata! What a wonderful phrase.
Everyone: Hakuna Matata. Ain't no passing craze.
Billy: It means no worries
Adam: For the rest of your days
Rocky: It's our problem-free philosophy
Everyone: Hakuna Matata!
Everyone: Hakuna Matata!
Justin: Hakuna...it means no worries
Cassie & Ashley: for the rest of your days
Everyone: It's our problem free philosophy
Everyone: Hakuna Matata!
Everyone: Hakuna Matata!
Everyone dissolved into helpless laughter and smiles. The song had been so much fun and Aisha had pointed at everyone without showing any mercy. She and Tanya sat back down to the laughter of all the Rangers present and their applause. The song had hit just the right note to dispel the worries of the Rangers. The two cousins certainly seemed bursting with happiness and generally good spirits.
Jason recovered his composure and looked at the two cousins, trying to be stern but laughter threatened to overtake him.
"If either one of you start singing "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", that's it, your out of here!" Fresh gales of laughter surrounded the Rangers. They sang some more, and yes, "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" eventually was sung, much to Jason charign.
~*~
The next morning they gathered around the fire again. They were all much more relaxed and refreshed after the night before. The evenings singing and dancing – Zack had brought down his stereo from the Astro MegaShip - had strengthened their resolve to succeed. Dulcea and Dimitria stood before them, watching and assessing the various Rangers silently. Dulcea moved forward and everyone became silent.
"Never before have so many people, at once, quested for the Great Power. Therefore, I am going to divide you up into four teams. These will be your teams when you leave Phaedos and go on to fight Him. We have thought long and hard about these assignments and from what we know of you, Rangers, we have come up with what we hope are the best matches for each of you. There will be some odd numbers, but that can not be helped." The Rangers all murmured, this would be interesting, to say the least.
"Team one is as follows: Jason, Kimberly, Zack, Trini, Billy and T'Risa. The first five of you formed the very first team of Power Rangers on Earth. You showed great courage and strength of character to carry out that task, it was not something that you took lightly. And you still don't. Billy and Kimberly have already completed this quest once, but you will find that it will not be the same." Dulcea pointed to a warn path leaving from the temple grounds. "You shall all leave now for the quest. Follow that path. Once you are all successful, return immediately to the temple." Nodding at their fellow Rangers, the first team left the temple grounds. The others watched them go in silence.
"Team two is the following: Andros, Zhane, Cassie, Ashley, TJ, Carlos and Karone. You will follow this path, and return once you have completed the quest. The jungle is a dangerous place and the trials will be many, as you strive to reach the Great Power, but I have faith in all of you." Andros nodded at her words, then led the others towards the path that Dulcea had pointed out. Out of all the Rangers, only a few of them had experience with planetary conditions that they were likely to find, and the others, well, Dulcea hoped for the best.
"Team three are the following Rangers. Tommy, Kat, Tanya, Aisha, Rocky, Adam and Justin. You will take that path there. This will not be like the first time you quested, the trials will be different and harder." Dulcea paused a moment, looking at Justin. "Justin, this will not be easy, especially on you as you are so young." Justin's face clouded over and Dulcea held her hand up. "I don't question Zordon's wisdom in choosing you for a Ranger Justin, but I have to ask. Do you want to complete this quest?" Justin thought a moment and then just smiled.
"Once a Ranger, always a Ranger. I want to do this." Dulcea just nodded and Tommy signaled his understanding and they moved out.
Dulcea turned to the remaining Rangers.
"And you are the fourth team. Mike, Leo, Maya, Kendrix, Kai and Damon. You are the newest Rangers and have fought dangerous enemies. But you have the luck of having more experienced Rangers to draw advice from." Dulcea grinned suddenly, letting them know that she knew of their earnest conversations with the older Rangers regarding the previous quests for the Great Power. "Use their knowledge to help you. But for now, take this path and watch the jungle, it is a place of many dangers." Mike nodded and led the others down the path. Soon Dulcea and Dimitria lost site of all the Rangers.
"They will make it?" Dulcea stood next to her friend and watched them depart.
"I don't know Dimitria. I honestly don't. But I hope for all our sakes, that they do."
~*~
Pryamidis, Great Barrier.
Trey was near frantic with worry. His calls to Phaedos had been answered only by Alpha, who told him that all the Rangers were on the planet and out of communication range while on the quest for the Great Power. He couldn't even raise any one else. And Time was running out faster than they thought. The barrier had weakened so much; that Trey knew something was about to come through. He put one final, desperate call in and quickly morphed. He didn't know what he could do, but he knew that as the Gold Ranger, he had to try.
Suddenly Pryamidis was assaulted from all sides, by forces he couldn't see. He struggled to put up the huge Zords shields, but to no avail. Something was entering the cockpit. He leapt out of his seat and spun around upon sensing an evil presence.
Something or someone was standing there.
"Hmm, don't like this thing. It's not big enough." The figure looked around, examining his surroundings. Whatever or whoever it was finally looked at Trey and the Gold Ranger felt his blood run cold. "Oh. A Power Ranger." Its tone was matter of fact, bored even. "Should have expected one to be here. Oh well. So, you're a Gold one. Haven't seen one of you, my boy, for eons. Of course, back then, Power Rangers were barely known. Hmmm, what manner of Ranger are you, boy? You're not human, are you?" Trey finally found his voice and was secretly pleased when he was able to keep it steady. He drew his courage tightly around his fear, suppressing it deep down in his soul.
"I am Triforian." The being seemed amused by that fact for some reason.
"Oh yes, them. Three parts of one being, is that right?"
"Yes." Trey wondered where this was leading. He studied the 'man' while it looked around again.
He was tall, about the same height as Trey. He had dark blond hair, reminding Trey heartbreakingly of Billy, and his eyes were gray, a pale gray that seemed to hold some great pain that couldn't be hidden. But they also held great evil. And Trey feared for his very soul when those eyes came back to stare at him.
"I've always wondered what that all three parts looked like. Show me." With a wave of his hand Trey was engulfed in a searing black light. Screaming out in agony he demorphed and the three parts of his being all fell to the floor dazed and confused. Never before had he suffered an assault like the one he just faced. Trey of Courage was the first to his feet, staggering under the weight of the pain and agony.
"Why did you do that?" The being shrugged and smiled. It sent chills up Trey of Courage's spine.
"Because I can. Which part are you?" The being seemed indifferent to the answer.
"I am Trey of Courage." He nodded and motioned to the other two, still lying on the floor.
"And these two?"
"Trey of Wisdom and Trey of Heart." The being laughed and watched as Trey of Courage helped his other two selves to their feet. All three parts of Trey's being now faced him, unsure of what would happen next. But they all knew, that there time in this Universe was now finished.
"How sweet. How noble. How sickening." With a wave of his hand, he sent a blast of pure black light toward Trey of Heart. Immediately Trey of Heart was obliterated without uttering a single sound. Trey of Courage and Trey of Wisdom both fell to their knees, tears streaming from their eyes, holding each other as they felt a part of themselves die. Trey of Courage looked at the being, and the pain of loss was deep in his eyes.
"Why?"
The being shrugged as he knelt down to look at Trey. It knew that without the third part of a Triforian's soul, Trey was already dead, he just didn't know it yet. The being's eyes were dead and soulless.
"A warning if you will. To the other Power Rangers. Go to Phaedos." He smirked when he saw the shock on Trey's face. "Yes, I know that they are there, getting the Great Power in the hopes of defeating me. But they will fail. They will see you die before their very eyes and know that they will be next. You tell them that. Tell them that Dathan said, if they want to die, I can arrange it quiet easily." With that he was gone. Trey of Courage crawled over to Trey of Wisdom and lifted his head into his lap. Already Trey of Wisdom was looking pale and starting to grow cold.
"We must get to Phaedos, to warn the others."
"But." Trey of Wisdom reached up and clasped his other self's hand.
"Trey of Courage, do not make our sacrifice in vain. Set the course." Nodding, Trey of Courage picked his remaining self up and carried him gently to his seat. Carefully, placing him down, he returned to his seat and began to set course for Phaedos. Already feeling weak he knew that they did not have much time.
~*~
Pheados, January 2000.
Dulcea gasped and looked at Dimitria, her eyes wide and her skin pale. Her spirit cried out in sympathy with the fallen Ranger. She didn't know who had fallen; only that someone had.
"What is it Dulcea?" Dulcea scanned the heavens and reached out with her spirit. She to soon felt that something had happened but didn't know what or to who, and that frightened her. She looked at Dimitra, fear in her eyes.
"Something bad has happened to a Ranger Dulcea. But I can't tell to whom or to what, or where." Dulcea looked up, her eyes scanning the heavens.
"Someone is coming.."
tbc