Summary: The Rangers have defeated Driller and they decide to take a day for themselves. Meanwhile, Vertox begins to set phase 1 of his plan into motion…
Author's Notes: Ok people, I'm sure some of you are confused and I'd like to clear a few things up. This story takes place AFTER Dino Thunder. It takes place roughly a year after Mesogog's defeat. Also, this chapter is designed to clear up a few loose ends about Kojin and Sierra. Enjoy people "
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Conner fell into the chair, waving away anyone near him. Rest was all he needed and he was definitely going to get some. He rubbed his weary eyes, feeling the beginnings of a headache unfold. He sighed into his palms, letting his tensed, and painful muscles relax. All the strain in him seemed to vanish at the point and he became Conner McKnight, the Star Soccer player once more.
Screams of delight echoed through the small chamber as he watched the crowd gather around Kimberly. He could see her eyes widen and her hands working feverishly to calm the others down. Then his sights fell on Kira and he couldn't help but smile. There was something about her that seemed so…right. If that was even the word to describe it.
Her eyes met his and she broke away from the group, approaching him.
"That was one helluva a fight, wasn't it?" She asked quietly, sitting down beside him. He scoffed and shook his head before wincing.
"You can say that again…this guy is much tougher then Mesogog." Kira sighed, leaning forward on her palm. She glanced at him and frowned, seeing the sweat trickling down his chin. His eyes were squeezed shut as if he was trying to fend off some bright light. "You ok?" She questioned, resting a silky smooth hand on his shoulder.
He jolted slightly and looked over at her and then nodded. "Yeah, it's just a headache." He answered and sighed. "This new guy, Vertox, is sure full of surprises. First he show's up on the scene and beats us down, then sends his general, Cheerios-"
"Merios." Kira corrected, frowning.
"-whatever, to kidnap Hayley. To make matters worse, he tosses us around like rag dolls. Now we actually see what kind of powers his monsters got and we get thrashed again!" he threw his hands up in defeat. "Mesogog had some strong monsters, but I don't think he's anywhere in this guy's league."
"I hate to admit it, but I think you're right." She sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder. She smiled lightly, soaking in the time they had together. Every second they spent together, locked in each other's embrace was nearly perfect. Sure, she'd seen some cute guys before, and he is cute, but he had something no one else had. Maybe it was the fact he was a complete jock that drove her to him. She didn't know, nor care at this point. She just wanted to rest with him.
She shuddered as his fingers stroked her smooth cheek lightly. His lips pressed teasingly against her forehead and she sighed contently.
But their moment came to a screeching halt real quick.
"Aw, if it isn't the two love birds sharing a quiet moment together!" Ethan mocked, bringing his hands hand together under his chin. He mock sighed, fluttering his eye lashes. "Such a beautiful sight…" He teased and jumped back as Kira's foot lashed out.
Conner grinned and shook his head before he slipped his arm around Kira's shoulder. She looked up at him and smiled before she kissed his cheek. Love, such a beautiful thing….
"If you think we're bad, check out Dr. O." Kira whispered, jabbing her thumb at him.
The 3 pairs of eyes fell upon Dr. O, seeing him locked in a long kiss with the newest ranger. For a moment, they felt their hearts melt and an aw escaped their lips. Needless to say, this broke the two lovers apart and received a grin from their coach in return. Tommy just blushed and turned away, heading towards Hayley and Billy.
"Yeah know, he's making our job a whole lot more difficult." Trent said, felling into a chair beside Ethan, twirling slightly in it. "You really think we'll get them together?"
Conner chuckled and shook his head. "Oh, their together, it's just going to be painful to work Dr. O up to get the grapefruits and purpose." He answered, watching as their science teacher talked with the technical advisors. Kimberly seemed to be having a nice little chat with Kojin and Sierra. Neither of them really looked good.
"So what's the next step?" Trent asked, watching the two love birds. He could their eyes met each other's ever so often. They weren't all enjoy their time apart.
"Dinner." Conner answered, nodding his head.
He felt Kira punched him in the shoulder. "How can you be thinking of food at a time like this?" She chided, glaring at him.
"No, no, I mean make reservations for dinner. Yeah know, a nice fancy dinner never hurts. Maybe it'll even clue Dr. O into what we want." He said, rubbing his throbbing shoulder. "And did you have to hit that hard?"
She blushed and smiled. "Sorry." She shrugged and rested her head against his shoulder again.
"Ok, better question: where do we make the reservations for?" Ethan said, leaning forward. He too eyed his mentors, watching as they slowly drifted towards each other.
"How about Tamminga's? It's a nice French restaurant downtown." He offered, shrugging. "I'll tell them to put it on my tab."
"A nice dinner just isn't going to do it." Kira stated, watching as Tommy locked Kimberly in a sweet, passionate kiss. For a moment she felt her heart flutter. She looked up at Conner and caught him staring at her. He looked away and blushed.
"So what else do you suggest?" The Jock asked, scratching his head. "A Limo?"
Trent shrugged. "I've got connections so I don't see why not."
Ethan glanced at him. "Dude, you're really starting to freak me out here. You're starting to sound like John Gotti with all this talk about connections." The Blue Dino Ranger shuddered and looked away from his friend in white.
"Shut up, Ethan." Conner hissed and looked to Trent. "You think you can get them a Limo?"
"Of course!" Trent grinned, wrapping his fingers together. "I'd just have to speak with my dad, though. He's the one who has the all the connections to the high executive stuff." He rubbed his chin. "We're still missing something."
Conner looked back at the two lovers, seeing them resting calmly within each other's arms. He blushed and shook his head, deciding not to say his next comment.
"No, not that Conner." Trent said, as if reading his mind. "Something more romantic."
Kira's brow's flickered. "Attires." She said, glancing over at the Mafioso-like Trent. "You can't send them to a fancy restaurant in street clothes."
Trent nodded in agreement and stood up. "Leave it too me. You guy's make the reservations at Tamminga's." He said and scratched a number on a piece of paper. "Tell them to put it on that tab and set the time for 10:30. They'll know who's requesting it, so don't worry about them closing." He saluted his fellow rangers. "Well I'm off to do some reconnaissance. Got to see what these two wear so I know what size to get them."
Trent glanced back at the other's and melted into his chameleon form. Conner sighed and shook his head. "You know, I really wonder if we're doing the right thing." He said, frowning. "Maybe we're pushing this a bit to quick?"
"Nonsense, my Ranger buddy!" Ethan said and slapped him on the shoulder. "We're doing the right thing. Now if you don't mind, I have some questions to ask our fellow rangers."
Conner and Kira watched him leave and then glanced at each other. With a simple shrugged, they closed their eyes and drifted off into a peaceful slumber…
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Ethan stopped short of the black rangers and sighed. Gathering up the rest of his courage, he stepped for them and smiled.
"I don't mean to be rude or anything, but I have a simple question for you two." He said, rubbing his hands together anxiously. "Dr. O and Hayley put together a video of the Power Ranger's legacy and never once did I see you two mentioned in it. Where did you guys come into play and how did you get your powers?"
"Fair question." Kojin began and shrugged. "It's easy, really. The Morphers are evil morphers, just as Tommy said. The black morphers were created by Master Vile for his war with Zordon 10,000 years ago. They've been in hibernation ever since. Well, it's was around Time Force when the Morphers were rediscovered."
"Well, in their time anyway, so the year 3,000. The Time Force Rangers brought the Morphers back through time and handed the morphers off to Dr. O here." Sierra said and shrugged. "That was when we first learned of Tommy's time as a ranger and our first run-in with the morphers."
"We were about 14 at that point." Kojin continued, looking down at his morpher. "We didn't really engage with the morphers until Ninja Storm came around. When Blake and Hunter were off searching for their selves, I guess, they ran into us. We were under the control of its evil. Blake and Hunter were able to defeat us because of our inexperience and inability to control the power. From that point…we've been training with the morphers ever since."
"Who trained you and how did Dr. O find out they were gone?" Ethan questioned, fascinated by the story.
"Past Rangers trained us, actually; Wes and Eric of Time Force; Andros of the Space Rangers. A lot of people helped us." He shrugged and glanced at Tommy. "He found out just before you guys got your powers. He went looking for them one day and found them gone…he got in contact with some of the other rangers and well…he found out."
"Brutal." Ethan shuttered. "I'd hate to found out like that. Man, you guys must have had one helluva of a ride."
Kojin shrugged. "It wasn't too bad after the Thunder Rangers beat some sense into us."
Sierra nodded. "After that, we were able to control the urges a bit more. The Blood lust was still there, don't get me wrong, but we could control it easily now."
Ethan rubbed his chin and nodded. "Yeah, it's been bothering me for a long time. I mean, I watched the Video over to see if I missed anything, but there was no mention of you two. Now I see why."
Kojin shrugged and grinned. "Whatever, Buddy. Well, we're out of here. We are going home to get some rest. That little trip was the new Power Crystal threw us off guard."
Sierra clung to his arm, grinning. "Bye." She whispered and two made leave for the door. Ethan watched them leave and shook his head. He hoped, he prayed that he'd never have to fight another evil Ranger again…Trent was bad enough…
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A stone chair sat in the middle of the technological room. Resting within it was its new owner, a disheveled looking man. Black rings hung around the man's eyes, noting the lack of sleep. In the little light that illuminated him, he seemed pale and disorderly. He looked distant, as if staring into a plane unreachable by others. But his eyes burned a deep crimson red and pupils became void of all color.
This was the face of evil.
This was Vertox.
He sat in his throne, staring into the darkness for some time before his eyes flickered to the opening metal door. His general, Merios, strode into the room with his head high in a show of arrogance. Vertox simply sneered the man but dismissed the gesture. For a moment, Vertox seemed into ignore the general, but the constant glowing red eyes was beginning to itch at his nerves.
"You better have something good to report for disturbing me, General." Vertox threatened, squeezed his clawed fingers into a fist.
Merios dropped into a low bow and looked up at Vertox.
"I have what you requested, Master." He said and presented a brown-black box.
Vertox's eyes lit up as he reached out for the box. He ran a pale, smooth hand over the delicate box. For once he found beauty in the Earth's wood. The box was cleaned carved and shaped and he couldn't imagine what lay on the inside.
He slammed the box against his chair arm.
But no, that would have to wait for another time. No, now was not the time it to be released. He had more important things to accomplish. Vertox clutched the flowing black mantle and turned to face his general. He comfortably wrapped himself in the mantles presence and pulled the hood over his head. It was to extract his vengeance upon the Power Rangers…
"Merios, I believe it is time to execute Phase 1 of our Plan." Vertox instructed, resting a hand on the case. "Prepare my ship, General, I have business to attend to on Trifforia."
Merios bowed his head and nodded. "As you wish, Master."
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Kim rested lightly on her boyfriends lap, his fingers stroking his soft cheek gently. He seemed so calm when sleeping; but yet he seemed much cuter as well. She smiled lightly, kissing his chin teasingly. He moaned and stirred in his sleep but relaxed again. She giggled and curled up to him, resting her head against his chest.
Tommy. How that name brought a smile to her lips every time. They had been apart for nearly eight years and there was not a day she did not regret sending him that letter. At first, when going back to see him she had thought he might have rejected her. But she was wrong, all wrong. The moment she opened the door the love had returned. He had taken her into his arms and gave her simply the most passionate kiss she'd ever had.
Her head rested lightly against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. She had done this so many years ago. It was after the dance, she had been in his arms most of the night. His heart beat had not changed over the years and she was glad it hadn't. The simple rhythmic beat of his heart put her into such a deep slumber.
"You two make the cutest couple, you know that?" Trent whispered, standing in the door way.
Kimberly glanced over the chair and smiled. Trent gazed back at her, his eyes, body, his entire posture showed nothing but signs of tiredness.
"Go home Trent, get some sleep." Kimberly whispered, resting against Tommy once more. "You guy's need it after today's battle."
Trent sighed and nodded his head. "Sure, but the Rangers I have a little gift to you and Tommy." He said, standing before her now. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a card. He handed it to her, grinning.
"Oh no…now what?" She asked, looking at the card. It had an address on it.
"It's about 5:30 so you guys can get a couple hours rest, but about 10:30 a Limo will be arriving." He said, pulling his coat on. "Give the card to the driver and he'll see you get to the restaurant. On the back of the card is a number. Give that to the manager and your meal is all set."
Kimberly looked up at Trent wide eyed and in disbelief. "Trent, we can't accept this…" She whispered, handing the card back to him.
Trent shook his head and pushed the card back. "You can and you will, Kimberly. You and Dr. O deserve it. The waiter has a pair of keys waiting for you, incase you'd um…have a night to yourselves." She turned a scarlet red. "Because I don't think you guys want to get caught by Conner and Kira have crashed in the basement." He turned for the door. "Have a good time, Coach." He made a quick slip out the door before she could protest any further.
She sighed and looked at Tommy then smiled.
"They all love us, Handsome." She whispered and kissed his chest before she curled up to him, smiling and fell asleep…
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Vertox concentrated on the item in his hand, once again having the far-away look. The opened with a low snap-hiss and Merios strode arrogantly in the room again. Vertox looked up from the item, peering at Merios silently for a moment.
"Merios…" Vertox said finally, looking back at the item. "…have you ever wondered who the first Power Ranger was to ever stand against the forces of evil?"
Merios seemed a bit confused by the statement and looked at the item as well. "Sire, it was Zordon, wasn't it?"
Vertox shook his head, letting a small smile slip through his blank face. He shook it away and sank back into his chair.
"No, Merios, his name was Vengeance." Vertox corrected sorrowfully. "He was indeed a very strong Power Ranger. His skills and power was unrivaled by all."
Merios looked at the item once again, digesting the information. He'd heard of the man named Vengeance. He was one of the 3 Kings of Trifforia and the first person to ever use the Gold Zeo Power. But there were never any other recordings of ranger days before his Gold Ranger times.
"But sir, Vengeance was a King of Trifforia. He was the first Gold Ranger, if I recall correctly." He said, confused. "He was a ranger before that?"
Vertox nodded and looked past Merios for a moment. The expression had return – the one void of life, seemingly to look into another plane. And just like that, he blinked and peered at Merios again.
"Vengeance was the first Power Ranger and he welded the powers of Light." Vertox raised the item into the light for Merios to see. The generals eyes went wide and he broke out into a sweat. "Vengeance held the first Power Source ever created…the Celestial Energy. He became known as the Omega Ranger."
"B-B-But…S-sir…that is…"
"Yes, this is indeed that Morpher." Vertox said, tossing it into the generals hands. "But it is useless to me as of now." He shook his head in disgust. "Only 3 can wield the Morpher: Vengeance, Zordon or a Trifforian King."
And then it all came into perspective. The whole reason Vertox had been testing and challenging the rangers. The reason they were going to Trifforia; to such a pathetic and desolate planet.
Vertox needed Trey, the Commander of the Gold powers to take his place as the Omega Ranger.
"All Trifforian's who are sworn in as king have a mark placed on their neck, directly on the base of the spine. This mark summons the power of Omega and allows the King to summon the Omegian Powers." He ran his fingers on the long, slender box at his side; the holder for the Omega Morpher. Suddenly he slammed his fist onto the box, shattering into a dozen pieces. Merios jumped back as a splinter stabbed deep into the metal. "But getting they foolish Trey to accept this powers will be difficult. The Golden Powers are the Omega's sister. If the Omega Morpher was ever to fall into the hands of evil, Trifforia and the Power Rangers needed something to combat it – a power suitable enough to counter it."
Merios rested the morpher back into his masters lap and took several steps back. He wanted no more to do with that morpher.
"We must defeat Trey and force him to morph as the Omega Ranger once again…" Blue-white energy burned around Vertox's hand as he squeezed his fingers into a fist. "If he refuses…he will DIE!"
Vertox threw his hand back in laughter as waves of energy slammed into the walls of the ship. That night the Universe remember what true evil was…
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DUN DUN DUNNN!
Vertox has plans to create his own Ranger to combat the Dino Team? But just what kind of Power does this Omega Morpher posses and will Trey be able withstand the power of Vertox and Merios or will he succumb to their awesome power? As I said Earlier…Things are gonna get a lot more Golden…
May the power protect you…