Title: Always a Ranger

Author: Alexis Steele

Pairings: Multiple

Rating: PG-13 to be safe, for detailed descriptions of the battles and language and a slash pairing

Summary: This idea came to me when I watched C2D on my Ultimate Rangers DVD. I've always wondered where the former Rangers would've been during C2D and this is my version of that idea. WARNING! Ending will complete negate all subsequent PR incarnations. Gratuitous use of dialogue from the episode is used herein, as well

Disclaimer: The following characters herein do not belong to me. All characters are the property of Saban Entertainment and now the Mouse (Disney). The only thing that DOES belong to me is the niggling plot bunny that refused to rest until written. No profit is intended. Please don't sue as I am a full-time college student, meaning all you'll get from me is my ever-growing pile of bills. If you want to pay them, be my guest!

Author's Note: 'italics' dictates a person's thoughts; ((italics)) dictates telepathic speech; / -- \ dictates a computer screen readout

Thanx to: Jeremy Ray Logsdon for the use of Emily's last name; Jacks for keeping on my case about this fic, Rene & Kris for beta'ing; Deb, TG, NB, Conni and Melissa for putting up with this fic, even though it's not a Monkees fic. Please R&R.

Prologue: Countdown to Destruction

May 25, 1999 -- 7 AM Angel Grove Time (AGT) -- Location Unknown

As the various hues of red, yellow and orange paint the horizon in their magnificent splendor, a lone figure stands erect on the edge of a cliff. If one can ignore the diamond-headed scepter, short, flaming red hair, and black-and-silver leather outfit, one may assume that this figure is watching another glorious sunrise. But this is not the case, as the figure waiting is none other than Astronema, Princess of Evil, formerly Karone of KO-35. Whatever she's awaiting is quickly revealed as the clouds surrounding her change from their gloriously bright colors to ugly, ominous shades of gray, black and white, the ones seen before an approaching storm. Then, Dark Spectre appears before her.

"The time has come to complete my master plan, Astronema," the creature known as Dark Spectre bellows. "Summon all my evil forces. They must all unite to finally take over the universe."

"Let the battle begin," Astronema agrees, hoisting her scepter high into the air.

Dark Spectre disappears and Astronema teleports herself to a platform located within the Dark Fortress. Before her stand all the various footsoldiers available to Dark Spectre: Quantrons, Piranhatrons, Cogs, Putties, Tengas, and the occasional Putrapod. Taking her place before them, Astronema makes a dazzling speech to rouse the armies.

"When we're finished, there will be no good left in the universe, no love, no happiness! Only chaos... anger... GREED!" The crowd down below grunts and bellows in agreement as Astronema continues. "Fight strong and destroy all the forces of goodness, especially the Power Rangers." Once again, the grunts bellow their approval. "Go now, and spread the wrath of Dark Spectre!"

The crowds continue to cheer as the Velocifighters and Quadrifighters disembark from the Dark Fortress. In other parts of the galaxy, the various legions of Dark Spectre also begin their attack. On Aquitar, Divatox's forces are pummeling the Alien Rangers, as they are unable to fight effectively on the very minimal amount of dry land available on the planet's surface. On the Phantom Ranger's homeworld, he and the Blue Senturion are overwhelmed by the forces of the Machine Empire's vast array of armies, supplied not only by Mondo and Machina, but Gasket and Archerina as well. On Triforia, Trey is trying his best against Zedd and Rita's swarm of monsters, Putties and Tengas, but one Ranger can only do so much before he, too, is overwhelmed by the insurmountable odds.

Back on the Dark Fortress, Astronema witnesses all that is occurring around the universe and is pleased with the results. Deciding she shouldn't be the only one to enjoy Good's final defeat by the forces of Evil, she strolls over to a canvas-covered object and removes the cloak. Underneath is the subject of the Astro Rangers' search for the past two years -- Zordon.

"Welcome Zordon," Astronema boasts. "It appears you're almost out of energy. Soon you'll be gone forever."

"You'll never succeed, Astronema," Zordon interjects.

"Oh no? Watch," Astronema replies, her confidence oozing out at her words.

Astronema proceeds to show him the destruction that is taking place. First, she shows the home planet of the Phantom Ranger where he is still being pummeled by Cogs.

"You have a front-row seat to the end of your era," Astronema tells him. "And the beginning of mine."

Astronema and Zordon continue to watch the events unfolding on screen. Soon, the Phantom Ranger and Blue Senturion are blasted by Quadrifighters from the air, sending them reeling and allowing the Cogs on the ground to surround them. Disheartened but not defeated, Zordon tries once more to reach the fragile girl trapped within the identity of Astronema.

"Karone," Zordon says softly. "You can stop this before it's too late."

The scene on the viewing screen changes back to Triforia. Zordon is forced to watch as Trey is pummeled by laser beams shot off by Goldar then is captured by the various monsters surrounding him while his guard is down. Another scene changes shows that some of Mondo's forces are on yet another planet, causing destruction there as well.

Zordon, unseen by Astronema, shakes his head solemnly. "Has Dark Spectre filled you so full with evil that you would even destroy your own planet?"

Just then, a lone figure bursts out of the atmosphere. It's the Silver Ranger, Zhane. Several Velocifighters quickly catch up with the retreating Ranger. Zordon and Astronema watch as the Silver Ranger nearly falls off of his Galaxy Glider. He barely manages to hang on until assistance comes at the hands of the Megaship which blows several of the offending fliers up before they are forced to retreat. Astronema turns away from the view screen. It doesn't matter to her if the Silver Ranger lives or dies. He will be dealt with soon enough, anyway, she thinks casually, though the tiny voice that is still Karone cheers that Zhane's okay, for the time being.

"Elgar!" Astronema bellows.

"Yes, your evilness," the surfer-like voices replies.

"Prepare the Dark Fortress," she continues. "We are going to do what no other force has done yet... defeat the Power Rangers!"