Disclaimer: Hmm...I don't own any of the rangers. But the zeo element gems belong to me, as well as a few other characters that you will meet along the way. That's right, I'm not naming them yet, you'll have to find out!
AN: I'm sure you read the AN from the prologue, so I won't retype it. All I have to say is: Enjoy the chapter!
Silver Hope 2: Enemies Return
Chapter 1: Calm Before the Storm
Age Check: Billy, Jason, Trini, Zack, and Tommy-26
Kim, Rocky, Aisha, Adam, Kat and Tanya-25
{Location: Cranston Enterprises~ Angel Grove California. 8201 Airline Ave.}
{Date: February 18, 2003}
"Good morning Mr. Cranston," Anne Stevens, his secretary, greeted.
"Good morning Anne, I'll only be in the office till noon today," Billy informed.
"That's right, tell your little boy happy birthday for me," Anne said.
"Thanks, I will," Billy said, as he entered his office, which said CEO on the door.
After the death of Zordon, Billy moved on with his life, as he knew Zordon would have wanted him to; wanted them all to. Billy's designs had pleased the University greatly. Not long after he had built the computer and software system for AGU, many other places began coming to him.
Kat encouraged him to open a business and hire some people to help him. Billy had taken his wife's advice, and his business flourished into the second largest computer/software industry in the country.
~*~*~*
Katherine Cranston arrived at her husband's office around 11:30. They were picking their son up and then going to see Adam and Trini Park. Adam and Trini were finally opening their own law firm in Stone Canyon. They had just moved back from LA and were going to be staying with Billy and Kat until their apartment was ready, which wouldn't be for two weeks.
Katherine walked past the employee cubicles, on her way to Billy's office. Some of the male employees stopped to look at her.
"Who is that?" a male employee, who was new, asked.
"I wouldn't get any ideas Mike, that's Mrs. Cranston," another man told him.
"Some guys have it all," Mike replied.
~*~*~*
"Good morning Anne," Kat said cheerfully.
"Good morning Mrs. Cranston," Anne greeted, as Kat went into Billy's office.
"Hey love," Billy greeted, as he stuffed things into his briefcase and put things in his desk. When he was done, he joined hands with Kat and the two left.
"Have a good weekend Anne," Billy said.
"Thank you sir, you and Mrs. Cranston have a good weekend too," Anne replied.
Billy and Kat knew it was going to be a good weekend. Tomorrow, all the former rangers were coming for a reunion/birthday party for their son. Except Zack and Tanya, who were still in New York. The two had come for Christmas, but would probably not be able to be back till summer.
Tanya has a successful morning radio show, while Zack was teaching dance, something he loved to do.
{Location: Angel Grove Elementary School. 7420 Meredith Dr.}
Wesley Luke Cranston helped his other classmates clean up for the day. Though he was barely four, he was attending kindergarten, and doing third grade work that the teacher's had assigned to him specially. Wesley had his father's sandy blonde hair and his mother's deep sapphire eyes. He was normal sized for a four year old, but height wasn't an issue since both his parents were tall. Wesley had the brilliant mind of his father. The boy was extremely unique. Not only was he a child genius, but he was also athletic and had already earned his green belt in martial arts. Jason and Tommy had begun working with him in the fall and he had learned quickly. (Belt levels often go like this: white, yellow, yellow stripe, orange, orange stripe, green, green stripe, blue, blue stripe, brown...red...black, you get the idea)
Jason, Tommy, and Billy had all been amazed by him. Billy had suspected him to have a few wolf-like qualities, because of his own merge with Lupis, but Wesley also possessed cat-like reflexes and agility that he had inherited from his mother. The three men knew that the boy would make an amazing silver ranger someday.
Wesley finished cleaning up and gathered his things. The only reason Wesley was still in kindergarten was because they didn't want a four-year-old going to school for a full day yet, no matter how smart he was. Wesley trotted outside to see both his parents waiting for him. Wesley ran to them and first latched on to his mother's leg in a hug and then his father's. Billy picked his son up and hugged him and Kat kissed his cheek.
"How was your day sweetie?" Kat asked.
"Good, my teacher gave me some third grade worksheets and they were easy," the little boy said.
"That's great, ready for your party?" Billy asked.
"YEAH! Can Steve come over early?" Wesley asked.
"Steve can spend the night if you want," Kat said.
"YEAH!" Wesley cheered, as he hopped into the back seat of Billy and Kat's silver Lexus. Steve Desantos was the son of Rocky and Aisha Desantos and the best friend to Wesley. The boys were only about six months apart. Steve Desantos was the spitting image of his father, only his hair was jet black and his skin was a light caramel color.
{Location: Park, Park, Brown, and Miller Law Firm, Stone Canyon California. 1278 Stone Blvd.}
Billy knocked on the door and Trini answered.
"Billy and Kat! It's so great to see you both! And you too Wesley," Trini said, as she hugged them.
"It's great that you and Adam are back to stay!" Kat replied.
"Well, if it isn't Billy Cranston," Adam said, as he clasped Billy's hand in a shake.
"Thanks for letting us stay with you guys until our apartment is ready," Trini said.
"Hey, you guys are practically family. You're always welcome," Billy replied.
Adam and Trini left the office for the day, since their partners had everything under control.
{Location: The office of Detective Rocky Desantos, Angel Grove Police Department. 8450 5th Street}
Rocky dialed his wife's number at her office.
"Good afternoon, Sunshine Veterinarian Clinic. This is Aisha Desantos," Aisha answered.
"Hello Mrs. Desantos," Rocky teased.
"Hello Mr. Desantos," Aisha replied, with a smile.
"Adam and Trini are back in town," Rocky reported.
"I know, I just talked to Kat. We're going to Billy and Kat's for dinner and then Steve is spending the night with Wesley. So we'll have the whole house to ourselves tonight," Aisha said.
"Ooh, I'm there. Is the big birthday/reunion bash still on for tomorrow?" Rocky asked.
"Yep, though Zack and Tanya won't be able to make it," Aisha replied.
"Yea, New York is so far away, but if they're happy, that's what matters," Rocky replied.
"I'll pick Steve up from daycare and meet you at Billy and Kat's," Aisha said.
"Yea, I can't wait to see this new house of there's" Rocky replied.
"With Billy's salary, I'm sure it's huge," Aisha replied.
"See you tonight sweetie," Rocky said.
"Ok, love you," Aisha said.
"Love you too," Rocky replied, as he hung up.
"Now, I just have to make it through the day without being assigned some big case," Rocky said to himself. Rocky had worked the streets as a cop for a while, but eventually moved up to investigating homicides.
{Location: The Red Falcon Dojo and Youth Center. 1001 Angel Grove Dr.}
Jason Scott bowed out his last class and dabbed his forehead with a towel. He had just had the advanced class and had really worked up a sweat.
Dulcea Scott handed her husband a bottle of water. He and Dulcea had just been married last month. They had chosen to do a small, quiet wedding.
"Hey, Billy and Kat invited us all over for dinner!" Tommy called.
"I thought the party was tomorrow night?" Dulcea asked.
"It is, but Adam and Trini just opened up their law firm in Stone Canyon," Tommy said.
"All right, it'll be great to have those two back," Jason replied.
"Kim said that tonight's just for the rangers, since there will be more people tomorrow," Tommy said.
"Well, let's close up and go," Dulcea said.
"Cool, I can ride with you guys, but I told Kim I'd pick up Kelly on the way out.
"Ok, let's go," Jason said.
{Location: Angel Grove Center for Child Care. 5024 Angel Grove Dr.}
"Daddy!" three-year-old Kelly Oliver called. Tommy picked up the little girl. She had long chocolate colored hair and big brown eyes. She was also very small, taking after her mother in height.
"How's my little pumpkin nose?" Tommy asked his daughter.
"Good, where's mommy?" Kelly asked.
"Your mom's meeting us at Uncle Billy and Aunt Kat's," Tommy said.
"Okay," the little girl chimed, as her father placed her in her car seat.
{Location: The Home of Billy and Katherine Cranston. 8505 Raindrop Dr.}
Adam and Trini stared at the house in awe. The extremely large house sat on a hill overlooking the lake. The house was white with blue shutters, with a full sized garage, a large backyard that was fenced in.
"Wow Billy," was all Adam could say.
"Thanks, let's go in," Billy said, as he helped Adam and Trini grab their luggage.
Adam and Trini settled in their room upstairs and them came back down.
~*~
"So how have you and Adam been?" Katherine asked.
"Good, I see marriage has been good to you as well," Trini said.
"Yes it has. Billy and I are still like a couple of teenagers," Kat said, with a giggle.
"That little boy sure is something," Trini said.
"Yea, he has a lot of his father in him," Kat said with pride.
~*~
"So do you have a lot of clients lined up?" Billy asked.
"Actually quite a few. I was kind of surprised, but Angel Grove and Stone Canyon have grown so much in the last seven years," Adam replied.
"Yea, a lot has changed," Billy replied.
"Rocky told me that you recovered what you needed from the power chamber to reactivate the morphing grid," Adam mentioned.
"Yea, though I hope we never have to use the powers again," Billy said.
At that moment, the doorbell rang.
"I've got it Kat!" Billy called.
"Thanks sweetie," Kat called back. Billy answered the door and revealed it to be Rocky, Aisha and Steve.
"Hey Rocko," Billy greeted.
"Hey Bill, nice place," Rocky replied.
"Thanks, hey Aisha," Billy said, as he gave her a hug. Wesley hopped down the stairs and greeted his best friend.
"Come up Steve, so we can play," Wesley called. Steve ran up the stairs to play.
~*~*~*
{Location: Serpentera, Outside the Planet Jupiter and heading for Earth}
Lord Zedd looked at the curse that Zordon had put on him as he stared in the mirror. When the Red Astro ranger had killed Zordon, the universe had supposedly been cleansed. But not even Zordon could plunge evil from hearts that had chosen to be evil. But Zedd and his followers were now stuck in human bodies. Zedd appeared to be a male in his mid 40's with graying brown hair and cold brown eyes. He smiled evilly when he thought of the revenge that he would have on Zordon's charges. Zedd left his quarters and went to the bridge, where the remainder of his crew was. Rita looked much the same as she had, only her now dark hair flowed down back and she had shed her dress for human clothes, as they all had.
Scorpina had not changed much at all. In fact, she looked much like the girl Sabrina that she had pretended to be when she had fought Adam. Goldar was now a male that appeared to be in his late twenties with jet-black hair and dark eyes that still had a tint of red to them. He was also well muscled. And finally, the remaining member was Rito. Rito had the appearance of a young male in his mid twenties. His hair was bleach blonde and his eyes were a startling bright blue. Like Goldar, Rito was also well muscled and ready for revenge on the rangers.
'Soon, I will revive two of my own charges who have some unfinished business with the rangers as well,' Zedd thought to himself, as they came closer to Earth.
~*~*~*
{Location: Cranston Residence. 8505 Raindrop Dr.}
Billy opened the door and found it to the rest of their friends.
"Hey Billy!" Jason greeted.
"Hey Jase, Dulcea," Billy said.
"Hey Billy," Kim said, as she hugged her longtime friend.
"Hey Kim, Tommy, Kelly," Billy greeted.
Tommy joined the guys in the living room, while Kim joined the girls in the kitchen. Kelly went with her mother and was doted over by all the former female rangers.
"Kimberly, she is so adorable," Kat said.
"Thanks, that little boy of yours is something too," Kim replied.
"Yea, except I'm sure he and Steve are getting into all kinds of trouble as we speak," Kat replied. It was as if Kat was psychic, because at that moment, Steve and Wesley were creeping into the kitchen. Their mother's were busy talking and making food and the coast was clear. They crept up behind Kelly and put two rubber snakes by her foot and crept back out, laughing with their hands over their mouths. A few seconds later, little three-year-old Kelly Oliver let out a shriek.
"Wesley Luke Cranston!" Kat called demandingly.
"Steven Rockford David Desantos!" Aisha yelled with the same demand. The two boys cringed as their mothers confronted them in the living room. Wesley and Steve looked at their fathers for support, but Rocky and Billy knew better than to get in the middle.
"You march in there right now and apologize to Kelly," Kat ordered.
"You too Steven," Aisha replied.
"But mommy, it was just a joke," Wesley said, putting on his best puppy face," Wesley said.
"Yea, it was supposed to be funny," Steve said, grasping at straws. But the two boys were marched back into the kitchen and made to apologize, while their fathers could barely contain their laughter.
"Remember when we used to do stuff like that to Trini and Kim?" Jason asked Billy.
"Yea, and I remember always getting in trouble too," Billy replied.
"Ad and I did the same horrible stuff to Aisha," Rocky said.
"Yea, just wait till the day that they're fighting for her attention," Adam replied.
"Not yet, please," Tommy replied with a sigh. The other men laughed.
Soon, the former rangers and the three children set down to eat. They reminisced about the old ranger times and Tommy told the young boys about their battles as rangers. The young boys were fascinated by the idea of battling monsters and saving the world and could hardly believe that their own father's and their own mother's had been a part of it.
"Well, I think it's bedtime for a certain little boy and another certain little boy that's spending the night," Kat said, as she saw the clock nearing 9.
"But mom, I'm not tired," Wesley argued, but then yawned.
"You have a big day tomorrow birthday boy," Kat replied.
"Okay, good night daddy, good night everybody," Wesley said, as he hugged his dad.
"Goodnight son," Billy replied.
"Night mommy and daddy," Steve told his parents.
"Good night Steven, you be good for Aunt Katherine and Uncle Billy, and we'll see you tomorrow," Aisha said.
"Night little man," Rocky replied, as he hugged his son.
Soon after, Tommy and Kim took a sleepy Kelly home and eventually everyone else had left, leaving Kat, Billy, Adam, and Trini. Soon after everyone left, the four adults called it a night and retired to their rooms.
"We're alone," Kat said, stating the obvious.
"Are you trying to tell me something?" Billy asked, as he came behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. His lips found their way to her neck, where he began gently nibbling at her soft skin.
"I don't think I have to tell you anything," Kat replied, as she felt Billy undressing her. Kat turned to him and let him lead her to the bed, where they made love into the early morning hours.
~*~*~*
{Location: In the desert just outside Angel Grove}
{Date: February 19, 2003; 10:00 a.m.}
Zedd and his crew had just arrived on Earth. The now human villains stepped out of Serpentera to gaze over at the flourishing city of Angel Grove. If things would have gone Zordon's way, the villains wouldn't have any powers. But Zedd had retained most of his powers, for he was born with them. The others hadn't, but they would prove that they were still dangerous. The most dangerous part was the fact that they would be able to blend in with the human population. With his magic, Zedd created a viewing screen to spy on the former rangers and their targeted victims.
"Well, if it isn't our former Kitty Kat," Rita said, as the screen showed Katherine in her kitchen.
"Let's go pulverize them!" an anxious Goldar said.
"Hold your tongue! Today is our observation day. We must be careful and precise or we will fail," Zedd ordered. What Zedd saw next made his blood boil.
"No, this can't be," Zedd growled.
"What is it Zeddy?" Rita asked.
"Billy and Katherine have produced a child," Zedd said.
"So what's the big deal about a little brat?" Rita wondered.
"This is no normal brat Rita. None of their brats will be normal. But this particular child will be the end of all evil someday if he is not disposed of," Zedd said, as he stared at young Wesley Cranston.
"Well, how hard is it to eliminate a little boy?" Rita asked. Zedd didn't answer, for the answer was not one he liked.
~*~*~*
{Location: Cranston residence}
People began arriving at the Cranston residence around noon.
"Ernie! It's so good to see you!" Kat said, as she answered the door.
"Good to see you too Kat, where do you want this monster of a cake?" he asked.
"Follow me," Kat said, as she led him into the kitchen.
As Kat and Ernie talked in the kitchen, a very dirty Wesley and Steve came in the back door.
"Wesley Cranston, you march upstairs right now and clean up for you party," Kat ordered.
"I'm fine mom," Wesley said.
"You're filthy, march. You two Steve, before your mother sees you," Kat ordered. The boys' shoulders slumped as they did as they were told.
"What a rascal," Ernie said with a chuckle.
"Just like his father," Kat said.
Billy's father and Katherine's parents arrived a few minutes later, ready to spoil their grand child with presents. Other guests included a few friends and a few people from Billy's office. Also, Bulk and Skull arrived soon after the others.
"Bulk and Skull, it's great to see you both," Kat greeted.
"Hi Kat, thanks for inviting us," Bulk said.
"Where's the rascal?" Skull asked.
"Cleaning the dirt off his face from being outside," Kat replied.
"Hey Bulk, Skull," Billy greeted.
"Hey Billy, nice place," Bulk replied.
"Thanks," Billy replied.
All the guests had arrived and the party began.
~*~*~*
{Location: In the desert outside Angel Grove}
While Wesley Cranston's fourth birthday party was happening, Zedd was also making big plans. Zedd used his magic and summoned a container that he had hidden.
"What's that Zeddy?" Rita asked.
Zedd opened the canister and two familiar people appeared.
"Cestria and Wil?" Rita asked.
"Finally, we're out of that stupid hell hole. But just who the hell are you?" Cestria asked.
"I am Lord Zedd, though I have changed a bit since you last saw me," Zedd replied.
"How long have we been in there?" Wil asked.
"Almost eight years," Zedd replied.
"And a lot has happened in eight years," Rita said, as she and Zedd began to explain to them. Zedd made a transparent screen appear before Cestria and Wil.
~*~*~*
{Location: Cranston residence}
Four-year-old Wesley blew out the candles on his large cake. Everyone clapped, as Billy and Kat began cutting the cake and dishing ice cream.
Billy watched his family from behind a video camera. Katherine was trying to clean Wesley's messy face, but he was more interested in getting more frosting on it. His family made him whole, and he didn't want to think about what he would do without them. He had that strange gut feeling that something wasn't quite right. A feeling that he hadn't felt in a long time. It was the same feeling that he had when Zedd had arrived, when Rito had arrived, when Master Vile had arrived. He hoped that he was being paranoid, but he felt it was time to talk to the guys.
Billy put the camera away and joined Tommy, Adam, Rocky, and Jason.
"Hey guys," Billy said.
"What's wrong Billy?" Adam asked, recognizing Billy's worried facial expression.
"I feel like we're in the eye of a hurricane. Something just doesn't feel right," Billy confided.
"Good, I'm not the only one," Tommy replied. Billy looked around. Seeing that the girls were occupied, he motioned the guys to follow him. Billy led them down into the large basement.
"I want to show you guys something. We need to be prepared if something happens, but I don't want to worry the girls yet," Billy said, as they came to a large steel door at the end of the room. Billy pressed his hand to the identifier and the computerized door opened. Behind the door, Billy led the men down a stairwell. When they reached the bottom, the guys were in awe.
"Billy, this is just like the power chamber," Rocky said. Billy nodded.
"I built it a couple years ago," Billy replied.
"Does Kat know?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah, though she hasn't come down here yet," Billy replied. Billy opened a large case. Inside were the silver zeo crystal and element gem, the other five element gems, and the six morphin coins.
"I was able to reactivate the morphing grid. So, if we need the power, it's here," Billy said.
"I ran into Carlos the other day. The space rangers are back, so I'm sure they'll want in on the action," Rocky said.
"Maybe the kiddie rangers should leave it to us. After all, we are planetary rangers and they deal with space affairs," Tommy replied gruffly.
"I agree. They couldn't consult us when Zordon was in trouble, so why should we consult them," Billy stated. The others nodded and returned upstairs with Billy.
~*~
Billy went over to Katherine and gave her a passionate kiss.
"Wow, what was that for?" Kat asked.
"Because I love you, and I don't know what I'd do without you," Billy replied. Kat returned his kiss.
"I love you too," Kat replied. After that, they watched the joy on Wesley's face as he opened his presents.
~*~*~*
{Location: In the desert outside Angel Grove}
Cestria scowled deeply as she watched the happy family.
"As you can see Cestria, Billy and Katherine have settled down and started a family, as have the others. But once Katherine sees that you're back, she'll relive that hell once again," Zedd told her.
"She'll relive it, and I'll make sure to bestow new tortures upon her and that little brat," Cestria said.
"Are you still stuck on Billy?" Wil asked.
"Yes, he should be mine. And even though you look like him, you are completely different," Cestria said.
"Don't flatter yourself, there's no interest here. You can go after Billy all you want," Wil replied.
"All right, we must make sure that the child parishes. He cannot be allowed to grow up. And should Katherine and Billy conceive another child, we must destroy that child as well," Zedd told the group.
"Okay Zeddy, that's all well and fine, but how are we going to take over the world?" Rita asked impatiently.
"We will eventually Rita, but we must pace ourselves. First, we must make ourselves known to the rangers. But we must not attack, for they still must follow the rules of the power. Then, we will carefully organize our plan and attack when the time is right," Zedd replied, making sure to leave out most of the details about his plans for now, knowing that if Rita knew too much she would jump ahead with plans. Zedd couldn't and wouldn't allow his plans to be botched this time.
"The guests are leaving and only the rangers remain. This would be an ideal time to reveal ourselves," Goldar said.
"No Goldar, it will be more detrimental if we wait until Monday. We can reveal ourselves to Katherine first. Then, she will have Billy running to her side and soon the rest will come," Zedd revealed.
"Yes master," Goldar replied. At that time, Zedd used his magic to create a base that resembled his old one on the moon. The villains took up residence in the mountains of Angel Grove, waiting for their time to strike the unsuspecting world.
~*~*~*
{Location: Cranston Residence.
{Time: 9:00 pm}
Katherine tucked a sleepy Wesley into his bed. He was so exhausted from the day's events that he was asleep when his head hit the pillow. Katherine watched her baby boy sleep peacefully. Then, she felt a pair of strong arms encircle her waist.
"I could watch him sleep all night," Kat said.
"I know, me too. He's the best thing that's ever happened to me, next to you," Billy replied. They kissed softly, before retiring to their own room for the night.
AN: Hope you enjoyed the first installment of Silver Hope 2. Let me know what you think about this sequel. Thanks for reading, and please review! Bye for now!
~Lilac Moon~