Chapter Six: "Zeo Matrix Awakening"

Part I

Tommy remained silent; his gaze focussed on the motionless form of the shadow demon, watching as Billy continued to scan its dead body with his analyser. Even in death he could still feel its dark aura emanating from its skin, a darkness that was filled with intense pain and death, sending a cold shiver through his already weakened soul. Every time that he gazed upon their form he witnessed the scene all over again, Kimberly lying in a pool of blood on the floor, dying in his arms.

He shook the images clear out from his head, trying not to go back to that dark place within his thoughts. He sighed, looking over at Billy. "Anything?"

Billy pressed a series of buttons on the analyser, a puzzled look on his features, before turning to answer him. "I - I think so." He paused. "I just need a moment to work out what it means."

Tommy slowly turned as the door opened, and nodded as Jason walked in. He made his way over to a chair, a flash of anger crossing his face as he saw the demons body, before turning to Tommy. "What's going on?"

"Billy thinks he's got something."

Billy nodded. "I'm picking up a distinct fragment of what looks to be some kind of distorted quantum signature."

"Quantum signature?" Inquired Jason. "What's that?"

"A quantum signature is a harmless by-product from the exotic matter made up of teleportation matter streams. As rangers we all carry this quantum signature from our time teleporting. So do all the monsters over the years that were teleported into the cities to attack the different rangers. But these demons -" He turned to look at it. "Their signature is distorted."

Tommy shook his head. "What does this all mean?"

"As far as I can tell - that they are not from here, or even another planet like we had thought, but from an entire different universe, a parallel dimension coexisting with our own."

"Another dimension?"

The group did not have time to think about this new information, as they heard a shout from the Operations Room, and ran to find out what was going on. Tommy burst through the large door, his heart racing, relief washing over him as he saw Kat, but fading as he saw the dead body of Tanya on the ground before them, the shards of her Zeo crystal all around her.

"No." He shook his head, looking up at the group. Kat was in tears, unable to keep her composure any longer, and breaking down in his arms. The rest of the group slowly powered down, lost in a void of silence, and their emotions.

Billy emerged from a side door, a dark black cloth in his hands, slowly picking up the shards of the yellow Zeo crystal and placing the cloth over the still form of Tanya. Tommy slowly moved back from Kat, wiping her tears away with his hand, before acknowledging the Ninja Storm rangers.

"We're so sorry." Shane slowly said. "We didn't arrive in time to help - we should have been there sooner." His voice trailed off.

"You did what you could. I'm just glad that you did make it, otherwise we would have lost the others." He turned to look over at Justin, Rocky, and Adam who remained silent.

Tori slowly raised her head. "We never knew that things were so bad. We're here as long as you need us, to help fight against Enrazu."

Jason nodded his thanks. "We appreciate it."

Everyone turned as the screen suddenly started up, and after a moments distortion, Wes's features appeared. "Guys, come in!"

Adam made his way over to the console, noticing the urgency in his voice. "Wes, we read you. What's happening?"

"We've just received a communications from Jen and the others!"

"Are they ok?" Asked Rocky.

"Yeah, they're fine. The signal was very weak but she managed to relay their situation. They were taken to some kind of alternate dimension -"

"That confirms your theory, Billy." Noted Tommy.

Wes continued: "They are going to attempt to make it back to our reality, but its going to be tough. The Silver Guardians, Eric, Katie and I are going to mount an attack on Djiwu's forces to try and cause a big enough distraction to give them a chance to escape." He paused. "Before their signal cut off Jen also mentioned that they were helped by one of the slaves, an old friend of yours, called Trini."

"Trini?!" Jason ran over to the console. "You mean Trini's alive?!" Wes nodded once more.

Dustin walked forward. "Dude, go if you have to. Shane, Tori, and I will hold the fort here."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

Jason smiled, turning to Wes. "Keep a few blasters warm for us, we're on our way!"

Tommy turned to the others. "Ok, Justin and Billy will stay with the Resistance Base in case of an emergency. The rest of us will head over to Silver Hills and do what we can to help the Time Force rangers."

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In the alternate reality:

Jen, Lucas, and Trip slowly entered the Compound, slipping in unnoticed. Only a handful of demons were keeping watch inside, as there was no where for any one who escaped to run to. As one the rangers silently powered down, creeping out of the shadows, to try and blend in with the human workers who hammered away at the hard rock. A faint noise soon cut through the air and a line began to form. Jen motioned for them to keep back, taking the chance to scan every face that passed them, whilst up ahead the humans were being given their scarce rations.

She slowly smiled, making out the features of Trini, who was in a whispered conversation with a young dark-haired man who was in front of her. The three slowly walked up to her, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible. "Trini."

Trini slowly looked up, her eyes brightening for a moment as she saw the three. "Jen." She turned to her companion. "T-this is David, a friend."

Jen nodded her understanding. "Come on, we don't have much time, we've got to get out of here, and fast."

Trip turned to her. "Any suggestions? We'll never make it to the portal in time."

She thought hard for a moment, turning as Lucas spoke: "Wait, the Vector Cycles. We can use them to get out of here. It's gonna be tight but-"

"But it's our only chance."

The five quickly disappeared into the shadows, hardly gaining a look from the other slaves who were in line, their bodies so weak that without the food that they were being offered, they would die. They silently made their way through the disgusting Compound, making their way through a cut in the fence that the rangers had made, out into freedom.

"I can't believe it." David slowly smiled. "Were f-finally free."

"We're not clear yet." Lucas warned them.

He nodded to Jen and Trip and together the three stepped forward: "Time for - Time Force!" A bright flash of white light surrounded them as they activated their Chrono morphers, transforming into the yellow, green and blue Time Force power rangers. They then called for their Vector Cycles, a long moment passing, before they managed to arrive.

Jen turned to the group. "Ok, Trini will ride with Lucas, David you're with me." The group nodded, revving up their Vector Cycles as Trini and David held on tightly. "Now!" A plume of smoke and dust burst into the air as they finally released their brakes, thundering across the barren plains towards the portal.

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A few moments before in Silver Hills:

Wes closed his eyes, taking a moment to gather his feelings and thoughts, before opening them once more, preparing for the battle that was to come. The sun was shining high in the morning sky, the stars slowly fading away from sight, revealing a crisp blue, cloudless sky. He slowly turned to look back at the others, making sure that they were ready. The plan was simple. With all their combined efforts the team were to attack the shadow demons head on, luring them away from the vicinity of the portal long enough for Jen and her team to make it out.

Tommy was in charge of one group of the Silver Guardians, attacking head on with Eric and himself, while Jason led the second group, with Kat, Adam, Rocky, and Katie, attacking from behind. He looked over at Tommy, seeing the slight worry on his face, but it was coupled with a fierce determination. It did not matter that he did not have his powers, he was going to do everything that he could.

"Everyone's almost into position." Came Eric's voice from nearby. "We're ready to move."

Wes nodded. "Ok, relay the news to Jason's group. We move now!"

Tommy gripped the blaster tighter, ready. The signal came for them to attack . and all hell broke loose. He ran forward, aiming his blaster, his team of the Silver Guardians ready to fire, waiting until they had caught the attention of the demons, before letting loose, piercing their bodies in a shower of sparks. Wes and Eric were right beside him, bringing their arms to their morphers in mid run.

"Time for - Time Force!"

"Quantum Power!"

A fierce flash of red light surrounded them both, as the power rose from within them, transforming them into the red Time Force ranger and the Quantum ranger. As one they took out their Chrono blasters and Quantum blasters, firing at the nearest group of demons, before jumping into the air to attack.

At the same time, the second wave of attack came from behind the demons. Jason yelled out, firing at every single demon that was in sight, the Silver Guardians backing him up. Beside him ran Kat, Adam, Rocky, and Katie, preparing to morph.

"It's Morphin' Time!"

"Time for - Time Force!"

A blaze of light surrounded them all as Kat, Adam, and Rocky transformed into the Zeo power rangers while Katie transformed into the yellow Time Force ranger. They headed into the thick of the fray, firing their weapons, before changing to hand-to-hand combat against the demons. They kept close together, making sure to watch each other's back, the fear of loosing one another too strong.

"I-It's working!" Yelled Tommy above the sounds of battle.

Wes nodded, ducking under the oncoming punch, and countering with a quick roundhouse kick. "They're taking the bait! I just hope that Jen and the others hurry before Djiwu and his reinforcements arrive!"

The sudden loud explosion caused everyone to turn - both human and demon - as a massive shock wave rippled through the air, throwing everyone to the ground. Tommy looked up through the blinding light to see that it had emanated from the portal, watching in slow motion as Jen, Lucas, Trip, Trini, and another figure were hurtled into the air from the explosion, their Vector Cycles skidding across the ground in flames. He called over to Wes and Eric who pressed forward, while he provided what covering fire that he could.

Wes and Eric ran over to them, defending against some of the demons who were still standing, and jumping out of their way of their energy attacks. They slowly managed to make their way over to their friends, watching as the tight explosion caused them to power down.

"Jen!" Wes ran over to her, taking a quick look over at the others. "Jen! Are you alright?!"

Jen groaned, slowly pushing herself up from the ground with his help. "I-I think so." She looked around at the rest of their team, seeing that they looked ok.

"We - we actually made it." Trip laughed.

"You mean you didn't think we would-" Groaned Lucas. He turned, helping an injured Trini up from the ground.

"I'm - ok." She said slowly, in turn helping David up.

David blinked through the spots of light that invaded his vision from the explosion, his sight slowly clearing. He finally managed to make out the figure that was leading the group of Silver Guardians up ahead of them. "T- Tommy?"

Wes nodded. "Look, we've gotta fall back!. I'm guessing it won't take them long to re-establish the portal. I don't think we'd wanna hang around if Djiwu arrives!" He turned to Eric, but already found him relaying the order to fall back.

The group ran hard, finding safety in their numbers, the casualties kept to a relative minimum, as they headed towards the Underground Resistance Base located under Silver Hills.

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Jason held Trini tightly, the tears finding a way into his eyes, as they held onto each other, embracing in a tight hug. The sobs came into Trini's throat, finally being able to release her emotions after suppressing them whilst in captivity, taking comfort from the arms of a dear friend. Like David, both their bruises and deep cuts had been tended to, and after being fed and having a shower, they felt somewhat rejuvenated. They knew that they would never fully recover from their ordeal: the nightmares would haunt them for the rest of their days, but for now, they were safe.

Wes, Eric, Jen, Katie, Lucas and Trip were in the Operations Room, giving the others a chance to rest and catch up, while they went over the possible counterattacks that Djiwu would soon send their way. Jason and Trini finally pulled apart, looking over at the others who were in the room, seeing the deep conversation that Tommy and David seemed to be engaged in. They could not hear what was being said but Tommy's voice soon rose so that all could hear his next words: "You mean the arrowheads are the key?!"

Kat slowly walked over to them. "What's going on?"

A spark of hope came across Tommy's features. "David, you better explain everything again so that I understand it right, and this concerns the others as well."

David slowly nodded, indicating for everyone to take a seat. He looked over at those who were assembled there: Tommy, Kat, Adam, Rocky, Jason, Trini, and himself, before speaking:

"I better start from the beginning. Aeons ago, the people of Galaxy M-51 created a power source that was so pure and immense that it threatened to shift the very balance between good and evil. This power was the Zeo crystal, a crystal formed from the matter of a dying star, and fused with the essence of all that is good."

Adam nodded. "I remember. Zordon told us that the Zeo crystal is one of the most powerful forces in the entire universe."

"It is. Thousands of years ago the people of M-51 hid the Zeo crystal deep within the caves of Earth's moon in an attempt to hide its power from Master Vile. Around it they created a force field that prevented anyone who was not pure of heart from touching it."

"Yeah." Sighed Tommy. "It was hidden in the Caves of Deception, the spell attempted to drive me back, but I stood firm. When I finally got to the Zeo crystal, my whole life flashed before my eyes: all that I had done, the good times and the bad, judging to see if I was true of heart."

"And you were." Smiled David. He paused for a moment before continuing. "But shortly after hiding the Zeo crystal on the moon, two rangers from M- 51 came to earth, in their possession a key that would unlock the full potential of the crystal."

"Full potential?" Inquired Rocky. "You mean we haven't been using its full power?"

Kat slowly smiled. "I-I remember, its all coming back to me. Zordon also told us that the crystals power increases in time."

"Indeed. The power that you accessed was not its true power, only half of it."

"Wait, a second." Cut in Trini. "David, you spoke of a key."

"The key was given into the protection of a group of Native Americans here on Earth." He turned to Tommy. "Our ancestors. One half you acquired on your Zeo quest, the other was handed down to me by my grandfather." His hand disappeared into his shirt, withdrawing his half of the arrowhead.

Billy stared at the antique. "That holds the key to unlocking the full power of the Zeo crystal?"

David nodded. "The power of the Zeo Matrix."

Tommy's hand went into his own shirt, withdrawing his half of the arrowhead and giving it to David. "W-what do we do?"

"The knowledge of how to use it was passed down to me. But first I must warn you: the power will only be bestowed onto those who are pure of heart and spirit. You will be tested, and if you survive you will emerge as a Zeo Matrix power ranger." He sighed. "It is highly dangerous. But I can't see any other option."

Kat stepped forward. "We'll do it, right Tommy?"

"Right!" He echoed.

"We're with you." Nodded Adam.

"You're not leaving me out." Smiled Rocky.

Tommy smiled, but his face suddenly drained as realisation dawned. "But, can we still do it? The red Zeo crystal is destroyed, I've only got a shard left - and - and Tanya."

David thought for a long moment. "It is risky, but it still might be possible."

Trini had been silent the entire time, already guessing where the conversation was heading to, having to weigh up the consequences once more in her mind. Her thoughts weighed up the choice: to become a ranger once more, or try to live a normal life. She shook her head at the word. Normal? Life would never be normal, never. And as she remembered all the good that she had helped to achieve - it eased her decision.

"I- I will join you." She said slowly. "I will take Tanya's place."

Jason turned to her. "Trini, are you sure?"

"Yes. I am."

Billy waited a moment to see if she was truly sure before handing her the yellow Zeo shard. David turned, watching as Tommy glanced back over at Jason who was standing to one side, looking helpless and eager. He took a deep breath: "I know what you are thinking. But even though you do not hold a Zeo crystal there still might be a way for you to obtain some of the powers of the Zeo Matrix."

Jason nodded. "Then there's nothing to think about. I'll take that chance: I'll do it!"

"So what do we do?" Asked Tommy.

"First, those who wish to obtain the power must form a circle around me, each holding out their Zeo crystal."

Tommy, Kat, Trini Adam, Rocky, and Jason stood in a circle around David. Kat, Adam, and Rocky closed their eyes, concentrating hard, a bright pulse of light emitting from their chests. After a moment had passed their Zeo crystals appeared before their hands. Tommy nodded to Trini, and they held out their shards, while Jason stood silently. David looked into each of their eyes, before closing his own, holding the two halves of the arrowheads in his hand.

A sudden burst of golden light echoed from the arrowheads, growing stronger as he slowly pushed them together, a pulse of bright white light erupting as they fused into one. David began to chant, the words in an alien language that they did not understand, before thrusting the arrowhead up into the air, a wave of light rushing through the room. The Zeo crystals instantly reacted, floating up from their hands, and merging with the arrowhead, reforming into a single crystal. There was a burst of bright light, and they vanished.

"May your hearts guide you." David whispered.