Disclaimer: If I haven't already told you that it's mine, it belongs to Saban or Disney.

Ashley Hammond/Astro Yellow: Do you have a problem with merchildren? I needed Zhane to say something stupid. I also wrote that chapter in about an hour, so something crazy was bound to show up. :P

Mz. Daydream: The new team will fight after having their powers for two hours, but whether they win or not is a different story. Andros would spar against Ashley after enough coaxing, and he could win if he wanted to. :P

Juzblue: I know it's weird, but it had to happen. Glad ya like the merchildren.

DizneeDol: Thanks. Here's some more.

Jenny: Jenny needs a friend? Hmm... I'll see what I can do for you. :P

the-power-of-love: Thanks, here's more.

Chapter 9

"Deca, teleport them to the battle scene," Andros ordered.

"Affirmative," the AI replied, and in an instant had engulfed the rangers in seven streaks of light.

"Looking for us?" Ryan called as they appeared in front of the three servants of the Overlords. Spyridon was cloaked completely in black. Skylar and Ximena wore identical armor, the only difference the color. Their attire was reminiscent of Astronema's, or would have been, if this generation of rangers had been familiar with the former queen of evil.

Skylar laughed. "So the rangers decided to come and play..."

"What we didn't come here to do is talk," Tempest snapped, leaping at them before Ryan could stop her. "Star Slinger!"

She caught Skylar off guard, and managed to drive the young woman in gold several feet backwards before there was any retaliation.

"The little baby ranger thinks she knows what she's doing," Ximena taunted, drawing a crimson-hilted sword. "She's sadly mistaken."

"Shut up!" Tempest snarled, whirling on Ximena just as Skylar recovered. The yellow ranger went flying through the air, landing painfully as Damien and Mira ran to place themselves between her and Sklyar.

"Tem, you gotta think about what you're getting yourself into," Damien admonished her as he helped her to her feet.

"Like there's time to think," Tempest retorted, shaking herself free of his grasp. "Come on."

Ximena was keeping Matt and Melanie busy. Ciaran grappled with Spyridon as Ryan went after Skylar. Tempest sprinted to assist Ryan as Mira and Damien joined Ciaran.

"Ryan, look out!" Tempest shouted, as Ximena whirled to avoid taking a hit from Melanie's Satellite Stunner. Ximena caught Ryan in the shoulder with her sword, and then turned back to beating Matt and Melanie.

Ryan stumbled, knocked off-balance by Ximena's blow. Skylar took advantage of his distraction, and her golden sword would have sliced right through the red ranger if Tempest hadn't slammed into her from the side, tackling her.

"Thanks," Ryan gasped, staggering to his feet.

"No problem," Tempest said airly, darting around him to block Skylar's next blow. Of them all, she was definitely the quickest on her feet.

"Mira!" Damien shouted, catching the purple ranger as Spyridon and Ximena teamed up. "Look out!"

"They could use some help," Ryan obseved, already moving towards them as Tempest followed.

Ximena hissed in pain as Ryan planted his feet firmly in the small of her back, sending her to the ground. Skylar moved to retaliate for Ximena, knocking the wind out of Tempest, who tried to help Ryan hold her off.

"Give up yet?" Ximena laughed, watching the yellow ranger sprawled out on the floor.

"Never," Tempest spat as Ryan charged again. "You killed Auntie!"

Ximena's laughter was genuine now. "You think we killed her?"

"You mean you didn't?" Matt challenged, joining them.

"She sent us here!" Skylar informed them.

"Liar!" Tempest screamed, making to attack. Ciaran caught her just in time, knowing that she was nearly blinded by her anger.

"How else would we be here?" Spyridon asked. "We couldn't have done it without that double-crossing traitor."

"She was not a traitor!" Tempest insisted, now struggling hard against the hold Ciaran had on her.

"She's fought on both sides," Skylar said. "That makes her traitor to one."

"We'll be watching you, rangers," Spyridon said. With that, the three of them disappeard.

"Deca, teleport seven," Ryan said after a moment of stunned silence. Seconds later, they reappeared on the Megaship.

"Not bad for your first battle," Karone said with an encouraging smile.

"Yeah, good job, you guys," Ashley congratulated them. "Are you guys tired? The Megaship is currently on loan to you guys, I guess, and there's plenty of rooms."

"No, we're all right," Ryan said distantly. He sighed. "It'll just take some getting used to, that's all."