Disclaimer: I don't own the Power Rangers, Saban does. Would be nice if I did though, wouldn't it! This is part five in my Destiny Chronicles series and as stated in the disclaimer of part four, it's gonna start getting nasty. So, if you have any questions or qualms about this, let me know. Mouse, October 2002. Ps. Anything in italics with a * in front and behind are thoughts.

Destiny Chronicles 5: Despair hardens the heart

By Mouse.

Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. -- Robert F. Kennedy

Triforia. March 2000.

Billy found Zhane alone on the roof, looking out over the forest, his whole demeanor screaming out something was bothering him. The Rangers had arrived on Triforia and delivered their devastating news about Trey. The whole planet had been in mourning for almost two months now, not blaming the Rangers at all, but understanding that their Prince was gone, and he did his duty. The government of Triforia had pledged their aide in defeating Dathan. To which end; they had immediately begun construction on the Ultra Zords for the Rangers that Billy, Justin and Damon had designed. They were building one Ultra Zord for each of the four teams of Rangers. They had all been busy over the last two months that they had been on Triforia; helping in the construction of the Zords and also training in their use. But more mundane concerns had been on each Ranger's mind since arriving on Triforia.

The trip from Phaedos to Triforia had taken only two days, but it was two days that everyone had taken in stunned silence. Telling Trey's people that their beloved Gold Ranger wasn't returning to them had been the hardest thing Jason and Billy had ever had to do. Somehow, they made it through, the support that they gave each other saw to that. Each of the Rangers had been dealing with Trey's death in their own way, even the ones that hadn't even known the Gold Ranger. But his death was not without consequences for each of them. They were all rethinking their decisions to come on this journey. But each and every Ranger had approached Jason individually, since arriving on Triforia, announcing to him that they would stay, until the end. It made Jason feel worthy of the trust that they were showing in him. They were saying that no matter what, Rangers stick together. It had helped Jason cope with Trey's death a little easier.

Jason and Billy had both been hit especially hard, since they were both close to Trey in their own ways, but were coping with the support of their respective wives and the entirety of their fellow Rangers. But Zhane was different; for some reason Trey's death had hit Zhane the hardest. But, when Billy had asked Andros about it, the Red Ranger said that they had never met Trey, and that Zhane wouldn't talk about it. So Billy decided to see if he could figure out what was wrong with the happy go lucky Space Ranger.

"Hey Zhane." The black clad Ninjetti glanced around at tried to smile slightly when he saw who it was. It didn't work and he turned back to stare out at the jungle. He'd been coming to the roof of the building every night since they arrived on Triforia.

"Oh, hey Billy. How's it going?" Billy walked over and stood next to him.

"Pretty good. You?"

"Yeah, okay." They stood side by side for a few minutes, enjoying the view. It was sunset and the twin suns of Triforia were setting, casting rays of orange, gold, pink and amber over the lush green forest. Billy broke the silence, sensing that Zhane wasn't going to.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes. It is." Zhane's words were clipped, to the point, not like him at all.

"So, are you going to tell me what's been bothering you?" Zhane looked at Billy, suspicion in his eyes.

"Have Andros and Karone been asking you to talk to me?" His tone was quiet, but anger simmered underneath it.

"No. But they are concerned, we all are. You've been extremely quiet since we left Phaedos. Everyone's noticed it. So, are you going to tell me what's wrong, or am I going to have to sic the girls on you?" Zhane gave a short laugh and held up his hands, giving in, and his anger dissipating on the wind.

"No need to bring out the artillery! I'll talk." He leaned against the rail and sighed. Billy waited quietly for him to speak. When he started talking, it was so quiet that Billy had to lean forward to hear him.

"When I first received my powers, as the Silver Ranger on KO35, I was told that I was unique. There were heaps of other colored Rangers: red, blue, etc. but only one Gold and one Silver Ranger, ever. End of story. No more thank you, we have a winner. One of each only, that's it. Totally unique and very powerful. I had heard about the Gold Ranger, and hoped that he had heard about me, the Silver Ranger. Then the attack came on KO-35 and I was injured." He paused here and Billy could see him reliving those memories. From the look in his eyes, they weren't pleasant ones.

"To save my life, Andros put me in a cryo tube to heal me. It took two years of my life to heal fully; I can never get those back." He stopped there and took a deep breath, dispelling his fruitless anger and annoyance with one breath. "And then once I was back, I had to re-energize my powers somehow." He looked Billy in the eyes, his deep blue ones very serious. "Andros doesn't know this, he only knows that I got them re-energized, so please don't tell him but that nearly killed me as well. I had to go into the middle of a lightening storm, un-morphed, and hope that the lighting would re-energize my powers." Billy stared at him in shock and Zhane looked away again. No one he'd ever heard of had ever survived anything like that. No wonder it took something special to hold silver powers. "It worked, but it was close. I've had one to many close calls being the Silver Ranger but it was great, you know?" His tone was wistful now, and one that Billy could identify with readily. "Anyway, once Dark Specter was defeated we began rebuilding our planet. The Silver Ranger wasn't needed any more. Then this happened, and I thought it was my chance again, the chance to be the Silver Ranger once more. But here I am a Black Ninjetti. Although I have nothing against being a Black Ranger, it's just that I miss being unique, you know? I miss being the Silver Ranger."

Billy stood there listening as Zhane spoke. The scenario was all too familiar. He knew that Zhane had been through some sort of trial to retain his powers, but he hadn't realized just what it was, exactly that he had been through. Now, with Trey's death, the former Silver Ranger was feeling alone and vulnerable, something Billy could empathize with completely. Billy put his hand on Zhane's shoulder and squeezed it gently.

"Zhane, you are still unique. You're still a Power Ranger, and once this is all over, you'll go back to being the Silver Ranger. You're right about one thing. The Gold and Silver powers can only be held by very special people. Anyone can hold any other color, but Gold and Silver, are to hard for just anyone to hold. Just ask Jason. He was the Gold Ranger for awhile, on Earth. Holding those powers nearly killed him. And yet, he did what he thought was right, what he felt was his responsibility, as a Power Ranger, to do his best. That's all any of us can do, my friend." Zhane thought over Billy's words for a moment, then smiled at the Blue Mage, his eyes now clear and sparkling with mirth again.

"Well, Billy, I guess we're both unique. You're the Blue Wolf Mage and I'm the Black Panther Ninjetti...with Silver leanings. Between you and I, being unique is pretty cool, don't you think?" He laughed his trademark grin making an appearance. Billy was glad to see that the darkness in Zhane's eyes was gone, for now. Clapping Zhane on the shoulder Billy led the way back inside.

"Well, yeah, I'd have to agree with you there my friend. We are both pretty cool." They both burst out laughing as they walked back inside.

~*~

Inside the Great Barrier.

The awareness that went by the name of Dathan prowled back and forth along the edge of the Great Barrier. It had enjoyed killing the Gold Ranger. There was something satisfying about killing a Power Ranger; he felt. It had been a long time since he had felt or had done anything but try to escape this prison.

Many eons ago he had agreed to this imprisonment, knowing full well that he would escape one day. He had the foreknowledge of what was going to happen, and the Prophecy that the Rangers were now going by. He had been preparing for this day for eons. But, the spell trapping him inside the Great Barrier was still a strong one, he knew that he wouldn't be able to get his entire essence free, but nearly only half of it for the moment.

"But that should be more than enough to deal with some pesky Rangers and restore my freedom." he thought.

And he relished that thought.

~*~

Meeting Hall, Triforia.

The Rangers gathered together, in the meeting hall that they had been using as a temporary command center every evening. They discussed the day's events, trials and workings. They also had supper as well, enjoying some relaxing company at the end of a hard day's work. They had also discovered many hidden talents amongst themselves and surprises about their new friends and fellow Rangers.

It was discovered that Carlos, besides being a computer programmer with NASDA, had been hiding his talent for playing the guitar. He and Kimberly had been practicing together, and the night before, they had performed for their friends, with Cassie and Tanya accompanying them. Tanya had discovered a talent for cooking the most delicious things out of what ever was in the cupboard. She and Kai had been busy trying out all sorts of recipes on the Rangers – some with good results, some not so good. Damon and Tom were virtually inseparable, talking about stock cars and mechanical work in their spare time. All in all, each of the various Ranger teams were becoming more and more relaxed with one another, and becoming one huge team, instead of four separate teams. Billy and Zhane walked back in, laughing and looking happy. Andros and Karone noticed this and made their way over to them.

"Hey, guys. What are you doing?" Zhane raised an eyebrow at his best friend.

"As if you didn't know. Billy and I have been talking. Got some things straight in my head." Karone smiled and embraced her boyfriend.

"I knew something was wrong." She said, as she held him. Zhane returned her enthusiastic embrace but looked at Billy as he spoke.

"Yeah. But I'm okay now, thanks to Billy." Billy blushed slightly and smiled.

"I didn't do anything. Just listened to what needed to be said. Anyway, I'll catch you later, guys. T'Risa will be wondering where I've gotten to." With a nod and smile he walked away, leaving the Kevorian Rangers on their own. Andros looked at Zhane, his eyes questioning his best friend.

*Are you sure that you're okay now?*

*Yeah. I just needed to deal with a few things. Billy helped me to realize, that even though I'm not the Silver Ranger at the moment, I'm still a Ranger and therefore still unique.*

*As if we could deal with another Zhane.*

The three of them all laughed at Karone's wry comment and Zhane hugged her tight, once again thanking his stars that they had come together after everything that had happened. Andros smiled at them, relaxing. He had been worried about his best friend, but had been unable to draw, what was wrong, out of him. In that respect, the two best friends shared a stubborn streak a galaxy wide. Together, they moved over to the main table and took their seats. It was almost time for supper, and they were looking forward to seeing what Tanya and Kai had whipped up for them tonight.

After a beautiful supper, all the Rangers gathered around the living area. They settled into an assortment of lounges, bean bags, cushions or just sat on the floor. Billy had announced during supper that he had translated some more of the Prophecy that had been etched into the stone, on Phaedos. He had made copies of it, along with the parts that Dulcea had translated, to try and finish the translation of it on his own. So far, he had only been successful in doing a small part, which was frustrating enough in itself. Trini, Justin, Kendrix and T'Risa had been helping as best they could. So far, they had translated additional paragraph, which was even more frustrating as the entire prophecy was only seven paragraphs long. Billy stood and everyone grew silent.

"Okay. As you all know, I have; with some excellent help, managed to translate a small portion more of the Prophecy. We all know what Dulcea told us; that it was foretold that a Blue Wolf Mage would lead the Rangers of Light; that's all of you by the way," laughter greeted his wry remark as he glanced around at his friends. "And that once and for all, Darkness would be defeated. Well, the part that we have managed to decipher goes along the lines of this..." Taking a deep breath he began speaking:

"The Rangers of Light and Power will suffer a great loss in the beginning of the Year of Destiny. The Gold Ranger is forever gone. Two Red and two Black will also fall; one Pink, one Yellow and one Blue will fall as well. These deaths will not be in vain, as their spirits will live on forever as the very fabric of the universe."

The Rangers muttered amongst themselves for a few moments, taking in Billy's words. They all knew that it was going to be dangerous, and Trey's death had reinforced that fact. But to be told that some of them will defiantly die; it was a bit unsettling. But they were Power Rangers; there was always a risk involved, they all knew that. Kendrix and Leo shared a concerned glance and Leo put his arms around her. Off all of them here, she knew better than anyone what it was like to sacrifice yourself for the power, and it was something she didn't want to remember.

"There is about another five paragraphs we have to decipher, and Dulcea is still working on it. As best we can figure, it means that we're going to have many battles with Dathan's forces, but few victories. But breaking it down into basics, it means that those battles won't really be important, it'll be the final one between Dathan, and myself that will if I'm reading what we've got so far right. I can't ask any of you to continue with us. It's there, in black and white, that some of you are going to die. I don't want that on my conscious. You're all my friends, and I would hate to loose any of you." Silence greeted his outburst until, surprisingly, Zack stood up. For once, his merry expression was gone and his eyes were serious as he looked at one of his oldest friends.

"Billy. I've known you since we were little and you first moved to Angel Grove with your father. You have never, ever backed down from a fight or challenge in your own quiet way. You have shown strength and courage in so many ways that I can't begin to comprehend. You have been there for every single one of us in one way or another. And I think I speak for everyone here when I say, let's do it. Who care's what the Prophecy says about who lives and dies? We're Power Rangers! This is our job! Pure and simple. Rangers protect. And that's what you're trying to do your trying to protect all of us. Well, my friend, I've got news for you. You ain't getting rid of us that easy." Every single Ranger in the room leapt to their feet and cheered Zack's words. Billy blushed a bright red and looked around at all his friends. They could see the tears of joy in his eyes. After a moment the Rangers settled down and Billy looked at them all.

"Thank you. You don't know how that makes me feel. Thank you one and all." He cleared his throat, uncomfortably, and a few of them laughed. Smiling he looked down at the hand held computer unit he held.

"Okay. Let's get down to business. The Triforians have advised me that the Ultra Zords are nearing completion, and it's time to start your training. There are six basic systems on each craft and one person from each team will be responsible for one system, okay?" Murmurs of agreement ran around the room.

"Okay, so here's the list of who's got what. I've tried to assign these as best I can, based on what I know about each of you and your specialties. Okay. First system is piloting and navigation." This got a few good-natured groans and Adam piped up.

"Just as long as Rocky's not driving, I'm happy." Rocky stuck his tongue out at his friend and they all laughed. The Ape ninjetti's zord piloting abilities where near legendary – legendary that is in the amount of damage he usually inflicts.

"If I could continue…" Billy looked around again, piercing Adam and Rocky with a stare, but they could tell he was hard pressed not to burst out laughing. "Right, now Mike, Ashley, Tanya and Trini. The four of you will be our pilots, one for each Zord. You all have various experiences and are the best we have." The three Yellow Rangers and Black Ranger nodded in agreement.

"Kai, T.J, Rocky and Zack. You guys will be in charge of the teleportation, communication and transporting of the Rangers. I have designed special communicators for us all, which we will be giving you in the morning. You'll be trained in the use of the teleport systems and repairs of these systems." Billy flashed them a grin, his eyes mischievous. "Just don't teleport us to the dark side of the moon alright." Everyone laughed as the guys nodded.

"Damon, Carlos, Justin and I will be in charge of Engineering and Repairs. Anything gets damaged or goes wrong, we fix it." Tommy grinned at Billy.

"Make sense, you guys are always fixing what ever mess we make."

"And in Rocky's case it's usually a big mess." Rocky grinned.

"Hey, I resent that remark. I always brought a Zord back in one piece, sort of…" Laughter ran through the room and Billy was pleased, their spirits were high.

"Life support is next. Kendrix, Cassie, Kat and Kim. You are our life support technicians. You will all be trained in the various aspects of the systems and also some additional first aid training as in the case of Kendrix, Cassie and Kat, you three will be our medics if Trini or Kim are unavailable." He looked at them all, his tone serious for a moment. "Remember, if anyone is seriously hurt, get them to Kim or Trini, straight away; they are the medical professionals. These ladies will also be manning the scanners as well. They will tell us what's coming or what's wrong out there." The four ladies all nodded, understanding the responsibility they had been given. Billy looked at his list and grinned wickedly suddenly.

"Okay, in charge of weapons systems, we have Maya, Karone, Aisha and T'Risa they'll be our gunners." He looked at his fellow male rangers, an expression of worry tempered by suppressed mirth on his face. "Don't cross these ladies guys, with the fire power were packing, they might be tempted to blow you to pieces." Everyone laughed at Billy's dry remarks.

"That leaves Leo, Andros, Tom and Jason in charge of the whole kit-n-caboodle. They will command an Ultra Zord each. I think it's safe to say these guys know what they are doing. And that also leaves us with a couple of extra crew people. Adam and Zhane will be our backup crew. They will be training on the generalities of each Zord, and if anyone is injured they can take their place; no matter on what team they are on. Is everyone clear on their assignments?" Nods of agreement answered him. He smiled at everyone.

"We'll get started first thing in the morning."

~*~

Great Barrier.

Dathan prowled the barrier, searching for a weakness. He pushed against its energy barriers, testing its strength continuously. He wanted to escape. He needed to escape. Reaching the part of the Barrier, that was located near the Triforian system, he paused, relishing the memory of what he had done to the Gold Ranger.

Suddenly, the barrier weakened momentarily. Acting with spilt second timing, he sent as much of his essence through as he could. About one third of his essence was able to escape.

Dathan smiled to himself. A third of his essence was more than enough to destroy those pesky Rangers. Grinning, he began to make plans.

~*~

Triforia, two weeks later.

"All systems operational, except teleportation. The automatics on that are still iffy but other than that, everything's a go. Power is at 100%. Everything checks out, Jason. We can lift off whenever you're ready."

"Will we need the automatics?" Billy studied his readouts a moment.

"We shouldn't, it's just a run around the block really."

"Okay, we wont' worry about them then. Let's do this." Jason shared a wide grin with Billy. They had spent an intensive two weeks training and now they were ready for the first test flight of their new Zords. Everyone had been looking forward to it. They had decided that all four Ultra Zords were going to be test flown that day.

Each team had come up with a name for their Zords. Jason's team called theirs 'Monty', for some obscure reason they weren't going to explain to anyone. But it was a safe bet it was due to the marathon of Monty Python movies they had watched the night before.

Tom's team had called their Zord 'Anzac', apparently it was a suggestion of Kat's and when she explained its significance to the Australian people, and they had thought it quite appropriate.

Team three called their Zord 'Smiley'. Don't ask them why, they'll just grin at you and change the subject. Andros and his team were being awfully mysterious about it, and no one had the heart to question why, all of a sudden, on their Ultra Zord, a huge smiley face was now appearing. It even winked at you. But everyone suspected it was because a certain silver ranger turned up one morning to training with yellow paint all over him.

Leo's team chose the name of 'Hope', for obvious reasons. All in all, good names each meaning something special to each team. Jason nodded to his crew and hit the radio.

"Monty to all Zords. Lift of on my mark. Status, please."

"Anzac here, raring to go."

"Smiley here. Lets do it."

"This is Hope, all systems go."

"All right then. Let's do it. Lift off in five...four...three...two...and one. Mark!" As one, the four great Zords lifted off, heading into space.

The four of them wasn't exactly the prettiest of ships to look at, but boy were they packed with the entire pack extra's that they could think of. Each Zord was a rectangular shape, with a huge bridge set in the middle of each Zord. A large window provided an unobstructed view of the surrounding space. Each Zord was equipped with sleeping and living quarters for up to twelve people. State of the Art medical facilities and also a hanger with auxiliary ships, small two people crafts that could be used as escape pods if necessary. All in all, they were the best-built ships ever. They all were justifiably proud of each one of the Zords. They had deliberately built them so they couldn't transform into MegaZords, as each Zord packed enough firepower to damage an entire planet in itself. But a linkage system was incorporated, allowing two or more zords to join at any one time to increase the firepower over all.

Jason ordered the ships to do their pre-plotted course, once around the system, and then back, to check the results on each run. Each Ranger did their assigned task well; making sure everything ran smoothly. The engines were performing beautifully and the ship was as quiet as a mouse. There was slight background hum, but Billy had told them that it was perfectly normal. Jason had received similar reports from the other ships. He looked over at Billy, who was manning the engineering station.

"Looks like she's gonna be a good ship, bro. You've out done yourself, again."

"Thanks, Jason. I appreciate it. But the Triforians did all of the hard work, I just designed her." Jason made to reply but a sudden beeping distracted him. Kim looked up from her sensor panel.

"Jason, something's showing up here on my sensors; there's something out there. Yet my visual sensors show nothing, but the energy sensors are off the scale." Billy and Jason both leapt up to join Kim. Looking at the read out, they quickly glanced at each other. With a slight nod of reassurance at Jason, Billy spoke out, his voice strong, not betraying the fear he suddenly felt.

"I think this needs checking out Jason. That's real close to the Great Barrier." Jason thought for a moment and then nodded.

"Okay, lets check it out." He sat back in his seat and punched a button to open a comm. channel.

"Monty to all ships. We've picked up something near the Great Barrier; we're going to check it out. Anzac, you come with us. Smiley and Hope, stay here for backup."

"Understood. Watch yourself, Jason."

"We'll be waiting."

"Right next to you man." Jason nodded to Trini and the two Zords sped towards the location of the disturbance. The other two Zords watched them go. Inside Smiley, Zhane walked over to where Andros was, and put his hand on his shoulder, for once, not smiling.

"I have a bad feeling about this Andros. A real bad feeling."

~*~

Just outside the Great Barrier.

Dathan sensed something approaching; stopped what he was doing to look for the disturbance. He saw the approaching Zords and smiled. Ah! More Power Rangers for him to torment and destroy. How much fun he was going to have with them. He watched as they slowed down and stopped, approximately two million kilometers, from his position. He decided that it was close enough and willed his body to appear on the bridge of the lead ship.

Intruder alerts went off all over the place, red lights flashed and sirens blared. With one swipe of his hand, Billy shut them off and looked at the intruder for the first time. He paled, as he knew who this must be. He was standing in front of Jason's station. He looked around and sneered. It was then that he must have sensed Billy, as he suddenly whirled and looked him straight in the eye. Billy was chilled to the bone at the coldness and evil that he saw in Dathan's eyes. Dathan smiled a cold, twisted smile.

"So, they found a Blue Wolf Mage to take me on. You know that it won't be easy, don't you boy? And that I will kill a lot of your friends before I'm through." Billy stood slowly and moved over to stand by Jason's side. He was pleased that his voice remained steady.

"Yes. I know it won't be easy Dathan, but I will beat you. And I will protect my friends from you, as best I can."

"We'll see about that Wolf. But this interests me." Dathan spread his arms to encompass the ship. "Is this the best weapon you could come up with to defeat me?" The sneer in his voice was unmistakable.

"No. This is just the first of many. And they have been constructed to defeat you, Dathan."

"Strong words for someone so young. Yet, with a wife so old. You don't care that she's an Eltarian and already over three hundred years old?" Dathan glanced around as he spoke, his eyes resting on T'Risa a moment and then back to Billy.

"No, I don't. It's what's on the inside that counts." Dathan laughed. It was a soul chilling, evil, maniacal laugh.

"You know, I think you really mean that. Well, lets see how well you cope with this." With another laugh and a wave of his hand; he was gone. Suddenly alarms started blaring all over the place. Billy quickly rushed to his panel a look of horror on his face.

"He's caused an overload in the reactor! We have twenty seconds to get out of here! Zack, get everyone out of here!"

Zachary Taylor was the quintessential fun person to be around. He was always ready with a joke or a game to lighten everyone's day. But he had also proven his worth as a Power Ranger, all those years ago. And had been a good ambassador for peace while at the peace conference. He had found a contentment and happiness in his teaching and working with kids that he'd never known before. He also took his responsibilities seriously. So when Billy had given him the task of overseeing the transport system, he made sure he knew it inside and out. And when Billy stated that they had twenty seconds to get out, he knew that at least one of them wasn't going to make it, but that didn't seem to matter to him anymore. His friend's safety was more important.

The transport systems were still on manual settings; they had been having some problems with the automatic settings – the ones that allowed remote activation of the system – and they had decided to go ahead with the test flights today anyway. The teleporter was geared up to transport up to twelve people, but it needed to be operated manually to do so. Zack activated the pre-set co-ordinates and smiled at his friends, his eyes full of regret but determined.

"Just make sure that you get the bastard for me, okay guys?" With a smile and a wave, Zack sent them on their way. Five seconds later, he disintegrated, along with the rest of his ship.

~*~

UltraZord, 'Anzac'

With a blur of light and a jumble of bodies, the Rangers landed in a heap in front of Tom's console, on the bridge of 'Anzac'. Jason and Billy scrambled to their feet.

"Come on Zack, get out of there!" Just as the words left Jason's mouth, 'Monty' exploded, taking a heroic Zack Taylor with it. A huge shock wave of debris flung outwards, rocking the other Zord but otherwise causing no damage.

"NO! Not Zack! Not him to!" Trini picked herself up off the floor and made her way too Jason's side. Without a word she enfolded him in her arms. Tom came around to Billy, a question on his face. He had the feeling he already knew the answer, but needed it confirmed for some reason.

"Zack?"

"The transport systems weren't 100% automatic yet. We thought that we wouldn't need them and went ahead with the tests anyway. There was no way we could have gotten out of there by using the automatic system. Zack transported us out and stayed behind." Billy's words were soft, regretful and the hardest one's he'd ever had to say.

"Oh, man!" He bowed his head in grief, along with everyone else on the bridge.

Silence reigned on the bridge of the 'Anzac'. Kim started sobbing softly and Tom quickly pulled her close. Billy held T'Risa and tried not to think of one of his oldest friends no longer being there. Everyone had bowed his or her heads, trying to come to terms with the senseless loss of another Ranger. It was then, that Dathan chose to appear before them.

"Well, well, well. You escaped." Dathan smiled, as he looked over the group of Rangers. "Wait a moment, you're missing a Ranger. Oh dear, did I kill another one. What a shame." He laughed. A maniacal, horrible, soul chilling laugh. Billy stepped towards him, anger in his voice.

"What do you want, Dathan? Why are you doing this?"

"Because I can boy, because I can. You think that you can defeat me Wolf Mage? Well, I'm here to show you that no matter what, you will lose."

He waved his hand again and a black beam shot forth from it, heading right at Justin. Billy flung out his hand, drawing upon his magic to try and deflect the beam. He was only partially successful though. Justin screamed in agony and the Rangers heard his bones breaking in the silence of the control room. Trini and Kim rushed to his side, checking to see if he'd be okay. Jason, seeing another Ranger attacked, tried to leap at Dathan, but Tom and Rocky held him back. Jason shouted at him, his face clouded with anger.

"Stop it Dathan! If you're going to kill us all, just get it over with!" Dathan smiled.

"What an excellent suggestion lion boy. I think I will save myself the hassle of killing you all later." He moved to wave his hand again but then Billy moved and stood between him and the others. It was time for him to act.

Billy had been studying with the greatest warriors of magic and spirit for the last five years. He had, at his side, one of the best mage's from Eltar and behind him all of his friends. His soul and heart cried out in sorrow for the loss of his friend, but his will and determination were as strong as iron. Carefully he gathered himself and drew upon the magic that was a blue flame burning in his soul and the Great Power. He would protect his friends, no matter what.

"I won't let you do that, Dathan. I may not be able to defeat you, but I am strong enough protect my friends." With that he began to recite an incantation under his breath and cast it. A shimming barrier immediately formed around Dathan. Dathan looked at it curiously, raising an eyebrow and then staring back at Billy.

"You can't do this to me boy, I'm too powerful for you."

"Don't bet on it. I can and I will do what ever it takes to beat you Dathan. You're not going to hurt any more of my friends today." Dathan smiled evilly.

"I may not be able to hurt your friends here and now Wolf Mage, but I can and I will hurt you." Without warning, he disappeared. Relaxing, Billy let the shield dissipate. T'Risa put a reassuring hand on Billy's arm, her expression concerned.

"You took an awful chance, Will."

"I know. But I couldn't just stand by and watch him pick us off one by one."

"You wouldn't be the man I married if you had let that happen." He managed a small, weak smile for her. He turned to see how his friends were. Trini and Kim were bent over Justin, checking to see how badly he was hurt. Tom turned to Tanya after making sure Jason had calmed down.

"Tanya, get us back to the others, as quickly as you can."

"Okay, Tom." Trini turned to the assembled Rangers.

"We need to get him to the med-bay." Trini said, indicating Justin's unconscious form. "Adam, I need the stretcher from the med-bay."

"Sure, Trini." The Black Ranger left the bridge, heading for the med-bay.

They were all quiet; trying to take in what had happened, when Aisha spoke up. She had moved in to take over Justin's station and was also keeping an eye on Adam's station as well.

"Um...guys, I think you'd better have a look at this." They turned to the viewer and Aisha pressed a couple of buttons. The image began to clear up. In front of them were the other two ships, plus a third one they hadn't seen before. "I think that's Dathan's ship. It just unexpectedly appeared on the sensors."

~*~

Bridge, UltraZord, 'Smiley'

"It wasn't there a moment ago. Sensors are showing that only Anzac is returning, and I can't get a connection with it. And there is no sign of Monty, Andros." Zhane looked up at his friend, his eyes concerned.

"You know what Zhane, I think I'm getting to be like you." Andros looked at the readouts as well.

"How so?"

"I have a real bad feeling about this. Status on the alien vessel?"

"Nothing is showing up, Andros. It's just sitting there. Wait a moment, something's coming through the communication bands." Zhane nodded to T.J. and they worked quickly and the speakers came to life with the message.

"Attention people of Triforia. Because of the interference of the Blue Wolf Mage in my plans, you have all been chosen to teach him a lesson. You have one minute to live."

Stunned silence settled over the bridge of Smiley. Andros whirled suddenly to T.J.

"Teleport as many people as you can up here. We have to save as many people as possible!" T.J. started working frantically. Carlos looked up from his console.

"Hope reports that they are trying to teleport as many people as they can as well, but something is blocking their teleporter!"

"It's no good, Andros. I can't lock on to them. The systems' working fine but something's blocking it. I can't do it!" T.J.'s voice was full of anguish. Zhane cleared his throat softly.

"Incoming transmission from Triforia." He punched it up onto the viewer. On screen appeared the Prime Minister of Triforia. His expression was grave.

"Power Rangers. Take heart. We know that no matter what, you will victorious. We are transmitting you all our knowledge and history files, please, use them well. Remember us with honor. May the Power protect you all." The screen reverted back to the image of the strange ship, surrounded by the three Zords. Andros turned to Cassie, an unspoken plea in his eyes. She shook her head.

"Weapons are being blocked as well, Andros. Even if we had them, it's too late. Look!" The strange ship had rotated so that it was facing the planet of Triforia. It seemed to shrink in on itself and then a beam of dazzling, red energy, so dark it was almost black, hit the planet. They watched in horror as a coating of darkness spread everywhere over the planet. Turning the once green and fertile orb into a black ball of nothing, and no one. The Rangers stood in silence, stunned beyond belief. The communicator crackled to life again.

"Next time Mage, it's Aquitar."

~*~

UltraZord, Anzac

Billy sat in the captain's chair, trying not to think of all that had happened. Zack, Justin...Triforia. The three Zords were now on their way to Phaedos. A place, Dulcea had assured Billy before they set out, that Dathan couldn't touch. Now he wasn't so sure. In the space of less than twelve hours Zack had been killed, Justin maimed for life and Triforia...destroyed. Everyone was in a state of shock. And it was entirely his fault! He heard some one enter the bridge and looked up to find T'Risa standing in the entrance. Her eyes were full of understanding and wisdom.

"Your blaming yourself, aren't you?"

"Yes. Is their anyone else to blame?"

"How about Dathan?"

"He's the villain, Tee. I'm supposed to blame him. But it's because of my defiance that he destroyed Triforia. And now he's threatening Aquitar. What am I supposed to do about that?" All the anguish, fear and worry that threatened to overwhelm him came pouring out at once.

"Will, you're supposed to guide your friends to victory. You know that, no matter what; it will all come down to a battle between you...and Dathan. Just think how Jason is feeling right now. He has lost one of his best friends and faces the possibility of losing more. Yet he has assumed the burden of command. You know him Will, you have to know how much he is hurting." Billy sighed softly, looking at her. The bridge was silent, they were the only two up at this hour.

"I do! I also know that Aisha isn't much better off. She and Zack were really hitting it off, big time." He smiled regretfully at that fact. He looked up at his wife and could see the concern in her eyes. Holding out his arms she came to him sitting in his lap, wrapping her arms around him and holding him close.

"Oh Tee, what am I going to do?" The words were being more of a plea than a question. Unable to hold back the pain any longer he started crying softly, pulling her tightly into his embrace.

Tbc…