Chapter Eight- The Homecoming Pt. 2
It amazed Trini that Billy's neighborhood had barely changed in the few years that she'd been gone from Angel Grove, but things looked the same, regardless of the fact that Billy wouldn't be inside of it. She's secretly kept her a crush on Billy from everyone, including Kimberly who would have instantly attempted to pair the two of them up. That was one of Kim's talents though, and Trini had always been unable to understand why she wouldn't have let Kimberly. Things became overly complicated when her relationship with Richard occurred, and Trini realized that she had been living a whole separate life. One that she kept hidden from four of her best friends. She turned to Kimberly giggled. "So, is Billy seriously dating a fish girl?"
Kimberly nodded. "Well, I asked Jason to describe what an Aquitian looks like, and well they have like these weird brain things on their head, and well I guess they are like fish because they live under the water, but they aren't really like mermaids either though because they don't have fins," she managed to say all in one breath.
Zack smiled at what became more and more like old times, for he hadn't seen two girls gossip the way Kimberly and Trini do, well, since the last time he saw the two of them gossip. He was worried about Billy however, because an inside instinct told him something was wrong. "Jase, do you think Billy's all right?"
"What do you mean?" Jason asked.
"Well, dig this, Billy's living on this alien planet in outer space, that's got supposable connections to our home boy Zordon, and well, you'd think they'd know about this already. It's just not like Billy to ignore his friends like this," Zack replied.
"You've got a good point Zack, and hopefully when we take a look at the communication system, we'll know more," Jason replied. "I called Justin before we came, and he said a few functions he set should allow us to track incoming or outgoing messages,"
Jason pulled his car into the Cranston driveway, eased that they wouldn't have to put up with questions from Mr. Cranston. From what he'd read in the Angel Grove Times, Billy's father had been sent to Idaho for a scientific convention, and wouldn't be back for days. "All right guys, I guess this is it," Jason said stepping out of the car.
The other three followed suite, as Jason once again unlocked the garage door. They could hear a beeping noise, causing Kimberly to jump into the air with excitement. However, the beeping could have meant many things, but none of them could wait to discover it's meaning. Kimberly dashed over to the screen and read.
"Messages from Earth to Aquitar have been blocked by the recipients server," she said aloud with disgust. "What does that mean?"
Jason tightened his fists. "It means, something, or someone doesn't want us getting in contact with Billy,"
---
The palace throne room had been decorated to celebrate the beginning of the end of planet Earth. Finster constructed a device which holstered the Zeo Crystal, and would allow Lord Zedd to generate power from it. Zedd entered from the left side of the balcony and made his way to his rotating throne. He'd called a meeting between all of his henchmen, prepared to deliver the plans of his greatest attack yet.
"Welcome my minions, to an event that will mark the end of the human world once and for all!" He greeted the various minions.
Among those in attendance, Rita Repulsa, Goldar, Scorpina, Finster, Squatt, Baboo, Rito Revolto, and King Sphinx were the most important parts of Zedd's master plan that he would soon reveal to the planet. Zedd walked over to the device which held the Zeo Crystal and began his chant of evil.
"Five shards of power, you once served five humans, rise again from the depths of the pit where your former masters have forgotten you! Your purpose is to triumph over the power of good, and serve your new master, Lord Zedd!" Zedd chanted. "Create me an army grand enough to take over the entire planet!"
Suddenly five colored light beams emitted through the crystal crescent, and shades of red, green, blue, yellow, and pink lit up the throne room. Zedd's cronies cheered at their lords brilliance, as legions of Putty Patrollers, and Tenga Warriors slowly formed into living creatures.
Zedd grabbed his wife Rita, and the two began dancing around as the Zeo Crystal acquitted to his bidding. It was celebrations in the palace like these that hadn't happened since Rita and Zedd had managed to detonate the Command Center. Zedd felt like he would have been on top then, if the Machine Empire hadn't ruined everything.
---
"Do you think Billy's hurt?" Trini asked. "Why wouldn't they accept messages from Earth?"
Jason was trying hard to think, but was having a hard time accepting everything that was happening. Something caught his eye, and he glanced over at a large object covered by a white sheet. "That's it!" Jason said aloud, as he rushed over the object, and pulled off the sheet, revealing a white modified Volkswagen Beetle, with weird scientific devices attached all over it.
"The RADBUG?" Kimberly gasped. "You can't be serious, Jason."
Zack stepped forward. "Wait, I think I know where Jason's going with this, so let him explain first,"
Jason opened the door, and sat inside. "The RADBUG can fly, and I'm sure it'll get us to Aquitar,"
"But Jase, we don't know if this thing will even survive in space," Trini added. "The risks are immense, are you sure we should do this?"
"Yeah," Kimberly added. "Besides, can't these new Rangers just take us to Aquitar in their space ship?"
Jason shook his head. "They could, but they're needed on Earth now, with this Astronema chick attacking," he pulled out the key hidden under the floor mat and started the engine. "Come on guys, if we're going to get to Billy, this is the only chance we've got,"
"But, but, you never said anything about going to outer space," Kimberly cried, suddenly freaked out by the thought. "Are you sure you need all of us to go?"
"Kim, you've got to be kidding me," Zack joked. "You, afraid of outer space? Besides it's not like the first intergalactic experience you've had anyways,"
Kimberly thought for a minute, and realized that it was important that they try to see why Billy hadn't returned their mission. "Okay fine, I'll go, but how are we even going to find this place?"
"Simple," Jason said. "I'll get the coordinates from the communication device, and program them into the destination grid,"
"Jeez, Jase. Since when did you learn how to do all of this stuff?" Kim asked.
"Community college," Jason joked. "Actually, I guess it's from watching Billy all of these years,"
It took Jason about an hour, but he'd finally programmed the coordinates to Aquitar in the RADBUG computer. The hour had also allowed Zedd to round up his army. The four former Rangers entered the RADBUG, and Jason backed it out of Billy's garage.
"Hopefully everything goes smoothly," Jason said, as he lifted the vehicle into the air.
---
Meanwhile in downtown Angel Grove, Zedd made his move. Hundreds of men, women, and children made their way through the various normal weekend past times, when suddenly Zedd's sickening face appeared in the sky. The interruption immediately caused an uproar, at which Zedd ignored.
"Citizens of Angel Grove, this is Lord Zedd speaking, and I am your new ruler. From this moment on, all of you will be at my command. Those of you pathetic heroes who attempt to form a rebellion against my authority will be administered a quick and severe punishment by the hands of my powerful henchmen. The rest of you poor infelicitous souls, consider yourselves fortunate to be alive, and under my command. Enjoy your final seconds Earthlings, for the world as you knew it, will now cease to exist!"
Dark storm clouds began intruding the skies, as panic began spreading everywhere, while black dots appeared in the sky, and as they came closer, many recognized them as the notorious Tenga Warriors, who'd been obsolete for years. Flocks of Tengas cawed their way down into the city zooming around the citizens, intent on maintaining order.
Without knowledge about the recent invasion, the RADBUG slowly lifted itself further, and within seconds, it'd finally reached the darkened skies of endless stars. However, the rescue mission had been noticed by Rita and her Repulsascope.
"Zeddy!" she screeched. "I smell four former power punks attempting to escape the planet!"
"Poppy cocks!" Zedd grumbled. "I knew they'd find someway to attempt to foil my plan, and no doubt they are on their way to Aquitar, and before you know it, we'll have those blasted fish Rangers breathing down our backs!"
"Do something Zeddy!" Rita whined.
Zedd thought quickly, but came to a conclusion. "I know just what I'll do!" he aimed his staff at the Zeo Crystal, and shot a blast of energy at it. "There's nothing better then a few more powerless Rangers in our dungeons!"
The Zeo Crystal reflected another beam, shooting directly onto the RADBUG, capturing it like a fly caught in a spider web, slowly pulling it in. The car shook, startling it's inhabitants.
"What's going on here?" Kimberly screamed, as the RADBUG shook violently.
"It's Zedd," Jason replied, noticing that the beam was coming from the lunar palace. "Guys, it looks like we're caught,"
Zack and Trini looked at each other. "I know I shouldn't have gotten myself back into the Ranger business," Zack replied. "It always ends like this, and this time we have no one to back us up,"
Trini patted him on the shoulder. "It'll be all right Zack," she said reassuringly. "Remember, there are Power Rangers out there now, and I'm sure they'll do everything in their power to rescue us,"
Kimberly felt a surge of energy flow onto her belt buckle, as an object materialized. "Oh my god," she said holding up her original power morpher that contained her pterodactyl power coin.
"Kim what's wrong?" Jason asked.
"Look!" she said flashing the morpher into his face. "How is this even possible?"
"Yeah? I thought you gave your power coin to Kat?" Zack asked.
Kimberly tried to conclude what was happening, she examined the morpher, it had deep gashes all through it, but it felt like it still contained a power source. She looked at the other three. "I gave cat my Ninja Power Coin, I haven't seen this morpher since the day our Thunderzords exploded. It was the reason why we went on the Ninja Quest, our Morphers exploded along with our Zords,"
"Why didn't our Morphers appear?" asked a puzzled Trini.
"We passed on our powers to Rocky, Adam, and Aisha," Jason said. "Adam's never mentioned anything like this,"
---
"What's taking so long?" Rita demanded. "They're going to escape!"
"There's some kind of power source in there, it's connected to the blasted Morphin Grid, and it's seemingly more powerful then the Zeo Crystal," Zedd angrily replied.
"STOP THEM!" Rita screeched. "They're giving me a headache!"
Zedd shook his head. "Don't fret my love, the Zeo Crystal has a tight hold on them, they're not going anywhere,"
---
"Of course," Jason replied. "Kim, you've got to get out of her, you've got to get to Aquitar, and get Billy,"
Kimberly shook her head and looked at Jason as if he were crazy. "Jason! I can't do it by myself, can't we just wait on the Space Rangers to find us?"
"Come on Kim," Trini agreed. "Jason's right, you have to get out of here and warn someone, especially if something bad has happened to Billy,"
Tears formed in Kimberly's eyes, inside she was terrified. "Guys, I can't do it," she shook her head again.
"Of course you can," Jason responded. He wiped the tears from her eyes, and ran his hand through her hair. "I love you Kimberly,"
Jason's words brought shock to everyone's eyes, even more so to Kimberly. "You..." she was speechless. Kimberly could feel the spirit of the Pterodactyl calling out to her, with Jason's words in her heart, she held her power morpher in the air and called out the words that she hadn't said for two years. "IT'S MORPHIN TIME!"
"PTERODACTYL!"
Kimberly's life form exited through the body, signifying that she'd completed the Morphing process, and had teleported off into space. Jason's words of romance formed an eerie silence from the three of them. They had an unknown fate, and that terrified them, because unlike Kimberly, they had no protection, and all they could do was sit back and watch as they slowly approached the balcony of Lord Zedd.
To Be Continued
It amazed Trini that Billy's neighborhood had barely changed in the few years that she'd been gone from Angel Grove, but things looked the same, regardless of the fact that Billy wouldn't be inside of it. She's secretly kept her a crush on Billy from everyone, including Kimberly who would have instantly attempted to pair the two of them up. That was one of Kim's talents though, and Trini had always been unable to understand why she wouldn't have let Kimberly. Things became overly complicated when her relationship with Richard occurred, and Trini realized that she had been living a whole separate life. One that she kept hidden from four of her best friends. She turned to Kimberly giggled. "So, is Billy seriously dating a fish girl?"
Kimberly nodded. "Well, I asked Jason to describe what an Aquitian looks like, and well they have like these weird brain things on their head, and well I guess they are like fish because they live under the water, but they aren't really like mermaids either though because they don't have fins," she managed to say all in one breath.
Zack smiled at what became more and more like old times, for he hadn't seen two girls gossip the way Kimberly and Trini do, well, since the last time he saw the two of them gossip. He was worried about Billy however, because an inside instinct told him something was wrong. "Jase, do you think Billy's all right?"
"What do you mean?" Jason asked.
"Well, dig this, Billy's living on this alien planet in outer space, that's got supposable connections to our home boy Zordon, and well, you'd think they'd know about this already. It's just not like Billy to ignore his friends like this," Zack replied.
"You've got a good point Zack, and hopefully when we take a look at the communication system, we'll know more," Jason replied. "I called Justin before we came, and he said a few functions he set should allow us to track incoming or outgoing messages,"
Jason pulled his car into the Cranston driveway, eased that they wouldn't have to put up with questions from Mr. Cranston. From what he'd read in the Angel Grove Times, Billy's father had been sent to Idaho for a scientific convention, and wouldn't be back for days. "All right guys, I guess this is it," Jason said stepping out of the car.
The other three followed suite, as Jason once again unlocked the garage door. They could hear a beeping noise, causing Kimberly to jump into the air with excitement. However, the beeping could have meant many things, but none of them could wait to discover it's meaning. Kimberly dashed over to the screen and read.
"Messages from Earth to Aquitar have been blocked by the recipients server," she said aloud with disgust. "What does that mean?"
Jason tightened his fists. "It means, something, or someone doesn't want us getting in contact with Billy,"
---
The palace throne room had been decorated to celebrate the beginning of the end of planet Earth. Finster constructed a device which holstered the Zeo Crystal, and would allow Lord Zedd to generate power from it. Zedd entered from the left side of the balcony and made his way to his rotating throne. He'd called a meeting between all of his henchmen, prepared to deliver the plans of his greatest attack yet.
"Welcome my minions, to an event that will mark the end of the human world once and for all!" He greeted the various minions.
Among those in attendance, Rita Repulsa, Goldar, Scorpina, Finster, Squatt, Baboo, Rito Revolto, and King Sphinx were the most important parts of Zedd's master plan that he would soon reveal to the planet. Zedd walked over to the device which held the Zeo Crystal and began his chant of evil.
"Five shards of power, you once served five humans, rise again from the depths of the pit where your former masters have forgotten you! Your purpose is to triumph over the power of good, and serve your new master, Lord Zedd!" Zedd chanted. "Create me an army grand enough to take over the entire planet!"
Suddenly five colored light beams emitted through the crystal crescent, and shades of red, green, blue, yellow, and pink lit up the throne room. Zedd's cronies cheered at their lords brilliance, as legions of Putty Patrollers, and Tenga Warriors slowly formed into living creatures.
Zedd grabbed his wife Rita, and the two began dancing around as the Zeo Crystal acquitted to his bidding. It was celebrations in the palace like these that hadn't happened since Rita and Zedd had managed to detonate the Command Center. Zedd felt like he would have been on top then, if the Machine Empire hadn't ruined everything.
---
"Do you think Billy's hurt?" Trini asked. "Why wouldn't they accept messages from Earth?"
Jason was trying hard to think, but was having a hard time accepting everything that was happening. Something caught his eye, and he glanced over at a large object covered by a white sheet. "That's it!" Jason said aloud, as he rushed over the object, and pulled off the sheet, revealing a white modified Volkswagen Beetle, with weird scientific devices attached all over it.
"The RADBUG?" Kimberly gasped. "You can't be serious, Jason."
Zack stepped forward. "Wait, I think I know where Jason's going with this, so let him explain first,"
Jason opened the door, and sat inside. "The RADBUG can fly, and I'm sure it'll get us to Aquitar,"
"But Jase, we don't know if this thing will even survive in space," Trini added. "The risks are immense, are you sure we should do this?"
"Yeah," Kimberly added. "Besides, can't these new Rangers just take us to Aquitar in their space ship?"
Jason shook his head. "They could, but they're needed on Earth now, with this Astronema chick attacking," he pulled out the key hidden under the floor mat and started the engine. "Come on guys, if we're going to get to Billy, this is the only chance we've got,"
"But, but, you never said anything about going to outer space," Kimberly cried, suddenly freaked out by the thought. "Are you sure you need all of us to go?"
"Kim, you've got to be kidding me," Zack joked. "You, afraid of outer space? Besides it's not like the first intergalactic experience you've had anyways,"
Kimberly thought for a minute, and realized that it was important that they try to see why Billy hadn't returned their mission. "Okay fine, I'll go, but how are we even going to find this place?"
"Simple," Jason said. "I'll get the coordinates from the communication device, and program them into the destination grid,"
"Jeez, Jase. Since when did you learn how to do all of this stuff?" Kim asked.
"Community college," Jason joked. "Actually, I guess it's from watching Billy all of these years,"
It took Jason about an hour, but he'd finally programmed the coordinates to Aquitar in the RADBUG computer. The hour had also allowed Zedd to round up his army. The four former Rangers entered the RADBUG, and Jason backed it out of Billy's garage.
"Hopefully everything goes smoothly," Jason said, as he lifted the vehicle into the air.
---
Meanwhile in downtown Angel Grove, Zedd made his move. Hundreds of men, women, and children made their way through the various normal weekend past times, when suddenly Zedd's sickening face appeared in the sky. The interruption immediately caused an uproar, at which Zedd ignored.
"Citizens of Angel Grove, this is Lord Zedd speaking, and I am your new ruler. From this moment on, all of you will be at my command. Those of you pathetic heroes who attempt to form a rebellion against my authority will be administered a quick and severe punishment by the hands of my powerful henchmen. The rest of you poor infelicitous souls, consider yourselves fortunate to be alive, and under my command. Enjoy your final seconds Earthlings, for the world as you knew it, will now cease to exist!"
Dark storm clouds began intruding the skies, as panic began spreading everywhere, while black dots appeared in the sky, and as they came closer, many recognized them as the notorious Tenga Warriors, who'd been obsolete for years. Flocks of Tengas cawed their way down into the city zooming around the citizens, intent on maintaining order.
Without knowledge about the recent invasion, the RADBUG slowly lifted itself further, and within seconds, it'd finally reached the darkened skies of endless stars. However, the rescue mission had been noticed by Rita and her Repulsascope.
"Zeddy!" she screeched. "I smell four former power punks attempting to escape the planet!"
"Poppy cocks!" Zedd grumbled. "I knew they'd find someway to attempt to foil my plan, and no doubt they are on their way to Aquitar, and before you know it, we'll have those blasted fish Rangers breathing down our backs!"
"Do something Zeddy!" Rita whined.
Zedd thought quickly, but came to a conclusion. "I know just what I'll do!" he aimed his staff at the Zeo Crystal, and shot a blast of energy at it. "There's nothing better then a few more powerless Rangers in our dungeons!"
The Zeo Crystal reflected another beam, shooting directly onto the RADBUG, capturing it like a fly caught in a spider web, slowly pulling it in. The car shook, startling it's inhabitants.
"What's going on here?" Kimberly screamed, as the RADBUG shook violently.
"It's Zedd," Jason replied, noticing that the beam was coming from the lunar palace. "Guys, it looks like we're caught,"
Zack and Trini looked at each other. "I know I shouldn't have gotten myself back into the Ranger business," Zack replied. "It always ends like this, and this time we have no one to back us up,"
Trini patted him on the shoulder. "It'll be all right Zack," she said reassuringly. "Remember, there are Power Rangers out there now, and I'm sure they'll do everything in their power to rescue us,"
Kimberly felt a surge of energy flow onto her belt buckle, as an object materialized. "Oh my god," she said holding up her original power morpher that contained her pterodactyl power coin.
"Kim what's wrong?" Jason asked.
"Look!" she said flashing the morpher into his face. "How is this even possible?"
"Yeah? I thought you gave your power coin to Kat?" Zack asked.
Kimberly tried to conclude what was happening, she examined the morpher, it had deep gashes all through it, but it felt like it still contained a power source. She looked at the other three. "I gave cat my Ninja Power Coin, I haven't seen this morpher since the day our Thunderzords exploded. It was the reason why we went on the Ninja Quest, our Morphers exploded along with our Zords,"
"Why didn't our Morphers appear?" asked a puzzled Trini.
"We passed on our powers to Rocky, Adam, and Aisha," Jason said. "Adam's never mentioned anything like this,"
---
"What's taking so long?" Rita demanded. "They're going to escape!"
"There's some kind of power source in there, it's connected to the blasted Morphin Grid, and it's seemingly more powerful then the Zeo Crystal," Zedd angrily replied.
"STOP THEM!" Rita screeched. "They're giving me a headache!"
Zedd shook his head. "Don't fret my love, the Zeo Crystal has a tight hold on them, they're not going anywhere,"
---
"Of course," Jason replied. "Kim, you've got to get out of her, you've got to get to Aquitar, and get Billy,"
Kimberly shook her head and looked at Jason as if he were crazy. "Jason! I can't do it by myself, can't we just wait on the Space Rangers to find us?"
"Come on Kim," Trini agreed. "Jason's right, you have to get out of here and warn someone, especially if something bad has happened to Billy,"
Tears formed in Kimberly's eyes, inside she was terrified. "Guys, I can't do it," she shook her head again.
"Of course you can," Jason responded. He wiped the tears from her eyes, and ran his hand through her hair. "I love you Kimberly,"
Jason's words brought shock to everyone's eyes, even more so to Kimberly. "You..." she was speechless. Kimberly could feel the spirit of the Pterodactyl calling out to her, with Jason's words in her heart, she held her power morpher in the air and called out the words that she hadn't said for two years. "IT'S MORPHIN TIME!"
"PTERODACTYL!"
Kimberly's life form exited through the body, signifying that she'd completed the Morphing process, and had teleported off into space. Jason's words of romance formed an eerie silence from the three of them. They had an unknown fate, and that terrified them, because unlike Kimberly, they had no protection, and all they could do was sit back and watch as they slowly approached the balcony of Lord Zedd.
To Be Continued