Disclaimer: I don't own the Rangers. You know that by now. Once again this isn't a pretty little fic like I normally do, this is a lot darker. If you're offended by violence or death then please be warned, they are included. Thanks to everyone for the great feedback, please keep it up. Mouse, October 2002.

Destiny Chronicles 8: The Strength of One's Heart

By Mouse.

Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Phaedos, June 2000

Jason leaned his head wearily back against the rock. He was sitting over looking the Neola jungle, trying to make sense of the last couple of months. It hadn't been an easy time for them, made all the harder by Billy's continued absence.

They had begun fighting Dathan's creatures and had slowly gained the upper hand during that first battle. Yet it was during that first battle that Dathan kidnapped four Rangers, resulting in the death of Damon and the injury of Carlos, who he released with Trini after breaking Carlos's leg. He had kept Kat with him, as apparently she had intrigued him when she told him to bugger off in no uncertain terms. Jason snorted softly at the image of Kat loosing her temper, go figure that one out! They had then decided that the only way to draw Dathan out was to attempt to close the Great Barrier, thus trapping him for all time behind it and possible preventing more tragedy and war.

To say the least that attempt didn't work. It had cost them greatly, with the loss of T'Risa, Billy's wife.

Billy had then gone on to finish sealing the barrier, but the majority of Dathan's essence was now irretrievable stuck on this side of the barrier for good. Therefore it had been a futile effort that had cost them more than they wanted to pay. So then the stalemate had started.

What seemed like a never-ending running battle between the remaining Rangers and Dathan's forces began and hadn't stopped yet. For some reason though, Dathan hadn't brought his planet killer against any Ranger friendly planet, yet. And it was that yet that had Jason worried. He sighed at the burden of leadership that was on his shoulders and once again his mind turned to one of his oldest friend, as it had done every day for the last two months.

After the effort of sealing the barrier Billy had collapsed and then slept for almost five days solid. When he woke he said nothing to anyone except that he would return and then he just up and disappeared. They hadn't heard from him since. To say the least, Jason was worried sick about him and everything else on top of that. Sighing again he opened his eyes as he felt someone sit next to him. He smiled at his wife as she snuggled close to him and he put his arm around her, drawing comfort from her presence.

"Are you okay? You've been sitting here for a couple of hours." Her voice was soft, concerned.

"Yeah. Just thinking about things. Mainly what's been happening over the last couple of months." He sighed again. "I don't think I'm cut out for this Trini, I honestly don't."

"Jason, you are the person you are. The great power wouldn't have picked you to be our leader if you weren't capable of it." Jason felt a pang of guilt over everything that had happened so far.

"Trini, Rangers have died because of me, because of the decisions I've made. Why can't Billy or Tom do this? They are way better leaders than I'll ever be." Trini looked at him, her eyes concerned and full of love for him.

"Jason, Tom is a great leader, that's true. But he doesn't have what it takes to truly inspire a team, you do. And as for Billy, do you honestly think he could cope with that burden as well as the others he is baring at the moment?" Jason though about her words for a few minutes, clearing his mind and letting the images of the jungle sooth him. After a while he managed a tiny smile and looked at her.

"You know what, your beautiful when your right." Trini grinned.

"I know. Feeling better now?"

"Yes, thank you." He studied her a moment. "You know today was our anniversary, don't you? I wanted to try and make our first one special."

"I know. All that matters is that I'm here with you." He nodded and looked out over the jungle again, taking in its serenity. "How is everyone?" Trini giggled something you wouldn't expect from the serene doctor.

"Well. Carlos is finally walking without crutches, just has a slight limp. Aisha's burns have finally healed; she's only got a little scarring to show where they were. She thinks it's wicked and loves showing her scars off. She and Justin are having fun comparing scars. Rocky's arm will be ready to come out of plaster in a day or so. Leo will be up on crutches in a day or two and T.J.'s hearing has come back 100%. Justin is busy helping Carlos, Kai and Alpha work on the Zords to repair them."

"What about Andros?" She sighed, her voice turning concerned now.

"He's still in a coma. Dulcea thinks that his brain has been injured, and I tend to agree. We just don't know when he'll come out of it. Even though he is human, there are differences between our physiology and his. Ashley, Karone and Zhane are all taking turns watching him when we're here, and Dulcea and Dimitra take turns when we're not. I just don't know Jason. All his other injuries have healed, he's just not waking up." Jason hugged his wife close. He knew that she took it personally that he wasn't waking up. He went to say something but some commotion from the temple made them look around. Tom was yelling at them to come back. They both stood and jogged over to the temple.

"What's going on Tom?" Tom just shrugged.

"Don't know. Dulcea just said to gather everyone."

"Oh." The stood in silence as all the remaining Rangers assembled. Justin, Kai and Carlos had come down from the remaining Zords. When they were all assembled Dulcea stepped out in front of them.

"Rangers. You have suffered much over these last six months, more than any team has suffered before. I have some news for you; you can take it as good or bad. I have finished translating the prophecy and I will now reveal what it says to you." They all looked at one another, shocked. Dulcea had been trying to translate the prophecy for eons, and now that she gets it finally, something wasn't right. Jason stepped forward, his face concerned.

"Hang on a minute Dulcea. I thought you said that you've been trying for ages to translate that prophecy and now you finally get it. Doesn't that just sound a little too convenient." His voice was skeptical, as was the expressions of the other Rangers.

"I know. And you'll understand why in a moment." Dimitra stepped out next to her friend.

"Together we have been working on this night and day Rangers. All will be revealed."

"I hate it when she does that." Adam muttered to Tanya, only to receive an elbow to the ribs. Dulcea began to speak.

"The journey is long, difficult and will not be without hard lessons of pain and suffering. And lo, the mate of the Wolf will fall, and this will signal the beginning of the end for the darkness. And a stalemate shall occur for many months while the Wolf grieves, as the universe will grieve with him. The Universe will grieve also when the second planet of Light falls, and it's people with it. But grieve not long, for with their loss it clears the way for a new and greater Ranger to emerge, years from now, with kindness, compassion and the intelligence the planet of Light was known for. But before the final battle the Wolf will have to choose his destiny and the destiny of his companions. The power of the Wolf is so strong, that these deaths will enhance his resolve to face the final battle

But the Rangers of Light and Power will endure, and the Red Lion will lead them into many battles, but even fewer victories. The Evil One is strong, and Rangers will fall, that can not be changed. In the end, the Blue Wolf Mage will make his decision, and the Light will shine anew.

Choices will be made, and will be undone but one thing remains. The Year of Destiny will happen.

The Wolf and the Evil One will face each other in a final battle on the eve of a new millennium and only one will survive. Mark these words well;, as for they will not appear until just before the final battle is ready to be fought. Be strong Rangers, the Wolf needs all your strength and nobility to enable him to face his destiny.

The Power will protect you, always.

They assembled Rangers stood there, shock written all over their features. Jason took a deep breath and looked at Dulcea.

"These words of the prophecy, they are taken as a given I suppose? That what is written will happen?" His voice was steady as a rock, belying the fear that was coursing through him.

"Yes. If that's what a prophecy says, that is usually the case." Taking Trini's hand in his he then looked her in the eyes and asked the question that was on everyone's mind, his eyes never leaving hers.

"So that means another four Rangers are going to die." His voice never wavered.

"Yes." Dulcea replied calmly, knowing there was nothing she could do to change the outcome.

"There's nothing we can do to stop that?"

"I'm afraid not Jason. Once it is written, it is extremely unusual for them to undone."

"Thank you Dulcea. I understand." She nodded and stepped away from the middle of the temple, Dimitra joining her. Trini squeezed his hand as she smiled at him, nodding slightly as she stared into his eyes, and he knew what he had to do. He stepped into the middle of the circle after letting go of her hand.

"Well, you've heard her guys. Four more of us aren't going to make it. So if anyone wants to back out and go home now, I will understand." He then looked at each one of them, trying to gauge their reactions, trying to see if they would stay or go.

"You can't get rid of me that easy Jason." Tom smiled as Jason's gaze fell on him first.

"Hey, we're a team. I'm not going anywhere." Kim held her husband's hand tight and looked at him, a proud smile on her face.

"I'll stay with you Jason." Justin was adamant in his response.

"Hey, you've got to have the comic relief now don't you?" Everyone laughed at Rocky, trust him to try and lighten the mood.

"I haven't got anything important to do back home, besides, someone has to try and control Rocky." Kat just grinned as she spoke.

"We'll be staying Jason." Adam looked up from where Tanya had nodded to him and spoke for the pair of them.

"Hey it wouldn't be a party without me now would it!" Aisha just grinned at everyone, her energy and outlook would be welcome. Leo looked up from where he had been talking to his team.

"We'll stay. All of us." Each of the Galaxy rangers nodded in accord with their leader.

"Thank you Leo." He looked at Zhane. Since Andros's incapacitation the former silver Ranger had been leading the space team. He had proven to be a good leader, if a little unorthodox.

"Hey, you need someone good looking now don't you?" everyone just laughed and shook his or her heads. Nothing could make him be serious. Karone spoke next, her voice soft.

"We'll be staying. It's what Andros would want." At the mention of the unconscious Red Ranger they all sobered momentarily. Jason just nodded at her and looked at Ashley.

"Cassie, T.J. and I will be staying."

"Thank you. Every one. You don't have to stay; I don't want to loose any of you. But that's the price we pay for fighting for what we believe in. I just don't know what to say."

"How about welcome back?"

~*~

The Revenge.

Dathan prowled around his ship aimlessly. He had been sending his Rocknie monsters every so often to various planets in the universe to keep the Rangers busy. But he had been doing it more for something to do than any desire to hurt them. But he had been watching some of the battles and knew that occasionally they were getting injured.

Sighing he waved his hand and sent twenty rocknie's to Delta Prime. It has a remote human outpost; had no value rather than he hadn't attacked it yet. Sighing he settled down in his over stuffed chair and set himself to watch the battle.

And all the while his thoughts raced around, and for the life of him he couldn't figure out why he was continuing this fight. And that thought disturbed him more than anything else.

~*~

Phaedos.

Everyone crowed around Billy, hugging him, shaking his hand, just to verify that he really was back. He smiled slightly at all of them and then everyone parted to let Jason through. Somehow they all understood the deep friendship between the two of them and knew that they would both be glad to see each other.

"Your back." Jason studied his friend for a moment, the pain in Billy's eyes broke his heart.

"I suppose I am. Sorry about taking off on you." Billy sounded regretful.

"That's okay. You had reason. How are you doing?" Billy shrugged.

"I'm okay." Jason just nodded and could see that his friend was everything but. Suddenly laughing out loud he grabbed his friend in a huge bear hug, which Billy returned just as enthusiastically.

"I'm just so glad your back. I've been worried." Jason whispered into Billy's ear as he studied his friend up close. There was gauntness to Billy's face now, and he eyes were full of barely suppressed pain. Jason released him and just nodded, he knew that if he wanted to talk he would, later. "So, where have you been Billy? We've all been worried sick about you."

"I went to Eltare. I had to tell T'Risa's family what had happened and had to make a few arrangements. I stayed there for a little while to get my head back on straight but then I realized that the battle isn't going to stop because I've lost someone, so here I am."

"We are so glad to have you back Billy." Jason made way for Adam to join him at Billy's side.

"Thanks Adam." He went to say more but just then everyone's communicator beeped. Jason activated his, his expression concerned. This couldn't be happening at a worse time, he wanted to give Billy a chance to settle back in.

"What's up Alpha?"

"Jason, Dathan has sent rocknie's to Delta Prime. There's a small colony located there and they have no defenses." Alpha sounded worried.

"Set a course. We'll be there right away." Jason closed the channel and looked around at the assembled Rangers. No choice for it but to take everyone he could and go. "Okay. Rocky, you're staying here with Leo. Neither of you can fight at the moment and I'm not putting you in harm's way until your better. Aisha, you will be our back up in the zords, you have almost healed." Aisha nodded and Rocky opened his mouth to protest but Kat quickly covered his mouth with her hand and nodded at Jason. "Let's go." As one the remaining Rangers raised their communicators and disappeared in streams of colored light. Rocky sighed and looked at Leo, giving the other red ranger a small smile.

"Come on then Leo. We might as well go watch Andros. Maybe if I tell him some of my jokes he might wake up." Leo smiled as he shook his head as they started towards the cave.

"Yeah, he'll probably wake up to tell you to shut up."

"Hey!"

~*~

Delta Prime.

The Rangers arrived already morphed to the planet's surface after travelling two hours to the planet. Billy had spent that time locked in his room, not wanting to see anyone yet. Jason understood that but when the time came to teleport down to the planet, he was there with the rest of them. Jason spilt them into four teams, three teams of five and one team of four and gave each team a location to take out one of the teams of five rocknies that was on the planets surface. He stressed to each and every one of them to be careful, but they all knew that was easier said than done.

The first team of five consisted of Ashley, Cassie, T.J., Carlos and Zhane. They took the rocknies that were attacking what looked like the local hospital. They could see civilian casualties streaming into the hospital, while the poorly equipped defense forces of the planet tried to cope with the monsters. Upon seeing the Rangers arrival they had quickly backed away, helping get the civilians out of the way. The Rangers began using the tactics developed over many battles with the rocknies. Carlos and Zhane called forth their power weapons while the other three Rangers drove each rocknie towards the two waiting Rangers, one at a time.

"Silver Power Sword!"

"Black Power Lance!" When they had first used their power weapons, Zhane had discovered to his great delight that even though he was a Black Ranger, his power weapon reflected his inner power color, and so it was for all the Rangers. So, in a way, he still got to sort of play silver Ranger, which made him happy no end. The first rocknie that Cassie sent their way soon disappeared in a shower of sparks and an explosion that sent rock flying everywhere. Zhane looked over at Carlos and you could hear in the smile in his voice.

"This is so much fun!"

Team two consisted of Mike, Kendrix, Karone, Maya and Kai. They had been sent to a local shopping district – the emergency personal there had been concentrating on evacuating the area, so the Rangers arrival was a great relief to them. The galaxy rangers used the same tactic as the other teams. Numerous discussions over the campfire of a night had resulted in this battle plan. For the moment, it worked fine. Kendrix and Karone that had the pleasure of destroying the creatures for the galaxy rangers, both enjoying it immensely.

"Pink Power Bow!

"Pink Power Staff!" When they had been discussing their power weapons Kendrix and Kim had both been delighted to find out that they shared the same power weapon, so they had immediately began training with them together. Now nothing could beat the pair of Pink archers in concert. With practiced ease the two Pink Rangers dispatched their first rocknie. Karone looked at her friend, her voice slightly uneasy.

"This is starting to get too easy."

Team three was made up of Tom, Kat, Adam, Tanya and Justin. They had been sent to a military base, but again, the personal weren't up to facing the monsters they were facing. A huge cheer went up when the Rangers appeared. They were using a variation of the standard tactic developed, something Tom had come up with to make sure they all kept their skills sharp. Each of them was taking turns in destroying rocknie's, but they still worked in concert with one another. But it was fun as each of them used their power weapons, something they all enjoyed doing.

"Red Power Sword!"

"Pink Power Boomerang!"

"Black Power Axe!"

"Yellow Power Stars!"

"Blue Power Sling-shot!" They attacked as the team that they were, each taking turns to deal blows to the rocknies. Kat had told Rocky that after the first time they had used their power weapons, she had felt honored in an obscure way getting a weapon that was unique to her country. Rocky had replied with a typical grin as if they would trust anyone but an Australian with a boomerang! With practiced ease they all dispatched their rocknies easily. Tom looked around uneasily, unconsciously echoing Karone's words.

"This is getting to easy."

The remaining rangers – Jason, Trini, Billy and Kim, were fighting the rocknies on the edge of a cliff, which was near where the planet's spaceport was located. Billy had remarked on arrival that it was a stupid place for a battle, and now they all agreed with him. Kim had taken a glancing blow to close to the edge of the cliff and was now dangling about fifty meters above rocks, hanging on for dear life and screaming for help. Jason was trying to get her while Trini and Billy kept the rocknie's busy but wasn't having much luck. Just as it was starting to look hopeless the space team arrived. Taking out one rocknie Zhane looked over at them, a grin in his voice.

"Need a hand?"

"Very funny Zhane. T.J., you and Carlos help Jason. The rest of us, lets get rid of these things." Billy could tell that Trini didn't appreciate the humor, and smiled slightly in his Helmut as he ducked under a rocknie's clumsy swing.

"Right."

With renewed vigor they began to battle the rocknie's, able to concentrate on the fight now that extra help was here. Using their power weapons, the Blue Power Lance for Billy and Trini's Yellow Power Daggers, they quickly dispatched another rocknie, leaving two more and Billy looked over at his friend and something like his normal cheerful self came through in his voice.

"Brings back a lot of memories doesn't it?"

"Yes. All of them good." She ducked under a clumsy kick by a rocknie and spinning around with one of hers she sent the monster towards Cassie who quickly dispatched it with her Pink Power Stunner and Ashley helped with her Yellow Power Stinger. She watched satisfied as what she thought was the last rocknie being destroyed. She turned to see how Jason and the others were doing rescuing Kim when she saw the very last one heading straight for them.

"Look out!"

Carlos and T.J. had gone over to help Jason rescue Kim. The main problem was that Jason couldn't quite reach her, as she was a ways down the cliff face. So Carlos had grabbed his ankles and lowered Jason down towards her, while T.J. anchored them. When T.J. heard Trini's scream he looked up and saw the rocknie heading towards them, he paled as he was in the middle of pulling them all up, as Jason had succeeded in grabbing Kim. Knowing there was no another choice he acted.

"Everyone hang on to something!" he yelled and just had time to let go of Carlos's ankles before the rocknie ploughed into him full force and carried him over the edge of the cliff. Carlos had just enough time to dig his feet into the ground and looked up, his whole manner reflecting his horror at what he was seeing. With a roar of triumph the rocknie plummeted to the rocks below with T.J. trapped firmly in his arms. Jason and Carlos could plainly see T.J. struggling to reach his communicator. Jason tried to reach his as well, but couldn't as he had Kim firmly clasped in his hands, to get Aisha to teleport T.J. up when T.J. hit the rocks with an unnaturally loud crash. With a kind of fascinating horror they watched as T.J.'s body bounced two or three times before finally coming to rest on the rocks below. Trying to control his emotions Jason pulled himself back to the situation at hand and yelled out.

"Pull us up! Now!" Zhane and Billy quickly grabbed Carlos's ankles and pulled them safely back up. Cassie and Ashley were hugging each other, crying, while Carlos just sat there on the ground looking stunned. Kim stumbled into Jason's arms crying and then looked down at T.J.'s body far below them.

"Oh my god. This is my entire fault. If I had been more careful…." Jason shook his head and when he spoke, they could hear the tears in his voice.

"No it wasn't Kim. He was just trying to help you. It's no one's fault Kim. He was doing what a power Ranger always does, protecting lives." He raised his communicator and activated it.

"Aisha. Are all the rocknie's destroyed?" His voice cracked with the strain of trying to hold it together for all the others.

"Yes Jason. I saw what happened. I'm scanning for life signs now. I'm not detecting any other than the people on the top of the cliff. I'm sorry."

"That's okay Aisha. Can you teleport him to the Anzac please. Let the other teams know to return." With a nod to his fellow Rangers he touched the button on his communicator and they all disappeared.

When they got back to the zords, by some unspoken agreement, all of them assembled in the control room of the Anzac. Jason spoke when everyone was finally present his voice was heavy with emotion. The others that hadn't been at the cliff top wondered what was going on.

"We just lost T.J. A rocknie escaped our notice for a moment and ran straight at him. He was helping Carlos and myself rescue Kim at the time and didn't have a chance to defend himself. The rocknie carried him straight over the cliff and onto the rocks below. There was nothing any of us could do." Kim started crying again and Tom put his arms around her, his face shocked.

"This is all my fault. If I had been more careful that rocknie wouldn't have been able to get me over that cliff and…" Tom held her tight and spoke softly.

"Hey Kim. It's no one's fault. It's the way things happen. None of us wishes it had happened but it did. We have to keep going and we have to win, for them." They all looked at each other, lost in they're own thoughts until Justin spoke up, tears streaming down his face and his voice filled with emotions.

"The prophecy. It's coming true. We've now lost a Red Ranger. That means were going to lose another Red Ranger, a Pink Ranger and a Yellow Ranger. I don't want to lose any more of you. Too many of us are dying, and for what?" Tanya gathered him in her arms and speaking softly she gently reminded him, and all of the other rangers, why they were doing this.

"That may be true Justin, but we haven't lost anyone else yet. And we're going to try our hardest not to lose anyone else. But if that's a person's destiny, and they are doing something that they believe in with all their hearts, who are we to say that shouldn't have happened, that they died in vein. No one since we began this quest, has died in vein. Think about it for a moment Justin. Trey died warning us that Dathan had broken through the barrier. Zack died saving Jason and the others when Dathan attacked them for the first time. Damon died trying to get information why Dathan was doing this and Dathan killed him for it. T'Risa died sealing the Great Barrier to try and keep him out of the universe for ever, which worked, and now T.J. has died saving Kim. Do you think any of them have died in vein? Do you think that any of them have regrets for their actions?" He looked at her, tears shimmering in his eyes. He was so young to be dealing with this and Jason felt a terrible pang of guilt that he was here.

"I don't know. I don't think so. I mean, they died helping us." Tanya hugged him harder, a gentle smile on her face as she wiped away his tears.

"Exactly. That's all we can hope for, is a death with meaning. Now, do you think that any of those died without meaning?"

"No. They died with honor."

"That's all that any of us can hope for Justin. Is a death with honor and meaning."

~*~

The Revenge.

Dathan sighed, confused again. He wasn't sure if he was pleased with another Ranger's death or not. There was now one less of them to fight him, to oppose his plans, that was true.

But what were his plans? What did he hope to gain by dominating the universe?

Troubled by these thoughts he sat in his overstuffed chair and thought unusual thoughts.

~*~

Phaedos.

They had arrived back deeply saddened by T.J.'s death but on their trip back they had come to some sort of understanding of it. Tanya's words had not only affected Justin, but also all of them in some way. They teleported down to find Dulcea, Dimitra, Leo and Rocky waiting for them, each of them wearing a somber expression. Dulcea nodded to the Rangers, acknowledging that she shared their pain.

Without words all the Rangers gathered around T.J.'s body, saying a final farewell. Carlos and Zhane went over to it and by some unspoken signal they lifted it and took it over to the bonfire that was already prepared. Lying his body on the top of it they stepped back into the support of their friends. Karone entwined her hand with Zhane's tightly and Carlos put his arm around Cassie, and she broke down, crying. She was taking it really hard, as the two of them had been extremely close. Dulcea picked up a firebrand from the fire and tossed it onto the bonfire, the wood swiftly caught. Jason stepped forward and spoke softly.

"We all knew T.J. We all know what a good leader he was of the Turbo team, and what a great Space Ranger he made. Today he made the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow Rangers. There are no words to say how we feel except thank you T.J. May your spirit become one with the universe and may your soul know peace and happiness." The flames roared around his body and into the night air. Without words all the Rangers joined hands and silently bid farewell to one of their own.

~*~

Phaedos, August 2000.

Billy sat against an outcropping of rock, looking over the jungle. Ironically he was in the same spot Jason found himself about a month or so ago, wondering what was going on. Jason spotted his friend and sighed. Every day Billy had spent the better part of the afternoon at the spot, ever since they had lost T.J. Shaking his head he knew that it was about time he did something about this and he walked over to his friend and sat down, not saying anything. The friendship between these two was that deep that words didn't need to be said, but they needed to be said anyway.

"How are you doing Billy?" The silence stretched out for about ten minutes before he got an answer.

"Okay, I guess. It's not easy." The underlying pain in his voice was still there, even though it had been almost four months since she had died.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" Billy glanced over at his friend and gave him a tiny, heartfelt smile.

"You're doing it by being here Jason. You don't know how much that means to me." He turned back to watching the jungle again and they fell silent. They sat watching the sunset over the jungle. They both closed their eyes and felt the suns last rays of the day on their faces. They breathed in the crisp night air, the sharpness bringing the promise of a cold night to come. They sat there quietly for about another thirty minutes and then on the gentle breeze came the sounds of the guys gathering around the fire, preparing to retire for the day. Jason stood and held his hand out to Billy.

"Come on little bro, let's get this day put to bed." Grinning wryly at Jason's words Billy took his hand and pulled himself to his feet. He held his hand for a moment and looked him in the eyes.

"Thanks Jason, for everything." They looked at each other for a moment and Jason nodded in understanding. Grinning he slapped Billy on the back lightly and they moved over to the camp.

~*~

The Revenge.

Dathan had been mulling over the prophecy's words, and its disturbing revelations. His copy of the prophecy had suddenly translated itself and he saw that it was inevitable that he was to fight one last battle with the Blue Wolf Mage. And to be totally honest with himself, he wasn't sure that he cared if he won or not.

Sighing he waved his hand and looked over various planets in the universe. He was bored again and decided to send some more rocknie's out. He knew it was a waste of time and his power, yet he felt that he had to do something, otherwise his thoughts would send him crazy.

He settled for Vega Nine. It was uninhabited but was full of ruins left over from the war that wiped out the people of Vega Nine. He sent off another dozen rocknies and settled back in his chair to watch. Then on a whim, and with just a thought, he moved the Revenge so that it was orbiting the planet. He wanted to talk to the Rangers again and this would be the easiest way for him.

~*~

Ultra Zord Anzac.

The Ultra Zord was on its way back from a supply run to earth for the Rangers. A steady diet of fresh fruits and vegetables was all well and good, but there were some things that they really wanted. The synthetron provided them with some meat items but they all took a vote and the zord was sent to earth to get supplies. It only had a small crew, being that they didn't envisage any problems for the journey. So Tom and Kim, plus Cassie and Carlos had gone to earth. While Tom and Kim got the supplies it was Cassie and Carlos's job's to go see the Rangers families, and let them all know that everyone was okay. The notification of the families of the fallen Rangers had fallen wholly and solely on Jason's shoulders and he carried out that duty with a heavy heart.

Carlos was sitting in the pilot's seat while Cassie was checking the inventory in the hold. Tom and Kim had sat the last watch and were now in their cabin, sleeping, supposedly. Smiling to himself Carlos had to admit that they were made for each other, that much was evident. He looked up as the sensor panel started beeping suddenly. He walked over to it and looked at what it was saying. Swearing to himself he hit his communicator.

"Guys, we have rocknie's on a planet about ten parsecs away. I'm changing course to intercept, you'd better get up here." He closed the channel and moved back to the pilot's seat, quickly inputting the new course details. He had just completed the turn when the doors opened and the others walked in. Kim went to the sensor panel and Tom over to him. Cassie quickly activated all the ship's weapons. Tom looked at the information on Carlos's screen and then walked over to Kim.

"How many?"

"A dozen. Sensors show the planet is deserted, no life signs other than the rocknies. And, oh my god." Her voice caught in her throat, Kim could hardly say the words.

"Kim, what is it?" She swallowed and spoke her voice afraid.

"The Revenge. It's in orbit around the planet."

~*~

Phaedos.

They had all been doing a work out the next morning when the call came in from Carlos about the rocknies. With a heavy heart Jason ordered Leo and Rocky to stay behind again. Leo was still on crutches and Rocky had only gotten his arm out of plaster two days ago, Trini didn't to risk permanent damage to it. So the remaining Rangers left on the Hope to meet up with the others, hoping that they would be in time. Ashley quickly set the course and sent them on their way at maximum speed. Billy quickly worked it out with Justin and they both agreed. They would arrive about ten minutes after the others.

~*~

Vega Nine.

The four Rangers teleported down to the surface, morphed and ready for anything. They we walking along what was left of a ruined street, looking everywhere for the rocknies but not spotting them. Concern started to grow amongst them. Kim looked around, her voice curious.

"What happened here?"

"I don't know. Looks like a war or something. Why would Dathan waste his time sending rocknie's here?" Carlos shrugged, his eyes scanning around constantly.

"I don't know. But I don't like this place Tom. I really don't."

"I hear that Carlos." They walked along the street and then about halfway down it a couple of rocknies came charging at them from a side street. Reacting instinctively they all called their weapons.

"Red Power Sword."

"Pink Power Bow."

"Black Power Lance."

"Pink Power Stunner."

The four Rangers raced forward to meet the rocknie's. Kim and Cassie held back slightly and both of them let fly; Kim with her explosive arrows and Cassie with her stunner. One of the rocknie's exploded in a cloud of pink power and they both cheered. Tom and Carlos quickly dispatched the other one in two swift strikes. They stood in the middle of the street, not even breathing hard. Tom looked around, confusion in his tone.

"That was two easy. It was like those rocknie's were throwing their lives away. Instead of these things getting tougher, it's like they are getting weaker. What's going on here?"

"I know. It's weird. Every attack in the last couple of months has been like this, just a useless waste of lives." As soon as she said it Kim regretted her words. She had almost forgotten about T.J.'s death in the last battle. She turned to his former companions, her hand raised in apology. "I'm sorry, that came out all wrong." Carlos looked at her while Cassie just bowed her head, looking away.

"That's okay Kim. We know what you meant. Don't we Cassie?" Cassie just nodded and walked away. Kim looked over at Tom, mute appeal in that gesture that he understood. Carlos went to go after her but Tom stopped him.

"I'll go talk to her man." He walked over to speak to her and they stood near a building. He said something to her which she didn't like hearing and turned away from him she started walking away. He took off after her and just as he grabbed her arm her foot brushed against something. The resulting explosion sent Kim and Carlos flying back about twenty feet into another building. Both of them lost consciousness.

~*~

The Revenge

Dathan sat up straight when he saw the explosion, his face concerned. It wasn't his doing, so what had happened. Curious, he sent a questing thought down to the planet, but only found two Rangers alive. With growing concern he looked around some more and realized that what ever had happened, it was left over from the war that these inhabitants had fought. He gathered his thoughts and looked around. He could sense the other Rangers approaching. Acting quickly he brought his rocknie's back and opened a communication channel with the approaching Zord.

~*~

Ultra Zord Hope.

"Jason, I'm reading a large explosion in the vicinity of the others." Billy spoke, his voice laced with concern, but he kept his tone steady.

"Are they okay?" Billy sighed in frustration.

"Can't tell. To much interference." Jason just frowned and looked at Ashley.

"Get us into teleport range. How long?"

"Two minutes at the most."

"Good." He looked up as Aisha's panel beeped his expression one of 'what now'. She looked up at him, surprise on her face.

"Incoming communication from Dathan." They all gasped in shock. Was he calling to gloat again, like he did when Zack and Trey died or something else? Jason nodded and she opened the channel. Dathan's face appeared his expression somber.

"Rangers. I'm here to tell you that an explosion has happened on the planet below. I did not cause this. The inhabitants of this planet had a war that wiped them out decades ago. I surmise that a few unexploded weapons were left lying around. I'm sorry, I only wanted to distract you, not destroy." He closed the channel and an excited babbling broke out. Aisha turned to Jason, hate in her voice, which was unusual for the normally pleasant girl. But then again, she had Zack had been very close.

"Are we going to believe that liar?" Jason went to say something but stopped when Zhane put his hand on his shoulder. He then walked over to Aisha, and all eyes were on him. His normal smile and easygoing manner much in abeyance he spoke softly.

"Dathan's telling the truth about that planet Aisha. The people who lived on Vega Nine wiped themselves out over ten years ago in a huge war. There were no survivors. No one goes to that planet because of just what happened. They left a lot of unexploded things lying around down there. Dathan didn't kill anyone down there, but if our friends are hurt, he is indirectly responsible, okay? But he was telling us the truth." She struggled against accepting his words but they slowly made sense and she sighed, expelling the hate she felt.

"All right Zhane. I'll take your word for it; he's indirectly responsible. But that doesn't mean I have to like it." He nodded in acceptance of that and just then Ashley spoke up.

"We're in teleportation range now."

"Good. Ashley you stay put in case the Revenge does anything, okay?"

"Okay Jason." He looked at his companions.

"Okay, let's not go down there unmorphed. It's morphin Time!"

~*~

Vega Nine

Groaning Carlos opened his eyes and quickly closed them again. The pain in his head was intense and his whole body was wracked with pain. Opening his eyes again slowly he braced himself against the pain and took stock of himself. Nothing looked broken thankfully but he had lots of bruises and his head was ringing, he was also having trouble breathing. He then remembered what had happened and looked frantically around for the others. He could see one of Kim's leg's sticking out from behind some rubble so getting himself to his feet he staggered over to her. She was trapped beneath some rubble, quite a lot actually. He tried shifting it when he heard the sound of teleporting Rangers. He staggered over to the doorway and yelled at them, getting their attention. They saw him and came over running. Trini sat him down and he pointed to where Kim was lying, albeit it unsteadily.

"Kim's trapped. Still alive I think." Jason motioned to the others to go over and get her out. He then knelt down in front of Carlos, with Billy, Zhane and Mike standing behind him. His voice was gentle and concerned.

"Carlos, where are Tom and Cassie?" Carlos didn't register the question for a moment and then he looked up at him. He gestured over towards the site of the explosion.

"Over that way, somewhere, I think. It's all a little hazy." Jason nodded his thanks and taking the other three Rangers with him, moved off in that direction.

They were all shocked by the devastation that the explosion had caused. Billy spoke softly to Zhane, his voice subdued.

"I'm not surprised there were no survivors. Look at this place." Just nodding they set out looking for the other two Rangers. Just then Trini's voice came over their helmets.

"Carlos is okay, just mild concussion and some cracked ribs. Kim's out and has a broken ankle and concussion. I'm teleporting with them both back to the ship."

"Okay Trini." They continued looking and soon they found what they were looking for.

As soon as Cassie's foot had hit the device, Tom had somehow known that it was going to explode. From the position of the two bodies, it looked like he tried to save her. Billy bent down and gently removed Tom's helmet. His face was slightly surprised but mostly unmarked except for the little trickle of blood running out of his mouth. What had killed him though was the amount of metal that had penetrated his armor in his chest. Sighing Billy reached down and closed Tom's eyes and looked over at Zhane, tears streaming down his face. Zhane was gently removing Cassie's helmet, trying not to cry. Her face was serene and had no marks on it either, except a small trickle of blood from her ear. What had killed her was the metal embedded in her back, through her armor. Zhane looked up and spoke softly.

"Power down." He was then kneeling beside her in just his Ninjetti uniform. Pushing his hood back he then reached down and closed her eyes. The other Rangers followed suit and de-morphed. Wiping tears from his eyes Zhane picked Cassie up and stood. Billy did the same with Tom. Jason raised his communicator, unable to register what had happened to one of his best friends. His voice broke with grief when he spoke.

"Ashley, bring us up."

~*~

Phaedos.

Dimitra and Dulcea both yelled in pain when the explosion happened, just like they did when T.J. had been killed. Leo and Rocky came running over to their sides. Rocky reached them first and with a sinking heart asked the question he didn't want to know the answer to.

"Who is it?"

"A Red Ranger and a Pink Ranger. We don't know who yet." Rocky bowed his head a moment and then turned to Leo and spoke softly.

"I'll go get some more wood. We're going to need it." Nodding, Leo watched his fellow Red Ranger move off into the woods around the temple. It was Rocky's way of dealing with the worry of who they were going to say goodbye to. Leo went back to his vigil by Andros's side. That was his way of dealing with the worry.

It was dusk when the other's returned and they got the bad news about who had died. Trini transported Kim and Carlos down to the cave that served as their medical facility and was happy with their progress, such as it was. She had sedated Carlos to try and help him heal and Kim was still unconscious. Trini feared she was slipping into a coma like Andros, and was keeping a good watch on her. They had gathered once again at dusk to say goodbye to two more of their own. They watched the flames rise into the night's sky and they said their good-byes.

It was the early hours of the morning when Jason was prowling around the compound, unable to sleep; his mind was in that much turmoil. He looked up and saw Billy back in the same spot he was the previous evening. He went over and sat down next to him, sighing as he did so.

"Hey." Billy looked over at him, concern in his eyes.

"You're up late Jason." Jason leaned back, his head resting against the hard rock.

"Couldn't sleep. You?" Billy did the same, his eyes far away.

"Same. Are you okay?"

"Not really. You?"

"Na."

"Thought so. What are we going to do?" Billy's question cut to the heart of the matter.

"Don't know Billy. I really don't. Man I wish I wasn't in charge. My leadership hasn't been the best." Billy turned his head and looked at his friend, his words full of understanding and support.

"Yes it has Jason. It's just that everything's been stacked up against us from the word go. At least we know that the prophecy is almost complete."

"What do you mean?" Something in Billy's voice brought Jason's attention to his friend's words.

"Well it said that a decision has to be made." Jason stared at his friend. Something wasn't right; something in Billy's tone warned him his friend was about to drop a bombshell.

"I'm not sure I want to hear this Billy. But what decision?"

"About the future of these battles. You've said it yourself; the last couple of months have been just a waste of time for Dathan. It's going to come down to one last battle between him and me."

"Billy, there's something your not telling me. What is it?"

The Blue Wolf Mage sighed and looked at his friend and Jason could see for the first time in a few weeks that the shadow of pain was almost gone from his eyes, and that they burned with a determination that he hadn't seen before. It was heartening in a way, yet frightening at the same time. He had only seen a fraction of the power Billy had to command twice, and both times, it had scared him.

"I don't want to see any more of my friends die. I won't let that happen. The phropecy said we were going to loose more Rangers. Well, we've lost all bar a Yellow Ranger. I'm not going to take that chance with everyone else's lives. I can't do that. All my training over the last five years has been to preserve life, to protect it. Not be responsible for the taking of it." Alarm bells started ringing in Jason's head now, and he forgot for the moment the pain he was feeling.

"Billy, your not responsible for taking any single Ranger's life. Dathan is! You are protecting it, by being here and doing what you're doing. By fighting side by side with the rest of the Rangers. I can't stop you thinking those thoughts, but can I make you see that you're doing yourself no good by thinking them. We will prevail, and all our friends' sacrifices will not have been for nothing. Think about that Billy. You are the reason we are fighting, and staying here. We all know, deep down, that only you have the power to defeat Dathan and we're going to be here to help you do that, whether you like it or not! I know that it must be tearing you up inside, having so much responsibility thrust upon you, but you wouldn't be the person you are if you couldn't handle it. I have faith in you, we all do." He spoke with such ringing compassion and love in his voice that Billy had to look away momentarily, embarrassed by his friend's vehement declaration. He then saw his friend watching him, concern written all over his face. As well as fatigue, barely suppressed grief and sorrow. Reacting instinctively Billy hugged his friend hard, trying to give him some comfort, as well as drawing it from him.

"Thank you Jason. I needed to hear that. Go and get some sleep okay?" Billy looked his friend in the eyes and gave him a tiny smile.

"Okay, you'll be alright?" Jason studied him again, wondering what sort of personal hell Billy was going through.

"Yes. Go on. Trini will be wondering what's happened to you." The Red Ranger got up after a moment, giving Billy one last smile, he moved away, back to his tent. Billy leaned back against the rock and sighed. Jason's words had stuck home, and he pondered his fate. He closed his eyes and spoke softly to the figure in the shadows that he knew had been watching him.

"You'll make sure they can't leave?" His tone was set, strong.

"If that's your wish. I still think that this is a bad idea Billy." Dulcea's voice betrayed her uncertainty at his actions. "I do wish you would reconsider."

"I'm not going to see any more of them die Dulcea."

"Your heart is in the right place Blue Wolf, but I question the wisdom of the timing of this. The prophecy says the battle is to take place on the eve of a new milliuem. That isn't for another four of your earth months." Billy sighed; they'd been having this discussion for the last two nights, ever since he had approached her to help him.

"I know. I'm trying to circumvent the prophecy okay." He stood and looked back at the camp where his friends were sleeping. He gathered some magic together and smiled over at Dulcea. "Take care of them for me Dulcea."

"I will Billy. You have my word." He nodded and bringing his hands together in front of him he vanished in a stream of Blue light.

~*~

Asteroids near the Great Barrier.

"Okay Dathan, here I am. Let's finish this once and for all." Billy sent his challenge out to his opponent and then settled in to wait. After about ten minutes Dathan appeared before him. He was unchanged from his first appearance. A man looking in his mid thirties, with brown hair graying at the temples and troubled green eyes. He was dressed in all dark colors and looked ill at ease. He stood in front of Billy, his expression curious.

"You called me Blue Mage. What for may I ask?"

"I want us to have our battle now. You and me, forget the others and lets just get it over with." Dathan frowned, his eyes becoming even more troubled.

"The prophecy states that we aren't supposed to battle yet." Billy stared him in the eyes; his own blue ones hard.

"I don't give a shit about the bloody prophecy. I'm sick of seeing people I love die Dathan. I want to end this and end it now." Dathan started at him and moment and then spoke softly.

"Truth be told Blue Mage, I have been wondering what was the point of trying for conquest of the universe. I have no one to share it with and nothing to gain by it. To be even more honest, I am sick of my very existence." He stared and Billy and then spoke, this time with more conviction.

"As you wish Mage. To the death?"

"To the death."

Tbc.