A/N: Sorry 'Carpe Diem' has been such a mess recently, but I've managed to
rewrite it, one chapter at a time. Anyways, I hope it's better and as
thanks for putting up with my strange updating schedule, I've added a lot
of new scenes, which are mainly romantic. So please enjoy and review!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" It is time for the end of the Rangers," whispered a quiet figure in a hooded garb, its tone so cold that it would make a grown man tremble, as he ran his gloved hand over the blade of his beautiful jewel encrusted sword.
" Sir, thank you for returning us to the side of Darkness. We are forever in your debt." Said another voice from the darkness. It was Lord Zedd, dressed in a black cloak, with Rita Repulsa by his side.
" Yeah, it was horrible to be... nice," shuddered Divatox, as she primped her hair.
" To be good is to be weak, eh?"
" Yeah Master!" Jindrax yelled, before Toxica shut him up.
" And now the Council has been formed. Together, we will revenge against the Power Rangers, and make the universe rightfully ours!" cackled the hooded man, as King Mondo and Queen Machinia, Vypra, three Mutorgs, and Representatives of Dark Spectre also appeared from the shadows.
" The reign of Evil is upon us!"
~*~
" Hey Kurt, any mail for me?"
" Actually Ms. Hart, you have a package from out of state waiting in the lobby." This got Kim's attention. After saying goodbye to her mailman, she rushed down to the apartment building's lobby and asked for a package under her name. It was small as far as such things go, but the wrapping paper was beautiful, with exotic pink and silver emblems swirling gracefully on a dark gray background. Wistfully, she thought to back to her Ranger friends, of any who could have sent this. Kim could hardly wait to get it into her room before carefully tearing the paper and gazing inside. It was a bracelet.
' Strange... there isn't even a card. Could Trini've sent it?' It was so pretty though, platinum was her guess, and had a rich scarlet-colored jewel in the very middle. Snapping it onto her wrist, the brunette admired it in the sunlight. She'd call Trini in the morning to than her.
~*~
About 110 miles away, another Ranger was settled, but his mood was very different. Times were hard, and sometimes, emotions can get the better of a person...
Wiping his sweaty brow, Tommy Oliver was ready to either right down on the mat and go to sleep or jump up and go punch a punching bag. He knew that the Scarlet Dragon Athletics Center was still getting on its feet, but man! What he wouldn't give for some extra money to hire some help!
" Hey Oliver, you're looking... down." Rocky DeSantos walked into the room, and instantly felt the bad vibes radiating off of his longtime friend. Seeing Tommy lying spread-eagle on the floor didn't make things any better.
" You try having seven karate classes in a row, plus practicing for the county tournament, plus trying to hang on to a relationship!" Immediately, Tommy regretted his angry words.
" I'm sorry Tom. When we started, we all knew we'd be stressed out until we start a constant flow of students..." Tommy sighed and slowly stood up.
" I'm sorry man... I'm just really tired. I think I'm going to head home. I'm in need sleep...bad," Tommy turned to Rocky, who was similarly dressed in a sweaty red gi, though Tommy's was white. The Mexican-American looked worn out, and somewhat older than his 25 years. He had also turned more serious over the years, though on good days, the old sparkle came back into the man's brown eyes.
" Hey, why not you get home too? I bet Carrie would like you home early once this year." Carinita DeSantos was Rocky's younger sister who lived with him in a small condo near the beach.
" Can't. I'm meeting with a possible benefactor, and we both know how rare those are. I'll see ya tomorrow Tommy." Tommy groaned as the ex-Red Ranger left the sparring room. Well that went well.
" I just had to take on that extra class... oh damn, I better call Kat," he muttered to himself, and strode to the locker room.
~*~
William Cranston turned hesitantly to his sleeping wife's form, before tiptoed to the bedroom door.
" Don't even think that you're going to work without me," groaning, Billy turned to his wife's voice.
"You need sleep my love. You were up throughout the night with me doing tests on atmospheric densities."
" Which means you need just as much sleep as me," Trini Kwan-Cranston pulled back the covers to reveal the Asian woman in cream-colored silk pajamas and long mussed hair.
" I'm perfectly all right. My body is accustomed to short hours of sleep, thus, I will be fine. Now, you dear, shall be back to sleep."
" Too late, I'm up." Trini got up, stretched, and lazily walked over and draped her arms over her husband's shoulders.
" Now, I'm going to get into the shower before I start working... would you like to join me?" With a growing smile, Billy began to unbutton his shirt.
~*~
" Hey, are you the stunt director? Can you help me with this scene?"
" Okay, sure. Um, scene 34 is where you freefall from a building, right? Now when you fall and hit the mark, just hit your shoulder, not your back. Oh, hold on a moment, all right?" Adam Park grabbed the water bottle he had put down, and walked to the producer who was motioning for him.
" Call from a Mr. E," Racking his brains, Adam tried to think of someone with an "E" last name. Taking the phone, Adam spoke.
" This is Adam Park. May I help you?"
" You and your Ranger friends are about to die. Better be ready Mr. Park, for the first strike will occur on your day of lost spirits... The day where your spirits will become mine... the day when I, Master Evil, will take my vengeance, and do what no one else has... to kill every Ranger!" An abrupt click meant that the threatening call was over.
" Mr. Park? Are you okay? You look like you heard your death wish!"
" I'm going to need a clear schedule for a while, is that okay? I have to deal with a personal emergency." After the producer agreed, Adam grabbed the phone again, and dialed Tanya's cell number.
" Tanya Sloan speaking."
" Hey Tan, I need you to gather all of our Ranger friends together for tonight and tell them to get their old morphers out. It's a huge emergency," he muttered, making sure no one could hear the conversation.
" An emergency? What happened Adam? Are you okay?"
" I'm fine, and I'll tell you later. I'm leaving work; so if you need me, call my cell. Love you."
" Love you too. I'll have them come over to our apartment at 7, okay?"
" Okay. Bye."
With a sigh, Adam hurried to his car, his mind instantly switching from his normal job to the work he'd held since his teens.
~*~
" What's up?" Jason Scott came hurrying into the door at 7:30, still dressed in his courtroom best. He was in the middle of a case, when he had gotten Tanya's message, and somehow convinced the judge that there was a family crisis and to postpone the hearing until next Thursday.
" And I thought I was the late one bro!" Tommy hugged his best friend. Everyone was there up to the Turbo team, except Aisha and Zack, who were both working with uneducated villages in Africa, and Kim, who was living in Los Angeles and wasn't home when Tanya called.
" Yeah, well I was in the middle of a trial. So what's the problem?"
" I got a call from a new villain. His name's Master Evil, and he swore to do what no other has done... to defeat the Power Rangers."
" Pretty sure of himself, isn't he? Well, this should be just like all the others." Rocky shrugged, looking at Justin.
" He's not. Adam and I got together this afternoon and researched this guy. It turns out that he's been organizing a "council of Evil". He's somehow brought back every villain we've fought against, like Lord Zedd, King Mondo, and Divatox, just to name a few."
" But I thought Zordon cleansed them!" shouted Rocky.
" He did, but Master Evil managed to bring them back to the Dark Side. We're still trying to find out how he did it."
" I think we'll need backup," mumbled Adam. He picked up Tanya's cell phone off the table.
" Does anyone know who the last Ranger team was?"
" Um, yes. The Wild Force team, but they're in Turtle Cove. That's about 150 miles north of Stone Canyon. Is it so bad that we have to call them?" questioned Trini, tightening her grip on Billy's hand.
" I hate to say it, but I think we'll need to contact all Power Ranger teams. Better break out the address books." Jason replied grimly. Tanya let out a small sigh. This wasn't how she planned to meet all the teams.
~*~
" How're you holding up?" Adam had found Rocky looking at the stars on the balcony.
" I just don't get it.... We've already defeated these guys, but because of some weirdo, we're back to where we were 9 years ago???" Rocky shook his head.
" It's just not fair."
" One thing we've learned is that when it comes to being Power Rangers, "fair" isn't part of the job. Instead of being mad at the past, let's protect the present, and have a safe future, okay?" Adam turned and stared at his irritated friend.
"Um Rocko... is something else bothering you?" After a long silence, Rocky finally spoke.
" It's Aisha. I thought we had some sort of connection... that we could actually become something more then just, you know, friends. But I was talking with Zack yesterday, and it turns out he's been spending a lot of time with her in Zambia. They've been getting to know each other, and recently... well, Zack and Aisha are now a couple." Adam could only sigh and put his hand on his best friend's shoulder. He knew that Rocky had had a crush on Aisha for a very long time, and that Rocky had been working up the nerve to go see her.
" I'm sorry Rock, but you know, there are plenty of fish in sea."
" Yeah, but I thought I had found my fish...enough of this. I'm beginning to get depressed. C'mon Frog boy, let's go and see how the others are doing, okay?"
" If you say so."
~*~
" Carter! You have a phone call from someone named Tom Oliver. Isn't he the Ranger you introduced me to?"
" Yeah, he was formerly the Red Turbo." He took the phone from Dana and listened as his friend spoke.
" What? Are you serious?" A shocked expression came on his face, as Tommy described their plight. Soon he hung up and turned to his girlfriend sadly.
" Will you be able to round up your brother and the others?"
" Sure, but I need to know what's wrong?" Carter wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple.
" I'll explain to you... after I call up Cole and the Wild Force Rangers."
~*~
Two days later, Tommy waited impatiently for the other teams to arrive. They had chosen the Command Center, where Zordon and Dimitria had once been, as the headquarters. Just standing outside it brought back memories of his adolescence; some memories were sentimental, while others scared him shitless. He had decided to come early, if only to recall the memories. Rocky, TJ, Kat, Jason, and he all decided as co-owners to close the Scarlet Dragon Center for a while, so that they could dedicate their time to the mission, instead of also worrying about business. It would lose a lot of clients, but if it meant the world being safe... so be it. Even though they were closed, Jason and Kat had stayed behind to fill out some taxes. Soon, cars lined the dirt road leading up the Command Center.
" Hey TJ," Tommy waved to his successor and one of his business associates, TJ Johnson. The other teams were just arriving, after being barely informed of the situation the day before. Only the Galactic team was missing, because Terra Venture was too far away from Earth at the time.
" So are we going to be told more about this Master Evil?"
" Yeah. Let's go round up the Red rangers and I'll tell you. Where're Cassie and the others?" Tommy watched smugly as TJ's ears flushed a dull red.
" Why did I even tell you that I like her?"
" Well, probably because you're gullible, and I managed to drag it out of you."
" Right."
~*~
" Are you almost done entering the amounts into the computer?" Kat looked over at her anxious friend.
" Jase, calm down. I'm sure Tommy's not going to let the others make any plans to defeat this Council until the original Red Ranger is there with him. All right?"
" Yeah... Sorry. It's just that after all these years of not being a Ranger, I feel almost-"
" Excited?"
" Exactly."
" I feel the same way." After a soft beep, Kat switched off the computer and linked her arm in his.
" Ready to go mighty leader?" Jason picked up his motorcycle keys and grinned.
" Wanna take a ride?" Kat disappeared for a moment, before coming back with a black and pink motorbike helmet.
" Do you know how long I've been waiting for that offer?" They walked over to his bike and got on.
" Hold on tight, because this goes pretty fast."
" Jason, I've been on a motorcycle before. Not all my skills go with the Powers when it's over."
" I'm not doubting, just reminding." With a quick 'rev' of the engine, the pair sped off in a breeze of reds, blacks, and pinks.
~*~
Kim slowly parked her white convertible behind all the rest of the cars, and waved to Trini, who was sitting on the Center's steps with Billy.
" Long time no see guys!" She hugged her friends and looked around.
" Are there any others here?"
" Yes, but Tommy took them inside. I believe he wants to discuss the information with them. Since we already properly informed, we're waiting outside." Billy glanced to see how Kim would react to her old boyfriend's name, and was relieved to see she did not flinch as she used to.
" I see. Well, I guess I better get debriefed too." She patted her friends' shoulders and walked inside.
" Do you think she's still hurting? I mean, I know she and Tommy are friends now, but still..." Trini echoed his inner thoughts.
" I think that we should let it all take its course. Who are we still waiting for?"
" Well, Jase and Kat are still at the Athletics Center, and Aisha and Zack are in Ghana. But besides them, I think we're all here."
" Good, that means a little peace and quiet..." Trini wrapped her arms around her husband's waist and snuggled closer.
" Who knows how long we'll have that..."
~*~
" So is Master Evil the President of the council?" asked Carter, after the former Red rangers reviewed what they knew of the mysterious foe. Tommy had tried to wait for Jason, but reluctantly started after a half hour.
" Sounds like it. What are we going to do? Should each team just find and re-fight the baddie we defeated?" wondered Eric. The men pondered in silence, until Jason hurried in and spoke up.
" I say we wait until the first strike to fight, then stay together instead of breaking up into our teams," Jason looked at Tommy and grinned. Leave it to Jason to come in at the right moments.
" My gut says that they've planned on us splitting us up into our normal teams, so we have to confuse them and stay together. Besides, many are stronger than one." The former Zeo and Turbo Red Ranger nodded.
" Good idea. So are we agreed that unless we come up with something better, this is our plan?" 9 other heads nodded.
" Rangers! A monster and Putties are attacking in Angel Grove Park and there are panicking picnickers!" The Red rangers hopped up from the conference table, and ran back to the main part of the Command Center.
" Thanks Alpha. So who's taking them on?"
" Let my Zeo team go first." Tommy pulled his old Zeonizer and his crystal out of his pocket.
" Hey... how did you get that? I thought you gave them up?" Wes murmured, looking at the crystal for the first time.
" Well, it turns out after Alpha 6 took over Alpha 5's job, it also took its predecessor's stuff."
" So does that mean your team has their equipment already?" Tommy nodded, and the others agreed for him to go into battle.
" Zeo Ranger V!" Tommy quickly morphed into his old uniform, before running to get his team.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: The next chapter will be out (knock on wood) by Dec.10, but who knows. Let me know if this is better, and by the way, I'm still searching for a beta reader/editor. Thanks!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
" It is time for the end of the Rangers," whispered a quiet figure in a hooded garb, its tone so cold that it would make a grown man tremble, as he ran his gloved hand over the blade of his beautiful jewel encrusted sword.
" Sir, thank you for returning us to the side of Darkness. We are forever in your debt." Said another voice from the darkness. It was Lord Zedd, dressed in a black cloak, with Rita Repulsa by his side.
" Yeah, it was horrible to be... nice," shuddered Divatox, as she primped her hair.
" To be good is to be weak, eh?"
" Yeah Master!" Jindrax yelled, before Toxica shut him up.
" And now the Council has been formed. Together, we will revenge against the Power Rangers, and make the universe rightfully ours!" cackled the hooded man, as King Mondo and Queen Machinia, Vypra, three Mutorgs, and Representatives of Dark Spectre also appeared from the shadows.
" The reign of Evil is upon us!"
~*~
" Hey Kurt, any mail for me?"
" Actually Ms. Hart, you have a package from out of state waiting in the lobby." This got Kim's attention. After saying goodbye to her mailman, she rushed down to the apartment building's lobby and asked for a package under her name. It was small as far as such things go, but the wrapping paper was beautiful, with exotic pink and silver emblems swirling gracefully on a dark gray background. Wistfully, she thought to back to her Ranger friends, of any who could have sent this. Kim could hardly wait to get it into her room before carefully tearing the paper and gazing inside. It was a bracelet.
' Strange... there isn't even a card. Could Trini've sent it?' It was so pretty though, platinum was her guess, and had a rich scarlet-colored jewel in the very middle. Snapping it onto her wrist, the brunette admired it in the sunlight. She'd call Trini in the morning to than her.
~*~
About 110 miles away, another Ranger was settled, but his mood was very different. Times were hard, and sometimes, emotions can get the better of a person...
Wiping his sweaty brow, Tommy Oliver was ready to either right down on the mat and go to sleep or jump up and go punch a punching bag. He knew that the Scarlet Dragon Athletics Center was still getting on its feet, but man! What he wouldn't give for some extra money to hire some help!
" Hey Oliver, you're looking... down." Rocky DeSantos walked into the room, and instantly felt the bad vibes radiating off of his longtime friend. Seeing Tommy lying spread-eagle on the floor didn't make things any better.
" You try having seven karate classes in a row, plus practicing for the county tournament, plus trying to hang on to a relationship!" Immediately, Tommy regretted his angry words.
" I'm sorry Tom. When we started, we all knew we'd be stressed out until we start a constant flow of students..." Tommy sighed and slowly stood up.
" I'm sorry man... I'm just really tired. I think I'm going to head home. I'm in need sleep...bad," Tommy turned to Rocky, who was similarly dressed in a sweaty red gi, though Tommy's was white. The Mexican-American looked worn out, and somewhat older than his 25 years. He had also turned more serious over the years, though on good days, the old sparkle came back into the man's brown eyes.
" Hey, why not you get home too? I bet Carrie would like you home early once this year." Carinita DeSantos was Rocky's younger sister who lived with him in a small condo near the beach.
" Can't. I'm meeting with a possible benefactor, and we both know how rare those are. I'll see ya tomorrow Tommy." Tommy groaned as the ex-Red Ranger left the sparring room. Well that went well.
" I just had to take on that extra class... oh damn, I better call Kat," he muttered to himself, and strode to the locker room.
~*~
William Cranston turned hesitantly to his sleeping wife's form, before tiptoed to the bedroom door.
" Don't even think that you're going to work without me," groaning, Billy turned to his wife's voice.
"You need sleep my love. You were up throughout the night with me doing tests on atmospheric densities."
" Which means you need just as much sleep as me," Trini Kwan-Cranston pulled back the covers to reveal the Asian woman in cream-colored silk pajamas and long mussed hair.
" I'm perfectly all right. My body is accustomed to short hours of sleep, thus, I will be fine. Now, you dear, shall be back to sleep."
" Too late, I'm up." Trini got up, stretched, and lazily walked over and draped her arms over her husband's shoulders.
" Now, I'm going to get into the shower before I start working... would you like to join me?" With a growing smile, Billy began to unbutton his shirt.
~*~
" Hey, are you the stunt director? Can you help me with this scene?"
" Okay, sure. Um, scene 34 is where you freefall from a building, right? Now when you fall and hit the mark, just hit your shoulder, not your back. Oh, hold on a moment, all right?" Adam Park grabbed the water bottle he had put down, and walked to the producer who was motioning for him.
" Call from a Mr. E," Racking his brains, Adam tried to think of someone with an "E" last name. Taking the phone, Adam spoke.
" This is Adam Park. May I help you?"
" You and your Ranger friends are about to die. Better be ready Mr. Park, for the first strike will occur on your day of lost spirits... The day where your spirits will become mine... the day when I, Master Evil, will take my vengeance, and do what no one else has... to kill every Ranger!" An abrupt click meant that the threatening call was over.
" Mr. Park? Are you okay? You look like you heard your death wish!"
" I'm going to need a clear schedule for a while, is that okay? I have to deal with a personal emergency." After the producer agreed, Adam grabbed the phone again, and dialed Tanya's cell number.
" Tanya Sloan speaking."
" Hey Tan, I need you to gather all of our Ranger friends together for tonight and tell them to get their old morphers out. It's a huge emergency," he muttered, making sure no one could hear the conversation.
" An emergency? What happened Adam? Are you okay?"
" I'm fine, and I'll tell you later. I'm leaving work; so if you need me, call my cell. Love you."
" Love you too. I'll have them come over to our apartment at 7, okay?"
" Okay. Bye."
With a sigh, Adam hurried to his car, his mind instantly switching from his normal job to the work he'd held since his teens.
~*~
" What's up?" Jason Scott came hurrying into the door at 7:30, still dressed in his courtroom best. He was in the middle of a case, when he had gotten Tanya's message, and somehow convinced the judge that there was a family crisis and to postpone the hearing until next Thursday.
" And I thought I was the late one bro!" Tommy hugged his best friend. Everyone was there up to the Turbo team, except Aisha and Zack, who were both working with uneducated villages in Africa, and Kim, who was living in Los Angeles and wasn't home when Tanya called.
" Yeah, well I was in the middle of a trial. So what's the problem?"
" I got a call from a new villain. His name's Master Evil, and he swore to do what no other has done... to defeat the Power Rangers."
" Pretty sure of himself, isn't he? Well, this should be just like all the others." Rocky shrugged, looking at Justin.
" He's not. Adam and I got together this afternoon and researched this guy. It turns out that he's been organizing a "council of Evil". He's somehow brought back every villain we've fought against, like Lord Zedd, King Mondo, and Divatox, just to name a few."
" But I thought Zordon cleansed them!" shouted Rocky.
" He did, but Master Evil managed to bring them back to the Dark Side. We're still trying to find out how he did it."
" I think we'll need backup," mumbled Adam. He picked up Tanya's cell phone off the table.
" Does anyone know who the last Ranger team was?"
" Um, yes. The Wild Force team, but they're in Turtle Cove. That's about 150 miles north of Stone Canyon. Is it so bad that we have to call them?" questioned Trini, tightening her grip on Billy's hand.
" I hate to say it, but I think we'll need to contact all Power Ranger teams. Better break out the address books." Jason replied grimly. Tanya let out a small sigh. This wasn't how she planned to meet all the teams.
~*~
" How're you holding up?" Adam had found Rocky looking at the stars on the balcony.
" I just don't get it.... We've already defeated these guys, but because of some weirdo, we're back to where we were 9 years ago???" Rocky shook his head.
" It's just not fair."
" One thing we've learned is that when it comes to being Power Rangers, "fair" isn't part of the job. Instead of being mad at the past, let's protect the present, and have a safe future, okay?" Adam turned and stared at his irritated friend.
"Um Rocko... is something else bothering you?" After a long silence, Rocky finally spoke.
" It's Aisha. I thought we had some sort of connection... that we could actually become something more then just, you know, friends. But I was talking with Zack yesterday, and it turns out he's been spending a lot of time with her in Zambia. They've been getting to know each other, and recently... well, Zack and Aisha are now a couple." Adam could only sigh and put his hand on his best friend's shoulder. He knew that Rocky had had a crush on Aisha for a very long time, and that Rocky had been working up the nerve to go see her.
" I'm sorry Rock, but you know, there are plenty of fish in sea."
" Yeah, but I thought I had found my fish...enough of this. I'm beginning to get depressed. C'mon Frog boy, let's go and see how the others are doing, okay?"
" If you say so."
~*~
" Carter! You have a phone call from someone named Tom Oliver. Isn't he the Ranger you introduced me to?"
" Yeah, he was formerly the Red Turbo." He took the phone from Dana and listened as his friend spoke.
" What? Are you serious?" A shocked expression came on his face, as Tommy described their plight. Soon he hung up and turned to his girlfriend sadly.
" Will you be able to round up your brother and the others?"
" Sure, but I need to know what's wrong?" Carter wrapped his arms around her and kissed her temple.
" I'll explain to you... after I call up Cole and the Wild Force Rangers."
~*~
Two days later, Tommy waited impatiently for the other teams to arrive. They had chosen the Command Center, where Zordon and Dimitria had once been, as the headquarters. Just standing outside it brought back memories of his adolescence; some memories were sentimental, while others scared him shitless. He had decided to come early, if only to recall the memories. Rocky, TJ, Kat, Jason, and he all decided as co-owners to close the Scarlet Dragon Center for a while, so that they could dedicate their time to the mission, instead of also worrying about business. It would lose a lot of clients, but if it meant the world being safe... so be it. Even though they were closed, Jason and Kat had stayed behind to fill out some taxes. Soon, cars lined the dirt road leading up the Command Center.
" Hey TJ," Tommy waved to his successor and one of his business associates, TJ Johnson. The other teams were just arriving, after being barely informed of the situation the day before. Only the Galactic team was missing, because Terra Venture was too far away from Earth at the time.
" So are we going to be told more about this Master Evil?"
" Yeah. Let's go round up the Red rangers and I'll tell you. Where're Cassie and the others?" Tommy watched smugly as TJ's ears flushed a dull red.
" Why did I even tell you that I like her?"
" Well, probably because you're gullible, and I managed to drag it out of you."
" Right."
~*~
" Are you almost done entering the amounts into the computer?" Kat looked over at her anxious friend.
" Jase, calm down. I'm sure Tommy's not going to let the others make any plans to defeat this Council until the original Red Ranger is there with him. All right?"
" Yeah... Sorry. It's just that after all these years of not being a Ranger, I feel almost-"
" Excited?"
" Exactly."
" I feel the same way." After a soft beep, Kat switched off the computer and linked her arm in his.
" Ready to go mighty leader?" Jason picked up his motorcycle keys and grinned.
" Wanna take a ride?" Kat disappeared for a moment, before coming back with a black and pink motorbike helmet.
" Do you know how long I've been waiting for that offer?" They walked over to his bike and got on.
" Hold on tight, because this goes pretty fast."
" Jason, I've been on a motorcycle before. Not all my skills go with the Powers when it's over."
" I'm not doubting, just reminding." With a quick 'rev' of the engine, the pair sped off in a breeze of reds, blacks, and pinks.
~*~
Kim slowly parked her white convertible behind all the rest of the cars, and waved to Trini, who was sitting on the Center's steps with Billy.
" Long time no see guys!" She hugged her friends and looked around.
" Are there any others here?"
" Yes, but Tommy took them inside. I believe he wants to discuss the information with them. Since we already properly informed, we're waiting outside." Billy glanced to see how Kim would react to her old boyfriend's name, and was relieved to see she did not flinch as she used to.
" I see. Well, I guess I better get debriefed too." She patted her friends' shoulders and walked inside.
" Do you think she's still hurting? I mean, I know she and Tommy are friends now, but still..." Trini echoed his inner thoughts.
" I think that we should let it all take its course. Who are we still waiting for?"
" Well, Jase and Kat are still at the Athletics Center, and Aisha and Zack are in Ghana. But besides them, I think we're all here."
" Good, that means a little peace and quiet..." Trini wrapped her arms around her husband's waist and snuggled closer.
" Who knows how long we'll have that..."
~*~
" So is Master Evil the President of the council?" asked Carter, after the former Red rangers reviewed what they knew of the mysterious foe. Tommy had tried to wait for Jason, but reluctantly started after a half hour.
" Sounds like it. What are we going to do? Should each team just find and re-fight the baddie we defeated?" wondered Eric. The men pondered in silence, until Jason hurried in and spoke up.
" I say we wait until the first strike to fight, then stay together instead of breaking up into our teams," Jason looked at Tommy and grinned. Leave it to Jason to come in at the right moments.
" My gut says that they've planned on us splitting us up into our normal teams, so we have to confuse them and stay together. Besides, many are stronger than one." The former Zeo and Turbo Red Ranger nodded.
" Good idea. So are we agreed that unless we come up with something better, this is our plan?" 9 other heads nodded.
" Rangers! A monster and Putties are attacking in Angel Grove Park and there are panicking picnickers!" The Red rangers hopped up from the conference table, and ran back to the main part of the Command Center.
" Thanks Alpha. So who's taking them on?"
" Let my Zeo team go first." Tommy pulled his old Zeonizer and his crystal out of his pocket.
" Hey... how did you get that? I thought you gave them up?" Wes murmured, looking at the crystal for the first time.
" Well, it turns out after Alpha 6 took over Alpha 5's job, it also took its predecessor's stuff."
" So does that mean your team has their equipment already?" Tommy nodded, and the others agreed for him to go into battle.
" Zeo Ranger V!" Tommy quickly morphed into his old uniform, before running to get his team.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: The next chapter will be out (knock on wood) by Dec.10, but who knows. Let me know if this is better, and by the way, I'm still searching for a beta reader/editor. Thanks!