Disclaimer: I don't own the Rangers etc. You get the drift. This is part four of my Destiny Chronicles series. Okay, here's the drill. This is going to be a shocker. If you've read the others then you know or have an inkling of what's about to happen, if you haven't - well what are you waiting for, read them before this one! I'm not going to make any bones about it, this series from now on is going to be brutal towards the Rangers, if you don't like death scenes then please don't read this. I don't want to upset anyone but if I do, I apologies here and now. Any questions or comments please e-mail me at captain_mouse72@hotmail.com. September 2002. Mouse.
Destiny Chronicles 4: And so it has begun.
By Mouse.
What is the best thing a man can have? A life that's even, just and brave. -Welsh proverb.
Phaedos, January. 2000.
The four teams of Rangers journeyed hard though out the day. The team of Astro Rangers found themselves in the bone yard, and luckily they had listened to the words of the older rangers and had managed to defeat the bones to get through fairly quickly.
The Galaxy Rangers had encountered a swamp and managed to cross it, fighting off something that Kai said reminded him from a very old 'B' movie called The Toxic Avenger. They all laughed after the encounter and continued on with their journey.
The former Zeo Rangers had encountered a thick jungle canopy blocking their path, but some quick thinking by Justin and they soon found a path through the jungle, they encountered monkey like animals that seemed quite content to hurl objects at them from great distances. Again, they managed to defeat them and continued with their journey, in good spirits.
The Original Rangers path was fairly easy. It took them through meadows and streams, fairly innocuous terrain that had them all on edge. And when some sort of flying beasts attacked them, it was a relief in a way. Some brilliant acrobatic work soon dispatched them and they continued on their way.
After a hard days journey, all of the Rangers found themselves outside the Temple of the Great Power. Even though they had all taken different routes, they found themselves all approaching the temple together. They approached with caution, mindful of what had happened before. Not that it helped them any. They were soon battling the very same Rock Guardians that they had faced before. Again, there were only four Guardians, but this time they faced twenty-six Rangers. To say that they were defeated quickly was an understatement. Each team took a Rock Guardian and they all fought with skill and teamwork, showing that once again, the Power had chosen well.
When the last guardian was destroyed a great white light streamed out of the temple as the huge stone pyramid moved forward, glowing with the Great Power. On it's face were carvings of all the sacred animals, not just the ones from last time, but all the animals, for all the Rangers. Each Ranger soon became engulfed in the light, the power coursing through their veins once more. As the light dissipated they found themselves wrapped in their armor. This armor wasn't like any previous Ranger armor and for a few moments, they examined it closely. Ranger armor and uniforms had gone through many changes through the years, but they could tell that this armor was the best of the best.
Each one of them was in their respective colors, and this color coated the entire armor. In the center of the armor, was a gold coin embossed with that person's animal spirit. The helmet's were round, but had the face of each Rangers animal spirit on it. Black knee high boots were trimmed with silver and gold intertwined braid, and that also trimmed the white armored gloves each Ranger now wore. The braid also ran around their necks, and in along in a horizontal line down their shoulders to their gloves.
Each Ranger was also now equipped with a blaster and a special weapon to be called upon at a later time during battles. Everyone took a moment to examine themselves before their helmets came off, showing grinning tired and dirty faces beneath them. All in all, they looked formidable. Looking at Jason, then at the others, Tom grinned.
"You know what Jason, I think we've got a team here." Jason returned his friends smile.
"I think so, to. Everyone, power down to Ninjetti mode." As one, they all looked at each other, grins even more wider, and said, "Power down." Soon everyone was back in his or her Ninjetti uniforms. Trini looked around for a few moments and then stepped forward. Most of the Rangers had some form of bumps, bruises and scrapes. The healer in her wouldn't let them return without checking them all out.
"Okay, before we head back, I want to look over any and all injuries that we've sustained. Kim, will you join me by the stream?" With a nod the Pink Ninjetti joined her friend. Practically everyone turned questioning glances to Jason, all accepting him unquestioning now as their Leader. With a laugh at the looks on their faces he started to explain.
"It's alright, Trini's a Doctor. She's one of the top Doctors at Angel Grove General. Kim's a nurse, pediatric nurse actually, at the same hospital." Cassie looked confused at Jason's words.
"I thought Kim was a professional gymnast Jason?"
"She was Cassie. She won Gold at the Pan Global games and decided that a change of career was a good idea. So she went into nursing." Jason smiled in fond remembrance. "When we first started, she was always the designated nurse. So, she just took it one step further." Kendrix and Leo had walked over and now joined the conversation. Leo spoke, still a little in awe of the first Red Ranger.
"So, do all of you older Rangers have jobs and stuff?"
"Do you mean do we lead ordinary lives. Yes, we do. As I said, Trini's a Doctor, Kim's a pediatric nurse. Zack teaches Dance and Drama at a high school in New York. Adam's a journalist for the Angel Grove Gazette. Rocky owns his own Dojo's in Stone Canyon and Angel Grove. Aisha's a top Veterinarian in Kenya. Tanya has a recording contract and her own radio show in New York. Justin's at Angel Grove University studying engineering, I think." Jason frowned slightly as he tried to remember where everyone was and what they were doing now. " Kat's an architect back in Australia. Tom is one of the best stock car racers I've ever seen; he has his own team. Ashley and Andros, are the Ambassador's between KO-35 and Earth. Cassie here is like Tanya has her own radio show, except you're in Angel Grove right Cassie?" Cassie nodded. " T.J. is a police officer with Angel Grove Police Department; Carlos is a computer programmer at NASADA. From what I understand from T.J., Zhane and Karone just spend all of their time on KO-35, helping to rebuild the planet. You guys, the Galaxy Rangers, have came back here from helping set up a colony in another Galaxy entirely, so don't worry. You'll work out what you want to do with the rest of your life." Jason smiled reassuringly at them.
"What about you Jason, what do you do?" Kendrix was curious to know what he did. He was such a natural leader and inspired confidence that she was betting military or something similar.
"I'm a lawyer with the District Attorney's office in Angel Grove Kendrix. But don't dislike me for it, I'm aware of the reputations lawyers have." They all laughed and watched quietly as Trini treated a small amount of cuts and bruises gathered by the Rangers. There wasn't much she could do, just clean them to make sure that they didn't get infected.
Just then Andros, Zhane and Karone all cried out and clutched at their heads, falling to the ground in agony. The other Rangers ran over to them to see if they were all right. Zhane was the first to recover enough to speak coherently after a few worrisome moments. The pain and fear in his eyes startled Jason and he immediately suspected the worst.
"It's Dulcea. She wants us back at the temple, immediately. Something's happened." Jason looked around at the assembled Rangers. They all stood there, waiting for his decision. It was then that he understood the phrase, 'Loneliness of Command'. He looked at the others, gauging their strength, their resolve.
"Help them to their feet and lets move out." Nodding they all helped the three Rangers from KO-35 to their feet, and set off back to the temple.
~*~
Ninjetti Temple, Phaedos.
"Well?" Dimitria asked.
"I got through to the Rangers, they are on their way back." Dimitra looked at her friend in concern.
"I just hope they hurry. What is it Dulcea? What did you feel?" Dulcea seemed reluctant to speak and silence reigned many moments before she did.
"The death of a Ranger."
~*~
Pryamidis. Outside Phaedos's atmosphere.
Trey of Courage looked over at where Trey of Wisdom lay in the co-pilot seat. Many times the three parts of Lord Trey of Triforia had traveled in Pryamidis, having adventures and helping to save the galaxy. Now all of that was over. Trey of Heart was gone. Destroyed. And without a third part of his being, Trey of Triforia was dying. Nothing could stop that. As if sensing Trey of Courage's thoughts, Trey of Wisdom opened his eyes weakly.
"Do not fail us Trey of Courage. The Rangers must know what they face. Take us to them and we can die among friends."
"I know what to do, Trey of Wisdom. I just wish we were able to fight along side of them. They are good and honorable people from all parts of the galaxy."
"I know. We are here. We must go to the temple." Nodding, Trey of Courage programmed Pryamidis, for the last time. Making sure that only the Rangers would use his beloved Zord. Picking Trey of Wisdom up he teleported to the surface.
~*~
Ninjetti Temple, Phaedos.
The Rangers arrived back at the temple in record time. It had taken them almost a day to reach the Great power, but now that they had it they were able to use it and made it back to the temple in a little over an hour, after receiving Dulcea's summons. They poured onto the temple grounds, questions forming and stopping half asked with the sadness that they beheld before them.
Dulcea and Dimitria were watching the sky, then they looked at the Rangers with sadness on their faces. Dulcea had just opened her mouth to speak when they all heard the unmistakable sound of an incoming teleport. A Gold stream of light landed in the center of the Temple and coalesced into Trey of Courage, he was carrying Trey of Wisdom in his arms.
"Oh no." Whispered Jason. He, more than any Ranger present, knew what this site meant. "Not Trey. Please God, not Trey." With a start he moved forward to find Billy and T'Risa moving with him. Trey of Courage lay Trey of Wisdom down. Kneeling down next to him, he put Trey of Wisdom's head in his lap. Looking up at his friends he began speaking softly, his words strained and weak.
"We were watching the barrier, like you asked me to Billy. The barrier became weakened and something came through. We morphed and tried to fight in Pryamidis but to no avail. Something or someone came into the cockpit. He called himself Dathan. It was evil, ultimate evil. It did something to us. Something caused us to de-morph and spilt into our three parts. We had never felt pain like it. Then, for nothing other than his own amusement, he destroyed Trey of Heart. He told us to come here and warn you. That if you tried to stop him, this would happen to you as well." Trey's eyes found Billy's. "He knows all about what you are trying to do Billy. You must stop him. He's almost through the barrier, but not quite. If this is just a fraction of what he can do to one Ranger, I dread to think what will happen to all of you." Jason knelt down beside his friend and looked him in the eyes.
"We will get him for this Trey. I promise that your death will not be in vain. It will be remembered with honor and respect." Trey of Courage nodded gravely.
"I thank you, Jason. You did honor to us when you took our place as the Gold Ranger for a time. We thank you." Trey of Wisdom opened his eyes and looked at Billy.
"You are the only hope the Universe has, my friend. I'm sorry I can not be there with you at the end." Tears flowing freely, Billy knelt next to Jason and took Trey of Wisdom's hand.
"You have been my friend and teacher. In our hearts you will always be there."
"That is good to know. Pryamidis is yours now, Jason. Look after him for me."
"You have my word on that, Trey."
"Good. It has been an honor to fight with you."
"And you."
"May the power protect you all." Trey of Wisdom closed his eyes and faded slowly away. Trey of Courage looked around at all the assembled Rangers. He smiled one last time at Billy and Jason.
"Do not be sad my friends. I meet my death with honor. May the Power protect you." With that he closed his eyes and slipped to the ground. Trini rushed over and quickly checked him. Looking at her two friends she just quietly shook her head. She moved away to allow them to have their privacy. Jason reached out and calmly smoothed the hair away from Trey's face. He then stood, picking Trey of Courage up in his arms, Billy taking Trey of Wisdom in his. As if in a dream, they walked over and placed Trey's body on a stone table. Jason arranged it so that it looked liked that the Trey's was only sleeping, not dead. He stood there looking at his friend's face. Without turning he spoke, knowing that Billy would be there at his side.
"This isn't fair. He wasn't supposed to be in this fight. He was supposed to be protecting his planet." He saw Billy bow his head, guilt filling his voice.
"I know Jason. This is my fault. When I received the summons to come here, he volunteered to watch the barrier for me, and I let him do it. Never for one moment did I think that something was going to get through so quickly. I was hoping that I would get there before something did. This is all my fault." T'Risa walked up behind her husband and his best friend. She knew that she had to head this off before it got any worse.
"It's no one's fault Will. He was doing his duty as a Power Ranger. Just as you and Jason will do your duty. Will, you have read the Prophecy, you know that some of the very people standing here won't be coming back. And there is not a thing you can do about it. But you must have faith that in the long run, Trey's sacrifice will not be in vain. He died as he was meant to, as a Power Ranger. Now, let's give him the respect and burial he deserves, and honor his memory." Jason just nodded and Billy wiped a tear from his eye. He gave his wife a quick hug and then turned to his oldest friend. Jason was openly crying now as he embraced his friend. After a moment they broke apart, but Billy kept his hand on Jason's shoulder. Jason stepped forward and addressed the other Rangers.
"Trey of Triforia, the Gold Ranger, is dead"
~*~
Inside the Great Barrier.
Dathan paced. Well, his consciousness paced back and forth along the inside of the great Barrier. Looking for spots where it was weak, where he would able to penetrate it. The brief sojourn outside the barrier, and resulting destruction of the Gold Ranger, had left him weak. He was therefore unable to resist being pulled back inside the barrier.
"Well," he purred to himself. "One Ranger down. Twenty six to go."
~*~
Phaedos, that evening.
A huge bonfire rose into the night sky. The assembled Rangers gather around it, saying goodbye to one of their own. Even though most of the gathered Rangers didn't know Trey, they had respect and honor for a fellow Ranger.
Prince Trey of Triforia lay atop the bonfire; it's flames engulfing the last parts of his being, sending him on the greatest journey of them all. Jason and Billy had both given an emotional speech saying goodbye to their companion and friend. As the flames died away, the Rangers spilt off into pairs. All of them went with their partners; all of them needing the emotional support that a loved one allowed them. Billy and T'Risa walked off towards the edge of the mountain. Trini stood with Jason, hand intertwined with his, leaning her head against his shoulder overlooking the jungle below. Rocky and Kat sat by the edge of the cliff, staring at the stars. Tom and Kim were quietly getting some food prepared for the others, although no one felt like eating. Ashley and Andros were sitting with Karone and Zhane. Both couples communicating telepathically, if they even spoke at all. Aisha and Zack were quietly humming a song together. Cassie and T.J. were trying not to look at Jason too much, not wanting to intrude. Leo and Kendrix held each other close. They had enough scares about losing each other not wanting it to happen again. Mike and Maya, who had only recently discovered their love for one another, didn't want to disturb them. Tanya and Adam stood off to one side, watching everyone, not wanting to intrude but wanting to be there for their friends. Carlos, Justin, Kai and Damon just looked around at everyone, trying to decide what was going to happen. But every one of them looked up as Cassie and Tanya, as if by some unspoken signal, they both starting singing.
Amazing Grace.
How sweet the sound.
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now I'm found.
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas Grace that taught
My heart to fear...
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
The hour I first believed.
Through many changes, toils and snares....
We have already come.
T'Was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
And Grace will lead us home.
The Lord has promised good to me
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
As long as life endures.
When we've been here a thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Then when we've first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost, but now am found.
Was blind but now I see.
The last of the Rangers voices died away, their song had carried over the temple grounds to echoed amongst the mountains. The Rangers grieved, but they did not grieve alone, a planet grieved with them.
~*~
Next morning, Ninjetti Temple.
The Rangers stood before Dulcea and Dimitria, resolute and strong. They had discussed what they were going to do, well into the night, and had come up with a plan. Jason stepped forward and spoke to the pair of them.
"We're going to Triforia. Billy says they can build us Zords to fight Dathan and his minions. They also need to know what happened to Trey."
"Jason, you realize that Trey is only the first, others will loose their lives as well." Dulcea wanted him to understand this fact; she wanted all of them to.
"I know. I asked each and everyone of them Dulcea, they all want to continue on this path."
"As you wish then Rangers. Remember, for Ninjetti, anything is possible. Keep that truth in your hearts at all times. May the Power protect you." She bowed to the assembled Rangers and then shimmered into her Owl form and flew away. They knew how hard it was for her to say goodbye; she was sparing herself the task of saying it. And they all understood, they didn't want to do it either. Jason turned to Dimitria. The Inqirian just smiled behind her veil.
"May the Power protect you all, Rangers." With a final look at all of the Rangers she had helped to assemble, she drew upon her magic and disappeared. Jason looked around at the now empty temple. He took a last breath of the fresh morning air and then looked at his friends.
"Lets go."
Tbc…