Author: BashfulC
Story: La Familia
Disclaimer: Don't own anyone except Olivia, Ethel, Stefani, Michaels, Robert Walters, and Steve and Karan DeSantos, and Lone Wolf Technology. The name Nahanee is technically Shoshoni but I used it here as Navajo.
Time Frame: In between Good Will Hunter and All About Beevil.
Pairings: Blake/Tori, Zack/Kat, Aisha/Rocky, Wes/Jen (for now) Indicates the couples are married.
Summary: What if Kelly, owner of Storm Chargers, was Kim's cousin who was kidnapped by Rita all those years ago?
Notes: Hey everyone. These chapter sorta jumps' from place to place so be forewarned. Also, thanks to Weesta who beta'd this chappy! Hope you like!
Chapter Five
"My son, what is going on? Who are these people?" Sensei asked as the four boys arrived inside Ninja Ops with their three guests. Kimberly was still out like a light. Blake, instinctively knowing what Cam wanted, pushed a button on the wall and a bed slid out. Cam set Kim on it and started working on her as Blake turned to Sensei. Wes and Jen stood by the bed, listening.
"We were at the beach when Zurgane and three dozen Kelzacks attacked. Tori went to get Olivia, Kim's daughter out of there while the five of us and Kim fought the Kelzacks. Thing is, we didn't know Zurgane had more Kelzacks and they were after Olivia. When Zurgane disappeared with Olivia, he left the remaining Kelzacks. Kim suddenly screamed, was covered in purple and pink light, and then this weird purple bird thing disintegrated all the Kelzacks. Afterwards, Kim was in this weird uniform of some sort and a few minutes later it disappeared and she was out cold. Wes and Jen saw what happened and came to help. They're Kim's neighbors and apparently rangers. We brought them back here." He explained. Cam looked up.
"She was wearing a Ninjette master's uniform, Dad. I thought they were only legend." It was said like a statement but everyone could feel the question. Wes and Jen exchanged looks but remained silent. Before Sensei could answer, Dustin and Tori walked in.
"How is she?" Tori asked worriedly. The older girl had become something of an older sister to the blue ranger. Cam smiled grimily.
"According to this, she's just sleeping. I'm guessing that whatever brought out that bird, drained her." he told the group.
"It was a crane, young Samurai." A lilting voice called from the doorway. They all snapped to attention as an older woman in a green bikini and holding a staff walked calmly into the room. Cam, Hunter, and Dustin unconsciously formed a protective barrier around the bed while Wes and Jen got out there morphers. Sensei bounced off Shane's head and landed on a shelf. Shane rubbed his head but kept his eyes on the woman.
After seeing Kim's little display, he trusted her. He didn't know why, it was quite obvious she could kick his ass every way till Tuesday. He suspected it was because of her reaction to Olivia's kidnapping. Likewise, he trusted Wes and Jen. Therefore, he wasn't about to let this woman get anywhere near Kim until he knew who she was.
"Who are you?" he asked suspiciously. She looked him over and smiled.
"My name is Dulcea, Master Warrior of Phaedos. Hmm….It seems no matter where the fledgling goes…."she got a thoughtful look as she studied Kimberly through the rangers. "I suppose I can't call her a fledgling anymore, now can I?" she murmured to herself. She smiled at Shane.
"I can see from your aura you've been gifted by a Karminion. Judging from my last visit and the fact I can feel the fishhead's presence, I'd say Skyla." She smiled at his shocked expression.
"Phaedos is considered, oh what did Billy call it? Oh yes, Switzerland. No one can be harmed by any other alien life form while he, or she, is on the surface. Skyla had been with me for a few years before she decided she needed to return to Earth." She explained. Shane let his guard drop a bit. If she'd protected Skyla…
"So what does this have to do with Kim?" Dustin asked. He still hadn't let down his guard; neither had Hunter or Cam. Wes and Jen, however, were relaxed. Wes remembered Dulcea from the little history lessen Tommy had given during the mission to the moon. Naturally, he had told Jen everything so she knew who Dulcea was as well.
"Young Terra, Kimberly was one of my students. I introduced her to the Crane, her spirit animal, and helped her gain the power of Ninjette through the use of her power coin. However, the mark of a Ninjette master, such as myself, is to be able to connect with the power without a coin. Only those with the most pure heart can harness it." She explained. Sensei was nodding while Wes smacked his head.
"Of course! She's Tommy's Kim! Why didn't I see it sooner?" he asked no one in particular. Jen smiled. The rest ignored them.
"Master Dulcea, how was it you knew of Kimberly's plight?" Sensei asked. She looked down at him in faint surprise. She smiled.
"A Ninjette master learns to commune with all the spirits, not just ones own. I could feel Kimberly summoning the Crane for help and the Crane's response. Kimberly has been ignoring the Crane's presence for so long that the suddenness made it obvious something was wrong and I would be needed." she explained, confusing the hell out of the Wind and Thunder rangers. Sensei, Cam, Wes, and Jen however, were all nodding.
"I didn't know Aerial was still around." Kim's voice spoke from the bed. The group all turned to Kimberly who was sitting up. Cam and Hunter made to push her back down but she ignored them. Dulcea walked to her side.
"Yes, she has been patiently waiting for you to sense and receive her for some time now, ever since that whole fiasco with time." Dulcea explained calmly, silently sending the feelings of comfort and peace to the young woman.
"But I gave the powers to Kat - Kat was her guardian, not me." Kim protested, confused. Dulcea shook her head in disappointment.
"I truly wish I could have taught you six more about the power of Ninjette, but seeing as Ooze was as unlikely to wait as Zordon and Zedd were to kiss and make up…Kimberly, the Crane was never Katherine's spirit animal. The spirit animal is unique to Ninjette. The only reason Katherine was able to become the pink ranger in the first place was because you had passed on the coin. Didn't you ever wonder why Katherine was never able to fly the Crane Zord? It was not hers to fly. I had requested that the six of you return to Phaedos to learn more about your powers, but Zordon deemed it both unnecessary and dangerous. Were you to leave Earth unguarded…Now, why is it you have finally searched for Aerial?" Dulcea finally asked.
"Because of Olivia. I don't know what happened. One minute I was heading to the water to help teach Olivia to surf, the next thing I know I'm getting pummeled by a bunch of black and red putties. I was trying to find Olivia and keep the things off me when I heard a shriek. Shane told me and Cam to go help so we hurried to where the shriek originated. I found Tori fighting a dozen putties and this weird monster in armor was holding Olivia. He disappeared with her and I lost it." she told her. Her mind went back to that moment on the beach. She'd never felt more scared before, not even when Craig broke into her and Olivia's apartment in Miami. She flashed to the look of terror on Olivia's face as she tried to get away and started trembling.
The group watched as Kimberly slowly started glowing purple with pink splashes woven in. Dulcea studied her for a bit, trying to determine the best way to calm the young woman down. Surprisingly, or maybe unsurprisingly, Dulcea realized, Shane and Dustin each placed a hand on her shoulders and the light show dissipated. Kim slumped against the yellow ranger, exhausted.
"Kimberly, you must stop doing that." Dulcea gently chided. Kim blinked a few times, internally wondering why she was seeing three Dustins.
"What just happened?" Tori asked anxiously. Dulcea sighed.
"The Crane. Kimberly is worried for this Olivia and the Crane is offering her the strength to get her back. By the way, who is Olivia?" She asked the young woman in blue quietly. Tori bit her lip.
"Kim's five year old daughter." She murmured. Dulcea nodded, finally grasping why Kim was so astonishingly worried.
"Ah, I see. No wonder the Crane is responding so easily. Cranes have very close familial ties. Seeing the woman she serves in worry for her daughter would cause the Crane to, shall we say, explode in indignation." She explained, thinking over what had just happened.
"But why did the fireworks stop when Shane and Dustin touched her?" Blake asked, curiously. Dulcea smiled.
"Shane has ties with Kimberly in that they are both a child of Air. As for Dustin, he is a child of Terra, which is closely related to the power of Ninjette." She explained, inwardly coming to a decision.
"Kimberly, I have a plan on how to get Olivia back. However, you'll need reinforcements," she advised. Kim nodded and then jumped slightly at the sight of Wes and Jen.
"Wes, Jen. What are doing here?" she asked. Wes smoothed her hair.
"Well, little sister, Jen and I were jogging on the beach when we saw the attack. We hurried to help but that metal head got Olivia before we could get to you. Now, how about answering my question: Are you Tommy and Jason's Kim?" He asked lightly.
"I wondered how long it was going to take you to put two and two together." She responded quietly. Wes shook his head.
"So you knew who we were all along and didn't see fit to tell us?" he asked. She shrugged sadly.
"I don't know to be honest. I've been trying to separate myself from that part of my life." She admitted. Wes and Jen nodded understandingly. Hunter finally spoke.
"We want to help." Dulcea and the group turned to him. Blake hid a grin as Hunter tried not to fidget under the Master Warriors gaze.
"Yes, I suspect you do. However, if my plan is to work, we'll need more than just you eight." She advised them as she turned to Kimberly who saw something in the bikini clad woman's eyes and nodded.
"Cam? Can you help me get a hold of someone?" Kim asked the green clad ranger.
"It depends." He told her frowning. Kim smiled.
"Cam? Help me to the computer." she ordered him. He opened his mouth to argue and then snapped it shut when she gave him a look. He helped her over to the computer and she immediately began typing. Cam stood over her shoulder, watching what she was doing as Dulcea spoke with Sensei in low tones. Wes and Jen talked for a few seconds before Wes took out his cell phone and called someone. Hunter, Blake, Dustin, Shane, and Tori hung back, sitting on the table and floor.
"Here goes." She murmured and pressed the red button in the middle of the keyboard. Billy had created a computer system that allowed all the rangers to speak to each other visually. The technology was based on the old Command Centers' Viewing Globe. Kim hoped that even without her specialized LWT Laptop, she'd still be able to access the program. A few minutes later an image shimmered onto the screen. Kim choked as a wolf head appeared.
"Identification?" he asked politely. Only Billy, Kim thought wistfully
"Kimberly Hart." She responded after a full minute. The wolf nodded. Behind her, Kim sensed the others surprise and shock.
"Code word?" The wolf asked. Kim bit her lip.
"May the power protect all who are pure of heart." She intoned. Standing next to Dulcea, Wes and Jen smiled.
"One moment." The screen went blank before Billy's head appeared. His face broke into a wide grin.
"Kimberly!" he exclaimed. Kim smiled, tears springing to her eyes. This was the first time since Trini's funeral that she'd seen her old friend.
"Hey Lone Wolf." She greeted him hoarsely. He frowned. Her lip trembled.
"Billy, she's gone." She told him. He frowned confused as she finally broke down. Cam stood and picked her up from the chair. Hunter gingerly took Kim's place.
"Hi. Uh…Billy? I'm Hunter, Crimson Thunder ranger. We have a bit of a problem. Olivia was kidnapped by Lothor, our…uh…current enemy. Kim obviously isn't handling it well. Dulcea says we need reinforcements so Kim called you." he explained. Billy went from interested, to angry, and then back to interested.
"Dulcea's there?" he asked. Hunter nodded. Billy frowned.
"Alright, I'll be there in a few minutes." he told him right before the screen went blank. Hunter frowned and turned around. Kim and Jen were no where to be seen. Tori was on her cell phone, as was Shane. Dustin and Blake were attempting to take their mind off the current problems and were sitting on the floor and thumb wrestling. Wes was ending his phone conversation. Sensei, Dulcea, and Cam were talking in the corner.
"Billy says he'll be here in a few minutes." he announced. Shane shut his phone.
"Tommy says the same thing." he told Dulcea. Wes grinned.
"Our third teammate Eric said to expect him and some friends in a few." Dulcea smiled at Hunter's confused expression.
"I asked Shane and Tori to get a hold of some old friends." she explained. Sensei cleared his throat.
"Tori, Shane, Dustin, go to the portal entrance and await our guest's appearance. Dulcea says they will be teleporting here but it is impossible for them to get through Ninja Ops shields until they're recognized as allies." he instructed. The Winds nodded and walked out.
Downtown Angel Grove
"Hey Ethel, I'm heading out for a few hours. Cancel all my appointments for the rest of the day. If they ask, tell them a family emergency came up." Billy told his secretary, an older Navaho woman with dark gray hair streaked with grey. Billy had found her through Tommy and David. She'd taught elementary school for over forty years before retiring. However, when her husband died two years before, she'd had no source of income except her retirement pension. Coincidentally, Billy had just fired his secretary because she would ditch whenever possible and then complain when her check was lousy.
"Is everyone alright, Mr. Cranston?" She asked politely, while pulling the appointment book out. Billy sighed.
"It's Kim. Something's going on with Olivia and she needs my help." he told her. The older woman nodded but held up a hand. She rummaged in her bag and then pulled out a small box.
"Can you give this to Nahanee when you see her and tell her happy birthday?" she asked hopefully. Billy smiled gently, taking the small box. Nahanee was a Native American name that Ethel had been calling Olivia since their very first meeting.
"Will do. One you've called everyone, you can head home." he told her. She nodded gratefully. He grabbed his jacket off the coat rack and walked out the door, absently slipping the box in his pocket. Ignoring the calls from the employees, he hurried to Adam's office, normally a five minute walk that today took two minutes. He nodded to Stefani, a college student majoring in software design. Billy was going to transfer her to the software department once she graduated next year, but until then, she was Adam's secretary.
Without bothering to knock, Billy walked into his old friend's office. Adam was sitting behind the desk, talking into the phone.
"Yes, I understand. However, until we can get the processor online, you're gonna have trouble with the database." Adam looked up and rolled his eyes. Billy just sat down in the chair in front of Adam's desk.
"I understand Michaels. For now, all requests for office supplies will have to be hand written through the-well yes I understand that's a stupid problem but until it's fixed…Michaels? Handwritten. Good bye." He hung up the phone, grumbling. Billy suppressed a smile.
"Kim called." He got straight to the point.
"What did she have to say?" he asked, smiling.
"She said 'Hey Lone Wolf,' and then 'Billy she's gone' before breaking down in tears." He replied dryly. Adam snapped to attention.
"Craig's still in prison, right?" he asked worriedly, remembering all the trouble that guy had caused. Billy sighed.
"It was not Craig related. She's with the currents. Crimson got on and told me their current villain had kidnapped Olivia." He told him. Adam bit the side of his lip.
"I knew having them move to Blue Bay wasn't a good idea." He murmured. Billy shrugged.
"That's not all, Dulcea's there." He informed him. That took Adam by surprise.
"Dulcea? Why's she there?" he asked confusedly. Billy shrugged.
"I don't know. I'm gonna teleport to the location the transmission originated. You wanna come?" he asked. Adam didn't hesitate.
"Of course. Let me tell Stef I'm leaving and to cancel all my appointments." Adam grabbed his jacket and turned off his laptop. Grabbing his keys, he walked out of the office, knowing the sensors would detect no human life and turn off everything but the clock. The two young men walked out and found Stefani talking into the phone. Seeing the two, she asked the caller to hold.
"I'm sorry, Adam but Robert Walters in the Educational Software department is demanding to speak to you." she apologized. Adam frowned.
"Tell Walters that I've left for a family emergency and I don't know when I'll be back in the office. He can call my cell and leave a message but it may be a while before I get back to him." he told her. She nodded.
"Should I reschedule all your appointments for today?" she asked. Adam nodded.
"And tomorrows." She nodded and went back to the phone as Billy and Adam hurried to the elevator and then out the building. The jogged to a small alleyway and simultaneously pressed the blue and black buttons on their respective silver watches knowing that no matter what shields were surrounding the current Rangers HQ, their watches would be able to get them through.
Outskirts of Reefside
Tommy Oliver hung up his phone. He'd been having a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach all day and now he knew why.
So, Lothor thinks he can kidnap Olivia does he? Well, he obviously doesn't realize Rangers protect their own. He thought to himself as he hurried back to the living room where the others were talking. He scanned the room quickly to make sure they were all there and he wouldn't have to repeat himself.
Jason Scott was holding a can of Pepsi and talking with Rocky DeSantos who seemed to have found a bottle of Jolt. Katherine "Kat" Hillard-soon to be Taylor-was sitting on the couch and talking with Aisha Campbell-DeSantos about her son Steve and her daughter Karan who were with their Grandma DeSantos for the weekend. The only person missing was Zack Taylor, Kat's fiancée.
"Guys, the Lab will have to wait. Olivia's been kidnapped by Lothor." Tommy told them. All conversation ceased. Jason leapt to his feet.
"What are you talking about?" he demanded. Tommy rubbed his forehead.
"I just got a call from Shane, the current Red ranger. It seems Lothor's following the path of his predecessors and kidnapped a new friend of the rangers, namely Olivia." Jason scowled.
"I knew her moving there was a bad idea." He muttered, unconsciously echoing Adam earlier statement. Tommy set his features.
"Bad idea or not, Kim needs our help." he told them. They all nodded and Kat stood up.
"Let me write two notes for Zack. I'll put one of the front door, telling him to check the note on the fridge which will explain where we've gone." She explained as she walked into the kitchen. The Aisha whipped out her cell phone to call her mother-in-law while Jason called his parents to let him know he wouldn't be home for dinner as planned, and Tommy quickly called Hayley and filled her in. Within a few minutes the five former rangers were back in the living room and pressing the respective buttons on their watches knowing they wouldn't be able to get through any shields since Billy hadn't gotten around to recalculating their watches.
They rematerialized in front of a small pond with a breathtaking waterfall. Coming towards them on the water were three people, each in a black uniform of sort with colored lining. Tommy instantly recognized Shane from the way he carried himself and the red lining on his uniform. The newest red ranger appeared to be of Indian ancestry, with dark brown skin and black hair and eyes. The young woman on his right had blonde hair, blue eyes and, surprisingly, was sporting blue lining on her uniform. The young man on Shane's other side had shaggy light brown hair and brown eyes. His uniform was lined in yellow. The three stopped in front of the rangers. Tommy stepped forward.
"Shane Clarke?" he asked the young man in the middle. The boy nodded.
"Tommy Oliver?" He asked. Tommy nodded and motioned to his friends.
"Jason Scott, Rocky DeSantos, Aisha DeSantos, and Kat Hillard, all former teammates of mine." He introduced them. Shane nodded while the guy in yellow opened his mouth and was promptly hit on the back of his head by his blue cald teammate. Tommy heard Rocky and Jason chuckle and his own lips twitched as he heard her whispered reprimand.
"Not now, Dustin." Shane smirked.
"This is Tori Hanson, the Blue Ranger, and Dustin Brooks, the Yellow Ranger. I'm the Red Ranger. Our other three teammates are inside the base." He introduced them. Tommy nodded.
"Let's go." Shane turned back the way he came and the five former rangers warily followed him onto the water and through the portal.
Ninja Ops
Five minutes after the call of arms so to speak, Dulcea stood up and two streaks, one blue the other black, landed in the center of the room. They rematerialized into two young men about Cam and Kim's age. The blond was wearing blue jeans, a blue tank top, and a black jacket. His hair was messily combed and his blue eyes were curious but angry. The Asian man was wearing black jeans, a green t-shirt with a black jacket, and had a green and black bandanna wrapped around his head. His brown eyes were serious but cross. Dulcea smiled. They smiled back.
"Hey Dulcea. How are you? Where's Kim?" The one in blue asked. Dulcea laughed softly.
"I'm fine. Jennifer has Kimberly right now. The others should be arriving soon enough." She told him. The Asian frowned.
"Who-" He was caught off as a group walked into the room. Tori, Shane, and Dustin were leading five people all in varying colors. The first was a tall man with an olive complexion. His hair was spiked and he had a trimmed goatee. He was wearing a pair of black slacks and a white shirt with a black leather jacket. The second was a young Hispanic man with dark brown hair curling at the base of his neck. He was wearing black jeans, a red tank top, and black and white flannel thrown over it. The third was a young woman with coal-black hair and a dark complexion. She had on white jeans, a yellow blouse, and a white jean jacket. The fourth was a man of medium height with shaggy brown hair and serious brown eyes. He was wearing black jeans, a snug black muscle shirt, and a black bomber jacket. The fifth was a tall blonde. She was wearing a knee-length pink and green skirt with a matching floral print top. Her hair was free and curling around her face. All of them were wearing expressions of anger, worry, and determination.
"Guys! What are you doing here?" the blue clad man asked. The short haired man in black and white smiled warmly, not yet noticing the Red Time Force Ranger.
"I got a call from some guy who said Kim needed my help getting Olivia back. I used the communicator teleportor you gave me to get here." he explained worriedly. The dark skinned woman suddenly squealed.
"Dulcea!" she launched herself at the tall green clad woman. Blake jumped out of the way as Dulcea laughingly caught her. The Hispanic and the man who had asked about Kim eyes lit up and they looked intensively relieved. Shane and Tori smiled at each other.
"Must be their 'Sensei' figure." Tori whispered. Shane nodded.
"My young charges, you needn't worry. Olivia will be returned safe and sound, of that, I promise. The ether is with her, as are the elements." She smiled at the six rangers. Her gaze lingered on Dustin, Tori, and Shane before turning back to the first red ranger who was currently wearing black who suddenly did a double take.
"Wes!" He exclaimed. The guy in white (who was affectionately called the Christmas Ranger) snapped his head towards the blonde. The two men gave Wes a bear hug, smiling. The three men turned to Dulcea as she addressed the woman in pink and green.
"Hello Katherine. It is a pleasure to finally meet the young woman who protected the Crane for so short a time." She told the blond appreciatively. Katherine blushed. Dulcea turned to Jason as Wes and Tommy moved back.
"And you, Jason. It was a brave thing you did, protecting the gold." She told him with respect. He smiled sheepishly. She turned to the group at large.
"Rangers, we have much to do and not a lot of time to do it." She addressed the two who had materialized. They nodded.
"Dulcea? How can we help? We don't have any more power and I gave the Zeonizers to Andros for safekeeping." the man in white asked. She motioned to Tommy, Rocky, and Aisha.
"The spirits have designated that you three will return to your ninjette status. Ninjor has sent these." She held out her hand and a box similar to the Wind Morpher's case appeared. She opened it to reveal five blank gold coins, glowing in different colors.
"These five coins have been charged up by myself and Ninjor. They will enable the three of you, as well as Jason and Katherine, to become Ninjette Rangers once again. They have a limited amount a power so you must use them wisely." She instructed. The five adults looked at each other in silence while Billy and Adam mentally wondered what they were going to do.
Ninja Ops Kitchen
"I can't believe I broke down like that. I mean, its Billy for goodness sake." Kimberly murmured as Jen handed her a paper towel. She was sitting on the counter, trying to calm down. She gave a crooked smile.
"I would've done the same thing if I was in your place." She told her gently. Kim sniffled.
"The last time I saw him was at my best friend's funeral. She passed away in a car wreck. Me and Billy met in Kindergarten. Jason, I've known since infancy. The three of us met Zack in fourth grade. And Trini in sixth grade. She was my best girl friend. Billy loved her. Never said it aloud, but he did and we all knew it. Except Trini herself." She laughed softly.
Jen nodded. The ache of missing Lucas, Trip, Katie, and to some degree Alex, was at times unbearable. She knew she was destined to live her life out in this time, but it was hard. She hoped her friends were happy.
"Well, he should be here soon. You'll see him then." She comforted the older ranger. She smiled through her tears.
"Are you ready to get the princess back?" she asked lightly. She gave her a thankful look.
"Most definitely." She replied seriously. Jen laughed and helped her off the table. Just as they were about to leave the room, they heard a squeal of "Dulcea!" Kim froze.
"It can't be." She whispered. Jen looked at her.
"What?" she asked softly. Kim held up a hand and the two pink rangers walked out. They got into the Ninja Ops main room just as Dulcea presented the five with the coins.
"Oh my God, guys!" she cried. Jen moved to Wes' side. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Cam at the computer console, watching Kim. The group all turned to her.
"Kimmie!" The seven rangers pounced on her. One by one they hugged, whispering comforting words. When she got to the man in black and green, he simply walked over and wrapped his arms around her. She buried her face in the man's chest; he bent his head down and whispered reassurances in her ear. She sniffled and nodded as he talked. Finally, she got herself back under control and unwrapped her arms from his middle. She wiped away the tears and smiled up at him. She leaned up and kissed his cheek. He smiled warmly down at her.
Cam glanced at the others. Blake was sitting on the floor, his back against the wall and Tori settled in his lap. He smiled. Shane was sitting next to them, watching Kim with a smile. Dustin was sitting on Shane's other side, grinning. Finally, he located Hunter on Blake and Tori's other side. The two locked gazes. Hunter gave him a knowing grin. Cam averted his gaze back to Kim and the last man, the one in white and black.
The man finally opened his arms silently and Kim nearly dived into them. She started crying into his chest and he leaned his cheek on her head. She cried openly as he wrapped his arms tightly around her. He leaned down and started whispering in her ear. Being the closest to the two, Cam was able to hear what was said.
"We're going to get Olivia back, Beautiful, I promise. No one messes with my Goddaughter and gets away with it." He whispered into her ear. The group all smiled happily as the two hugged.
Dulcea cleared her throat. Kim disentangled herself from the guy and turned to her, wiping her eyes.
"As I said before, we have much to do and not a lot of time to do it. Tommy, Rocky, Aisha, Katherine, Jason, gather around me." she instructed. They nodded. Kim moved over so that she was between Billy and Adam. Cam moved directly behind her as Wes and Jen remained in the corner and Hunter, Shane, Dustin, Blake, and Tori remained on the floor. Sensei sat on a shelf. Dulcea held the box. Tommy was directly across from her with Katherine on his right and Aisha on his left. Jason stood on Katherine's right and Rocky stood on Aisha's left.
"Now, raise your hands over the case, close your eyes and look deep inside." She instructed. The group glanced at each other and did as she told. A few minutes passed before Kim noticed Aisha and Katherine's hands glowing yellow and pink. She smiled. Rocky was next, glowing red. Jason followed with black. Finally, Tommy joined with a bright white. The lights faded as each ranger's right hand clenched into a fist. Tommy opened his eyes first before the others followed suit. He opened his hand and looked down. He smiled. The others did likewise. Dulcea smiled at them as the box disappeared.
"Rocky, strong, smart, you are once again the Ape." Rocky was enveloped in a red light and when it faded Rocky was in his old red Ninjette uniform, the ape shining brightly on his chest. He pulled off the hood and face cloth. Dulcea turned to Jason.
"Jason, noble, dedicated, and courageous, you are the Tiger." She intoned as he was enveloped in a black light. When it faded, Jason was wearing a black Ninjette uniform with the Tiger on his chest. He shook off his hood and face guard. Aisha's turn.
"Aisha, fierce and unstoppable, the Bear welcomes you back." Aisha smiled as the yellow light surrounded her and left in its place her old uniform. She pulled off the hood and face guard. Dulcea turned back to Katherine.
"Katherine, though you held the power of the Crane, that is not your spirit animal. Graceful, sweet, and patient, you are the Swan." She told her as the pink light covered her. Kim was a bit disoriented at Katherine's uniform but Cam placed his hands on her shoulders for support. Ignoring the question of how he knew she needed support, she watched as Dulcea finally turned to Tommy.
"Finally, you Tommy, are once again the Falcon, winged lord of the skies." Tommy grinned crookedly as the white light encased him. When it faded, she smiled. The falcon shined on his chest and he took down his hood and mouth guard.
"Remember, you must be careful in how much you use your gifts." She warned them. They nodded. Dulcea turned to Adam, Billy, and Kim.
"Now for you. I know you are wondering what you can do. From the moment I met you three I sensed you were more in tune with your animal spirits than Tommy, Rocky, and Aisha. There is much you don't know about your powers, but I am fully confident that you three will be able to connect completely with your spirit animals to become Ninjette Warriors like myself." She informed the three as the Ninjette Rangers powered down to conserve there energy. Kim, Billy, and Adam were, to say the least, stunned. Finally, Billy found his voice.
"How, Dulcea? The coins were lost." Billy asked. Dulcea smiled.
"You do not need coins to become Ninjette Warriors. In fact, the mark of true Warrior is the ability to connect to the power without one. Kimberly is very close to achieving that level. She has connected with the Crane once again and with the proper ritual, can become in tune with her spiritual center, as can you two." She informed them. The three friends glanced at each other warily. Adam spoke up.
"What does the ritual entail?" he asked. Dulcea smiled gently.
"It is fairly simple ritual. However, we will need the help of the elements." The reactions of the occupants in the room were split fifty-fifty. With the exception of Billy and Kim, the Ninjetti rangers looked confused while the Ninjas looked surprised. Cam and the two Time Force Rangers wore neutral looks.
"Dulcea? How are we gonna use the elements to help them become Ninjette Warriors?" Tommy asked. Billy stepped forward.
"I don't think it's the elements per se, I think it's the rangers who harness these elements that are needed." he motioned to the rangers on the floor. They stood up as Tommy, Rocky, Kat, Aisha, Jason, and Adam looked on in surprise. Dulcea smiled and introduced the newest team in the legacy.
"Shane Clarke, Red Wind Ranger controls the element of Air; Tori Hanson, Blue Wind Ranger controls the element of Water; Dustin Brooks, Yellow Wind Ranger controls the element of Earth; Hunter Bradley, Crimson Thunder Ranger; Blake Bradley, Navy Thunder Ranger; and Cam Watanabe, Green Samurai Ranger. I believe Kim met them a few months ago." She introduced them. Adam started laughing softly.
"How do you do it, Kim? First it was Tommy during the Martial Arts Tournament, and then it was me, Aisha, and Rocky with the runaway baby. After that, it was Kat and then Tanya and Justin after Miranthius. Then you ran into the Astro's when you ran into Justin. Then the Galaxy Rangers were introduced to you when you ran into Skull and his cousins Mike and Leo. Later, you went to visit your email pen pal Dana who also introduced you to her ranger team, the Lightspeed Rescue Rangers. You obviously know Wes and Jen. After that you ran into Merrick, gave him some counseling and then got introduced to the others. Now you've connected with the Ninja Storm Rangers! You are the only Ranger to have met every single Earth Ranger!" He ticked the ranger teams off his fingers as the others caught on and began laughing. Kim blushed.
"Hey, this time it was Kelly's fault, so not mine!" she argued half hardily. Hunter shot her a look.
"Kelly? What does Kelly have to do with this?" he asked. She bit her lip.
"Kelly discovered I was a ranger after she got kidnapped. She's been informed of everything. It wasn't hard for her to figure out you were the rangers. How do you think I figured it out?" she asked. Hunter, Dustin, and Blake looked thunderstruck.
"Why didn't she ever say anything?" Tori asked. Kim shrugged.
"Do you know how hard it is to watch people you care about get pummeled? Trust me, it's hard." She informed her. Tori nodded thoughtfully. Sensei suddenly looked up as did Dulcea. They smiled at the couple in the corner.
"It seems some friends have arrived. Dustin, take Wes and Jen out to get there friends." Sensei told him. The yellow ranger nodded and led the two rangers out of Ninja Ops. Dulcea turned to the remaining rangers.
"We'll wait until everyone is assembled." She told them. They group of twelve nodded and began talking with each other.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed: Jorgitosbabe, SapphireRayne, Alana Xavier1, Angelbaby, Kendra, andCrimson-Ranger.
CamFan4Ever: Maybe....;)
Harry2: Raises eyebrow "Kimshee?"
Weesta: Well, I think a lot of your questions are gonna be answered since you are my new beta....
Thanks so much for all your support! And from now on, there will be fewer grammatical and spelling errors because I have a very cool chickadee betaing for me!
Always me,
BashfulC