"Black Skies"
Jason sat at the Zyu Temple Garden meditated atop the same hill the Rangers once occupied just hours before. He closed his eyes and listened to the winds that blew his way and wondered what his next step would be in defeating Bandora, if such a prospect could occur. But what really pondered in his mind was what Kim Rei had said before. About the Rangers failing; about their defeat. How could such an event even take place? His thoughts seemed to entangle his mind and bring him confusion and depression. Then suddenly he heard a voice from behind. "New Ranger, your thoughts betray you."
Jason turned to see who it was and realized it was Min Mei the youngest of the Nymphs. "Sweetly meet by moonlight Min Mei. What brings you to these parts?" Jason asked as she began to sit by him. Because a flower Nymph was born of the flowers of a forest Min Mei like the other Nymphs wore practically nothing aside from a small green skirt and top that was literally made of the flowers of the garden forest.
"Shakespeare, you almost quoted Oberon, except I a not Tatania, and I am not ill met. You like Shakespeare?" Min Mei asked
"Yes." Jason said with confusion. "It's funny, I though Nymphs didn't know much about Shakespeare."
"Oh Jason, who do you think gave him that Mid Summer Night's Dream? Why Nymphs of course. We are after all fairies… to a degree." Min Mei answered as she scooted close to Jason
Jason took this moment to overlook Min Mei and admired her beauty. He began to realize how lucky he was to be with such a beautiful creature. "Am I the first human to be with your species?" he asked stroking Min Mei's hair
She shook her head. "No… but you are the first to be with one like me in some thousand years." Min Mei gathered herself and Jason put his arm around her. She began to rest her head on his shoulder and he stroked her hair looking into her eyes. She looked at him as they stared at on another for a short period, several moments passed as neither of them spoke; instead they seemed to enjoy each others presence. Jason turned away from her and began to think to himself again. Min Mei took this time to think about what Jason was pondering in his head before she came. "Jason… are you okay?"
"To be honest Min Mei, I'm not. I'm just worried."
"Your thoughts will betray your own confidence if you begin to doubt yourself Jason." She said as she began to lie down next to him and rested her head on his lap. Jason leaned back and giving Min Mei more comfort at the expense of his own. He didn't seem to mind though because Min Mei's beauty alone made his day more enjoyable.
"I still can't help the fact that I do worry Min Mei. What Kim Rei said scared me. I don't want to think that we Rangers will fail."
"I'm not afraid for you at all. We Nymphs have predicted your victory over Bandora for years now, and we have never been wrong. You will succeed Jason… I know it." Min Mei gave a yawn as she stretched her body and adjusted herself to Jason's lap again. She closed her eyes nearing sleep when Jason pet her cheek waking her again. Jason took what Min Mei said to heart and realized that perhaps she was right. Maybe for that one moment he understood what she was trying to say. " How do we get rid of that Dark cloud?" He asked
Min Mei turned her head up as well and shook her head. "You can only destroy Bandora's shadow spell by defeating her."
"Tell me how she did it. How did she blacken the world's skies?"
"I don't know how she did it here, but 10,000 years ago she did it by calling upon Dia Satin's Dark Tower. You see, the battle for the Universe was over by the time Bandora had been able to call forth the Dark Tower. The armies of Dia Satin had been routed and were in complete defeat by the Power Rangers. Calling upon the Tower was the last chance Dia Satin and Rita had to defeat their enemies. You see, the Dark Tower opened up a gateway to the Demon realm and allowed the Hordes of demon armies to escape and be able to over throw the Armies of good. Yet in the last fleeing moments, the Rangers used the Tower against Bandora and Dia Satin by reversing its flow and casting Dia Satin into the Demon Realm. With him gone, the Rangers finally defeated Bandora."
"Min Mei, do you truly love me the way you say you do?"
This brought Min Mei awake again and she turned her head up to look at Jason as she laid on him. "Yes. Of course I do."
"But why?" Jason asked "Why love someone you have only just met. What is it about me that you find so great?"
Min Mei simply turned to her side and closed her eyes again as she answered. "Jason, I love you because there is something inside you that burns with desire that you don't even realize is there. Even in the darkest on nights will that tiny light of good still stand over all that try to cover it. Jason, you may have been born into Darkness, but you are the only person who can save us. I love you because in the end, you only chose to be good. You chose to fight for what is right. My love is the purist because I am pure. Maybe I shouldn't have looked you in the eye, but even now I don't regret it." He looked at her again with more loving eyes slowly leaned over and kissed her. It was at that moment Trini walked up behind Min Mei and Jason. Trini couldn't understand what she saw, how it occurred was beyond her, but she knew what was being displayed before her was wrong.
"Jason…" Trini voice whispered just loud enough for Min Mei and Jason to turn around and see Trini behind them. In that shocking moment they both realized that their secret had been discovered. Min Mei began to sit up and Trini began to slowly walk back.
"Trini wait!" Jason said trying to stop her from leaving. "Please, let me explain."
Trini just shook her head as she continued to back away. "Ranger Trini, please do not take this too hard. I did not want to hurt you." Min Mei hesitated and began to stand up
"So this is who you love? It's okay." Trini finally spoke "It's not my business to intrude."
"Please Trini, don't be mad. I know what I said before."
"It's okay Jason. I understand. You don't have to apologize. I won't tell anyone about you two." And with those last words Trini ran back into the Temple.
"Trini wait! Come back." Jason didn't bother to chase her knowing full well it was a matter best left to rest.
-Inside the Zyu Temple
The Command Chamber was the heart of the Zyu Temple. Here the plans against Bandora were laid and conducted. This was the Ranger's briefing room for any encounter they faced. Generally the Command Chamber was where the Rangers spoke directly to Master Osaka who would oversee the entire operation. It was the beating breast of all battles against Rita, and the forces of Dia Satan.
The Command Chamber was lit by a center blue light that glowed above the Rangers, the center holograph table was where the Rangers would concentrate on the mission. The table didn't just display holographic images but actually displayed exactly what the Rangers wanted to be displayed by reading their minds; this way the Rangers could discuss a plan most effectively. The Command Chamber was also where the Rangers would often come to discuss their own opinion of the battle before Master Osaka ever arrived.
The Rangers had gathered in the Command Chamber for one final briefing before they would head out to attack Bandora's Palace. It had been just a few hours after the Rangers had spoken to each other. The mood was a silent one as they all waited for Master Osaka to enter and address them. Jason found himself pondering what had happened just an hour ago with Trini. Her feelings seemed to be the same, her eyes focused on the floor avoiding contact with Jason. Their feelings toward one another seemed to change with the passing of the hours; Jason desperately wanted to explain himself but couldn't find the words to do so. Trini on the other hand, felt she was a fool to come on to Jason in such a way.
Master Osaka's entranced seem to be perfect timing as the Rangers acknowledged his presence. Osaka walked slowly taking his place at the head of the holograph table; he placed both hands on the sides of it and overlooked the Rangers' faces. A silent mood seemed to cover the room, and calm in his eyes began to register. He took a deep breath before he spoke. "Rangers… I am troubled," Osaka too seemed to be quieter then usual, "We have seen a vision of the near future and I am upset of what it has foretold. Bandora is to defeat you in battle and the world will descend into chaos."
Umiko who was present at the time stepped forward to with a look of concern across her face showing both confusion and fear. "But how can that be Master Osaka? The Nymphs have always foretold the victory of the Rangers over Bandora. It is not possible for this to be otherwise."
"I do not know either." Osaka answered "But I have seen it, and I have never been wrong in what my dreams have told me."
"I do not think that is true Osaka." Jason said with determination "We will never be defeated by Bandora or her minions."
"It maybe true Master Osaka that your visions have never been wrong, but neither have the Nymphs been wrong in their visions. Perhaps you may have overlooked something in your vision. Maybe a foretelling of what could be, not what will be." William agreed
"For all your sakes Rangers, I hope you to be right."
"We will not fail Uncle. Our purpose is sound and we know what is expected of us." Kim Rei added with confidence in her voice.
Master Osaka came together as he began to outline the plan of attack against Bandora and her forces. "Rangers, the plan remains the same. Once the remaining Japanese and American forces leave the island of Angel Grove we shall attack again. Jason, you will lead the attack and drive into Bandora's Palace. Once inside make your way up until you reach her Chambers and strike her down. The fate of the world lies on you Rangers."
Jason raised his hand to address the group. "Osaka, I believe there is another way to defeat Bandora and her minions."
"Jason, do you not understand that Bandora can only die within the walls of her Palace. The Rangers and you must kill her in her Chamber or there will be no chance in victory." Osaka stated with some frustration in his voice
"I understand, but perhaps we can force her to retreat without endangering us. If we try to enter her Palace she will no doubt concentrate her forces to the outside of her walls and we will be unable to fend off any defense she throws at us."
"That is why you most move quickly to overwhelm her from the beginning of your attack." Osaka countered
"With all respect Master, perhaps Jason is right. Bandora will undoubtedly have her Palace guarded by her Putty Bulkers even as we speak. If Jason has an alternative plan then we should probably here it." Billy said with some understanding
"It does not matter if the entrance is guarded by a million Putties or not. You will strike at her and you will kill her!"
"But Master I-" Billy questioned
"NO! My decision is final. There will be no more discussion!" With those words Master Osaka turned and left.
It took the Ranger a short moment of silence before Jason actually spoke out. "Alright that is bullshit. We're not gonna throw ourselves at the enemy because he tells us to. Does anyone want to here my plan?" he asked
The Ranger stared at each other before they all agreed to here Jason
"Alright," Jason began "we know Bandora will probably expect us to attack her from her front gate because that is her only opening. However, I say we let her think that we are and bring in a full scale strike with the Megazord." As Jason spoke the images of his mind began to be displayed on the holo-table and an image of the Megazord appeared to the Rangers.
"The Megazord" Zack asked "We can't just strike with the Megazord. We've only formed it once before, it's a big risk to just launch an attack with something we only used once!"
"I realize that Zack. That's why-" suddenly Jason was interrupted
"It is sure to work!" Kim Rei added "I agree with Jason's plan. We strike with everything we got!"
"A Ranger never escalates a battle unless necessary." Billy inquired
"Fuck the Ranger rules. Those three rules only restrict us." Jason quickly objected
"He's right. What are we suppose to do?" Kim Rei asked "Only use the Megazord when the daemons they send grow to 50 feet? No sir! I say we hit the bitch with all our guns trained at her. We catch Bandora with panties down and hit her where it hurts… hard!"
"Then it's settled. We forego Master Osaka's plan and strike with our greatest weapons." Trini nodded
"We attack as soon as the Americans and Japanese are far enough away from us. Remember, we draw the bitch out and then kick her in the ass. Hands in." Jason finished as he instructed the team to each bring an arm in and touch hands one atop the other "1-2-3"
"Power Rangers!" they said quietly and each departed their own way.