Final Countdown

Siblings Part Three

The Megaship seemed…quieter without Ashley around. Strange. Andros thought. It's not the same without Ash, I know that much. She took the life of the Rangers with her. No one has been the same. He was right in that sense. Cassie was singing off key all the time, TJ was irritable and even Zhane and Pride had both become uncharacteristically withdrawn and silent. The only Ranger whose behavior was to be expected was Kat, who had taken to meditating in the Simudeck forest. She'd come through unexpectedly a few times, like with the Psychos. We'd be dead if she and Pride hadn't helped us out. And when Andros and Carlos had been trapped in the Secret City, it'd been her quick thinking that saved the day. They'd also used her help in dealing with the Psychos again, just recently, though she'd done no more than call Hedia for advice. Even Hedia's been distant lately. Karone's up to something, I just can't figure out what. Suddenly, Andros' train of thought was interrupted by his sister's voice. "Andros?" He spun, instinctively ready to protect her. However, she held Ashley's morpher in her hands. "Andros, Hedia says that Ashley probably won't come back, and we should put the morpher away. Pride wants to do one more sweep on Earth before we call it quits. What do you think?" Andros smiled, taking the morpher gently from his sister's hands and embracing her. "Then run one last sweep on Earth. I don't think you're going to find her, much less convince her to come back, but it's worth a shot." He looked into Kat's eyes, all playfulness lost. "But please, be careful. Stay with Pride. I don't want anything to happen to you." Kat nodded. "Okay. We'll be back soon."

Kat peered over the top of her sunglasses. She and Pride had just about finished up on Earth, but Kat had thought to hit the mall for a minute. Now, she saw a girl who looked exactly like Ashley hurrying into a store. Kat smiled and turned to Pride. "Let me handle her." Pride nodded. "Alright. If that's what you think is best…" Kat nodded. "Wait here, I'll be back." She followed Ashley into the store, walked around behind her, and tapped her on the shoulder. Ashley jumped, then turned. A look of annoyance spread across her face. "I'm not coming back, so don't ask." Kat shrugged. "That's your choice. We just want to know why you quit." Ashley glared at her. "I actually have to explain it to you?" Kat nodded. "Mm-hmm. Because if you don't, we're all just gonna assume that it's because ranger life is too much for you to handle." Ashley sighed. "Fine. I left because yes, I'm tired of being a ranger. But I'm also tired of dealing with everything that happens in everyone else's life. I haven't had time for me since…well, since I joined the team. So I'm done. Don't come near me again. Got it?" Kat shrugged. "Okay. Fair enough. I thought maybe you and I could be friends, but whatever. Have a nice life." She turned on her heel and stormed out. Pride gave her a confused look. "Not Ashley?" Kat shook her head. "No. Not Ashley. Come on. Let's go home."

Astronema was bored. Not destroy-the-world-kill-everyone bored, exactly, but just attack-the-Power-Rangers-scream-at-Darkonda-when-plan-fails bored. She couldn't attack, though. She was laying low, preparing for the final battle, her Countdown to Destruction. Ecliptor was busy with final preparations, and Hedia was, well, Hedia. Astronema was ready, but her plan was not. She stood, stalking over to her veiwscreen. "Ecliptor, status report!" Ecliptor appeared on the screen. "My princess, preparations are almost complete. We just have a few more details to work out. Such as Divatox, and Rita and Zedd. How shall I handle them?" Astronema smiled cruelly. "Allow me."

Zhane was meditating in his room when someone knocked on the door. He was annoyed, but that annoyance vanished when he saw Kat standing outside his room. He smiled. "Come in. What's wrong?" Kat smiled. "Nothing. Why does everyone assume something's wrong with me?" Zhane laughed. "Sorry. We've just all been…overprotective of you. Ever since…" he trailed off nervously. Kat grinned. "It's okay. Besides, that's partially why I wanted to talk to you." Zhane put an arm around her. "Okay, let's talk." Kat sat on his bed. "Well, it's…I'm just so nervous. I'm getting married soon, and I…I'm having trouble dealing." Zhane smiled gently. "Sweetie, there's no need to be nervous. I know you think that Pride might not love you anymore, after what happened. But here's the thing to think about with that. Why would he have come after you if he didn't care? And if he didn't love you anymore, he seems to be the type who would tell you. So what's the real problem?" Kat looked away, ashamed. "He and I have had some…problems, that's no secret. You witnessed the last big blowout. What if we get married and that happens again? What will I do?" Zhane embraced her. "You'll deal with it, just like you have before. Now, why don't you go talk to Pride about this? He would like to know about your fears. And besides, if he loves you, he'll be willing to wait." Kat smiled. "You're right. I'll go talk to him right away."

Andros and Cassie were sparring, and sparring hard. Andros knew his sister was probably up to no good, and he wanted to be prepared. After awhile, Cassie held up her hand. "Stop. I need a break." Andros nodded. 'Okay. I was going to go talk to Kat, anyway. She seemed worried about something, and I wanted to check on her." Cassie smiled. "Okay. I'm sure she's fine, though. She's probably just nervous about her wedding. It's in a week, and she's gotta be afraid Astronema will attack during it. At least, that's what Pride's worried about." Andros gave her a confused look, and she shrugged. "He talked to me earlier. He needed a woman's advice." Andros rolled his eyes. "Ah. Well, you are the only woman left on the ship besides Kat." Cassie nodded. "Weren't you going to talk to Kat?" Andros nodded. "Yeah. I was. DECA? Where is she?" DECA beeped at him, then answered. "Kat is on the Simudeck." Andros sighed. "Of course." Cassie smiled. 'Go. I'm sure she's fine, but go. I gotta call Ash anyways. She wanted to keep in touch." Andros nodded. "Tell her I say hello." Cassie nodded. "Right."

Andros knocked on the door to the Simudeck. No answer. He sighed, punching in the override code. The door slid open. Kat was kneeling in the center of the room, which had been transformed into a forest. Her animal friends surrounded her, except for the large wolf that Zoot had killed. Kat still seemed to be having trouble getting over that. The wolf lying closest to Andros' feet lifted his head, sniffed once, and curled back up. The wolves were becoming used to his presence, while the hawks just stayed away from him. He walked over and placed a hand on his sister's shoulder. She looked up at him, smiling. "Hi, Andy. What'd I do?" Andros laughed. "Nothing. I just wanted to check on you. Make sure everything was okay." Kat's smile faded slightly. "Actually, not so good. I'm so nervous. What with the wedding so close, and we haven't heard from Astronema in awhile…What if she ruins my wedding?" Andros smiled. "Sweetie, I doubt Hedia would let her do that. What's really wrong?" Kat sighed. "Cold feet, I guess. I want to get married so badly, and I want to marry Pride, but I'm not ready yet. I love him, but I can't do this." Andros hugged her. "Talk. To. Pride. He'll understand. Here. I'll go get him." Kat shook her head. "No. I'll do it myself. DECA, end simulation." The forest vanished, along with most of the animals. All but one wolf, the new alpha male, who lived with Kat on the ship. Kat stood, and the wolf clambered to his feet. Andros smiled. "Good luck. Are you going to take Merrick with you?" The wolf perked at the sound of his name, and Kat nodded. "Yes. He's our baby. Pride and I raised him. He can help me." Andros nodded. "Okay. I'll see you later." Kat nodded. "Come on, Merrick, let's go talk to daddy."

It's almost time. Astronema chuckled to herself. The big day is almost here. She'd planned, and replanned, and planned again, and every last detail was perfect. After Rita and Zedd had been told that Dark Specter had left her in charge, they'd been oh-so-happy to follow her plans. Divatox had taken some work, but in the end had been dealt with. There were just a few more problems. Such as Zordon, who'd been moved to the Dark Fortress. A thorn in her side. And then there was Hedia, who seemed reluctant to follow through on Countdown. A minor irritation, though she had Ecliptor on her side. We can fix that. He knows who he works for. Her plan was almost ready. She simply had to wait for the moment to pull it off. A moment, which coincided perfectly with a wedding. She just had to keep Hedia out of the way. And as for Zordon…she turned to face him at the thought. She smiled wickedly. "I'm surprised you have nothing to say, Zordon. You're simply going to let me destroy the universe? Some all powerful being you turned out to be." She turned away before he could answer. "Only a few more days. It coincides perfectly." Zordon's voice ripped through her thoughts. "Karone, you are going to ruin many lives if you go through with this. And you're starting by ruining your sister's wedding. You can stop this. You must simply fight against Dark Specter's control." Astronema wheeled around. "Silence, you old fool. Even if I waited a few more days for my foolish, love-struck sister to have her wedding, there's no practical point. All of the Power Rangers are going to die anyway. A foolish wedding will not stop their doom. Why let them suffer all that grief? I'm doing them a favor." She turned back. "And I'm dong myself a favor as well."

Kat was standing outside Pride's room, her wolf at her side. She was about to turn and leave without speaking to her fiancé, when she felt Merrick's nose in her side. She looked down at him. He gave her a sad look, as though he was trying to tell her to do this. She reached down, petting him, and nodded. "Alright, you win," she muttered. She turned back to the door, and knocked. Pride opened the door immediately. "What's wrong?" Kat rolled her eyes. "It's always 'what's wrong' with you men. Why can't I just want to talk to you?" Pride smiled, embracing her. "I'm sorry. I'm just on edge." Kat looked at him. "I know. Actually, I do need to talk to you. About the wedding." Pride pulled her into his room, and she sat on the bed, Merrick jumping up to sit at her side. Pride sat down on the other side of Merrick, scratching his ear. He looked at Kat. "Okay, what's up? You seemed so excited before." Kat smiled sadly. "Well, I'm just…I'm nervous. I mean, there's so much that can go wrong." Pride held her. "Hey, don't worry about it. We can wait." Kat looked into his eyes. "No, I want to do this. I'm ready for this. Pride, I've dreamed of this day for almost three years. I cannot wait much longer." Pride smiled. "Well, then, we'll get married, as planned. And don't worry. I will not let anything ruin your special day. Not even your sister." Kat smiled. "Okay. Well, the rehearsal dinner is tomorrow night, and then the wedding is in two days." Pride nodded. "And nothing will ruin it. I promise. Now, we all need to get some rest. It's getting late." Kat nodded. "Okay. Good night."

With only Cassie and Mina to fuss over getting her ready for the wedding, it seemed to take hours for Kat to get dressed. Mina was twisting and re-twisting her hair into various styles, while Cassie fussed over her make-up, putting something on, then wiping it off. Kat gave Mina a nervous glance. "Did it take this long to get ready last night for the dinner?" Mina waved off the question. "The rehearsal dinner means nothing. It's the wedding itself that you must look your best for." There was a knock on the door, which Cassie stood to answer. Andros stood on the other side, a large box in his hands. He smiled at Kat through the mirror. "This was our mother's wedding dress. She would have wanted you to have it." Kat smiled. "Thank you, Andros, but I've already got a dress." Mina gave Kat a motherly look. "Dracula wanted you to wear your mother's dress. He's already taken the other one back." Kat nodded to Andros. "Thank you." Andros smiled softly. "Of course. Now, I should leave you three to get dressed." He turned to leave. "Oh, before I forget, you've got a visitor." Kat nodded. "Alright." Andros stepped aside, and Ashley walked in. "Hey, hope I'm not intruding. I figured you might need an extra hand." Kat grinned. "I appreciate it. Thank you." Andros left, and Cassie closed the door. Ashley produced a pair of creamy white pumps. "Andros showed me the dress, and I just had to buy these to go with them. That's what I was doing, that day you ran into me at the mall. I had to act angry at you, because we didn't want you to suspect what I was doing." She leaned in. "Just so you know, Pride was in on it too. We wanted to make you feel better." Kat laughed. "But you quit." Ashley shook her head. "No, I didn't. We planned that. It was Andros' idea. He knew that if you thought I was mad at you, you wouldn't ask questions. The only one who didn't know was you." Kat looked at Cassie, who nodded. "She's right. We all helped plan it." Kat sighed. "Well, you had me fooled. And now, I need to get dressed. The wedding is in an hour."

Andros stood outside his sister's room, waiting, like everyone else, to see her on her big day. Pride stood nervously at the altar, which was actually not an orthodox altar. They were being married by Kat's friend Salene, who was standing beside Pride, speaking to him in an undertone. Andros turned his attention back to Kat's closed door. What is taking her so long? he wondered. Dracula stood directly by the door, ready to give her away. He was pacing, which Andros had been told was not a good thing. Salene checked her watch. "It's almost time. Are we ready?" Andros nodded to Dracula, who tapped on the door. "Sweetie? Is everything okay?" Finally, the door open, and Cassie stepped out. "We're ready." Salene nodded, and Amber started playing "Here Comes the Bride" on a portable piano. The ceremony started. Cassie, Ashley, and Mina came down the aisle as bridesmaids, followed by Carlos as the ring bearer, then little Mouse as the flower girl. Finally, Kat appeared, on her father's arm. Pride smiled as Kat began the walk down the aisle. She was grinning broadly. Andros' eyes began to tear is he watched her. She was a vision in their mother's dress, creamy white with silver pearls at the collar. She moved gracefully, so that it seemed she was floating. She reached Pride, and Dracula gave him her hand. Salene smiled. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today…" "To witness the beginning of my reign!" Everyone turned to face Astronema, on the veiwscreen, smiling coldly. "Now, you didn't really think you could pull this off without a hitch, did you? Andros, I thought you knew me better then that!" Andros glared at his sister. "I thought I did too. I also thought there was no way Hedia would let you ruin Kat's wedding." He glanced at Kat, who looked furious. She ripped her veil off of her head, throwing it and her bouquet at Pride's feet. Astronema chuckled. "I'd never want to ruin our dear sister's wedding. Except, oh, wait, I do." Kat glared at her. "Well, you got your wish. The wedding is off." She turned and ran back down the aisle, slamming her door. Astronema laughed evilly, disappearing. Zhane rushed over to Andros' side. "We're needed on KO-35. Immediately." Andros nodded. "Okay." He turned to Salene and Amber. "Thank you guys, but I don't think we'll be having a wedding. Not right now, anyway." Amber smiled. "She'll be alright. She's tough. She'll pull through it. Good luck with everything." Andros smiled. "Thank you. I'll have DECA teleport you back to Earth." After they were gone, he turned to his team. "DECA, set a course for KO-35. Guys, keep her on course. Pride, you and I will go talk to Kat."

Kat sobbed onto her pillow. I can't believe my own sister ruined my wedding! How could she do this to me? She hardly noticed when Andros sat down on the bed next to her. "Sweetie, it's alright." She looked at him, and at the same time, Pride wrapped his arms around her. "We will get married. I promise you. We just have to save the universe beforehand, that's all." Kat looked at him. "I know. I just can't believe my own sister would do that." Andros smiled. "Everything will be fine. We'll come through this. And I promise, when you do get married, Hedia and Karone will be right there at your side." Kat smiled. "Maybe, maybe not. Who knows? Anyway, let's not worry about it right now." Andros gave her a hug. "Good idea. Things'll work out, you'll see."

Zhane watched anxiously as they made their final descent towards KO-35. Our home planet, he thought. I never thought I'd see this place again. Especially not this way. He turned to Andros and the other rangers. "You guys are going to be needed on Earth. Let me handle things here. Please." Catching Andros' look, he smiled. "I'll be fine. I'll stay out of danger. Okay?" Andros nodded. "I know. I just worry." Zhane turned back to the window. "Well, it's time. Wish me luck."

With Zhane on KO-35, everything seemed…difficult. They were faced with a battle unlike any they'd ever seen before. Kat sighed heavily as she faced the other Rangers. "Okay, guys. We may not survive this. But we're going to go down fighting. No one surrenders. Got it?" Andros looked at her. "Maybe, if we just talk to Karone, she'll see reason." Kat shook her head. "She's gone, Andros. Give it up." Andros faced her, a wounded look on his face. "I know she's in there somewhere! I just have to reach her. Give me a chance." Kat closed her eyes, thinking. "Andros, she's not there anymore." She opened her eyes in time to see Andros leaving the room. She sighed. "DECA, don't let him leave the ship, okay?" DECA beeped her reply, and Kat faced the others. "Okay, here's the battle plan. First, we all know that we're vulnerable. With Andros acting the way he is, and without the Silver Ranger, our defenses are low. But we will pull this off, because we can't let Astronema win. So, no one, and I mean NO ONE is to drop their guard. Astronema expects us to be on the offensive, and she'll have a defense ready. If we take the defensive, we'll catch her off guard. Any questions so far?" TJ lifted a hand. "Were you a football coach before you became a ranger?" Kat smiled. "No, and now is not the time to get into that. Everyone, get some rest. We're going to need it. I'll go talk to Andros."

Andros looked up when Kat knocked. "Andy, can I come in?" He sighed. "Yeah, come in." She did, sitting next to him on his bed. "Andy, look, I'm sorry about that, but we don't have time to chase foolish theories about our sister. We need to save the universe from our sister." Andros nodded. "I know, I know, but I just think that if I talk to her…" Kat sighed. "No, Andy, that won't help. Look, if you're going to keep acting like this, the other rangers and I have decided that it might be in the team's best interest if you stepped down and let myself and TJ assume leadership of the team. For everyone's sakes." Andros' jaw dropped. "WHAT? When was this decided?" Kat sighed. "The day after we dropped Zhane off at KO-35. TJ and I got together and discussed it, and the others agree with us. It is in everyone's best interests if you stepped down if you're going to stay spacey." Andros stood, angrily, eyes flashing. "That is NEVER going to happen!" he roared. "I am and will always be the leader of the team! NOTHING is going to change that, ESPECIALLY not the stupid plans of my younger sister and my blue ranger. Is that understood?" Kat just stared at him, eyes wide and shining. Her expression stayed stubborn, though her chin quivered. She stood. "I am not just your 'stupid younger sister', no matter what you might think. Now, let me remind you of a few things. First off all, it was MY wedding that Karone ruined; if anyone has the right to be angry, it's me! Second of all, did you forget that I am the daughter of Vlad Dracula? Do NOT even hope to intimidate me, because it will never work! I am not going to let you treat me like I'm two years old again! This is exactly why we don't think you are a good leader! You need to realize that you do NOT own me. You never have, and you never will! Do you understand me?" Andros just glared at her, and she glared right back. Finally, she held out her hand. "Your morpher." He frowned. "Never. You don't have the authority." Kat rolled her eyes. "I do, though. Page eighty-three of Hedia's handwritten Ranger handbook. And I quote: 'In the event that the designated leader of the Astro Rangers becomes incapable of safely performing his duties to the team, i.e. becomes a liability to the safety of the universe, the other rangers have the power to strip him of his rank until further notice.' Hedia planned ahead. Now, hand me your morpher. I'm relieving you of your duties until further notice. TJ and I shall assume joint command of the team." Andros' eyes narrowed. "I'll have Zhane on my side when he gets back. He'll never stand for this!" Kat shrugged. "He will when he realizes what a liability you are to the safety of the rest of your team. He'll understand." She lowered her voice. "Andy, please realize, I'm doing this for the safety of the rest of our team. I'm doing it because I love you." Andros glared. "You're doing it out of love? You expect me to believe that? Do you think I'm stupid?" Kat just sighed. "Andy, please…" she reached out a hand to his shoulder. He swatted it away roughly. "Leave me alone," he growled. Kat looked hurt. "Andy…" Andros spun on her. "Just go to hell!" Kat fled.

TJ placed a hand on Kat's shoulder. "I'm sure he didn't mean anything by it." Kat looked at him. "Teej, you didn't hear what he said. He thinks I'm just his stupid, love-struck little sister. He freaked out on me!" TJ nodded. "I know. We all heard. He doesn't understand how hard this is for you." Kat stood. "You're right there, but don't tell me he doesn't know what a safety hazard he is. He knows perfectly well. He just doesn't see past me taking his powers from him." Pride wrapped his arm around her waist. "There lies the problem. He knows we will need him in the last battle. He doesn't like the idea of fighting under his little sister, so he gives you a choice. Strip him fully of his powers, or leave him as the leader. There is no middle ground in his eyes." Kat nodded. "I know. We need Hedia or Zhane. They could talk sense into him. Make him see reason." Pride thought a moment. "We can't contact Zhane. No communications from here to KO-35. We could try Hedia." Kat shook her head. "Too risky. If Karone is watching her closely, and I suspect she is, as she will probably have realized that Hedia and Ecliptor are no longer on her side, we'll be found out. We have to do this on our own." Carlos glanced up from a nearby monitor. "Well, here's your chance. Zhane is headed this way, pursued by several Velocifighters. We'll need to get Zhane out of harms way while destroying them at the same time. Can you handle it?" Kat nodded. "I can." Seating herself at Andros' console, she pressed a combination of keys, all labeled in Kerovian, and managed to open the hatch, just long enough for Zhane to zip inside, and fire the lasers, taking out three Velocifighters. The other fighters fled, leaving her free to turn to Zhane and explain the situation. When she was done, he nodded. "Let me talk to him. I'll make him see reason. We will get our red ranger back." Kat smiled. "Do it quickly. We're headed for Earth."

Even with Andros back, the rangers were overpowered by Astronema's forces. They fought relentlessly, but for every Quantron they destroyed, ten more appeared. Under Kat's leadership, they stood more of a chance then if Andros had stayed, even Andros was forced to admit it, but they were still suffering. Watching her team being forced to demorph, one by one, Kat winced internally, making a difficult decision, a decision made easier when the ground was rocked by a massive explosion, and they were all showered in comet pieces-or, rather, Dark Spectre pieces. Kat set to looking for her team, knowing full well what was about to happen. When she was able to find them all, she relayed her decision to them all. "This is the hardest part of being a leader. We may be in over our heads here. We cannot protect the earth if we are all drained of energy when she arrives. So, for the moment, we're going to retreat." TJ nodded. "Agreed. We need…" But what they needed, they never found out, because a shadow darkened the sky. They all looked up to see the Dark Fortress looming overhead. Astronema stood on top of a building, Ecliptor by her side. She looked into the crowd. "Where are the Power Rangers? Why do they hide from me? I'll tell you why. Because they are all cowards, that's why! They don't care about you. Now, I'll give you a choice. Present the Power Rangers to me by tomorrow morning, or I'll blow up your precious Earth, starting with Angel Grove!" She vanished in a purple light. The other Rangers looked at Kat. "Now what do we do?" Ashley asked her. Kat shrugged. "I don't know. But we can't let her destroy the Earth." "So we surrender?" Pride asked her. She faced him. "I told you, we never surrender. We'll figure out a plan. I promise." She turned to Andros. "But I'll need your help, Andy. You know better then any of us what the team is capable of." He nodded. "If we just talk to her…" Zhane sighed, placing his hand on Andros shoulder. "Face it, Andros. Karone is gone. She doesn't exist anymore." Andros swatted Zhane's hand away. "I'll never accept that!" Kat cleared her throat. "Guys, the time has come for a decision. You can hand over your morpher and walk away, or you can stand and fight alongside me. What do you pick?" Pride stepped forward instantly. "I'll always be at your side. You don't even have to ask." TJ stepped forward next. "Count me in. It's do or die." Carlos stepped up. "I can't abandon Earth. Not like this." Kat nodded. "What about you, Ashley? Cassie? Zhane?" Ashley nodded. "Earth comes first. Always." Cassie nodded. "Ditto." Kat faced Zhane. "And you?" Zhane nodded. "What do you think? I can't leave you guys. Way I see it, you need me." Kat laughed. "Andros?" Andros turned, then faced his sister, taking her by the hand. "Sweetie, I can't. Not this time. I have to try to talk to Karone." Kat nodded. "Go. I wish you luck."

While the Rangers came up with a plan, Andros sneaked aboard the Dark Fortress. The coast was clear, but he wasn't taking any chances. Both his sisters were onboard the ship, as well as Ecliptor. He was ready, knowing full well that something had to have happened to Hedia for Karone to have been allowed to interrupt Kat's wedding. And Ecliptor? He would do whatever Karone told him to, at this point. Andros was waiting for a moment to strike. As soon as Ecliptor led a band of Quantrons from the bridge, Andros was inside, sealing it with a blast from his laser. He turned, looking for his sister, and instead…His jaw dropped inside his helmet. "Zordon?"

Kat sighed. "Alright, guys, here's the plan. We are weak. We know this. But we also know that if we surrender, she will not go easy on us, or show us mercy. We have to fight to the death. When she comes later this morning, we will be ready for her. Any questions?" No one spoke. Kat smiled at her team. "Good luck, everyone. All we can do now is hope and pray."

Andros was shocked. Had Zordon been here the entire time? Zordon spoke, and his voice was weak from the effort. "Andros, there isn't much time. Smash my energy tube. It's the only way to save the universe, and possibly your sister." Andros shook his head. "I…I can't do it. I just can't." "You must!" Zordon was aware of what would happen. Andros shook his head. "No, there must be another way!"

The morning dawned cold and clear, reflecting the rangers moods. They began to arrange themselves in place for their final plan. Astronema appeared on top of the building. "Well, where are the Power Rangers?" NO one moved. Astronema smiled cruelly. "Very well, then let the destruction begin!" "Wait!" Bulk stepped forward. "I am the Red Power Ranger." Skull followed suit. "And I'm the Blue Power Ranger!" Professor Phenominus came forward. "I am the…uh…the Silver Ranger!" Adelle stepped forward proudly. "I am the Pink Ranger!" She was followed by another woman. "And I'm the Yellow Ranger!" People began coming forward all over the crowd. "I'm a Power Ranger too!" Astronema glared. "Fine! Then destroy them all!" She turned to leave, when a new voice rang out. "Hold it right there, Astronema! We are the Power Rangers!" Zhane stood in the middle of the wall of another ruined building, proudly. "Ready guys?" Everyone nodded, and they morpher, each striking a different pose and announcing their colors. Ashley started. "Yellow!" "Pink!" "Blue!" "Black!" "Silver!" "Green!" "Combo!" Astronema glared. "It's about time, Rangers, but it's too late. Goodbye, Rangers!" She vanished. The rangers looked at one another. "Here goes!"

Andros looked at Zordon. "Zordon…I...I can't!" "How sentimental. Allow me!" Andros turned, to face Karone in all her evil glory. "He sighed. "What did you do with Hedia?" Astronema chuckled. "She's safe, I promise you that! You and your rangers, however, are not!" She rushed at him, forcing him to step aside. "I won't fight you, Karone!" "Then you'll be destroyed!" She shot a bolt from her Wrath Staff at him, and he dodged, causing it to ricochet off of a wall and strike his sister in the stomach. She looked shocked, then fell. Andros rushed over. "NO!" He gather Karone's body into his arms. "No, Karone, no!" Just then, Ecliptor rushed into the room. "What? You've…you've killed her!" Andros stood. "No! I didn't…it was an accident." Ecliptor ignored him, gathering Karone's body into his arms. "My princess, what has he done to you?" Ecliptor turned to Andros. "You'll pay for this!" He picked up his sword, charging Andros, who dodged, rolled and countered. Zordon yelled over the din. "Andros, smash my tube!" Andros moved to, and Ecliptor aimed a blow at him, nearly hitting. Andros dodged, and quickly broke the glass tube. A wave of golden light spread outwards, over the ship, and over Earth. Everywhere, villains were either turning to dust or reverting back to their natural selves. The golden light struck Ecliptor, who was still for a moment, then fell to the ground. Andros didn't even think about him, instead turning to the doorway, where Hedia stood. He looked horrified. "Hedia, I didn't…it was…" Hedia held up her hand. "Not your fault," she muttered. Then, louder, she added, "I'll help you fly back to Earth, and tell the others you've won."

Kat looked around her at the ended battle. Her fellow rangers were all demorphed as she was, looking confused. She fell into Pride's arms, happily. "We've won," she murmured. "We've won." Pride looked up. "Not quite." The others looked up to where he was pointing, as the Dark Fortress cast a shadow over them. Ashley paled. "But…that means…Andros….he lost." The Dark Fortress touched down slowly, and the entrance ramp opened. Instead of the sharp click of heels, the heard what sounded like Andros boots. He descended slowly, carrying Karone's body. He was followed by Hedia. Kat moved closer. "Andy, is she…" He just nodded, the tears beginning to flow as he set her down. Hedia came over to her sister, placing her arm on Kat's shoulder. "It was an accident." Andros leaned over Karone's body, sobbing. Sadness filled the ranks of the rangers. It had all been in vain.

Then, an amazing thing happened. Karone's hair became long and blonde, and her clothing changed. She opened her eyes, sitting up quickly. "Andros?" She looked around, seeing her sisters. "Hedia!" Hedia threw her arms around Karone. "You're okay, I knew you would be." Karone laughed. "I'm fine. And Clippy?" Hedia looked down. "I don't know if he survived." Kat knelt by her sister. "I'm sure he'd be proud of you." Karone smiled. "He would be…oh!" She looked at Kat. "I'm so sorry for ruining your wedding!" Kat smiled. "It's okay. I wasn't ready yet anyway." She looked back at Pride. "But now, I think I am. But I want it on KO-35, surrounded by my Earth friends and my Kerovian family. With my sisters as my bridesmaids as well." Pride nodded. "It's your wedding, your call. If that's what you want, then it makes me happy." Andros laughed. "Well, the sooner we go, the sooner you two can get married."

"Dearly beloved, we gather here today to once again witness the joining of these two souls. Now, Pride, do you take Rubye as your lawfully wedded wife?" Pride nodded. "I do." Salene looked at Kat. "And do you, Rubye-Kat-take Pride as your lawfully wedded husband?" Kat smiled. "I do." Salene smiled. "The couple wishes to recite their own vows. Pride?" Pride took Kat's hand. "Kat, I knew from the moment I first laid eyes on you that you were the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. I know we've had some problems in the past, but that's exactly what it is: the past. I take you as my wife today so that we may have many more years of happy memories." Kat smiled brighter. "I chose to marry you because you have ever been the only person who understands me. You've never questioned my decisions regarding myself, and you've never pushed the relationship farther then I've been ready to go. I give myself to you today with all my heart. Two hearts, lonely no more, joined as one, for eternity. Pride, I give myself to you today because you are my soul mate, and I love you." Salene smiled. "If anyone has any objections, speak now or forever hold your peace." No one moved. Salene's smile widened. "Then I know pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." Pride swept Kat off her feet in a passionate kiss. When they finished, everyone present applauded. Andros rushed up to his sister, giving her a huge hug. "Congratulations! You finally got what you wanted." Kat smiled, looking at Pride, who beamed. Kat cleared her throat. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have another announcement to make today. Not only are Pride and I becoming a family, but there will be someone else joining our lives." She stooped, taking Mouse's hand. "That is, if you want to, sweetie." Mouse beamed. "You mean, you and Pride will be my new mommy and daddy?" Pride nodded. "That's right. We want to adopt you." Mouse nodded. "I want to!" Kat smiled. "Today, Pride and I officially adopt Mouse as our daughter, taking her into our home and our lives, where she will always have a place." Mouse was positively beaming, and the applause started all over again.

Once the excitement of the wedding was finally over, the Rangers boarded the Megaship. Andros was with them, and Kat and Pride were making their decision. Mouse hovered around their feet, waiting to hear where they were going to live. Kat looked at Pride. "I can't ask you and Mouse to leave your home for me. I don't know KO-35 anymore, anyway. Earth is my home." Pride nodded, taking Mouse's hand. "Come on, we're going home." They boarded the ship behind Andros. They looked at Zhane, Hedia and Karone as the hatch closed. Kat followed the others onto the bridge. As the ship prepared for takeoff, the other three family members joined them. Karone and Hedia smiled. "We've all been separated long enough. We're staying together." She glanced at Kat. "Well…we'll be the annoying in-laws who live next door. How's that?" Kat laughed. "Good enough for me. You're not my in-laws!" Hedia giggled. Zhane plopped into a chair. "Can I get a lift with you guys? The Mega Winger's still in the shop." Everyone chuckled. Andros looked at the computer monitor. "DECA, set a course for Earth." He faced the other rangers. "Let's go home."