Disclaimer: As always, the Power Rangers belong to Saban, not me. The characters Marie Fox and Cyndra belong to Greeneyes. And I'm crediting inspiration, not to mention a line or two to Anne Bishop's "Dark Jewel Trilogy". Read it if you haven't!
Author's Notes: I apologize for taking so long to come out with this one. This begins three days after 'The Enemy is Near'. In case anyone didn't realize it, Andros is the Phantom Ranger. Jason and Trini's relationship is better explained in my story "To Love Forever", which is set in the same universe, more or less, as this. ^_^
Friend Into Foe
By: Jade Daniels
It had been three days since he had arrived. Three days, and they hadn't spoken more than a few words to each other. Cassie wasn't sure what to do. While the Phantom Ranger had been gone, she had automatically assumed that when he came back, somehow everything would magically fall into place. The reality had been that after Andros had revealed himself to be the Phantom Ranger, all he had done was explain his history of the past three years. Afterwards, he had seemed to avoid the other Rangers except when they went into battle against Astronema's monsters.
He had told them that he had been training on Ithta for the past three years to become their Ruby Ranger. During the last battle on Kerova, he had become severely injured, losing his morpher in the fight. He had been left for dead by Dark Specter's minions when the Mynarins, the people of Ithta, found him, and took him back to their home planet. It was there that he had slowly recovered, believing that all his teammates were dead. Because of that, he had agreed to become a Crystal Ranger, severing his connection with his Red Astro morpher to take on the Power Ruby.
The Rangers of Ithta, or the Crystal Rangers as they were known, were a special force that didn't just protect their own planet. Their numbers were great enough that separate teams could go to other parts of the universe on special missions - not just for their own planet. Andros had been assigned to Earth two years ago before being recalled back to Ithta. That was when the Turbo Rangers had first met him. Now he had returned to Earth because of a new threat, but not one that the Astro Rangers knew about: Dark Specter's granddaughter Cyndra. Andros didn't know much about her, only that she was due to take over from Astronema as heir to the Alliance of Evil. What he did know was that she was a mage of the highest class, having learned much when she had been sent away to school.
Billy hadn't heard anything about Cyndra either while he had been Divatox's prisoner. The past three days had been good for the Silver Ranger, allowing him to recuperate from his experience. He was putting on a strong front in front of the others, but the Rangers knew just how hard it would be for him to get over the torture he had been put through. At the moment, Billy wasn't participating in any battles, but Alpha had assured him that he would be ready for duty soon.
But what do I do about me and Andros? Cassie couldn't help but wonder just why Andros was avoiding her. The Pink Ranger knew where her heart belonged, but didn't know if those feelings were returned. I thought he cared........ But now, I'm not so sure. Cassie realized that she needed answers, and there was really only one person who could tell her about Andros: Marie. Determined, she headed towards the bridge, where the Gold Ranger was working through her shift. Thankfully, she was alone when Cassie found her.
"What are you doing here Cassie?" asked Marie.
"Um, just wanted to know how the searches were coming," she answered lamely.
"Nothing on either of them," replied Marie, looking at her strangely. "None of the other planets have reported sighting anything on either Zordon or Ashley, although I think its safe to assume that she's being held aboard the Dark Fortress."
During the past week that Ashley had been captured, the Rangers had been trying everything they knew to rescue her. Unfortunately, the continuous scans had shown nothing in Angel Grove, and couldn't penetrate through the shielding that surrounded the Dark Fortress. The attempts that had been made to board the ship had all been met with failure. Teleportation was impossible, because the Rangers hadn't been able to get through the hull.
"I need to ask you something," the Pink Ranger blurted out, suddenly unsure of herself.
Marie took another look at her before turning back to face the viewscreen, "Andros?"
Cassie nodded. "Yeah." She sat in one of the nearby seats, "Is he avoiding me Marie? No, wait, I know he's avoiding me. What I would like to know is why. He and I have got to talk. I feel something for him that I can't explain, and for a long time, I thought he felt the same way too. Was I wrong to expect that?"
"It isn't wrong to expect someone to care about you, especially if you care about them," answered Marie after a bit of hesitation, "As to why you think he's avoiding you, you'll have to ask him that yourself." With that, she suddenly stood up, heading towards the door. Cassie was confused by Marie's action until she saw Andros standing in the doorway, looking very nervous.
"I'll leave you two alone," said Marie, all but shoving Andros towards Cassie. She glared at the two, "So talk!"
* * *
It had been a week since Ashley had been taken captive by the Red Ranger and three days since he had brought her aboard the Dark Fortress. Instead of putting her into a holding cell though, she was now housed in a magnificent room, more luxurious than any she had known before. The Red Ranger's reasoning behind this was simple: with the Yellow Ranger in a nice place, she was more liable to let her guard down. The idea seemed to be working, considering the fact that Ashley seemed to be making herself comfortable.
This didn't mean that the Red Ranger hadn't been making good use of these past few days. While she had been aboard the Dark Fortress, he had taken the time to spy upon the Yellow Ranger. As per Cyndra's instructions, he had made sure that Ashley's food was doused with 'black seeds'. Despite the name, black seeds were undetectable by ordinary sight, taste or smell. They were special, capable of holding any spell placed upon them. These particular seeds held a special doubt spell, one that would feed off of doubt and make it grow. As far as he could tell, the spell was working very well. The Red Ranger had noticed that Ashley had a habit of talking to herself when she was alone and lately, her voiced thoughts had to do with the other Power Rangers. Her trust in them was shattering, piece by piece. Soon enough, the evil planted in the Yellow Ranger would be completely entwined into her soul.
* * *
Everything was falling into place neatly. Cyndra's spell over the Red Ranger made him her property now. The fact that he had captured the Yellow Ranger had been an unexpected bonus. Through the black seeds and Ashley's morpher, Cyndra would soon have the Yellow Ranger under her control as well. The spell she had placed for control of the Quantrons was also working well, and soon enough she would be able to kick Astronema out of the Dark Fortress. Now it was time to move onto the second part of her plan: destroying the Power Rangers from the inside.
The main problem with the Rangers was that they had such a 'team' spirit. Thus, the key to destroying them was in destroying the friendship that bound them together. With a snap of her fingers, Cyndra called in a small crystal vial filled with a dark liquid. The Blue Ranger will never know what hit him. By the time I'm finished, the Astro Rangers would be split up, for good! It will certainly be easy pickings. Grandfather will see then that I'm truly his rightful heir. Astronema will be a has-been, and I shall reign supreme! Oh, it's such a good day to be me!! Cyndra chuckled as she vanished away the vial.
Suddenly, she sensed a presence in the room with her. She stiffened a little, but not noticeably. "Whoever you are, I recommend that you show yourself, now." In response, a dark figure emerged from the shadows of the room. Cyndra immediately recognized who it was: the bounty hunter Darkonda, a minor minion of her grandfather. Her eyes traveled down his body. In some circles, Darkonda might have been considered handsome - to a truly deranged mind. He looked like many mottled pieces of flesh stuck together badly, with a grin that defied all logic.
"What are you doing here?" demanded the mage. "And just how did you manage to get pass the shielding around this place? Not even the Rangers have managed to get through."
He laughed, "I have my ways Cyndra. There isn't a closed door in the galaxy that I can't make my way through. Your grandfather made sure of that. As to why I'm here......" He flicked his hand, producing a shining recording disk, "Would you like to know what this is?"
"Why would I be interested in anything that you have Darkonda?" she asked, ready to dismiss him.
"Because this disk happens to contain some very special information about Astronema," he answered, his voice deliberately teasing, "I've heard that you've had some problems with her. The information on this disk will help you get rid of those problems easily. It'll give you the edge you need over her."
"What makes you think I even need it?" she looked at him, her eyes glowing.
"You wouldn't dare risk not having it," he replied, waving the disk, "And believe me, you don't want to be without it."
She tilted her head, contemplating his words. It was true that although her plans were working out well now, there was always the chance that something could go wrong. If what Darkonda was saying was true, that the information on the disk had some importance.......... It could give her the extra momentum she required to topple Astronema once and for all. Finally, she held out her hand. "Alright, you've convinced me," she said, "Give me the disk."
"Ah, not yet," he said, pulling out of her way, "I've been holding onto this little prize for some time now. I know quite a few others who would gladly pay twice, even three times my usual fee for this. What are you willing to give me?"
She suddenly shot out of her seat, her hand closing in around his neck, lifting the monster up from the floor. She looked into his eyes, her own glowing icy blue. "I don't do bribes, and I don't negotiate. Listen well Darkonda, for I am Dark Specter's granddaughter, meaning his blood flows through my veins. Do you know what that means?" The fingers grasped tighter around the neck, threatening to snap the bones beneath the leathery skin. "It means, that I take control." With those words, Cyndra released Darkonda, allowing him to land in a heap at her feet.
He coughed, trying to force air back into his lungs. He raised himself to his feet. "My mistake," he rasped, gingerly fingering his throat. He placed the disk into Cyndra's outstretched hand.
With a smile, she vanished away the disk for later perusal. Looking at Darkonda, she said, "Your usual fee will be transferred to your accounts, minus 50%, as punishment. You will do well to remember next time, not to overstretch your hand."
He bowed, knowing better than to argue with her. "Of course, Lady Cyndra," he said through gritted teeth. With that, he vanished himself away from the Dark Fortress.
* * *
Breathe in. Breathe out. Standing still, he felt the gentle breeze wash over his skin, carrying away the negative feelings that still inhabited his heart. He began a set of slow, deliberate movements, designed to relax the body and the mind. After finishing one set, he let his body flow immediately into another, slightly increasing speed. He finished off four more sets in this manner before finally stopping.
Billy looked down at the silver cane that lay nearby on the grass. Soon, he wouldn't need the cumbersome device anymore. He knew his physical healing was nearly complete. As long as he kept up his training, he would be fighting with the team again in no time. He needed to fight again, to keep his mind occupied so he wouldn't think about...... Billy shivered, despite the warm sunlight that surrounded him. It was a very hard, slow process, trying to get over what had been done to him. During the past couple of nights he had been haunted by nightmares of Divatox and General Havoc. On the night he had been brought back to the Megaship, his nightmare had been so bad that Alpha had had to sedate him.
Despite everything though, he was getting better mentally as well as physically. The other Rangers had been making sure of that, especially Marie. She had spent a lot of time with him lately, making sure that he followed all of Alpha's instructions. While it was a little annoying, he did appreciate having someone with him. And during the past few days, he and Marie had gotten closer. Now..... now he was beginning to think of her as more than just a friend.
His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the sound of someone calling his name. He turned around and was shocked to see a familiar, young Asian man walking up towards him. "Billy!" the young man called, "I thought it was you!"
"Adam!" exclaimed Billy.
The former Green Turbo Ranger smiled and engulfed his friend in a hug. "Yeah, its me! Rocky said he thought he had seen you around here the other day. I hadn't believed him until now. When did you get back?"
"A few weeks ago," shrugged Billy, "I hadn't exactly had the time to call you guys." That was truth enough; he had been busy with his Ranger duties. What Billy wasn't about to tell Adam was of all the insecurities he had had about meeting his old friends again.
"Okay," nodded Adam, not pressing further. Instead, his focus turned upon the cane lying on the ground. "That yours?" Billy nodded. Adam raised an eyebrow, "Why do you need it?"
"It's kind of a long story," said Billy. He proceeded to tell Adam of the events that had happened over the past few weeks, from him becoming the Silver Ranger to his capture by Divatox. "It's been a few days since the Phantom Ranger found me, but I'm healing now."
"That's good to know," said Adam, "I'm happy for you Billy and the others will be glad to hear about it too. Jason and Trini will be thrilled to know that you're back here to stay for good. Believe me, you've picked a great time to come back."
"I have?" Billy looked at Adam curiously, "What do you mean?"
"Jason and Trini are getting married," answered Adam.
Billy's jaw dropped to the ground, "Whoa! When? I didn't even know that they were together...... I mean, Jason was with Emily when I had left, and they had looked pretty tight. And Trini, well, from her letters I had gathered that she had been with someone...... Jason?"
Adam laughed, "That's about the same babble I said when they told me. Tommy, I think has known about it a bit longer, same with Kim. But for the rest of us, well it was certainly a surprise. The short of it is, that Jason and Trini were an item in Switzerland and that was before he came back. They obviously broke it off by the time he came back to Angel Grove, which is what you know." He shrugged, "From what I've learned, he and Emily broke up after the tournament for the orphanage. And I think after Trini and Zack came back after graduation, they decided to try again."
"And now they're getting married?" Billy was still in shock from the news, but extremely happy about it as well.
"Pretty much," answered Adam, "Well, they're engaged. They haven't really set a date yet, so you still have plenty of time to buy a present."
"Right," nodded Billy still feeling a little dazed by the news, "I'll remember to talk to them too." He let out a deep breath, "Jason and Trini..... I really can't believe it. I mean, who'd thought?"
Adam nodded, looking thoughtfully at Billy. "You know, Tommy told me that he once thought that you and Trini would've made a good couple."
Billy didn't look shocked nor surprised. "A lot of people thought that. I don't know, maybe it was because we both had similar interests and stuff. After all, for a long time, she was the only one who could decipher my technobabble," the Silver Ranger laughed, "I love her, but only as a friend."
"Yeah, kinda the same way it is between me and Aisha," said Adam.
"Pretty much," replied Billy. Something suddenly caught Billy's eye behind Adam. The Green Ranger turned around to see a young red-headed woman walking towards them.
"Hi Billy," the girl smiled softly as she came within talking range.
Billy smiled, "Hi Marie." He then turned to Adam, "Adam Park, this is Marie Fox. Marie, this is Adam. He's an old friend of mine."
"Hello Adam. It's nice to meet you," said Marie.
"It's nice to meet you too," Adam replied.
Billy looked curiously at Marie, "Um, why are you here though? Weren't you at watch?"
Marie grinned, almost the first truly happy smile Billy had seen on her, "I left Cassie and Andros on the bridge. Told them they needed to talk."
* * *
Andros smiled as he felt the light feminine touch brush across his mind. It had been three years since he had had any telepathic contact with anyone, yet he and Marie had fell back into it like they had never been apart. She had been afraid at first, that he didn't want to accept her back into his life. He himself hadn't realized just how much guilt she carried around inside her for being the only Kerovian left alive, or so she had thought. But he had put her fears to rest when he had opened up his mind to her once again.
He doubted that she had told the other Rangers of this particular ability, and was unlikely to do so in the near future. This latest Ranger team, one so like and unlike the ones he knew before, was still building up from shaky ground. Once they had complete and total trust in one another, then it would be time to tell them about the Kerovian mental abilities.
Marie's touch became a bit more insistent and he realized that he hadn't answered her summons. *Yes Marie?*
*You're being an idiot you know,* she said with her usual bluntness and a touch of annoyance.
He winced at her mental tone, *Why?* An image of the Pink Astro Ranger came across his mind. *Oh.*
*Is that all you have to say Andros?* she demanded in disbelief, *You used to be a whole lot better in the affairs of the heart.*
*You're thinking more about Zhane than me.* There was a brief pause as he remembered his best friend, *Besides, that was then, this is now,* he replied, not sure how to explain himself, *Cassie........ she's different from all of the women I've known before. It's as if from the moment I saw her, my soul felt whole. I think.... no, I know that she is my shal'nar.*
*That's a very nice sentiment,* Marie said caustically, although inwardly, she was happy that Andros was readily admitting having found what roughly translated to his 'soulmate', *But it doesn't explain the way you've been acting towards her lately.*
*Doesn't it?* asked Andros, letting his doubt and fear creep into his mental voice, *You know about some of the old stories, how a shal'nar bond was portrayed. It may be felt by one, but not necessarily the other. What if she doesn't feel the same way? Both have to feel it for it to be truly occurring.*
*But what if it is occurring?* she asked, a soft smile playing upon her lips, *She's up here on the bridge right now, wondering why you've been avoiding her since you've been on board.*
*She is?* he asked, his feet already heading in that direction.
*She is.* she confirmed, *Come up to the bridge please! She needs an explanation.* By that time, he was at the doorway of the bridge. Marie, who was working at the console, suddenly stood up and walked towards the doorway. Cassie looked confused for a moment, until her eyes locked onto his.
"I'll leave you two alone," said Marie. She looked over at him, "So talk!"
Now that they were alone, Andros didn't know what to say. He had been awaiting and dreading this moment ever since he had come aboard the Megaship. Cassie looked at him uncertainly, before taking Marie's place in front of the viewscreen. As she pressed the occasional button on the panel, she said, "Um, I haven't seen you around the past few days."
"I've been busy," he answered stiffly, still not knowing what to really say.
"Oh," she replied softly, "Getting settled in and stuff?"
He nodded, "Something like that." He sighed, suddenly unsure of himself. "Look Cassie, I don't know what Marie hoped to accomplish but, I think I'll go."
"No!" she exclaimed, turning around in her seat, "Please don't." She walked towards him, "Don't leave." Without her having to say more, he knew what she was trying to ask.
"Do you mean that?" he asked softly, laying a hand upon her face.
She nodded, covering his hand with her own. "Of course I do. I've been waiting and hoping for the day you would come back. To me. Why would I ever want to let you go again?"
"When I came back," his voice was rough with emotion, "I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know if you really did care for me, if all of that had been in my imagination. So, I stayed away. I couldn't bear the thought of yo telling me that you didn't want me." He pulled her close to him, closing his eyes as he lay his head upon hers, "You're so beautiful. A warrior goddess. Someone that I should never have fallen in love with, because I could never have hoped to win her."
She smiled, looking into his eyes, "But you did win me. I think, I've been in love with you from the moment I saw you."
"As have I," he whispered, now able to see the love that shone from her eyes. Their faces drew closer, until their lips met. When they pulled apart, they both whispered three words:
"I love you."
* * *
Darkonda checked his computer to see if Cyndra had transferred his payment yet. With a small sigh of relief, he found that she hadn't. It gave him an excuse for continuing his orbit around Earth. He needed that excuse, for if anyone ever found out the truth....... If anyone ever did find out his real reason for being here, he would be destroyed. And his son...... His son would never know of his father, at least, not the way he wanted to be known. That was the real reason why he had come: to search for his son. After centuries of searching, he now knew that his son was living on Earth.
Darkonda hadn't always been the monstrosity he was now. He had once a body that looked very much like a human. His fist curled at the memory of what Dark Specter had done to him. The lava-monster had ripped apart his mind and body, reshaping it until he had become a vicious bounty hunter. It had taken him too many years to repair and remember all that had been done to him.
*Flashback*
"Fifty lashes today," the gravelly voice of Dark Specter said, looking down upon the tiny being who had dared to defy him. "You, my slave are going to count each and every one. If you miss even one, ten more lashes will be added."
Doshar Ishwan, once one of the greatest Agents of Light, closed his eyes briefly. He would not allow Dark Specter any satisfaction at seeing the pain that had flashed in his eyes. Fifty lashes today, it was a wonder that he wasn't used to them by now. After being whipped every day since his capture, his flesh now hung over his bones, striped all over with puckered red marks. Dark Specter had never been content with just whipping his prisoners on the back, anywhere on the body was fair game.
He was stretched out on a large metal frame, exposing his entire body. A robed figure emerged from the shadows, a long whip held in hand. The figure circled around Doshar, tracing a finger along his back, then down his chest. At a nod from Dark Specter, the whip was raised. There was a hiss as it moved through the air before slicing down upon Doshar's flesh.
He tensed, but didn't dare scream. Although he was sure that Dark Specter would have loved to hear it, screams were always rewarded with ten additional lashes. Doshar had learned that lesson early in his capture. He counted as each lash struck down upon him until all fifty had placed new marks upon his body.
"You did well today, slave," said Dark Specter, a slight note of approval in his voice, "Perhaps it is time I take you up to the next phase."
And that would be the last time he was ever known as Doshar.
* * *
TJ sat at the Beach Cafe, his arm propping up his head while he sipped on a triple-berry smoothie. As good as the drink was, he didn't pay much attention to the flavor, his thoughts concentrating on what he had saw a few hours earlier: Cassie and Andros on the bridge of the Megaship. The Blue Ranger's eyes darkened in remembrance.
He hadn't meant to be spying. In fact, he had been on his way to the bridge for a progress report. Just as he was about to step in, TJ had spotted the Phantom Ranger heading inside. He had hid himself when he had heard Cassie's voice, and saw Marie leaving the two of them alone. Without really thinking, he had stayed where he had been. The couple's voices had carried to his hiding place, telling him a lot more than he had wanted to know. It was done now; they had finally admitted their feelings for one another. TJ knew that he should be happy for Cassie, but couldn't find it within himself to do so. What was wrong with him?
"Do you mind if I sit here?" The gentle voice brought him out of his thoughts. TJ looked up to find a gorgeous young woman standing beside the empty chair at his table. Looking around, he found that all the other tables were occupied. He hadn't even noticed that the cafe had filled up so quickly.
"Um, sure, no problem," he answered with a smile.
"Thanks," she said, seating herself gracefully beside him. She looked at him through her lowered lashes, "My name is Angelica."
"My name's TJ," the Blue Ranger replied, "Nice to meet you."
The two fell into an easy conversation, and soon ended up having talked for a few hours. TJ found that he liked talking to Angelica. She was an easy-going person with a witty personality. They had talked much about their common interests. In fact, TJ was amazed just how much they did have in common. He found it strange that they hadn't met before this, and made a mention of it.
"Oh, actually I only moved to Angel Grove a few days ago," Angelica replied, "I've been studying at this private school. I've only recently finished my schooling, and my grandfather thought it would be good for me to spend some time here."
"He lives here?" asked TJ, curious to know more about her.
"Not exactly," she said, "But he does watch over me." Before TJ could remark on that evasive and strange reply, Angelica suddenly got up. TJ looked up at her, confused. She looked at him apologetically.
"I'm sorry TJ," she said, "But I hadn't realized it had gotten so late. I've got to go." She laid a hand on his cheek, "I did have a good time though." With those words, she left the cafe, leaving TJ alone. It was then that he saw that he was the only one around. It seemed strange how the place had emptied as quickly as it had filled. TJ didn't dwell on it for long as his thoughts turned to getting back to the Megaship.
If anyone else had been around, they would have seen TJ stand up from his table, leaving his half-finished smoothie untouched. If they had been close enough, they would have noticed the sudden rigidity of his stance, and how a red glow suddenly flared from his dark eyes. In the shadows, one person was watching, with her own cruel smile. It grew wider, showing that the movements of the Blue Ranger had not been lost upon her. With a vicious chuckle, she watched as TJ walked away before vanishing away herself. Cyndra reappeared in the Dark Fortress, laughing now at the events that had played out this afternoon.
"Oh, my plan is going so well!" she exclaimed, "That spell I placed on the Blue Ranger will completely inflame his jealousy! It should be enough to break apart the friendships that the Rangers hold so dear! And there's nothing that they can do about it...."
* * *
It was cold, so very, very cold. She could hear the whispers all around her, telling her things that she didn't want to know and didn't want to hear. "No, it isn't true!!" Her friends would never have abandoned her......
But the whispers continued to intrude in on her mind, blackening her thoughts. Her vision seemed to be getting darker, as if everything was becoming washed in black and white. When she looked at herself in the mirror, her eyes looked almost black. Yet, she didn't find it repulsive. In a strange way, it was now attractive to her.
"My friends haven't rescued me because they hate me," she whispered, echoing one of the deadly whispers. Her ears caught another, "They've never liked me, never liked me, never liked me."
So why should you like them?
Why should you care about them?
Aren't they now your enemies?
The haunting whispers continued to float about her. But now, she began to welcome them, embracing their meaning. She smiled, "Yes, the Rangers are my enemies. They never liked me. They never cared about me. I hate them! I hate them all!!" She felt a darkness seem to sweep over her, but instead of turning it away, she let it wash over her, caressing her body like a lover.
Ashley Hammond turned towards the mirror once more and laughed as she saw her reflection. If the eyes truly were windows to the soul, then the windows to the Yellow Ranger's soul were now closed. For what Ashley saw in her reflection were eyes that were now completely black as midnight.
The door to her chambers opened and a young man walked in. Ashley turned away from the mirror to face him, dark energy flashing in her eyes. He smiled as he moved towards her, slowly and quietly. She frowned in concentration, trying to identify this man who had dared enter her room. Within moments though, she knew exactly who he was and answered his smile with one of her own.
"Red Ranger," she purred, her eyes now traveling carefully over his body.
He raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Nice to see that you know me." He moved closer towards hers. She didn't move away.
"Hard not to notice if you're the one wearing red," Ashley replied, looking pointedly at his crimson silk shirt that barely hid his well muscled chest. "Just like any other Ranger," she sneered, "We always wear our own colors."
His body was now a few inches away from hers. Their eyes met, "You don't seem so repulsed by me now. Last time we met, you were ready to throttle me with your bare hands."
"That was then, this is now," she cooed, winding her arms around his neck, "I've had a change of heart." Her eyes flashed black once again, "Besides, I have a feeling that being evil will be so much more fun......." No more words were said as she placed her mouth against his in what soon became a very heated and passionate kiss. By the time they broke apart, she looked at him with sparkling eyes, "I was right."
He breathed deeply and chuckled, "I wish we had time for some more fun, but we've got work to do now." She raised an eyebrow, looking at him questioningly. He smiled, "Our mistress wants us to do some damage down in Angel Grove. We get to face off against the other Rangers."
She tilted her head, "That's not work, that's going to be a whole lot of fun."
Ashley was right. The Yellow and Red Astro Rangers were having fun shooting up Angel Grove's warehouse district. Ashley herself had never realized the ecstasy of watching a building go up in flames. Becoming evil had released much darkness inside her, and she was reveling in it. The two evil Rangers both knew that the other Power Rangers would be arriving soon. This was just their way of capturing their enemies' attention. They were not disappointed.
Five streams of light appeared in the middle of the chaos, forming into five Power Rangers. The four Astro Rangers looked around at the destruction that had been wrought, not believing that it had been caused by the two Power Rangers - especially not one that they once considered their friend. Looking upon the Yellow Ranger now, no one could believe that she had once been working for the side of good. The joy that she took at the destruction of everything around her was all too real.
"Ashley, what are you doing?!?" cried Cassie, hoping in vain that she could reach the woman who was once her best friend.
"I'm having fun, what do you think I'm doing, Pink Ranger?" Ashley sneered at her former comrades, "I've finally found something that I truly enjoy!!" With that, she took her Star Slinger and fired off a volley of energy shots at the Rangers. The yellow energy shots landed, sending Rangers and pavement up into the air.
The Yellow Ranger walked up to Andros, looking down at him. "Ah, the infamous Phantom Ranger! Nice to know you finally have the guts to show your face in Angel Grove, especially after all that mooning Cassie was doing. Or have you not even shown her your face yet?" As he tried to get up, she immediately kicked him back down.
"Stop it!" cried Cassie from amongst a pile of rubble.
"Oh what do you care?" demanded Ashley, turning towards the Pink Ranger, "Half the time when you weren't mooning over this bastard, you were hating him for leaving you alone." She looked back down at Andros, "Betcha didn't know that, did ya?" Without waiting for an answer, she started kicking him again.
Suddenly, a pair of arms came from behind to grab Ashley. The Yellow Ranger found herself struggling in Carlos' arms. "Come on Ash, you don't want to be doing this, do you?"
"No," she admitted, "I want to do this!!" Carlos was suddenly thrown through the air, landing on his back beside the Ruby Ranger. By now, Cassie had managed to crawl over to Andros, and was checking him over for any injuries.
"How could you do this?" the Pink Ranger demanded, "We're your friends!!"
"Not anymore," Ashley replied coldly, walking over to stand beside the Red Ranger. She turned towards him, "Shall we show them our surprise?"
He nodded, "Sounds good to me." With a snap of his fingers, lightning shot down from the clear sky, forming into a grotesque monster. "Rangers, meet Rotinbot!" The Rangers weren't given much of a chance for any sort of introduction as the monster suddenly charged at them.
The Rangers split off, with two facing the evil Rangers while the other three dealt with Rotinbot. Carlos was facing off against Ashley, while Marie went against the Red Ranger. Rotinbot's power, as was soon learned, dealt with rotting anything that it could touch, including the very ground it stood on. The Rangers found themselves dealing with so many holes in the ground, it began to look like they were fighting on Swiss cheese. With the addition of the two evil Rangers, they found themselves on the losing end of the fight.
Metal clashed against metal as Marie brought up her Solar Sais against the Red Ranger's Spiral Saber. Who are you? The question was dominant in Marie's thoughts. I know now that you're not Andros. Since you're not Andros, then who is it that lies behind that stolen mask? With increased determination, she continued her fight.
No weapons were being used between Carlos and Ashley. They were well matched although Carlos refused to move offensively against the Yellow Ranger while Ashley didn't care what she did, as long as she was hurting the Black Ranger.
Meanwhile, the rest of the Rangers were at a loss over what to do against Rotinbot. Billy had called in, saying that he and Alpha would try and find something that could be used against the monster, but so far they hadn't any luck. Rotinbot was well equipped with energy beams which he used frequently against the three Rangers. Soon, he had them apart, which meant, vulnerable to a more lethal attack.
Rotinbot positioned himself to face Andros, who was suddenly distracted into a fight with a Quantron. Both Cassie and TJ saw what was about to happen, but TJ was closer. The Blue Ranger was about to warn the Ruby Ranger, when suddenly he hesitated and stopped. Cassie, who had no trouble using her own voice, shouted out to Andros. Her warning gave the Ruby Ranger enough time to leap out of the range of Rotinbot's blade attack.
"Andros, are you alright?" asked Cassie as she came up to him.
He nodded, "Yeah, thanks to you love." They quickly embraced before heading off into battle once more, neither noticing TJ's reaction.
In a sudden blaze of fury, he took out his Astro Axe and began a flurry of strikes at Rotinbot. It was an amazing sight to see as Rotinbot scrambled to defend himself. Within a few moments, TJ managed to take down all of the monster's defenses, leaving it wide open to an attack by the Rangers.
"Phantom, Cassie, now!" said TJ, his Axe ready to fire an energy beam at Rotinbot. Cassie held out her Satellite Stunner, while Andros held out his sword. Red, pink and blue energy beams fired out at Rotinbot, blowing him up to bits.
With all of the Rangers' attention now focused on them, the Red and Yellow Rangers knew that it was time for them to leave. Without warning, they suddenly leapt onto a nearby rooftop, looking down upon the Rangers. The Red Ranger clapped his hands. "Very good Rangers. We'll have to make sure to come up with something a little stronger next time." With those words, he and Ashley vanished away.
There was a long silence before TJ finally spoke. "Let's go home guys." With heavy hearts, the five Rangers teleported away.
* * *
It wasn't complete darkness that surrounded her, yet it wasn't light either. She could see, but not farther than beyond her hands. This wasn't something that she liked; she was used to being in control, to having things obey her commands. But nothing happened here the way she wanted. A command for light brought nothing but the continued silence that surrounded her. Everywhere she turned, there was nothing.
A bright light flashed, and a full-length mirror appeared before her, settling upon the ground. The frame was gold, carved in an intricate design. The carving at the top was of an angel, its wings spread out. The arms looked as if they were reaching out towards her, almost as if in an embrace. The glass used for the mirror was of a very high quality, and reflected brightly whatever light managed to touch its slick surface.
She stepped towards it, knowing that it was the right thing to do. As she continued to walk forwards though, the reflection she saw in the mirror wasn't her own. At least, it wasn't the one that she had known to be hers. The woman staring back at her looked like her, but she had short blonde, straight hair, whereas she was more used to seeing herself with long, curly, wildly colored hair. The heavy makeup that she usually had on was gone as well, showing off a fresh face of undeniable beauty. Her clothing was strange as well: a set of gray pants and jacket overtop a purple shirt. Black boots encased her feet, completing the look.
As she continued to look at herself, she sensed a feeling that this was her reflection, her true reflection. A name whispered in the air: Karone. That word swirled around her, repeating itself until its very inflection was ingrained into her head. She closed her eyes, as an assault of images created havoc with her mind. People and places that she was sure she had never seen appeared before her, and she knew them all to be familiar.
One scene stood out before all the others: two children playing. A young girl and boy were playing with what looked like a floating ball. The girl, had long, curly, blonde hair and was dressed in a beige and black jumpsuit. The boy, her brother (how had she known that?), had striped hair of contrasting shades of brown and blond. He was dressed in a red jumpsuit. The ball suddenly floated away, and the boy went chasing after it.
"No," she whispered, for the first time speaking in this dark place, "Don't leave me........" She was frightened, though she knew not why. It was almost as if she knew what was going to happen next. But she never got to find out what happened, for the scene flickered and vanished into the air.
The darkness surrounded her again. She knew not where to turn next. She hugged her arms around herself, suddenly feeling very alone and frightened. A clicking of heels suddenly sounded, becoming louder, until it seemed to surround her entire being. It was a familiar clicking, one that she heard for much of her adult life. It was because she wore heeled boots and those heels clicked like that on the floor.
A figure emerged from the darkness. She bit back a gasp. One of the first lessons she had ever learned was never to show fear. But how could she not fear this, the very mirror image of herself? But as she looked down upon her own body, she realized that this wasn't true. She was dressed in the gray jacket and pants now, with the purple shirt and black boots. Feeling her hair, she found that it was straight. It was probably blonde now too.
The other, tilted her head, watching as her eyes examined her. After a long moment, she smiled. It was a cold, cruel smile that she easily recognized, having used it on tiny minions many times herself. "You don't know who you are, do you?"
"I am Astronema!" she cried, confused by her reflection's words.
The reflection only shook her head, "No, you are not. You are the one who's name has been wiped from our memory. A memory that is now surfacing once again."
She was now even more confused, "What? What are you talking about?"
"We were not always me. Once, long ago, we were you," answered the reflection, an almost sad smile decorating its face, "And I cannot allow us to become you." Without further words, the Wrath Staff appeared in her hands. In one swift move, Astronema found herself impaled upon her own weapon, blood dripping down the metallic pole that now emerged from her body.
It was late at night when inside the Dark Fortress, a young woman awoke, sitting straight up in her bed. Still in shock from the dream, her hands flew immediately to her stomach. Finding no wounds, she drew her knees to her chest and began rocking back and forth. Hot tears ran down her pale face as she remembered all the images her dream had presented. She cried for the woman she had become, the child she now remembered being, and the woman that she might have been, had not the seeds of evil been planted into her soul.