Disclaimer: The characters of Power Rangers do not belong to me. The characters of Marie Fox and Cyndra belong to Greeneyes.
Author's Notes: First off, I apologize for taking so long with this chapter. I hope that you'll find it's been worth the very long wait. ^_^ This is the end, except for the epilogue. Thanks for staying with me during this project. Enjoy!!
The Final Sacrifice
By: Jade Daniels
He had failed. His one chance of regaining his son's trust was now gone. Solrac didn't want anything to do with him. The man simply didn't trust his father, and never would. Darkonda could understand why his son had turned away from him. Solrac's words still rang in his ears: "You think I'll fall for the same trick twice?" He had been a fool to forget how he had lured Solrac away the first time, back when he had truly been an agent for Dark Specter.
No, I hadn't truly forgotten. I just didn't want to remember. I was a fool to believe that Solrac would ever forget what I did… and maybe even forgive me for it.
*Flashback*
It was a new day. Darkonda, newly created being and servant of Dark Specter, watched the sun dip lower into the horizon. The cooling air brushed against his scarred skin, but he barely felt it, so focused he was on his mission. He had summoned a man by the name of Solrac to this place. Solrac had been his son, or rather, had been the son of Doshar. Doshar was who he had been, before Dark Specter had remade him into this new and better creation.
"Father?" The breeze carried the soft voice to his ears. Footsteps treaded up behind him, yet Darkonda did not turn around.
"Father?" The voice came again, this time with a little worry. Darkonda smiled to himself. He turned around. Yes, this was the one whom he had summoned. Tall, with dark brown skin. Long black hair, tied into a ponytail. A young face, but with dark eyes that betrayed his age, as was with all the long-lived races. This was Solrac.
Solrac gasped, obviously horrified by the scarred figure that stood before him. "Father! What.... what did Dark Specter do to you?"
Darkonda laughed. "My master made me better little boy. He made me into a being of superior power! He trusted me enough for this mission...."
"What are you talking about?" demanded Solrac. "Mission? What mission?"
Darkonda laughed again. "You are a trusting fool.... son. You leave your family alone..."
Solrac turned around, looking back at the village he had just left. "No!! Kahva! Synda!" The man who had been his son ran, but Darkonda knew that by the time he reached the village, he would be too late.
*End Flashback*
Solrac's wife had survived the attack, but the child, Synda, had not. Darkonda clenched his fists, slamming them against the computer panel of his ship. Was it any wonder that his son hated him?
"And now I've lost my son forever," he murmured.
A voice crept out from the surrounding shadows. "Well, isn't that a shame?"
Darkonda turned around to see Cyndra remove herself from the shadows. He gasped as he took in her appearance. The dark mage's usually flawless skin was now riddled with angry red lines and livid purple bruises. Her golden hair hung lifeless around her face. Her armour had a large black burn mark at the centre of her chest. What had happened to her?
Cyndra smirked, obviously noting his reaction. She stepped closer to him. "Not a pretty sight am I? Well, there's not much I can do about that right now." She brushed her hair away from her face. "Right now, I have to leave. The Rangers have by now taken over the Dark Fortress. Once my grandfather finds out, my life won't be worth anything."
"And you wish to take my ship, Lady Cyndra?" Darkonda inquired, remembering that he was supposed to act subservient towards this woman.
"Precisely," she replied, a smile forming from her cracked lips.
"Your wish is my command, Lady Cyndra," Darkonda bowed low, wondering how he could get out of this situation. The last thing he needed was Cyndra taking his ship!
"Hmmm, is it?" Cyndra's tone was questioning, laced with amusement. Darkonda looked up at her with surprise. "Do you really wish to do my bidding Darkonda?"
"What do you mean?" Darkonda asked, stepping back. If Cyndra actually knew the truth of his condition....
Cyndra tilted her head. "I mean, that, isn't it incredibly convenient that you remained in orbit, just so that I would be able to take your ship? After all, your business with me should have been concluded ages ago."
"I.... I wished to see the results of my sale to you Lady," Darkonda answered quickly.
"Please!" scoffed Cyndra. "I was here, on the ship, for quite a long time before you came back Darkonda. I had been thinking of using use to pilot this little craft. Then, I got to wondering why you had stayed for so long. So, I took the liberty of going through a few of your files. Can you imagine my surprise when I found out that your son is actually one of the Astro Power Rangers?" She continued to walk closer to him. "You were searching for him." Her eyes narrowed. "Obviously, my grandfather's conditioning no longer works on you."
Darkonda knew that it was time to drop all pretence. "So you've found me out. What are you going to do? You're in no condition to do anything Cyndra. And you said it yourself, if you go back to granddaddy now, he'll kill you. Or worse."
Cyndra shrugged. "True, I can't go back to my grandfather, at least, not until I find a way to get back into his good graces." Her sapphire eyes sparkled. "And I think I know exactly where to start." Without warning, a dagger appeared in Cyndra's hand. Quicker than he would have thought possible, Cyndra whipped her hand through the air. He barely felt the blade slice through his throat.
Darkonda gagged, pressing his hands against the wound. He could feel the warm fluid that was his blood flow over his fingers. No! It can't end like this! Now I'll never be able to tell Solrac…. As he fell to his knees, he looked up at his murderer. She smiled as she looked down at him. He knew he had little time left. There was one last thing that he could do. Removing one hand from around his throat, he pressed his blood soaked fingers upon his gauntlet, activating his remote computer. He spoke two words into it. "Send, now." His final task complete, Darkonda barely heard Cyndra's last words as his world faded into darkness.
"Goodbye, traitor."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"So, what do we have?" asked TJ as he stepped on board the bridge of the Astro Megaship. Touching his morpher, he demorphed with a brief flash of blue light. He looked around, seeing Trini and Alpha, both busy making preparations for the mission to rescue Zordon.
Trini looked up from her seat at one of the computer stations. She let out a deep breath. "Well, first off, anyone who is on Earth will have to stay there. Despite the decrease in numbers, there are still Quantrons and monsters running around. The military just can't handle them all by themselves. We've been lucky so far that no one has really been affected by their use of the damaged morphers. Tommy had a near miss, but he managed to finish the monsters he was facing. Kim Rocky, and Aisha are all okay. Same with Justin. Tanya's helping Adam and Zack is helping Billy. I wish there was more we could do; unfortunately, Astronema can't do anything about the monsters or the Quantrons. Since it was Cyndra that sent down the monsters in the first place, only she can control them. She did say though, that she might be able to do something about the Quantrons."
TJ brightened a bit at that news, "Good, we'll get her working on that until I can get a team set up on the Dark Fortress. What else?"
Trini shook her head. "Nothing else at the moment. Astronema's waiting for your orders to teleport whoever to the Dark Fortress."
"Alright," TJ said. "Open up communications with Astronema. Let's get this rescue going!"
Trini tapped a few buttons on the computer panel. Immediately, the main screen flared to life as Astronema's face appeared. TJ was shocked to see the stony coldness in Astronema's eyes; despite the fact that he knew both Zhane and Ecliptor were dead. Ecliptor had been a big part of Astronema's life and the reason why Astronema had joined the Rangers in the first place.
TJ sighed, biting back a concerned question about her welfare. Astronema's emotionless state was not a good sign. He knew that the Amethyst Ranger would have to talk about what happened sooner or later. But right now…. It's the same that happened with Marie. It'll have to be dealt with later. We're at a critical point in this battle. We may not get another chance to rescue Zordon, and take down Dark Specter. When this is over….
He clenched his fists, knowing that when this was over, it was possible not everyone would come back. He wondered how many more people would be dying on his watch. Zhane… Ecliptor. Even if he had only known them both as enemies, they had been friends of his friends. TJ could only hope that everyone here now would make it through.
"Astronema I'll need you to teleport me and Billy…."
"I'm coming too," spoke another voice. All heads turned to find Marie standing at the doorway.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
When Marie regained consciousness, she found herself on board the Med Bay of the Astro Megaship. She silently thanked TJ for having her teleported here. She had been in no condition earlier to do anything, much less fighting. Hearing someone coming, she sat herself up on the bed she was on. To her surprise, she found Jason walking in, supporting Andros at his side.
Jason looked at her. Reading the question in her eyes, he explained. "He's going through the same shock that you did."
Marie nodded. "Yes, he would be." She saw Jason looking at her curiously and felt that she had to explain. "Kerovians are a mind-powered race. Most of us are born with at least some sort of mind-power: telepathy, telekinesis, that sort of thing. Zhane, Andros and I all had telepathy. Because we were Rangers, we developed, what we call a mind-bond. It's a telepathic link that allowed us to sense where the others were. But when Zhane died...." Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"When Zhane died, you felt it," Jason supplied. He had finished putting Andros to bed. Coming to her side, he laid a hand on her shoulder. "For what its worth, I'm sorry."
Marie smiled weakly. "Thank you." Jason nodded and moved away. Marie knew that it was hard for him, or any of the others to imagine what she and Andros were going through. It wasn't that they had never lost someone close to them, but it was the fact that Earth people had no such thing as mind-bonds.
There's such an emptiness.... An echo where Zhane's presence used to be. I never felt like this when the others died on Kerova. That's probably why I never knew that Zhane and Andros were still alive. But now, when Zhane died, it was like something was ripped from my heart. What the hell happened?
*I wish I knew Marie,* Andros' voice came gently into her mind. She looked over at him, surprised that he had recovered so quickly.
*Are you okay?* she asked. If he had regained consciousness too quickly, he might have hurt himself. That was the last thing that she wanted.
*Yes,* he replied, not moving much on his bed, *Don't worry. I'm not in any danger right now. I wasn't unconscious for as long as you were. I think I came back faster than you did because I'm no longer attached to the Astro Powers.*
*Yes, that makes sense,* she nodded. Marie looked away from him, unable to hold back her feelings any longer. She swallowed hard, trying to rid herself of the hard lump that had formed in her throat. Hot tears continued to pour relentlessly down her face. Wiping them away didn't help. In the last few moments, her whole world had been ripped apart. She had already lost so many of her family and friends. And Andros hadn't been on Kerova. He didn't know….
*I do know Marie.* Andros' voice came again. *I went back home after I was healed on Ithta. I saw everything that Dark Specter did to our people. I grieved too Marie. Don't think that you're alone in this.*
She reached her arm out from her bed, seeing that he was doing the same. Their fingers brushed, before their hands met, clasping each other in a desperate hold. His eyes had opened and were now looking into hers. Marie smiled, sniffling. "Thanks Andros," she whispered aloud.
Another pair of footsteps walked into the med bay, interrupting the conversation and forcing the two Kerovians apart. Marie's gasped as she saw Cassie walk in, with the Yellow Psycho Ranger practically draped over her. Andros sat himself up; watching as Cassie, with help from Jason, set Ashley upon the last available bed.
"What happened to her?" Jason asked as he began performing scans on the Yellow Ranger.
Cassie snapped off her helmet. She shook her head, letting loose her long black hair. "I don't know. One minute, we're fighting, the next, she just collapses. Since I had the chance, I brought her here." Turning away from Ashley, her eyes widened as she noticed Andros on the opposite bed.
"Andros!" The Pink Ranger rushed to her beloved's side. "What happened?"
Andros held Cassie's hands. He smiled weakly. "I'm alright Cass. It's just that, we found out that Zhane's dead." He took a deep breath. "It was the mind-bond. The backlash caused Marie and I to go into a mental shock. We're both okay now. You don't have to worry."
Cassie let out a sigh of relief. "Oh, I'm so glad! After what happened to Ash, I thought something was spreading." She looked at Jason. "Ash is okay, right?"
Jason nodded. "Yeah, her vital signs are stable for now." He paused, looking at the three of them. "Look, I've got some news to tell you, since you three are here. You already know that Zhane is dead. The other news is that Astronema has managed to take over the Dark Fortress. TJ is going to use it to rescue Zordon. Billy and Astronema are going with him."
"Wait, what?" demanded Marie. "How did Astronema get control of the Dark Fortress? And what about Cyndra?" There were so many questions she wanted answered.
"I don't know what happened to her," Jason replied with a shake of his head, "Trini couldn't give me all of the details. If you want…"
Marie suddenly hopped off of her bed, stopping Jason mid-sentence. "Well, TJ should be on the bridge by now. I can get the rest of the details from him."
"Whoa wait, Marie, what are you doing?" Jason grabbed her arm as she headed out of the Med Bay. "You're still weak. You're in no condition to go on a mission, especially one to the Black Nova!"
"Let me go Jason!" She tried to wrench her arm from his grasp. "I'm fine!" She saw the doubt in his eyes. "You're not going to stop me. This is something I have to do." She glanced over at Andros, then back at the ex-Ranger. "For Zhane, for Andros and for me. And I'm not letting Billy go on that ship without me."
"Jason, let her go." Andros' voice was quiet. The Phantom Ranger looked at Marie. "I know you. And I know that you won't rest easy until you are put on this mission. Believe me Jason, it's better if you let her go."
Jason shook his head. "You're both crazy." He looked at both of the Kerovians. With a long sigh, he let go of Marie's arm. "But I can relate. I would go through fire and hell to help my friends. Who am I to deny your right to help yours? But be careful Marie. I don't think Andros here, nor Billy especially would be happy with me if something happened to you."
Despite herself, Marie blushed at Jason's comment. "Thank you." With that, she headed towards the bridge, coming just in time to hear TJ list off the people who were going on the rescue mission.
"I'm coming too." All heads turned to look at her.
"No way," was TJ's immediate answer. "You're in no condition to be doing this Marie."
Marie lifted her chin up, a tactic she always found useful when she wanted her own way. "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm perfectly fine. Jason wouldn't have let me out of the Med Bay if I wasn't, right?"
TJ looked into her eyes, disbelief written in his own. "Marie, despite what you think, you're not fine. I saw you out there on the battlefield. You're still in shock from Zhane's death. I can't have a compromised Ranger on this mission."
"Compromised?" She crossed her arms, trying not to betray the weakness she truly felt. There was no way that she was going to be left out of this mission. "I already told you. I'm fine."
"Marie, are you sure you want to do this?" asked Trini. The ex-Yellow Ranger looked worriedly at the Gold Ranger.
Marie nodded. "I'm sure. I already told Jason that this is something I have to do. Please don't deny me this."
TJ frowned and turned to look at Astronema. "You can mask three teleport signatures?"
The Amethyst Ranger nodded. "Yeah. If I can keep Dark Specter from knowing about this conversation, I can mask three teleport signatures." She looked over TJ to Marie. "Marie, I know how much Zhane meant to you. I.... I'm sorry."
Marie forced the tears away from her eyes as she looked at Astronema. "Yeah, I know you are." She turned away to look at TJ. "So, when do we leave?"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"Are you alright?" The picture on the screen was fuzzy, as was the voice that came with it. Carlos had tried to boost the signal as best as he could, but there were limits to the small communicator that he was using. He felt a little guilty about using it at a time like this, but he had to talk to her. It had been awhile since he had last spoken with his wife Kahva and right now he had something very important to tell her.
"I'm fine," he replied, noting the worry in his wife's voice. "Cyndra has stopped raining Quantrons down on the Earth and there have been no more monsters or foot soldiers in the area. I'll move onto another area soon. But…. I had to talk to you first. I wanted to tell you something." He paused for a moment. "He contacted me."
Kahva immediately knew whom Carlos was talking about. "What? How?"
Carlos shook his head. "He came and helped me battle some Quantrons. He acted like he wasn't under Dark Specter's control anymore. He said he wanted to make amends. I didn't know what to think. So I told him that I couldn't forgive him."
"I would have done the same," Kahva replied immediately. Even through the fuzzy communications, the Black Ranger could hear the hatred in his wife's voice. "He killed our baby! He tried to destroy our home! I don't give a damn whether or not he was under Dark Specter's control then. What he did was evil and apologizing will not give us back what we lost."
"I know, I know," Carlos responded, trying to soothe his wife. "But I felt I had to tell you anyway. I have to go now."
"I understand," she said, her voice having become quiet again. "But Ranger powers or not, please be careful my love. I do not want to lose you."
"I will." With that, Carlos shut down the communicator he had been using. He sighed, feeling a somewhat guilty that he hadn't told Kahva everything. But with the way she reacted when I told her about Darkonda's visit, telling her about the message he sent me wouldn't have done any good.
He had been surprised to receive the message from Darkonda. At first, he had thought it was a trick, but there hadn't been any trap that he could see. Darkonda hadn't wanted to meet him or even talk. All he had done was explain what he had been doing the last years that he hadn't been under Dark Specter's control, and apologizing for all the pain that he had caused his son and his family.
But like Kahva, Carlos wasn't sure if he could ever forgive his father for the things he had done. There was just too much history between them for things to ever be the same again. But sometimes, he felt responsible for not trying harder to keep his father away from the Dark Specter's forces. The maybe's swept through his mind many times, especially lately.
I don't know what I'll do now. But maybe if I see him again, I will. With that thought, Carlos put the matter out of his mind. There were other things he had to take care of now and personal problems would have to wait until later.
And I hope there is a later for me to deal with.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Astronema watched through her monitor the proceedings on board the bridge of the Astro Megaship. Silently she listened as TJ tried to convince Marie not to join the mission. But under Marie's heavy insistence, the Blue Ranger eventually gave in. It hadn't made any difference to Astronema how many people would be teleporting on board the Dark Fortress. If she had to, she could mask one hundred teleport signatures. Astronema knew much about the Dark Fortress than Dark Specter had ever given her credit for. He would never find out anything that was happening here.
She wasn't sure why she had said what she did to Marie. I guess, after Ecliptor, I can sympathize about losing someone I cared about. Besides, I know what I saw in Marie's eyes; she blames me for Zhane's death. It's not like she's wrong either. After all, I'm the one who put the controlling spells on him on the first place.
It's ridiculous. I feel like I'm on the outside looking in. I try to help, but it seems like I've made things worse. Ecliptor is dead. Zhane is dead. Astronema looked at the silver ring on her finger. Who the hell was stupid enough to think I would make a good Power Ranger?
"So, when do we leave?" asked Marie, forcing Astronema to pay attention again.
"As soon as I contact Billy," TJ said. "He's still in London. Astronema can teleport him from there to the Dark Fortress."
"Fine," Marie replied. "I'll meet you at the jump tubes." With that, the Gold Ranger left the bridge.
"Will she be alright?" asked Astronema as soon as she judged that Marie was out of earshot. It was a question she had to ask. The last thing she wanted was anyone else dying because of her.
TJ frowned, pacing as he spoke. "I hope so. If I hadn't let her come, I know she would've snuck on board somehow. At least this way, I can keep an eye on her." He looked at Astronema. "I'll let you know when we're ready to teleport. Make sure you contact Billy please."
"That's fine," Astronema replied. She flipped off the monitor, leaning back against her seat with a sigh. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind of her previous thoughts. But it was no use; they still plagued her.
So why was I chosen to take on the Amethyst powers? I was once the Princess of Evil and heir to Dark Specter's throne. I threw that all away when I went against Cyndra. Astronema frowned. No, that's not right. I threw my other self away when I took on the Amethyst powers. The powers… they did something to me. Wiped away my darkness? No, that's not it exactly, but I know I'm not the same person as I was before. She stared at her ring.
Just how much of how she acted was due to the Amethyst Powers? Astronema knew that when she had joined up with the Rangers, her intentions had only been to stay with them long enough until she got her revenge. She hadn't cared about the fact that Andros was her brother; after being without him for fifteen years, it hadn't mattered much to her to find him again. And she certainly hadn't cared about the Rangers' mission to destroy Dark Specter.
Why am I staying here? I should just take this ship and hunt down Cyndra! I should destroy her for what she did to me and to Ecliptor! She gripped her hand into a fist. There was no turning back now. She had pledged herself and this ship to the Power Rangers, and in all her life, Astronema had never went back on a promise. But when this was all over….
When this is over, I'm coming for you Cyndra.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It was the cold water splashed onto his face that finally brought Billy back to consciousness. He felt a small piece of cloth being pressed into his hand. Gratefully, he used it to wipe the water off of his face. He was lying on something hard that curved slightly under his back. Touching it told him that it was made out of wood. He groaned, blinking his eyes slowly, until the fuzziness cleared into a meaningful picture. There was blue sky above him, telling him that he was still outside. Suddenly, a face came into his view.
"Zack," Billy said, his voice croaking slightly. "What happened? The Quantrons?" He started to get up, knowing that he would be needed in the fight. It was then that he saw that he had been lying on a bench in a park near where he had been fighting the mechanized menace.
"Whoa Billy," Zack pressed a hand against the Silver Ranger's chest. "You don't have to worry about it. We got the last of them before you collapsed. I haven't seen any of them come back."
"Really?" asked Billy, more than a little surprised. He had thought that Cyndra would continue pounding them with the metal goons for as long as she could. But he knew that Zack wouldn't keep him out of the action if there weren't any danger around.
Zack nodded. "Yeah really. Relax."
Billy let out another groan as he laid head back on the bench. "What happened?"
"Like I said," Zack began, "You and I were fighting those, Quantrons you called them?" Billy nodded slightly, trying not to move his aching skull too much. "Yeah so, we were just finishing off the last of them, when suddenly, you kind of demorphed."
"Wait a minute Zack," Billy interrupted, looking confused. "How do I kind of demorph?"
"You phased I guess," Zack replied, looking unsure himself. "You went from being morphed to demorphed and back again. It was as if you couldn't keep yourself in your morphed state for too much longer."
"That would explain the headache," Billy sighed, placing a hand over his eyes. "Argh, I should have expected this."
"What do you mean?" asked Zack.
"Oh yeah, I forgot that you didn't know. It's the demorphing," Billy began to explain. "It's like this," he held up his Triceratops morpher, which Zack could easily see still bore the damage done by Lord Zedd. "You know the way morphing works; the morphers conduct the morphing energy from the Morphin' Grid into our bodies. Normally, when the morphers are in perfect condition, there isn't a problem. But since the morphers were damaged, they weren't conducting the morphing energy properly. Eventually, they weren't able to conduct the power any longer and it stopped functioning. And that, eventually, resulted in the power being ripped away from my body, instead of being sent back willingly."
"Which is why you collapsed," finished Zack.
"Precisely," Billy confirmed. "I just hope the others…." Suddenly, Billy's communicator beeped, cutting off whatever else he had been about to say. Immediately, he fished into his pocket for his Silver Ranger morpher. "Yes?"
"Billy, this is Astronema." Billy frowned as he heard how cold Astronema's voice was. "I'm on board the Dark Fortress. TJ wants to set a mission to go to the Black Nova to try and rescue Zordon. He wants you on the team. Can you come?"
"Uh yeah," Billy replied, "Astronema, how did you get on board the Dark Fortress?"
There was a pause. "Cyndra brought me on board. She then killed Ecliptor and Zhane. I drove her off of the ship."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Billy said, unsure of what else to say. His mind immediately went to Marie; he knew that she would have been devastated by the news. Billy wished that he could be there to help her.
"Thank you," came the quiet reply. "I'm sure that you'll be relieved to know that you'll be able to use the Silver powers now with no further consequences."
"Yeah, I am glad to hear that," said Billy, more relieved than he was willing to admit. His recent experience with the Triceratops powers was not something he wanted to repeat, although it had been nice to be back in blue even for a short while. "I'll contact you in a few minutes for a teleport. Billy out." He looked over at Zack. "Well, looks like I've got to go. We may have a way to rescue Zordon."
"Billy man, that's great news, but are you sure that you can do this? I mean, just a little while ago you could hardly stand up. Now you're off on a rescue mission?" Zack frowned. "You going to be okay?"
Billy sat up, turning so that his feet were now on the ground. He looked Zack in the eyes. "It wouldn't matter if I couldn't and you and I both know it. We're Rangers and this is what we have to do, no matter what. Even more, this is Zordon. I am willing to suffer through anything to help him."
"So am I," Zack nodded in understanding, "So am I." He held out his hand. "Let's get you up then huh?"
The Silver Ranger gratefully took the hand of his friend. Although he would never have admitted it, he did feel a little dizzy as soon as he stood up. But the sensation soon passed. As soon as Zack stepped back, Billy pressed a button on his morpher, opening communications to the Dark Fortress. "Astronema, it's Billy. I'm ready." He looked at his friend and smiled, watching as the world faded away in a stream of silver light.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
The room was dark. It wasn't normally how Marie liked it, but these weren't normal circumstances. She needed her surroundings to be dark, so that she could continue on with what she had to do. To have light would be to shine it upon the reality of what had happened, of what she knew she was avoiding. At least the darkness hid it, even if it was only for a little while.
She had started this journey almost four years ago to avenge her people. It was almost a year ago that she had discovered that both Zhane and Andros were alive. One had become an evil Ranger, the other a Ranger with powers alien to her own. But then, she hadn't been the same Gold Ranger they had known either. She had discovered new friends, new love and perhaps, another place to call home.
Marie had fought so hard to try and get Zhane back. Even when I thought the Red Ranger was Andros, all I had wanted was for my 'brother' to come back to me. She closed her eyes, feeling the tears run down her face, remembering how she and Andros had called each other 'brother' and 'sister' because of their telepathic bond. It had been a silly joke, one that had taken on a greater significance in the war against Dark Specter.
If only….
'If only' was a phrase she had repeated to herself many times over the past four years. Now she was repeating it to herself again. If only I had been able to hunt down Dark Specter and Astronema and free Zhane. If only I could have gotten onto the Dark Fortress while it was orbiting Earth. If only I could have made him see the truth before….
Before he died.
The tears came rushing down now, as a sob escaped her throat. The dark no longer helped; she could no longer escape. The truth was out. Zhane was dead. She hadn't been able to help him. Now all she could do was continue on with her plan of vengeance. She would destroy the monsters that took away her home, her family and her friends. And she would begin by going on board the Black Nova and destroying Dark Specter and all that he stood for.
*I wish that you could come too.* She sent the tendril of thought towards Andros.
*I wish I could too. But you'll be enough for the both of us. Besides, your soulmate is going and mine is staying here. Where do you think I'll be?* Marie could hear the amusement in Andros' tone, laced with worry for her. *I know I really don't have to say this, but I will. Be careful. Dark Specter has not gotten any weaker these past years. *
*Neither have I, * she replied grimly, *Neither have I. *
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
It didn't take long for the small team to gather on board the Dark Fortress. Billy had arrived just after TJ and Marie had teleported onto the bridge. So far, it seemed as if Dark Specter hadn't detected anything. TJ silently thanked whatever deity was listening for the small favours. Now the next step was to get the four of them on board the Black Nova without detection.
"That's not going to be easy to do," Astronema said. "If I try to dock the Dark Fortress onto the Black Nova, Dark Specter will definitely want to know why Cyndra is bringing it in."
"Is there any way that you could disguise yourself to look like Cyndra?" asked Billy. It was obvious that the Silver Ranger had been told about Zhane's death. He continued to look at Marie, as if checking to make sure that the Gold Ranger wouldn't fall apart. Unfortunately, Marie kept ignoring him, as if to keep her focus on the mission ahead.
"I could try," Astronema replied, "But you're assuming that he wouldn't be able to see through the magical disguise." She shook her head. "But I don't see any other way to do this."
TJ frowned. He didn't like the idea, but Astronema was right. They didn't have a lot of time to discuss other options. It was now or never that they do this. Their window of opportunity was closing fast. "Fine, that's the way we'll go." He looked at Astronema. "I'm sure that you can pull off a convincing job."
She nodded. "I'll have to, won't I?"
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Dark Specter was the master of the universe. At least, he knew that he soon would be. There was no question that once Earth submitted to the power of Dark Specter, all the other planets would soon follow. Somehow, the little mudball planet had made itself a beacon of such sickening things as hope and freedom against all things evil. The other little planets were taking refuge from the fact that Earth, despite the continued onslaught of Quantrons and monsters, still continued to stand. But once Earth was gone…
It was all Zordon's fault. Earthers were notoriously stupid beings, never being able to resist surrendering to their curiosity. Their technology had been sub-par and there hadn't even been a global government! Once Rita was released from her prison, it would never have been a problem for her to take over Earth, if that stupid Eltarian hadn't decided to bring Power Rangers into the picture. If it hadn't been for those colour coated heroes, Dark Specter knew that Earth would have been his by now. He glared at Zordon, still entombed in the time-warp prison in one of the lower dungeon areas of the Black Nova.
"This little battle will be over soon enough," he declared, more to reassure himself of that fact than trying to demoralize the Morphin' Master. He had seen the fights; they were more even than he would have liked. Dark Specter couldn't believe just how many Rangers inhabited the damned planet. There was practically one wherever you turned!
"Do you really think so?" Zordon's voice floated weakly into the silence. That was one thing he had to be grateful for, that his drain on Zordon's life energy was still going strong. It wouldn't be long before he finally drained the last of it away, leaving him more powerful than before and Zordon a crippled shell of his former self. But while he still had energy, the Eltarian wizard continued to irritate him.
Zordon continued to speak. "Perhaps you are trying to convince yourself that you will win this battle Dark Specter. My Rangers have proven more than once that they can survive anything. This is no different. They are fighting back and will continue to do so until their very last breath."
"Then I will crush them all!!" Dark Specter roared, hating how astute the Eltarian wizard was, "Those humans have nothing against my army! They are overgrown children, barely trained in how to use their powers. I will destroy them Zordon, just you wait and see."
Before Zordon could reply, the communication signal sounded. "Who is it?" Dark Specter demanded.
"It is Cyndra my lord, I wish to speak with you."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Ashley was trapped. The cage of darkness encircled her soul, keeping her true self trapped within her own mind. She had tried everything she could in order to escape, but nothing worked, neither physical force nor her weapons. Her prison was just too strong. She couldn't do anything to stop herself, her body from doing what the 'other' self wanted. That wasn't to say that she couldn't see into the outside world. Yet, what one might have considered a piece of freedom, Ashley considered torture.
She was unable to prevent herself from doing the things that Cyndra commanded. All she could do was watch as she battled against her friends, destroyed her home and went to bed with a man she didn't even know. The feelings that came associated with those actions sickened Ashley. She couldn't believe the pleasure she experienced doing those things. How could any part of this really be her?
Into the silent darkness she screamed the question.
From the silent darkness, came the answer.
*How can it not be you? You were the one who accepted the lies that the spell fed you. You believed that you're friends had abandoned you. You were the one who embraced the call of the darkness. Why become so adamant about fighting it now? Why not accept what you allowed yourself to become?*
Because it is not me!
Ashley repeated that last phrase to herself, over and over. It was the only thing that she could hold onto that made her feel more human, more herself. But the doubts and the questions continued to gnaw at her, prying at her defences. How much longer would she be able to survive the onslaught, she didn't know. Ashley knew that sooner or later, all her walls would come tumbling down and the darkness would be able to completely consume her. Then, whatever remained of her 'self' would truly be lost.
At least, that was what she had thought before that last battle against Cassie. She had watched from within her prison, praying to herself that Cassie would somehow be able to prevail. But she knew the mind and emotions of her 'other'. That 'other' had been fully prepared to destroy the Pink Ranger, by whatever means necessary. The Psycho Ranger's weapons had been ready to cut through flesh, to taste Cassie's blood. But then there had been this flash of something that Ashley couldn't identify. All she did see what this golden light. She had felt it cut through the darkness, breaking through to free her from her prison.
And now, she could feel herself slowly returning to her body. The darkness was crumbling away and she continued to fight her way through. Soon, very soon, she would be able to come back. Then, it would be time to make amends for what she had done.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"I don't believe it," muttered Astronema as soon as she closed the communication channel and removed her disguise. "He bought it. He actually believed that I was Cyndra."
"Well let's not waste our good luck," TJ said, "We have to get on board the Black Nova."
Astronema shook her head. "Right." Though still dazed by the fact that her disguise had worked, Astronema managed to pilot the Dark Fortress onto the docking bay of the Black Nova. The conversation between her and Dark Specter had been thankfully short, consisting of her requesting permission to bring her ship on board his. Astronema had kept waiting for the lava monster to shoot her ship down, sensing that she wasn't really his granddaughter. But amazingly enough, Billy's idea had worked.
The docking procedure was quickly finished and Astronema set the computer to standby. She looked at the others. "So now what?"
"You're going to disguise yourself as Cyndra again," TJ answered, "You should be able to fool the Quantrons' sensors, right?" She nodded. "Good, you'll disguise us as Quantrons too. I had thought of using invisibility, but Cyndra is already expected to come out and there's no point in making you do two different spells. Can you do the disguises?"
Astronema frowned, wondering how much of her resources TJ's request would require. "Yes, but not for very long. Holding up four disguises may be easier than doing two different spells, but it's still a big drain. We're going to have to get to the lower decks really quickly. And I'm not going to be of much help to you once we find Zordon."
"Then I'll just have to be quick about breaking Zordon loose," Billy nodded. He was now back in his Silver suit, standing beside Marie. "Since I already have the basic codes from you Astronema, it shouldn't be too hard."
"And we'll be standing guard while you do it," Marie said, speaking up for the first time since she had arrived on board the Dark Fortress. The Gold Ranger had been silent, spending her time examining the ship. Astronema knew why. This had been the ship that had given birth to the Red Ranger. Both Astronema and Cyndra had made a slave of him here. The Dark Fortress had also been the place of the Red Ranger's death. There were many memories connected to Zhane here. All of them had been connected to evil. Marie pressed a hand on Billy's arm. "I won't let anything happen to you." The Kerovian's emerald eyes were dark and Astronema knew that trouble would come to anyone who tried to harm Billy.
"So we have a plan," TJ said, thumping his fist into his hand. He looked at each of the others. "Good then, let's get going. And let's hope that we don't run into any trouble."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"You're worried about both of them aren't you?" asked Cassie, as she laid her left arm around Andros' shoulders. She was happy that she and Andros could have a little bit of private time together, despite everything that was going on. Ashley was still unconscious on the opposite bed and Jason had left the Med Bay earlier to check on Trini.
Andros nodded, capturing Cassie's hand in one of his own. "The only two sisters I have left in this universe are on the Dark Nova right now, rescuing Zordon." He looked into Cassie's eyes. "I don't want to leave you here, but I just have this feeling that it should be me on board helping to free Zordon."
Cassie squeezed Andros' hand. "It's hard being the ones left behind," she said quietly. "We're the ones left with the worrying and can only hope that our friends will return to us safely." She bit her lip. "There's no telling what's going to happen over there."
He closed his eyes. "They're on the Black Nova now. So far, they're safe."
The Pink Ranger chuckled lightly, "Okay, so then there is a way to check up on them."
"It's not easy having it though," Andros replied, opening his eyes. "Marie keeps trying to shut me out and I can barely read Karone's surface thoughts. It's hard when you know that they are in danger and can't do anything to help them."
"They'll be kept safe my love," Cassie said, "We have to believe that. It's the only thing we can do."
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
Zordon heard the door to his cell open once more. What does he want now? I thought Dark Specter would have been satisfied talking my ear off for now. Having heard that Cyndra was coming on board, the lava monster had left for the bridge. I guess he wanted to bring her here, show off the 'old man in the tube'. But I know it won't be for much longer. That time in the future that I saw, I know it's coming closer. It's practically here….
"Zordon?"
His head jerked up as he heard the voice; it wasn't Dark Specter's. Through the haze of the time warp, he saw four figures enter the room. One, he recognized as Cyndra, Dark Specter's granddaughter. The other three were Quantrons. Or so he thought. As he peered closer, he noticed a residue of magic around the four of them. From Cyndra, he would have expected, because she was a mage, but from the three mechanical foot soldiers?
"Finally," Cyndra said, sounding relieved. She then turned to the Quantrons, "I'm taking the spell off now. I'm going to redirect the energy to blacking out the cameras." With a flick of her hands, the four figures melted away, revealing four Power Rangers.
He was momentarily surprised, but immediately remembered the visions that he had seen. So, this was how he would escape. It had certainly been clever of the Rangers to use magical disguises to get on board the Black Nova. It wasn't an option often available to Rangers, as very few of them were ever mages. It didn't take long for Zordon to discover the identities of each of the Rangers. As a Morphin Master, if he had met any of the Rangers out of uniform before, he would immediately know who they were underneath the helmets.
One of the Rangers' identities greatly surprised him. Not only was it because he had last known Astromena as Dark Specter's warrior, but it was the fact that she was wearing the Amethyst Ranger Powers. The Crystal Powers of Ithta were very powerful and very special. Zordon knew that whatever power created those particular Rangers was extremely selective. Very few in the universe ever had the privilege of wearing them. So how was it that Astronema, known to him as the Princess of Evil, had obtained those particular Ranger powers? But any questions about the Amethyst Rangers' origin would have to wait. He had to be freed from this prison first, before Dark Specter decided to return.
"It is good to see you," he said, hoping his voice didn't sound too fatigued. He had never liked to show weakness in front of his charges. He knew that looked up to him and he didn't want to let them down by showing how feeble he currently was.
"It's great to see you too Zordon," Billy replied, already working at the controls to the time warp tube. "The controls don't look too difficult," he continued, his fingers flying across the panel. "I should be able to have you out of there soon."
"Thank you Billy," Zordon replied. He didn't trust himself to say anymore. Despite the fact that he knew about his own fate, Zordon knew that he couldn't tell any of the Rangers. They would try to 'save' me. And at this point, I'm beyond saving. I know what must be done. I know what I have to do. He waited patiently as Billy continued to fiddle with the controls.
"I've got it!" Billy suddenly exclaimed. He hit one more button, and the door to time warp tube swung open. The fog began to dissipate and Zordon staggered out into the awaiting arms of his Rangers.
"Thank you Rangers," he said, looking at all of them, including Astronema. The Amethyst Ranger looked uncomfortable being near him and was trying to edge herself away from the group. "Thank you," Zordon repeated, "Including you, Astronema. I would very much like to know how you obtained your current powers."
"We'd love to tell you the story Zordon, but we don't have time right now," TJ said, helping to lift the Eltarian to his feet. "We have to get back to the Dark Fortress."
The other Rangers nodded in agreement. It pleased Zordon that these four were able to work as a team, especially under such conditions. I will miss them, all of them. But my time has come. I have been fighting this war for thousands of years now. The time of the Old Ones has almost passed. Soon, the Children will take our place.
"What a sickening scene," a deep voice suddenly growled. Five heads turned towards the door, now shadowed by a large lava creature.
"Dark Specter," hissed Astronema. She tightened her grip on her staff, stepping forward to face her old master.
The leader of the United Alliance of Evil turned his gaze towards the Amethyst Ranger. "Astronema," he identified. "Traitorous bitch, did you really think your pathetic spell would go unnoticed by me? You shall be the second to fall, after I take care of him." His gaze had fallen back on Zordon.
The Morphin Master of Eltair lifted his head up, removing himself from the supporting arms of his Rangers. Dark Specter was a good two heads taller than him, but he wasn't about to be intimidated by this overgrown lava pit! He stepped in front of the group, despite the protests of the Rangers. He looked up, his eyes glowing. "You can try my old enemy, but you will not succeed. My strength is returning, and I have enough left in me to face you." Not entirely true, but the bluff would have to work until he could get the Rangers away.
"Zordon, you are not facing him alone," the hard voice he recognized as the Gold Astro Ranger. He glanced back for a moment to see that she had taken out her Solar Sais. It didn't take his empathic powers to see just how much hatred she had for Dark Specter and how willing she was to fight the lava monster.
"She's right." The Blue Astro Ranger stepped up beside him. He held his Astro Axe in his hands. "We're Power Rangers, and we'll fight him, together."
"We're not losing you again," Billy added softly, brandishing his Super Silverizer.
"How sweet," sneered Dark Specter. He glanced at the Amethyst Ranger again. "Well Astronema, don't you have a speech of your own to add? Now that you are a Ranger, I'm sure that it is part of the requirement."
"All I have to say to you is that I am no longer your creation," Astronema replied, pointing her Amethyst Staff at Dark Specter. "I have finally seen the kind of destructive creature you are and have no wish to ever be like you. In other words, I quit."
Dark Specter laughed. "How wonderfully weak! But then, you always were weak." He looked at all of them. "So, you all wish to face me? Do so, and you shall feel the true power of Dark Specter!"
Zordon knew that he had to get the Rangers away. He couldn't risk their lives, not when he knew that he wouldn't survive this encounter with Dark Specter. He slowly began to gather his energy, enough to perform one very necessary spell. He just had to keep everyone talking for a few moments longer.
"The power of good will always overcome the power of evil, Dark Specter," Zordon said, feeling the power of the spell course through him. "You will not take over the universe, that I guarantee. You no longer have my power to feed off of and my strength is equal to yours now. There is no way that you would be able to take all of us on. Not even your brother was able to withstand the strength of the Power Rangers."
"Are you finished with that long-winded speech?" demanded Dark Specter impatiently, his whole body glowing red-hot. "If you don't mind, I do have a planet to conquer today."
"Oh, I'm done," Zordon replied as he whipped out his hands. "Teltransparo!!" The power of the spell encircled the four Power Rangers. Before any of them knew what was happening, they vanished in a flash of white light.
"You took the children away," observed Dark Specter. "Do you really think that will protect them once I get through with you?" He pulled back his arm, opening up his hand to reveal the large fireball that suddenly appeared within it.
"I told you that I wouldn't let you take over this universe, and I mean to keep that promise," growled Zordon as he summoned a fireball of his own. "Today is the day you shall die Dark Specter." With that, he threw the massive ball of magical energy at his ancient enemy.
~ * ~ * ~ * ~
"No!!" Marie screamed as the four Rangers suddenly found themselves on the bridge of the Astro Megaship. "He was so close!! I almost….." Her voice trailed off into muffled sobs as she collapsed into a nearby chair. Billy was immediately by her side, putting an arm around her shaking shoulders.
"Guys?" A surprised Jason stood in front of the group. "What are you doing here?"
TJ, still feeling dazed, lifted off his helmet. "It was Zordon. We were about to fight Dark Specter. And then…. He teleported us here with some sort of spell." He looked at the viewscreen, which still showed the picture of the Black Nova. "I can't believe he did that." He wanted to go back there, to support Zordon in his fight against Dark Specter, but knew that he couldn't. The only reason that they had gotten on board the Black Nova in the first place was because of the Dark Fortress, which was still in the docking bay of Dark Specter's ship.
"Oh my god," whispered Trini, clapping a hand to her mouth. She too, looked towards the viewscreen. "Zordon…."
The room became suddenly silent, as they all realized what the outcome of the deadly battle between Zordon and Dark Specter. The three Rangers who knew him best couldn't believe that their mentor would be willing to make such a huge sacrifice. Yet, they knew that he would, because of what he had taught them. The other two, not knowing Zordon so well, could only wonder how the universe would be able to survive without such a great being of good.
Without warning, the Black Nova suddenly exploded, sending out multitudes of shockwaves that crashed into the Megaship. Everyone inside the ship was knocked off of their feet as the ship tumbled in the shockwave's wake. More followed the first, continuing to send the Megaship spinning. There was nothing that the Rangers could do except hold onto whatever they could get their hands on.
Finally, the ship stopped spinning. One by one, everyone began to stand up. Each wondered what had happened on board the Black Nova. It was obvious by the sheer amount of destruction that no one had escaped that horrifying blast. The final sacrifice had been made. For a few long moments, no one spoke. Then, the silence was broken with one simple question:
"What do we do now?"
No one knew how to answer that question. But they all knew that it would have to be answered soon. A great evil had been vanquished from the universe, and for the time being, this part of space was safe. But there was still great work to be done. The destruction left behind by Dark Specter's forces would have to be repaired, not only on Earth, but all the planets that the war had touched. What was to be done with Dark Specter's forces would have to be decided by the Galactic Courts, but only after they were all found and arrested. No, their work was not yet done. But a major victory had been won by one of the greatest beings of good in the universe. They knew that they could not allow Zordon's sacrfice to be in vain.
Life continued on and so would they.
Second Author's Notes: Thank you so much for reading this!! This is the not quite the end of the Renard D'Or series yet though. There is still the epilogue to come, which should tie up any loose ends I've left behind. I hope you've enjoyed this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. ^_^