By Angel Mouse
It was such a beautiful, serene looking morning. The air was still and quiet, even the animals were silent. Streaks of yellow and pink mingled with blue and grey as the sun rose over the jungle, bathing the figures standing in a field in it's warm glow and the promise of a new, better day. If you looked closer you could see the six figures standing around a newly dug hole in the ground. The dirt had been filled over and they were standing around, each of them holding a flower in their hand. Standing slightly apart from them all was a striking woman, glad in a flowing green robe and holding a staff. She was one of them, yet she wasn't. This ceremony was for their benefit; it was their grief that was pervading the area, their sorrow and pain that she was a part of, yet not. So Dulcea, Master Warrior of Phaedos, guardian of the Great Power, stood apart from the rangers and watched in silence as the rangers farewelled Ashley Hammond, Yellow Astro Ranger and wife of Andros of KO35, Red Astro Ranger.
Each of them had said a few words about Ashley. Some, very few as they only knew her a short time and others, more than a few as they knew her a long time. Finally, it was Andros's turn to speak. He was standing next to Karone, her hand in his. On the other side was his best friend, Zhane. All three of them wore sober and sad expressions, Andros more than most. Finally, after a long pause, he began to speak softly.
"The first time I saw Ashley they had come aboard the Mega ship. At the time I thought they were spies, but I soon found out different. I watched her and the other former Turbo ranger's battle quadtrons without any powers and I was amazed at the courage they saw. Something I didn't realise they had. She was surprised when I de-morphed and she saw I was human, the look of surprise on her face was priceless." This brought smiles from the rangers around him and after a moment he continued. "It didn't take too much for Alpha and DECA to convince me that I needed some help and I gave them the Astro powers." Andros swallowed and then continued again. "Slowly, she began to worm her way into my life. She showed me how to have fun after being alone for so long." Andros couldn't help but glance at Zhane, who smiled warmly and nodded in support at him. Andros nodded back and took up his narrative. "After a while, she began not only to make me live my life again, she gained a place in my heart. Once we defeated Dark Spectre, I found myself unable to leave her side. I had fought long and hard to regain my home and family, yet I found that she had become my home." Andros swallowed and Karone squeezed his hand in encouragement. Taking a deep breath he continued. "The day we got married on Earth and then repeated it with a joining ceremony on KO35 were the happiest days of my life. Our life together may have only been short, but it was full of love and life. I will miss her and she'll never be replaced in my heart. I love you Ashley and I always will." Andros blinked back tears and stepped forward, laying a single white lily on her grave. He stepped back and each of the others did the same. As one, they turned to leave, walking away. Andros stayed behind a moment and Karone was going to stay with him but a shake of Zhane's head and she nodded, knowing that for the moment, a best friend was needed more than a sister was. Zhane moved to Andros's side and put his hand on his shoulder, squeezing it gently.
"I miss her Zhane. I really miss her. I need her by my side now more than ever."
"I know Andros. But you have me here to help you through this again. And this time you have Karone as well." Andros took a deep breath, wiping his eyes and turning and looking at his friend.
"I don't know how I'd be making it through without you right now." Zhane managed a more familiar grin for his friend.
"Hey, I'm the indispensable one, remember?" Andros gave a tiny snort of laughter and then embraced his friend.
"Thank you Zhane. For being here."
"I'll always be here Andros. Always and forever." The two friends stood there, embracing as the sun rose higher in the sky and the birds began to sing the days praise's.
After lunch that day they gathered in the temple grounds to discuss their plans. Dulcea looked around at them all and then spoke softly.
"Andros has said that he wants to bring more rangers from the past forward. So we are gathered here to decide who should be brought forward." They all looked at each other and Andros spoke.
"You're all part of good teams, or have had contact with other teams. Please, feel free to tell me who you think would be an asset. We need rangers that are strong, willing to take orders and who you think could handle this." They all thought a few moments and then Cam cleared his throat.
"Well, when Dulcea opened the portal, the Thunder brothers were with me at the time."
"Thunder brothers?" Cam grinned at Billy's confused look.
"Thunder Ninja Rangers. Blake and Hunter Bradley. Bane of my existence sometimes. I think I told you about those two, how much damage they can do?" Billy nodded, grinning back.
"Oh yeah, those guys."
"Well, they are great fighters, also really strong rangers. I'd suggest just bringing Hunter but they won't be parted. What can I say, they're brothers." Andros nodded.
"Good, so that's two more. Any others?" Merrick cleared his throat softly.
"We recently fought with the Time Force Rangers. I'd suggest Eric Myers, the Quantum ranger. He was powerful but a lot like me, he's not too much of a team player." Andros grinned suddenly.
"I've meet Eric, I know what you mean. In a few months your time Merrick I'll be meeting Cole and nine other red rangers for a mission, but you didn't hear that from me. I think we'll get Tommy from the Zeo period as well, he's an excellent ranger. Any others?" Billy had looked up at the mention of the Zeo crystal but didn't say anything for a moment.
"Um, how about Adam, a fellow Ninjetti. He was walking with me through the park when Dulcea called." Andros thought a moment and then remembered whom he was talking about.
"Yes, Adam will defiantly be an asset." Karone looked over and smiled gently at Andros.
"And what about Mike and Leo Corbett from the Galaxy Rangers."
"Good idea Karone. So that's seven more rangers. That'll make a total of eleven of us." Karone punched Andros lightly on the arm.
"Hang on a minute; I am not being the only female ranger here. We need at least other one or two female rangers." They all looked at her and then at each other, blush's abounding. As one, the assembled male rangers realised that they had done the age-old over protective male thing. Andros managed a tiny smile for his sister.
"Alright. We'll get you another female ranger. Any suggestions?" They all thought a moment and then Karone snapped her fingers.
"Maya was telling me about when they went back to earth and met the Lightspeed rangers. There was one of them who are now a qualified doctor. With all the scrapes and bangs you guys get your selves in, we'll need her. Her name is Dana Mitchell, she's a pink ranger." Andros nodded.
"Good choice. Any others?" They thought a moment and then Billy smiled.
"Kim, another Ninjetti. Pink Crane Ninjetti to be exact. She's an excellent fighter. She may be small but she's a spitfire." Merrick spoke up again.
"And then there's Taylor. Soaring Eagle Wild force yellow ranger. She's an army almost by herself sometimes." Andros grinned suddenly, looking slyly at Karone.
"Two more Pink rangers and a yellow Ranger for you Karone that be enough?" Karone gave him an almost beatific smile.
"I think that'll be more than plenty." They all laughed at that and settled down. In just a few minutes short discussion, they had decided to increase their forces to sixteen rangers. "I think that would be enough for us to handle anything." Zhane did some quick math on his fingers and grinned.
"Two teams of five and one team of six, I think that'll be enough for us to handle anything." They grinned and Andros looked over at Dulcea.
"Dulcea, how soon before we can bring them forward?" Dulcea frowned and thought hard a few moments.
"Some will be easy, some will be hard. But over a period of two days I should be able to accomplish it. Afterwards though I will have to rest for a period of time. The power will be somewhat weaker after the strain of bringing so many rangers forward, so your continued presence here will be required until I am at my full strength again." Andros nodded.
"I don't think that will be a problem Dulcea."
"Good, then we will begin in the morning. I will retire now to prepare." Dulcea stood, bowing to the rangers and left them alone. Andros watched her go his expression sombre.
"Okay then. Let's get the repairs to the Mega ship completed and get some rooms ready. We've got guests coming." The rangers all rose and began to move where the Mega ship was sitting, on the plain below the temple. It gleamed in the midday sun, but you could clearly see where she had been in battle.
The sun hadn't even risen yet when the rangers had assembled again to gather the other newer rangers. Dulcea had decided to get what rangers she could first, namely the ones that were already by existing portals. So, the Bradley brothers and Adam would be first, and then go from there. Dulcea stood before flame, chanting the words to open the portal. The rangers were ready and waiting. Now, it was all up to her.
Blue Bay Harbour
Hunter had been pacing back and forth for a few minutes now, Blake watching him with a grin on his face.
"Come on Hunter, relax. You heard that woman; Cam would only be gone about five minutes. It's only been a couple." Hunter threw his brother a look.
"Yeah I know. But I don't like to think of Cam there by himself you know. With people he doesn't know." Blake just snorted.
"Hunter, Cam's a ranger too. He can take care of himself you know. He has before we came on the scene and he's been taking care of himself since we came on the scene. You should give him some credit you know." Hunter sighed and stopped pacing.
"I know, I know. Cam's all grown up. Hell, he's even older than I am. But I still can't help but think of him as Cam, stuck back in Ninja Ops and doing what ever it is he does." Blake reached out and put a hand on Hunter's shoulder.
"I know, I have the same trouble. But I've learnt to not to underestimate Cam." Hunter opened his mouth to speak but whatever he was interrupted by the arrival of another portal. The two of them had leaped back, arms raised at the ready and then they heard Cam's voice.
"Hunter, Blake. Are you guys still there?"
"We're here. What's wrong Cam? Are you coming back?" There was a short laugh.
"No, not yet. In fact, I need you guys here. Jump through the portal. You'll meet some new friends of mine and boy, have I got some things to tell you about." The two brothers looked at each other; Blake knew that he'd follow Hunter's lead. Hunter didn't even have to think about it. If Cam were in trouble, then they'd go to Cam.
"Alright. But when we get there, we're going to have a long talk about this." Hunter reached over for Blake's hand and clasping his brother's hand in his, the two of them leapt through the portal.
Phaedos
The two figures in the black leather ninja uniforms came through, landing in a roll and coming to a stop near Cam. Cam helped the pair of them up and grinned in welcome at them. He was happier than he was prepared to admit to see these guys.
"Welcome to Phaedos. There's a lot to tell you, but we'll wait till the others get here." Blake clapped Cam on the back and Hunter gave him a quick hug.
"Good to see you again Cam. We'll wait." Cam led them over to one side and waited. The portal was still active and they turned to watch and wait for the next rangers to appear. Billy stepped forward in preparation to talk to Adam.
Angel Grove
Adam had been sitting on the grass, waiting for Billy to return when Kim and Aisha had happened along. He had quickly informed them of what had happened and the two female rangers had decided to wait with him. They were softly talking about the upcoming spring dance when the portal suddenly opened behind them. They leapt to their feet, spinning, ready for anything.
"Adam, are you there?"
"Here Billy. Kim and Aisha are with me as well."
"That's great. Can you and Kim come through?" Aisha raised an eyebrow.
"No way are you two going without me. Let's go." The two friends grinned and then taking each other's hand jumped through the portal.
Phaedos
The three figures came flying through, crashing to the group in a jumbled heap. Billy, Cam and Andros went to help the three of them to their feet. As they had come through the portal they had automatically changed into their Ninjetti uniforms; the bright warm colours were a welcome sight to see. Cam helped Aisha to her feet while Billy helped Adam. Andros came over as well to Kim and as he helped her to her feet, she looked into his eyes and could see some sort of deep hurt in there. Her instincts were to immediately reach out and give this guy a hug, but she didn't even know who he was. She immediately looked to Billy and he smiled warmly at them all.
"Thanks for coming guys; we'll explain everything in one hit. Come over here and wait with me. We have quite a few new friends coming through." The three of them followed him to one side, standing near the Thunder Rangers and Cam. Then they turned their attention back to the portal.
Angel Grove, one year later
Tommy had just finished packing away his ski gear after returning from the snow trip Kat and Billy had taken him on. The hurt from his break up with Kim was still so fresh in his soul; he'd knew it would be a while before he would be other it. Suddenly, a swirling grey looking thing appeared in front of him. From past experiences he knew it was a portal of some kind.
"Tommy, Red Zeo Ranger. This is Dulcea; we need your assistance in the distant future. Please, come through the portal urgently." Tommy didn't even hesitate. Even though it was over a year ago since their journey to Phaedos, he still remembered the Master Warrior.
"Okay Dulcea." Tommy took a deep breath and taking a running leap, leapt through the portal.
Phaedos
Tommy landed at the feet of someone in a grey uniform and gratefully took the hand held out to him.
"Welcome Tommy. I'm Andros, our leader for this mission. We'll fill you in later; the others are waiting over there." Tommy shook Andros's hand and nodded.
"Okay. Thanks." Tommy turned and saw Billy, Aisha and Kim waiting for him. He had taken a few steps and then stopped, gasping. Kim was dressed in her ninjetti uniform, as was the others. She clapped her hands in joy and raced over to him, throwing her arms around him, not noticing the hesitancy in his reaction to her.
"Tommy, this is so great! I'm so glad you're here." Tommy barely managed to swallow his reaction to her presence, barely managing to put his arms around her. Then he remembered what Dulcea said, this was the future. Obviously, Kim, Aisha and Billy were from his past. A past where Kim and he were still a couple. Fresh wounds were opened on his heart and he was barely able to restrain himself from blurting out a few pointed questions. He went over to his friends and noticed that Billy gave him a strange look. He knew that look from old and knew that his friend would speak to him later. Tommy gave a quick shake of the head and Billy nodded, knowing that they'd talk later. Right now, he was struggling to control his emotions. Things weren't going to be easy.
Dulcea suddenly gave a groan and took a couple of steps. Andros noticed this.
"Dulcea?" Suddenly, the portal closed and Dulcea collapsed to her knees. "Duclea!" They rushed over to her side and Andros knelt down next to her, his expression worried.
"Too many Rangers at once. Too much power being channel at one time. I need to rest." Dulcea was pale, sweating and breathing hard. Andros nodded at Zhane who was on her other side and the two of them helped her to her feet.
"We'll take you to your cave Dulcea, make sure your comfortable and get some rest." They helped her towards the back of the temple and the other rangers watched them go. Tommy stepped forward, confusion on his face.
"Okay, someone want to explain what's going on?" Cam shook his head.
"We'll wait until Andros and Zhane return; they're the ones in charge of this whole mission." Tommy frowned and looked ready to protest until Billy put a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.
"He's right Tommy. Andros is charge of this mission. So, we wait." Tommy chaffed at the delay but he was content to wait, for the moment. But he had many unanswered questions. Like why the hell were they here? And how was he supposed to get along with a Kimberly that thought they were still together? And how was he supposed to deal with the pain in his heart from that letter she wrote. With a sigh, Tommy stood next to Billy and waited. But he was only going to wait for so long.
Tbc..
In our next chapter the new Rangers find out what's going on and plan the final attack against the enemy.