Chapter 3
The Present
"And that was our first fight as Rangers," Tucker finished. "Cobran was a real bastard, and it wasn't the last time we'd tangle with that golden snake."
"Sounds similar to our first encounters with both Rita and Zedd," Billy commented. "With the exception that neither has been that merciless to bystanders. They always seem to ignore anyone who isn't one of us, or a close friend."
Suddenly, the alarm began blearing, and the eleven teens turned towards the Viewing Globe, expecting the worst. They were not disappointed.
RANGERS, LORD ZEDD'S MORPHICUS MONSTER HAS RETURNED TO ANGEL GROVE PARL. JASON, YOU AND THE OTHER POWER RANGERS MUST GO AND STOP IT. Jason nodded. TUCKER, I ASK THAT YOU AND YOUR FRIENDS REMAIN HERE, SO THAT WE MIGHT INVESTIGATE THE SAFETY OF USING YOUR POWERS IN OUT DIMENSION.
"But Zordon," Tucker began. "We've already Morphed once, and we're all fine. They might need our help."
"That may be true, Tuck," Dimitri interjected. "But our powers might be… augmented as we are in a totally different universe."
"Tell you what, Tuck," Jason said, looking to his now fellow Red Ranger. "If we can't handle it, we'll call you guys into help." Tucker looked at his counterpart for a moment, and nodded. Jason turned and looked at the other Rangers. "Back to Action!"
As the six beams of colored light streaked away, Tucker realized where they were. Or, rather, where they were not. "Zordon?" he said, looking up to the wise sage. "If we're here, who's protecting OUR Angel Grove?" As the words escaped his mouth, Tucker wished he hadn't said them.
He turned and looked at Suzanne, who was silently crying into her hands. She was the closest to her family, even letting them know that she was the Pink Ranger. With Zordon's permission, of course. He gently rubbed her shoulders, comforting her.
I DO NOT KNOW, TUCKER. HOWEVER, IF YOUR VERSION OF MYSELF IS AS SIMILAR AS YOU SAY, HE HAS PREPARED FOR THIS."Will we be able to get back home?" Suzanne asked through her tears. Zordon, however, said nothing. If he was like their Zordon, then the fact that he wasn't sure expressed, better then any words ever could, as to how bleak their situation was.
*****
The six Power Rangers appeared at Angel Grove Park, face to face with what might have been the single ugliest monster they had ever seen. It oozed a sickly green slime, had horns and bony spurs sticking out of its body, and was covered by s thin layer of coarse black fur. It had the ears and nose of a bat, but the head of a rat. Kimberly thought she was going to be sick in her helmet just from the sight of it.
"Welcommmmme to your desssstructionnnnn, Rannnngerssss!" the monster hissed, as he shot his hands/paws towards them. Almost imperceptibly, his claws shot out, exploding against each of the Rangers, throwing them backwards. As the Rangers rolled to a stop, they each made they're way to their feet, pulling their Blade Blasters from there holsters. Tommy pulled his Dragon Dagger instead, as he did not possess a Blade Blaster. The monster prepared to throw another volley of claws at them, as Tommy jumped in front of the other Rangers, and began playing the flute in his Dagger. As he did, a tangible, diamond shaped field came into existence before them. Tommy knew that using his chest-shield this way was draining for him, but it was the best way to protect his friends. The claws exploded against the force field, which wavered for a moment, and then stood strong.
As Tommy distracted the monster, drawing his attacks from the others, the other Rangers drew forth their Power Weapons. Kimberly and Trini leapt forward, over Tommy. Kimberly fired her Power Bow while Trini threw her two Power Daggers at the Morphicus Monster. With ease, it deflected Kimberly's arrow and both of Trini's daggers. Next, Billy and Zack leapt towards the monster, Power Lance and Power Axe drawn. They each brought their weapons down at the monster, but it caught each in a hand, holding them wide. However, to hit the Morphicus was not their intention. It left the monster open for Jason's Power Sword, which came crashing down a moment later. The monster, however, caught it with a previously unseen third arm on its back. The monster held Jason up by his wrist, and crushed him between Billy and Zack, before throwing all three of the male Rangers to the side. It glared menacingly at Tommy, and began to slowly advance to him.
*****
"Finster! This monster is working wonderfully!" Zedd bellowed in his Moon palace. "Why didn't we use this thing before?"
"As I stated before, Lord Zedd," Finster explained. "We had just come across this type of monster. And I am pleased that you are enjoying my latest creation."
Suddenly, Zedd's palace began to shake, as if the Moon itself was under assault. Zedd's intense red glow began to spread through out his throne room. "What is happening? Those Rangers are busy with my monster, and their little Ranger wanna-be friends are no where to be found! Who is attacking me?" As Zedd spoke, an ebony vortex appeared behind him, absorbing the light like a miniature black hole. Zedd whipped around, his staff at the ready, towards the opening portal. He had never seen anything that black!
Slowly, a form began to appear in the vortex, and started to make its way out, into the throne room. Zedd raised his staff, ready to attack whoever was foolish enough to invade his palace. What stepped out surprised him beyond anything he had ever seen. It was, as best as he could tell, his exact double. The double, however, was black, not red, and his staff was topped with an "N", not a "Z". Goldar, who had stayed behind the vortex on the steps, jumped at the intruder, bringing his golden sword down. The sword, however, never made it to its destination, as Goldar was stuck in mid-air, black flames constricting around him, holding him off the floor.
Shaking its head, the black stranger began to speak. "Never attack me, mortal." It twitched its hand, and sent Goldar flying through the air, into an adjacent wall. Even his voice is similar to mine, Zedd thought. But more… sinister? Who is this? "You are Lord Zedd." The creature said, breaking Zedd from his reverie. "You and I having much to discuss."
"And why should I discuss anything with you, other then your destruction? After all, you are invading my palace!" Zedd asked, trying to hide the uncertainty in his voice.
"You cannot defeat children, Zedd. How do you expect to confront me? I am Lord Necron, and I wish to discuss… the Power Rangers."
*****
Tommy's force field finally gave way under the Morphicus' attacks, leaving Tommy open. Open, but not unprepared! As the monster charged, Tommy leapt over it, joining the other Rangers. By now, Jason, Billy, and Zack had recovered, and were regrouping. "OK, what's the plan now, Jase?" Tommy asked, slipping next to the Red Ranger.
Jason breathed heavy. This monster is WAY stronger then anything we've faced before! Jason thought to himself. "Let's try the Power Blaster!"
"Right!" The other four Rangers responded. Against their individual weapons, it was more then protected. Maybe against them combined…
"Power Axe!" Zack cried out, throwing his Axe into the air, where it hung, forming the grip and barrel for the Power Blaster.
"Power Bow!" Kimberly followed, throwing her Bow to form the crosspiece.
"Power Daggers!" Trini continued, her Daggers producing two more barrels.
"Power Lance!" Billy called out, his Lance forming the last of the five barrels.
"Power Sword!" Jason finished, leaping up, placing his Sword, bayonet like, on top of the Power Blaster. Coming down, he aimed the assembled weapon at the monster, the other Rangers' hands on his shoulder.
"Ready? Aim. FIRE!" Jason said a silent prayer as he pulled the trigger of the Power Blaster, hoping this did better then their previous attacks. The beam flew through the air towards the creature, which, at the last moment, brought his arm up, diffusing the energy of the Blaster harmlessly. "No…"
*****
"It seems like you are having a similar problem as I was," Necron began, crossing the throne room to Zedd. "I however, found a way to send them out of my hair."
"But into mine, you imbecile!" Zedd began. "Now I have 11 Power Rangers…"
Necron's hand shot up, clutching Zedd by the throat, and lifting him up off the ground. An eerie black glow began to emanate from Necron, drawing the light from the room, causing it to darken. "Do not. Begin. With me. You will not win." Necron opened his hand, unceremoniously dumping Zedd onto the ground. "Shall we see what this monster of yours can do with some real power behind it? I'll take your silence as a yes." Necron raised his staff, letting his power flow out of it. A stream of black fire flowed out of it, heading to Earth.
*****
As the Rangers stood, staring at the Morphicus Monster, a stream of black fire began to cascade over it. With a burst that threw the Rangers off their feet, it grew to huge proportions, and began to cackle.
"Ummm… what just happened?" Kimberly asked. "Doesn't Zedd usually use those potions of his?"
"Usually," Billy responded. "And the definitely wasn't his energy signature."
*****
"Zordon!" Tucker called, turning from the Viewing Globe. "This isn't possible! That was Necron's Growth spell!"
SOMEHOW, IT APPEARS THAT LORD NECRON HAS FOLLOWED YOU OUR REALITY."But, if he followed us, doesn't that mean we should be able…" Suzanne said, looking up to Zordon.
PERHAPS, SUZANNE. WE MUST FIRST FIND OUT HOW HE FOLLOWED YOU. BUT RIGHT NOW, YOU MUST GO TO HELP THE OTHER RANGERS. OUR SENSORS ARE SHOWING THAT LORD NECRON'S GROWTH SPELL HAS ALSO ENCREASED THE MORPHICUS' CONSIDERABLE STRENGTH."But how?" Bill asked, not turning from the scene on the Viewing Globe. "Unless I'm wrong, our Zords are still in our reality."
"Maybe not, Bill." Dimitri said, punching some buttons on the computer panel next to Alpha. "Our Zords are connected to us through our Crystals. If we're able to Morph, we should be able to call on the Zords."
"It's worth a shot," Tucker said, looking to his friends. " Ready?" They all nodded. "Alright. It's Morphin Time!"
"Pink Cloud Opal!" Suzanne cried out.
"Yellow Lightning Topaz!" Angela shouted.
"Blue Tidal Sapphire!" Dimitri called out.
"Green Forest Emerald!" Bill yelled.
"Red Fire Ruby!" Tucker bellowed.
*****
"We need Thunderzord Power, now!" The Power Rangers called out, raising their hands towards the sky. A familiar rumble of thunder answered them a moment later.
"Mastodon-Lion-Thunderzord power!"
"Pterodactyl-Firebird-Thunderzord power!"
"Triceratops-Unicorn-Thunderzord power!"
"Saber Toothed Tiger-Griffin-Thunderzord power!"
"Tyrannosaurus-Red Dragon-Thunderzord power!"
With cracks of thunder accompanying each call, the Thunderzords appeared, one by one. Each Ranger leapt to the cockpit in the Zords, each hoping they would be able to succeed. The Lion, Firebird, Unicorn, and Griffin came together, forming the "Thunder Chariot", as Zack jokingly called it once. While they combined, the Red Dragon shifted into its Warrior mode, and took its place with the other Zords, taking to the air. Maybe a few strafing runs will get us some breathing room. Jason thought to himself.
"Dragonzord power!" Tommy called out, bring his flute to his lips again. This time, however, the tune he played was much different. This time, he played the melody that would summon the mighty Dragonzord from its slumber in the harbor. A boiling froth appeared on the water, showing the Dragonzord had begun to arise. He turned to watch the Thunderzords fly past the monster, the Red Dragon warrior swinging its staff as they passed by. Tommy smiled as a small explosion of sparks accompanied the attack, before his attention was drawn back to the form of the Dragonzord making its way to join the battle. Screaming its battle cry, the Dragonzord confronted the monster, clawing at it.
Tommy's elation was short lived, as the Morphicus blocked the Dragonzord's claw, placing its fingertips against the Dragonzord's chest. A moment later, the Dragonzord was sent flying back, as the monster shot a point blank talon barrage. The Dragonzord was followed, however, a moment later, by the Morphicus Monster, thanks to the combined force of the Red Dragon Warrior's Staff and the swooping movements of the Thunder Chariot. The Dragonzord tried to regain its footing, momentarily, but failed. Tommy swore to himself. Just as his powers were slowly fading, and would eventually fail, so were the Dragonzord's. Tommy brought his wrist closer to his mouth, activating his communicator.
"Zordon, you need to bring the Dragonzord in for repairs."
WE WILL DO SO IMMEDIATELY, TOMMY. AT THIS TIME, I THINK IT WOULD BE WISE FOR YOU TO RETURN AS WELL. WITHOUT THE DRAGONZORD, THERE IS NO WAY FOR YOU TO ASSIST THE OTHER RANGERS."But Zordon, how will the Ranger's beat this monster without help?"
TUCKER AND HIS RANGERS SHALL BE ARRIVING SHORTLY, WITH THEIR OWN ZORDS. THE COMBINED MIGHT OF THE TWO GROUPS OF ZORDS SHOULD PROVE STRONG ENOUGH TO DEFEAT THE MORPHICUS.Tommy sighed, knowing deep within that Zordon was right. He just hated leaving his friends when they needed him. "Alright Zordon, I'm on my way back in." With one last look at his friends, Tommy teleported back to the Command Center.
*****
Arriving a short distance away from the fight, Tucker and his friends took a quick survey of the fight, and realized how desperate the struggle was. "I guess there's no time like the present…" Tucker sighed. His friends nodded their agreement, knowing that it was very possible that what they were about to attempt wouldn't work. Each taking a deep breath, the thrust their hands towards the horizon, and shouted "We call on the power of the Element Zords!" For a few, long seconds, nothing seemed to happen. Then, miraculously, each Ranger heard the roars of their Zords. Bill honestly thought he had never heard anything sound so good in his life. Leaping up into the air, Tucker and his fellow Rangers landed in their cockpits, taking manual control of their Zords.
"Cloud Eagle. Live and in color!"
"Lightning Warrior. Charged up and ready to go!"
"Tidal Horse. Ready to clean up the bad guys!"
"Forest Panther. Lets lay the smack down!"
"Fire Dragon. Lets turn up the heat! Jason, this is Tucker. We figured you could use a hand!" Tucker called out over his communicator.
Tuck, am I glad to hear you. But… how will you help against this thing now that its gone super sized on us?
"Turns out our Zords are wherever we are. Look to your southeast."
Whoa! Nice Zords. Tucker heard Zack say over the intercom.
The Dragon one looks just like my Red Dragon Zord! Jason commented.
Tucker laughed. They seem almost as at ease in the battle as we do. Wonder if it's the power, or just getting used to being in the fight. "We'll talk about similarities later. First, lets take big, mean, and nasty down, shall we?"
Lets do it, Rangers! Jason called out. Tucker wondered momentarily if Jason was just used to taking command, or if he just assumed he was in charge. Doesn't matter. Whoever can get the job done is good enough for me.
Tucker, did Zordon tell you what Zedd has done to this thing? Jason asked.
"It wasn't Zedd," Tucker answered.
"That Growth spell was from Lord Necron," Dimitri explained. "Somehow he has found a way into your universe, and has join forces with Zedd."
OK. What's the best way to take on one of Necron's monsters?
"While they are immeasurably stronger," Dimitri explained. "They are not able to keep up with the maneuverability of the individual Zords. It is best to wait until the turn of the battle to form the Megazord."
Alright. You heard the man, guys. Lets split up and take him on as a group! Jason called out. Tucker watched from his Zord as the Thunderzords disconnected from each other, and spread out.
*****
As the ten Zords separated, approaching the Monster from different sides, Tommy watched, demorphed and in his street clothes, from the Command Center.
"Man, it seems like this is getting to be more and more common, isn't it, Alpha?" Tommy asked the robot, turning towards it.
"What is, Tommy?"
"Me, standing here and watching my best friends, going into battle. Last time, it was with their new Thunderzords. This time, it's with an entire new squad of Rangers. It's a bit… overwhelming." Tommy sighed. Alpha looked at him. While he did not completely understand human emotions, he could detect what Tommy was going through. He had heard the other Rangers refer to it as being in a "funk". Alpha also knew it wasn't good to let Tommy stay on this line of thought for very long.
"It's OK, Tommy. I'm sure we'll find a way to stabilize your powers, and you'll be back out there in no time." Alpha walked over, and patted Tommy on the shoulder. Tommy looked over at Alpha, and couldn't help but smile. "Now, would you assist me in scanning this monster, so we can find any weaknesses it has."
Tommy smiled, looking towards the Viewing Globe one last time, and turned to help Alpha.
TOMMY, I BELIEVE THAT A SOLUTION FOR THE TROUBLES WITH YOUR POWERS WILL SOON REVEAL ITSELF. HAVE FAITH.*****
Jason, I think I have an idea! Tucker called over the communicator. Jason reached for the switch as he watched Zack's Lion trip up the Morphicus Monster from beneath, running right between its legs.
"Lay it on me, Tuck. I'm all ears." The last few moments had been more evenly fought then before. Jason wasn't sure if it was because of the assistance from the other Rangers, but really didn't care, as long as it worked.
Well, you commented on how similar our Zords look, and since you reverted back to Dragon mode, I agree. I think we can combine their firepower, and put a real dent in this thing!
"Best idea I've heard yet, Tuck. Let's give it a try," Jason called back, steering his Red Dragon Zord closer towards Tucker's Fire Dragon Zord. Jason wasn't sure exactly what Tucker had in mind, but he seemed to be as competent in his duties as leader as he himself was, which calmed Jason down. At least a little.
Jason looked out of his view port, and saw Tucker's Fire Dragon begin to slowly spiral around Jason's Red Dragon. By spiraling around each other, we can concentrate the fire from both Dragons, and use it as a drill on that monster.
Jason smiled. "I got it, Tuck. Let's gut this thing!" Jason responded as he began to direct his own Zord around Tucker's, just as Tucker was doing around his. Slowly, as they flew closer to the monster, a red, conical form of fiery energy began to extend from the twisting Dragons.
"DOUBLE DRAGON FIRE POWER!" Jason and Tucker called out as the two Dragons crashed into the Morphicus monster, aiming so that they would clear to the side as they raked past it. The monster reeled back some, but slowly continued to advance.
Dammit!! That should have taken it down! Tucker shouted, circling his Zord around.
Jase, I'm going in. This time, the voice on the intercom wasn't Tucker's. It was Kimberly. Jason looked up in time to see her Firebird streak past him, letting a barrage of lasers loose at the creature.
"Kim, be careful! That thing is faster then it looks!" It was true, too. After Dimitri said that the monster, affected as it was by Lord Necron's magic, shouldn't be able to compensate for the multiple Zords speed, he was caught off guard by the monster's movements. His warning was just in time, as Kim banked her Zord to the side, just as the monster swiped for it with its claws. "That's it! We need all the firepower we can muster against this thing. Time for the Megazord! Tucker, keep that thing busy while we get it together!"
Roger! Tucker replied as Jason converted the Red Dragon into its Warrior mode, and watched the others changing their Zords into the component pieces of the Thunder Megazord. The Unicorn and Griffin became legs, the Lion formed armor, arms, and a helmet, while the Firebird converted to a belt. Jason still thought that it was an attempt by Zordon at humor. The "mallrat's" Zord is a fashion accessory. Jason moved his now Warrior mode Zord towards the others, leaping up into the Unicorn/Griffin legs, while the Lion armor and arms came up by their own accord. Lastly, the Firebird belt positioned itself around the Thunder Megazord's waist.
"Thunder Megazord, Power Up!" The Rangers called from inside the Megazord's cockpit. "OK, Tuck. We've got it. Get clear!"
*****
"No offense, Jase, but like you said, you're going to need all the firepower you can to take this thing down. Its your turn to keep it busy while we get OUR act together!" Tucker responded. He watched as the Thunder Megazord made its way towards the monster.
Just don't take too long, Tuck. Can't promise we won't have it beat by the time you guys get ready. Jason called out from the intercom.
"Alright, guys," Tucker called to his friends. "Megazord power!"
The Lightning Warrior's chest folded up, parallel to the ground, and then folded in half, forming a waist and legs. The Cloud Eagle landed on the now formed waist, and sat straight on it, forming a chest. The Tidal Horse leapt into the air, and folded in on itself, forming an arm, its head jutting out from the shoulder, and attaching to the Eagle's right side, as the Forest Panther did likewise on the Eagle's left. The Fire Dragon slid up the back of the Eagle, between its wings, until its head sat over the Eagle's. The Dragon's maw opened, revealing a face. Its tail folded up behind its back, revealing a hilt. One by one, the Rangers slid out of their individual cockpits, and joined each other in a larger cockpit. The five Rangers shouted "Megazord, power up!"
Now formed, both Megazord's made their way towards the monster. As they approached it, however, it was enveloped by ebony flames, and disappeared.
*****
"Why did you call the monster back, you chrome-domed piece of trash?" Zedd bellowed at his ebony double. Necron glared in Zedd's direction without responding. Necron walked over, passing Zedd, and sat in Zedd's throne.
"For a moment, think with whatever piece of your exposed brain actually still works." Necron finally said. "Even as powerful as your monster is, enhanced as it was by my magic, it was not strong enough to deal with two Megazords. We will bide our time, let them think what they will, and, when they least expect it, we shall send this monster back to them, and let it crush them!"
*****
The various Rangers all teleported to the Command Center, and looked up towards Zordon.
"What just happened?" Kimberly asked.
"Yeah. I don't know about you guys," Suzanne added. "But we're not used to the monsters just up and running."
IT IS STILL UNKNOWN AS TO WHY LORD ZEDD AND LORD NECRON RECALLED THEIR MONSTER. HOWEVER, I WOULD SUGGEST THAT WE PREPARE FOR THEIR RETURN. RETURN HOME, ANDWE SHALL CONTACT YOU SHOULD YOU BE NEEDED.The eleven teens nodded, and teleported out of the Command Center. Alpha looked up to Zordon, and spoke. "Zordon? What will we do with Eleven Rangers? And how will we deal with the sudden appearance of five teens without any identification, or any parents to contact?"
THOSE ARE VERY GOOD QUESTIONS, ALPHA 5. HOWEVER, AT THIS TIME, I AM UNSURE OF THE ANSWERS.