Disclaimer: I don't own the power rangers
A/N- And I apologize for the dialogue and the facts not being completely right. I haven't ever seen this episode, so I'm going off of information from various PR websites. Plus, from the Power Rangers Best of the Seasons DVD (Countdown to Destruction)
As time passes by, regrets for the rest of my life.
The ones who I confide were gone in the black of the night.
Avenged Sevenfold
Andros stealthily hid himself out of the young woman's sight. He couldn't risk getting caught now, not before any information had been released. He continued to gaze at the stunning brunette as she looked around for him seeming concerned.
Something was different about this…Kimberly, as the man had called her. She did not seem evil. She certainly wasn't dressed like a normal villain, except for that metal attachment above her eyebrow. She seemed almost normal, but he could not deny the feeling of a strong power vibrating from her body even from where he was currently standing. The fact that she was at this meeting, if she were not evil, puzzled him.
She followed the giant to a seat at a long dining table and sat down. The petite beauty scanned the room, probably looking for him. Andros's breath caught when her eyes stopped in his direction. He let it loose when she continued across the room.
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All thoughts about the mysterious cloaked man flew from her mind when Dark Specter entered the room. She immediately choked on her drink. "What the hell? Dark Specter is Maligore??"
Divatox, who was sitting next to her, stabbed her fork into Kimberly's hand. The ex-ranger swallowed the shout that wanted to burst out. She nursed her throbbing hand as Divatox whispered, "Of course not. Maligore is no where near the importance of Dark Specter."
"They look exactly alike!" Kimberly insisted, still cradling her hand.
"What are you talking about? No they don't." Divatox said resolutely.
Kimberly slouched in her chair, giving in. "Whatever." Then she muttered, "No wonder this place is so huge."
"Show some respect for your superiors! You will be severely punished if I get into any kind of trouble." Divatox warned under her breath.
"Ooh, I'm scared." Kimberly retorted. "You need me remember?"
Divatox considered this and shut her mouth. Kimberly grinned in victory and satisfaction.
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The red space ranger watched amusedly at the little encounter between Divatox and Kimberly. They seemed to be arguing considerately about something. Though they hardly looked anything a like, he wondered if this was a rebellious daughter of Divatox. Then again, Divatox seemed too worried about her appearance to have any children mess up her weight.
"You are all probably wondering why I gathered you here today…considering most of you do not get along." Dark Specter began.
"I'm sure your news is excellent, sir!" Rita called out to him. Andros flinched at the screeching sound.
"It is." Dark Specter nodded. "I have come to inform you that, I have succeeded in the capture of one of our greatest enemies."
A rumbling commenced as each villain spoke of whom it could be. They had so many enemies.
Andros frowned. One of their enemies would be one of his allies. And if this capture was important enough to risk congregating almost all of the evil villains of the universe, then he should be worried.
"Who?" Divatox asked finally.
A long pause came before the answer. "Zordon. Of Eltar."
An enormous gasp came from the double cone headed witch. "ZORDON?" The room erupted in cheers and a few monsters began singing different songs of victory. Andros could swear he heard the Earth song "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow".
"No! Not Zordon!" He glanced at Kimberly. She had a stony expression on her face, as if she was trying to hide any kind of emotion. Andros bowed his head. When doing this, he did not see her slip out of her seat and head towards him. He jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
She looked up at him. "What are you doing in the shadows?"
"Uh…I…" Andros stammered.
Kimberly's eyes narrowed. "You're not supposed to be here are you?" She folded her arms and balanced her weight on one leg.
"Krosa, is there something wrong?" The gigantic man materialized from the other side of the door.
Kimberly stared carefully into Andro's eyes and seemed to be in deep thought. Finally, she shook her head. "No, there's nothing wrong, Lac."
When the larger man left, Kimberly spoke again. "I suggest you get out of here before anyone spots you." She turned on her heal and entered the partying crowd again.
Now he was thoroughly confused. What just happened? He better leave so he could report the news of Zordon's capture to KO 35 ASAP.
No sooner had the thought crossed his mind, something went terribly wrong. He heard a large shout come from inside the dining hall that stopped him from fleeing.
"Who is this Astronema!" Rita whined loudly. "Why is she head of the annihilation of the Power Rangers? Why aren't we, Zeddy?"
"You couldn't handle them before, Rita. What makes you think a washed up sorceress and her skinless husband could finish the job? I was the one who destroyed the Power Chamber, after all." Divatox replied haughtily.
"WHAT!" Rita exclaimed. She thrust her wand forward and shot red sparks at Divatox's now retreating back. The blast missed Divatox by a foot, but hit the wall that was hiding Andros. His cloak had been blown back by the wind from the blast. Everyone could now clearly see his ranger costume.
All chatting halted at once. They turned to look at the intruder.
Andros gulped, but readied himself for an attack by grasping his sword. From a few feet beside him he heard a soft voice utter, "A Power Ranger?"
He took a quick look to see who the voice was coming from, and saw Kimberly staring at him with her mouth slightly opened.
A Red Ranger in space? Last Kimberly had heard, all the rangers were still on Earth, and they're outfits were different. There were Power Rangers on other planets? Immediately, she felt foolish for thinking otherwise. Earth wasn't the only planet that needed protecting.
Still, she continued to stare at him in disbelief. Only when Goldar began attacking him, did she think to make any move.
Was he here because of Zordon's capture? The thought of them holding her substitute father hostage, or torturing him, sickened her, so if he were here to save Zordon, she would do nothing to stop him.
In fact, she thought slipping away from the area, I think I'll go find him right now.
But before she could get any further, she was yanked backwards. She turned around and saw Astronema standing there. "Where are you going?"
Kimberly shrugged. "Why should I help them out? He will escape anyway."
Astronema snorted. "Especially with these goons fighting him. I'll be surprised if this lasts another five minutes."
"I give it, oh, two until he figures out a plan to flee. He'll be unscathed, whereas the monsters are severely damaged." Kimberly grinned. "Then, if the monsters can grow, they'll do so, and he'll hop into an enormous zord and defeat it again."
Astronema gaped at her with delight. "Tell me, how do you know so much about Ranger history? I have just been assigned to obliterate them, you know."
"I was once a ranger. Three years to be exact. I am the reason you detected those powers, or so I believe." Kimberly supposed. Astronema gave her a side glance.
"Actually, I really just cannot stand Divatox. I heard she isn't too happy about my leadership, just because I'm young."
Kimberly guffawed. "She's probably more insulted because you're much prettier than she'll ever be."
"Thanks." Astronema blushed a bit. Out of the corner of the girls' eyes, they saw the red ranger break out of a window and hop onto a glider. Astronema checked the time. "Oh, we both win. 3 and half minutes."
"Good going you numbskull!" Rita yelled at Goldar.
"Incompetent monkey brain!" Zedd included afterwards. Goldar shielded his face with his hands.
"You fools! Get him before he reveals our secret!"
"I'll go after him Dark Specter!" Divatox volunteered swiftly.
"No, we'll go!" Rita threw in, placing herself in front of the annoyed Divatox.
"No." Kimberly stepped backwards when he turned towards them. "Astronema will take care of the red ranger."
"Heeer?!" Divatox bleated. "Why her?"
"Unlike you, she follows my orders, Divatox. And because she is the only one capable of doing so!" Dark Specter boomed.
"I'll see you later, Kimberly." Astronema nodded and disappeared in a purple flash. A few Quantrons followed closely behind.
"Divatox, what did the Dark Specter mean when he said you didn't follow his orders?" Kimberly asked as they landed on Earth once again.
Divatox reddened. "Oh, well…that. I sort of went against his wishes when I continued attacking the Power Rangers. But, hey, I did destroy the Power Chamber in the midst of it all."
"You went against the Dark Specter's orders? I'm impressed." Kimberly sniggered. "I didn't know you had it in you to rebel against someone like him!"
"Well, you don't know me very well, now do you?" Divatox replied. This was good. They were joking around. Now Kimberly could ask her next question.
"Would it be all right, if I went out of the castle grounds for a couple of hours?" She asked watchfully. Divatox's posture stiffened.
"Of course not." She dismissed quickly. "Leave me. I have work to do."
"But-" Kimberly started, but was cut off with the door to Divatox's study chamber slamming shut. Kimberly's shoulders sunk. All she wanted was to go shopping or something. It wasn't like she had anyone to talk to out there.
She looked out a nearby window and saw the sun setting. Her thoughts traveled to Astronema. The two of them were so similar: young, but powerful, though Kimberly had yet to prove herself of any significance.
Slowly, Kimberly backed away from the window and headed towards her room.
The next morning Kimberly hopped out of bed. Surprisingly, she was in a very good mood today. Maybe it was because the sun was vibrantly shining in her room and the perkiness was absorbing into her soul. Or maybe it was because Divatox was leaving and would not be back until the next day. Apparently, she had urgent business to attend to on another planet that Kimberly could not take part of. She was leaving Hygelac behind as well.
So, they decided they would relax all day. Something she had not done since before her ranger days.
Bounding into the large, stony kitchen, Kimberly called out to Hygelac. He entered a few minutes later with a large grin on his face. He seemed to be just excited about doing nothing as she was. "Yes?"
"It's sunshiny. Let's go to the garden waterfalls. Please?" She pouted.
"As you wish! It is your day." She grinned at his answer and immediately retrieved the spell book from her room. Maybe she could learn a new spell or find a new power.
She met Hygelac in the back courtyard and began her way to the waterfalls. Hygelac had shown them to her a short time before; she had instantly fallen in love with the lush overgrown grass and surrounding trees. The constant sound of water impacting with the pool also contributed to the beauty.
After sitting on a large rock, Kimberly set her book down and opened it to a random page. "Hmm. Protection…no, wait. Time travel."
A shard of mirror for a broken reflection
A pocket watch with a cracked face
A cache of herbs to burn for protection
All will send me to another time and place.
She read this silently for fear that it might work. Then again, whenever she had read things before in her room, nothing happened. Hygelac leaned over her shoulder. "What are you reading?"
"Oh, it's a book I found in the library a few months ago. Take a look at it."
Hygelac frowned and concentrated the manuscript placed before her. Kimberly waited for him to respond, but was surprised at his reaction. "You got this in the library?"
She nodded, her face mirroring his frown. What was the matter?
"You must get rid of this right away." He ordered in a harsh tone. He reached for the book, but Kimberly snatched it away before he could get a grip on the cover.
"What are you doing? This is mine!" Kimberly hopped off the rock and took a few steps backward. Hygelac stepped forwards, but she held up her hand, knocking him backwards a bit. His eyes widened in surprise at her use of telekinesis.
"Kimberly…" Hygelac started. "You do not know the powers behind that book!"
Kimberly's brow furrowed in uncertainty. "I know there are powers. I know that this is a spell book. I know!"
"There are more evils ensnared in that book than you can ever envision." Hygelac warned her.
Her features softened at his concern. Relaxing her stature, she placed the book on the rock again and motioned for Hygelac to sit next to her. "Don't worry, I haven't been able to perform any of them. And if that ever happens, they won't be used for evil. I wasn't a very good, good person, so how could I do much damage on the other side, if you know what I'm trying to say…?" She pressed her lips together and sighed.
"Kimberly…you have great power inside of you." Hygelac paused briefly before continuing on. "Divatox would not have chosen you otherwise. She can see a hidden talent deep within you; a power that you never knew you had. Already we can see it establishing. I believe in that power, and I believe in you." He finished with a proud smile.
She could not keep a tear from escaping her eye. Quickly, she wiped it away. She threw herself into Hygelacs arms and whispered a small, "Thank you."
Hygelac smiled, "In the short time we have known each other, you have become like a daughter to me. I could not bear letting you live thinking you are not capable. Have faith that when the time comes, you will prove yourself worthy of the world."
All she could do was nod. If she tried to speak, no words would come out. She pulled away from the long embrace and giggled at her state. When she composed herself, she asked her friend, "Lac, how come whenever I try to use my powers inside the castle, nothing ever works? I know I have been doing everything right…"
"That is because Divatox has had many protection and defense spells placed upon it. Once outside, your powers are restored." Hygelac enlightened.
"Oh. Tell me, how did you know about this book?" Kimberly asked, pulling the bulky book onto her lap.
"I knew sorcerer who it belonged to."
"But this is over three centuries old!" Kimberly objected wildly.
"I am an old man." Hygelac replied in a wise tone.
"Wow. I always thought you were just my mothers age or something." Kimberly admitted, a bit sheepish. "I'm tired of sitting! Let's spar."
"As you wish."
Kimberly placed an orange wig on her head, fixing it so her natural hair was not visible. She smiled at the image before her in the mirror. She had never cut her hair in a bob, but she definitely should try it soon. Orange bangs covered most of the metal tool above her eyebrow. The rest, she covered with large orange tinted sunglasses. Leaning forward, she applied bright pink lipstick that matched the pink streaks in the wig.
No one would recognize her in this get up. Her bright orange hair might stand out a bit, but the black leather cat suit would match her biker look. She didn't think anyone would think too strangely of her.
She kissed the mirror and smiled at the lip print she left. No matter what Divatox said, she was getting out of there, just for one night. If she didn't, she'd go insane. And what more perfect timing than when Divatox was out herself?
Quickly, she hurried her way out of the dark, gloomy corridors and to the front hall. Cautiously, she backed up against the wall and peeked her head around the corner and focused on the front doors. Two Piranhatrons were standing in front of them.
She cursed silently. They'll never let me pass by.
She didn't want to make any unnecessary noise by fighting them, so Kimberly ran quietly back to her chamber. When in the solace of her room, she ran thoughts through her head trying to think of a way to escape.
A breeze hit her, and she turned around. She had forgotten to close her window again. However, instead of walking towards the window to close it, an idea struck her abruptly. Smacking her forehead, she groaned. I am so stupid.She watched the breeze push the curtains away and forcing them to extend gracefully from the glass.
She examined the distance from her window to the ground. Jumping distance, but she had to be able to get back in. Conveniently, just to the right there was a large tree to the right that would be simple to climb.
Carefully, she hopped onto the window and swung her legs over the windowsill. Pushing herself off, she let herself fall gracefully to the grass. She grimaced after standing up from her crouch. Heeled boots really were not the best to wear when she was required to do stunts like that.
Now, onto her next mission. She hadn't really thought of where she wanted to visit and now felt even more stupid for not deciphering before she had jumped out the window. Where was she to go?
One place stuck out like a sore thumb in her mind. Angel Grove.
But how was she to get there? That would be impossible. She couldn't fly there in less than one night let alone get back before dawn. Nor could she just appear there from merely the thought of it.
However, the moment she concentrated on teleporting, she felt her body dissolve into blue mist. "Woah!" was her last reply before her voice left her.
A few seconds later, she landed on a concrete sidewalk, and the sun was shining brightly above her. She grinned, oh how she loved the time difference right this very moment. Pivoting around, she saw a very familiar building positioned right in front of her. The Youth Center. Her heart warmed with many delightful memories.
However, those memories now also saddened her. They were all shared with her ex best friends whom were the opposite of what she always believed.
Oh well. She was dying to have one of Ernie's famous smoothies. Leisurely, she made her way to the Youth Center doors and pulled the doors open.
Jason finished his workout with one last punch to the big blue bag hanging from the ceiling. He walked over to a bench with this duffel bag on it and grabbed a water bottle. It was good to be back in Angel Grove for a while. He had just arrived the day before to visit Emily. She was getting married the next week and had invited him to attend. As a good friend, though it might be a little awkward, he decided he should go. Not to mention he wanted to spend quality time with his parents. He hadn't done that since before the Geneva Convention.
He looked around the Youth Center. The layout and design hadn't changed much since Ernie had left, but he heard that the new owner was planning on changing it into a local surf hang out. Jason wasn't too sure he liked this idea, but what could he do.
Immediately bright orange caught his attention. He noticed that the bright orange came from someone's hair. In fact, that someone was a girl dressed in a black leather cat suit. Wow. Don't see much of that style around here. He inspected the girl more closely. She had large orange tinted sunglasses on that made it difficult to see much of her small face, but the beauty was still noticeable.
Her size reminded him of Kimberly. The thought of her caused grief to overtakehim promptly. He hadn't seen his best friend for so long now. What he would do to talk to her. What he would say to her if he got the chance!
The girl sat on one of the stools at the bar and rested her elbows on the countertop. Adelle approached her with a friendly face and asked her a question. As he walked closer, he overheard her ask a question.
"Where is Ernie?"
He stopped in his tracks. She had been here when Ernie owned the Juice Bar? He must know her then. He answered before Adelle had the chance to open her mouth, "He went to South America. Something about building a bridge."
He saw her stiffen and rotate the seat slowly. "Thank you." She had a soft voice, one that matched the level of Kimberly's. But the orange haired girl's voice was lower than Kimberly's ever was.
She seemed to be having troubles making eye contact with him. Actually, she hadn't faced him at all. She had lifted her right hand to rest her cheek on, so he could not even see the profile of her face.
"If you came here for one of his special smoothies, Adelle seems to make ones just as great." Adelle smiled at his compliment. The girl just nodded. "Thanks."
Jason sat down. "How do you know Ernie?"
The girl shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "Oh, I'm the daughter of his best friend. I haven't seen him in a while, and now I know why. That was all, really, so I guess I'm ready to leave."
With that, she hopped off the seat and sped outside the side door.
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Kimberly breathed in deeply. What is Jason doing in Angel Grove? And why was he so interested in talking to her?
"Hey, wait!" his voice called from behind her. She whipped her head around. "Why'd you leave so quickly?"
She folded her arms, awkwardness filled the air. The cracks in the sidewalk became the eighth wonder of the world.
"I forgot something at my hotel. I need to go back before I go to the airport." She lied. Her lies seemed to be getting better.
He seemed disappointed. "You're leaving?"
"Yes. I'm going to Antarctica for a study of the polar bears." She nodded. Inwardly she wondered where that came from. Antarctica?
"Antarctica?" He restated. "Wow, That's…really cool. Are you part of a National Geographic thing?"
"No. This is a personal challenge. Well, almost challenge. More like an interest. The challenge will be moving from beach weather to 30º below." She added with a slight laugh. Hmm. This is pretty good.
He joined in with her laughter. "Well, I better go…" Kimberly trailed off, taking a step back.
He caught her arm quickly. "Hey, wait." She stopped moving and looked up at him.
"I have two questions for you." He paused and waited for indication that she was listening. Finally, he added, "First, what is your name?"
"Krosa." She blurted out. She thought for a moment. At least she didn't say Kimberly; that would have been a dead give away.
"Krosa? Another really cool thing about you." He continued, "Second question: Is that your natural hair color?"
She laughed and backed away. "Now, if I told you, I'd have to kill you."
She spun around and briskly walked across the street before he could come up with another reason for her to hang about.
Kimberly sidestepped into an alleyway and pressed her back against the brick wall. She breathed in deeply, trying to push the nervous feeling away. Tears came to her eyes and she looked up, not really focusing on anything, but perhaps if she did then the tears would fall back inside. "He didn't even recognize me!" She finally spoke, half-shouting. "This really shows how well he really knew me."
After regaining her poise, she exited the alley and continued her exploration of Angel Grove.
Woo! Another chapter done. :) My writing patterns are getting really interesting. I already have a few of the later chapters completed, but I need to write up to that point before I can post them! Baaah! Sooooo on with the drill...what'd you think? Bad...good?
Will Jason find out Krosa's true identity? Will Kimberly tell him? Will the Rangers ever find out where Kimberly has gone?? Ah.
Anyway...
Daisyz- Did you watch In Space at all? It correlates with that to some point...the best I could without seeing the season. hah :) Yes, winter break! I only have one more final and I am done! Then only one semester left of highschool. Wow.
Ghostwriter- Hahaha, I absolutely love Divatox's lines. Especially in the turbo movie..she has got to be thebest villain Power Rangers ever met (aside from Astronema) just becauseherpersonality is soburlesque and sarcastic
Funky In Fishnet- Yay, I really like Andros too. It would have been better had henot been forced to be so cheesy (in the very few episodes I have seen). In the later seasons, the few episodes he appeared in, they wrote his character lines so much better. I didn't even notice the change between Divatox and Kimberly's relationship. Your comment made me reread it, and I can definitely see it now! Hah :) I am beginning to love Lac and Kimberly's friendship as well! She needed someone to be her confidant!