Author's Note: I don't actually have anything to say, but without an A/N, the Chapter line gets pushed to the left and looks weird.

Chapter 3
History

Location: Angel Grove, California

"I'm telling you guys, every team does it. Every single one." Ty was blathering about as the group walked toward a new "Youth Center" that was opening a few miles from Angel Grove High. It seemed like an outdated concept, but it was somewhere for the team to go together. "It's badass, and I think we should try it."

Bryan cocked an eyebrow. "Okay, you're not wrong about how every team does it... well, I take that back, I never saw the RPM Rangers do it. But even if they did, why? What makes this a good idea?"

Ty was trying to get the Rangers to agree to a "roll call," where the Rangers shout out their names and/or colors and/or dinosaurs before going into battle against a monster. His reasoning had bounced around from claiming it would be good for morale, to the potential benefits of such "good marketing" for their "Ranger brand." Aiden was barely paying attention, Thuy was completely ignoring him, and Kerri was rolling her eyes so hard as to cause brain damage. Only Bryan was taking the time to argue with him on the silly topic.

Jake wasn't there. In the last few weeks since his demotion, he hadn't spent much time with the other Rangers off the battlefield. Ty and Kerri had tried to talk him into being more active with the group socially, but their support for Aiden had pushed Jake away apparently. Jake had even stopped attending classes at the dojo, instead preferring to train on his own in his backyard.

"Can we put a pin in this... discussion for a few minutes?" Aiden asked. "We're here." Up ahead was a large older building with white walls and an orange roof. Near the door was a round logo with a glass of juice in the center. "Angel Grove Youth Center - Gym and Juice Bar."

"I guess it's not so much a hangout spot as a café and gym," Thuy said, her first words since the group got together.

"This building has been empty for as long as I can remember," Ty mused. "Looks like someone finally bought it. I wonder what it used to be."

The group stepped through the glass doors into a bizarre combination of Starbucks, 24-Hour Fitness, and a cyber café. The main area of the first floor was a large open space with mats for wrestling and martial arts practice, with a few weight machines scattered around the perimeter. Next to that was the juice bar itself, a counter with seats around it and a few tables. Against the far corner from the doors was another door that led into the cyber café. About 15 high-powered gaming computers lined the room with a few people inside playing the latest MMOs.

The group walked upstairs to see a full gym with weight machines, free weights, treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes. Locker rooms were in the back of that floor.

"Wow. This place is nice," Aiden said to no one in particular.

"Yeah, someone went all out," Kerri agreed. "Let's go grab a snack, I'm starving."

The group headed back downstairs and to the bar area. They each grabbed a stool and Aiden rang the bell for service. The place was mostly empty (it had only opened two days ago), but it seemed to be getting steady business. While they were looking around, the owner appeared. "Can I take your order?"

The group turned in shock at the sound of the Australian accent. Behind the bar stood Kat, one of their mentors and a former Pink Ranger. A few of the Rangers stammered for a few seconds before she handed each of them a menu. "My juice bar serves only the healthiest foods and drinks to facilitate your fitness goals. No gimmicks, just low-calorie foods with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Once you know what you want, ring the bell and I'll be back." She turned around and walked back into the kitchen, leaving the Rangers silently stumped.

Location: Oliver-Hillard Residence

In the backyard of his home, surrounded by a massive 7-foot fence on all sides, Jake sliced forward with his Power Sword in a familiar kata he'd been doing for days. The weapon had truly become an extension of himself at this point, and in each battle he'd shown greater proficiency. Zedd was, so far, taking it relatively easy on them, only sending monsters occasionally to test them, it seemed. Still, Jake was to the point of being able to take out lots of Putties entirely on his own with just his sword.

Jake's phone chimed again. With a sigh, Jake dismissed the sword and wiped his face and hands with the towel hanging around his bare shoulders before grabbing his phone. He had several unread (or more accurately, ignored) texts from the same few people.

KERRI: We're going to check out that new Youth Center after school. You should come with.

TY: Where do you stand on the role call issue?

KERRI: We're about to head to the Youth Center. See you there?

TY: I don't think anyone else is agreeing with me on the roll call thing. But you're with me right?

KERRI: Your MOM runs this place? WTH?

TY: You never told me your mom owned the Youth Center!

BRYAN: Dude, just saw your mom working the Juice Bar. She's a good cook, right?

Jake sighed once more before putting the phone down. There was a part of him that wanted to hang out with them, but there was a much bigger part that wanted to avoid them. It had been weeks since his demotion and it was still weighing on him. He felt humiliated then, but it was even worse now that he had time to think about it. In that battle with Pirantishead, he'd refused to call the zords not because it was the right tactical decision to make (he didn't even think it was at the time), but because he had to be right. Like he was trying to prove himself or something. He had this crazy idea in this head that leaders should be incapable of making bad decisions and he had to defend his decisions in order to make sure they weren't wrong.

Clearly, the concept of being a good leader had eluded him. That had cost him not just his position as leader, but also the trust of his team. Still, they kept trying to include him in their activities outside of school, but he couldn't face them. All he could do was keep training until he was powerful enough that he could regain their respect again, even if it wasn't as a leader.

Setting the phone down, Jake summoned his Power Sword once again and returned to his kata.

Location: Command Center

"It's no use," Billy said, slumping in his chair. "The Command Center's sensors can't penetrate Zedd's moon palace. We have no idea what's going on up there."

Tommy slammed a fist into his other hand. "Rrgh. This doesn't make any sense. Zedd was always so vain. He loved grandstanding whenever he got the chance. Why the silence? He hasn't once threatened us or the Rangers directly."

"He must be biding his time for something," Adam said. "Playing the long game. He lost last time. It makes sense that he'd be more careful now. We just have to wait for..."

The alarms started blaring in the Command Center. "...the other shoe to drop," Adam finished, sounding deflated.

Location: Oliver-Hillard Residence

Jake was halfway through his kata when his Communicator went off. He dismissed the Power Sword and wiped the sweat from his face again before responding. "Go ahead."

"Jake, my sensors tell me there's a disturbance in the park," Zordon said. "Zedd has sent a squad of Putties to attack civilians. Morph to the park immediately. The other Rangers are on their way."

"On my way," Jake said quickly. "It's Morphin' Time! Tyrannosaurus!"

Location: Angel Grove Youth Center

"Got it, we're on our way," Aiden said before dropping the line to the Command Center. "Let's go guys."

"Go to the bathroom," Katherine said.

The rest of the group turned around to look at her. "Wait, what?" Kerri asked.

"Go to the bathroom and enter the door to the construction area. Do it now." With that, she walked back into the kitchen.

The Rangers looked at each other, shrugged, and ran to the bathrooms. As Rangers Pink and Yellow entered the women's restrooms, Aiden and the others entered the Men's restroom and looked around. At the far end of the sinks was a door labeled "Under Construction Do Not Enter." Aiden walked to it and put his hand on the handle to open it. There was a quiet hum, then a beep as the door unlocked and allowed Aiden to enter, the other Rangers following suit.

They entered a dark room, the only other source of light being the other side where Kerri and Thuy entered. As soon as both doors closed, the room lit up, revealing sparse furniture and a large screen, like a huge movie room.

Without warning, Zordon's face appeared on the screen. "Rangers."

All five Rangers yelped and took a step back in surprise. "Jeez, a little warning next time?" Bryan complained.

"Be very careful when fighting these putties," Zordon warned. "Our spot analysis indicates they are not as easily defeated as Zedd's old putties. They're made of solid stone and no longer are vulnerable to chest strikes. You must battle them while morphed. Now go, and may the Power protect you." Zordon's face vanished from the screen.

Aiden looked to the others. "Ready?" he cried. "It's morphin time!"

"Dragonzord!"

"Mastodon!"

"Pterodactyl!"

"Triceratops!"

"Saber-tooth Tiger!"

Location: Angel Grove Park

"Rangers Blue and Yellow, get civilians to safety!" Aiden ordered. "Ranger Pink, find some altitude and start sniping. The rest of you, into the fray!" The group obeyed without question and rushed into their roles. As the Rangers scattered, they found themselves surrounded by Zedd's new Putties. No longer the soft, gray clay-like creatures, these Putties were more like Rockies, appearing to be built from solid stone. Unfortunately, they were just as agile as their predecessors, able to make quick strikes that could knock a Ranger back.

Aiden punched several of the Putties, but while his enhanced strikes had some effect, he was only able to inflict minor damage. His kicks did a little better to knock them down, but they just got back up again. "Power Ax!" he shouted, the weapon materializing in his hand. He pushed the handle forward and fired his ice beams, freezing the Putties in place. "That wasn't so hard," he muttered, preparing to strike them down. However, the Putties began to grow red-hot and melted the ice fast, the burst of heat actually managing to hurt Aiden through his suit. He yelped and jumped back, barely avoiding a strike from one of the thawed Putties. Opting for the direct approach this time, he began to strike them with his Ax.

The other Rangers were faring about the same. Physical strikes weren't working so well, and their Blade Blasters weren't having much of an effect. All they could do is attack using their Power Weapons, and even that took a long time. It sped up when Ty discovered that playing the Dragon Dagger could shatter the Putties if the note was sustained long enough. Overlal, it was at least a ten-minute battle before the last Putty fell to Bryan's Power Lance.

The Rangers regrouped, breathing heavily. "That was brutal!" Ty remarked.

"Did we get them all?" Thuy asked, looking around.

As if in response, a ball of flame appeared from the sky erupting into an imposing figure. Clad in gold armor with the face of an ape with red eyes, and massive wings extending outwards from his back, it stood with a sword in hand and a menacing look on its face.

"Rangers, you didn't expect me, did you? My master Lord Zedd has brought me back to life to destroy you Power Pukes! AHAHAHAHA!"

"Bryan, is that...?" Aiden asked quietly.

Bryan nodded without realizing it. "That's Goldar. Rita and Zedd's general. He's just as mouthy now as he was in the videos."

Goldar's attention shifted toward the Green Ranger. "Tommy! You're back in Green! I can't wait to take your powers away again! AHAHAHAHA!"

"I really don't see what's so funny," Kerri said.

"No one say anything out loud," Aiden hissed. "Don't let on that we're not the original Rangers."

Goldar kept laughing for a few seconds before returning his attention to the whole group. "What's the matter, Rangers? No threats? No over-the-top monologues where you tell us your color and dinosaur?" The group gave Ty the side eye for a moment before returning their attention to Goldar. "No matter! I will destroy you for my master, and he will-"

Goldar's grandstanding was interrupted by a laser blast that sent him flying backwards. Jake holstered his Blade Blaster and looked to Aiden, who gave him a slight nod. "Attack!" Aiden hissed to the others over their radio. All six Rangers summoned their Power Weapons again and went into battle against Goldar. The alien ape was back on his feet already, blocking the strikes with his sword and occasionally striking back, first hitting Ty, then Kerri, sending them to the ground. Goldar's flaming sword kept Aiden's ice attacks at bay while he used his other hand to pick up Jake and toss him into Thuy, who was advancing for an attack of her own. He then powered up his flame attack and overpowered Aiden's Ax, dropping him to the ground in a burst of fire. Bryan rushed in with his Lances and managed to get a few good strikes on Goldar's back. This only served to piss the Space Ape off, however, as he whipped around and sliced Bryan across the chest. With a yell, the Blue Ranger flew into a nearby fountain, the water cooling the burn marks on his suit.

Thuy grabbed Aiden and pulled him to his feet once Goldar's back was turned. Guiding him backward out of Goldar's immediate range, she asked, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Aiden said, struggling to regain his footing. "Kerr- Pink, how's Blue doing?"

Kerri ran to Bryan who was struggling to get out of the fountain. "I'm okay," Bryan said himself. "I've been better, but I'm okay."

"Anyone got a plan?" Kerri asked as the group circled around the imposing Goldar. "I'm open to suggestions myself."

"We could try the Power Blaster," Thuy suggested.

"I've been looking forward to that," Ty said. "Billy said it was the most powerful weapon in our arsenal."

"What's the matter, Rangers? Lost your edge after all these years?" Goldar laughed "I'm still the most powerful warrior in the universe!"

"Okay, let's shut him up," Aiden said. "Power Ax!"

"Power Bow!"

"Power Daggers!"

"Power Lance!"

"Power Sword!"

One by one, the Rangers threw their weapons above Goldar's head, forming the Power Blaster. Aiden leapt into the air, jumped again off Thuy's shoulders, and grabbed the blaster, flipping to the opposite side of Goldar. By the time Goldar managed to turn around, the blaster was pointed right at him, with the four core Rangers standing beside it. The Green Ranger stood behind them all, Dragon Dagger in hand.

"Let's test how powerful he is," Aiden said. "FIRE!"

Aiden pulled the trigger on the blaster, which emitted five powerful beams of energy. From behind, Ty played a single note continuously on his Dragon Dagger. The sound waves, appearing as a tube of green energy, twisted around the blast, rotating it from a wide-dispersion of five energy beams into a more condensed quadruple helix form.

The beam struck Goldar, sending him flying straight back in a shower of sparks, screaming.

Triumphant, the Rangers started cheering as Aiden lowered the Power Blaster. "Did we get him?!" Ty demanded.

"I doubt it," Aiden answered cynically. Sure enough, Goldar stood up once again, shaky, armor scratched up, and clearly disoriented. He muttered something about it not being over yet before vanishing from sight.

Ty plopped down on his butt. "Whew! It's over for now."

Right on cue, dark storm clouds started rolling in over the Rangers' heads. Lighting flickered in the distance, and thunderclaps reverberated from all directions. "You had to say something, didn't you?" Jake said, breaking his sustained silence.

Lightning struck the ground feet in front of them. Instinctively, the Rangers backed away, Aiden keeping the Power Blaster locked on the site in front of him. When the smoke cleared...

...there he stood. Red muscle. Silver exoskeleton. Tubes carrying unknown fluid all over his body.

The silence was deafening as each Ranger struggled to say something, but fell short. It was Zedd himself. The big bad. One of the most powerful entities in the universe. And he just radiated evil. An evil that could be felt through their suits and helmets.

"It really is hard to find good help these days," Zedd said casually, though his voice echoed and sent shivers down the spines of everyone within range. "So, the old Rangers selected new brats to take up the helmets." The Rangers remained frozen in defensive stances, not saying a word. "Oh, so you're keeping your identities secret this time? Well, no matter. I know you're not Tommy, Green Ranger. I recognize his fighting style anywhere. Oh Tommy!" Zedd called out mockingly. "I know you can hear me! Haven't you missed me after all these years?" He laughed, and the Rangers felt even more paralyzed by his very presence.

"Well, let's get right to it. I know where your Command Center is. Your little invisibility shield was clever, but not good enough. And with Zordon gone, I can blow it up with a flick of my wrist. I don't suppose you could offer any reason why I shouldn't?"

The Rangers had absolutely nothing to say to Zedd. He knew where the Command Center was. He'd blown it up before. What would stop him now?

"You're not the only one back from the dead." The Rangers jerked their heads skyward to see an image of Zordon's head, as if he were made of clouds speaking directly to their enemy.

"Zordon?!" Zedd demanded.

"You haven't changed, Zedd. You're still the same overconfident, egotistical megalomaniac you've always been."

"Don't lecture me, Eltarian!" Zedd snapped back. "I will own this planet, whether you are on it or not!"

Zordon laughed. Actually laughed.

It was scarier than Zedd.

"You won't defeat the Power Rangers. You've never managed to do so before, and you won't now."

"We'll see about that, Zordon! And Rangers, watch your backs! Your time is coming to an end!" In an angry yell, Zedd vanished in a bolt of lightning. The Rangers started breathing again.

Location: Command Center

"What are we going to do?" Kerri demanded. "He knows where the Command Center is. Do we have the defenses to keep him from just blasting us sky high?"

"Arguably," Billy said. "Our defense systems are stronger than they've ever been. But Zedd won't attempt it. Not now."

"What?" Jake asked incredulously. "Why?"

"Zordon," Bryan said abruptly. "You guys read the files, right? When Zordon's plasma tube was shattered during the big invasion in the late '90s, it unleashed a wave of good energy that eliminated or purified all of the evil forces. If Zedd were to blow up the Command Center now that Zordon's back..."

"...it would be Game Over for him," Aiden finished. "Our base is safe, at least for the moment."

Ty looked at Zordon. "If Zedd had fought us, right then, right there... I mean, could we have won, Zordon? Do we stand a chance?"

Zordon paused a moment before answering. "Rangers, you know I have the utmost faith in your abilities and dedication. However, you are still new, and have a long way to go to reach Lord Zedd's level." The Rangers looked at each other nervously. "While I can't say for certain what would have happened, I can say with all the confidence in the universe that you will defeat Zedd one day and restore peace to this planet. You have already made me very proud, Rangers, and I know you will continue to thrive."

"Go get some rest," Billy said. "Head back to Kat's Juice Bar and have some food on me." He smiled.

The Rangers began to program the coordinates into their Communicators. Ty, Kerri, Bryan, and Thuy vanished.

Aiden walked over to Jake and clapped a hand on his shoulder. "You coming?" Jake didn't respond.

"You know, this team wouldn't exist without you, right?" Aiden asked. "It took both of us to form it, selecting great people to fill out the suits and powers. The mistake you made is in the past. We don't think less of you. In fact, we think more of you because you've maintained dignity and teamwork through what was obviously a very difficult time. But we are still a team, and you are still a member of this team. We want you around. Hang with us. Train with us. Work with us."

There was a brief pause while Jake mulled everything over. A small smile began to form on his face. "Alright, let's go. I mean, after I go home and put a shirt on." Aiden grinned and slapped Jake on the back before the teleporter engaged, sending the two away. Five minutes later, Jake arrived at the Juice Bar as they were being served their drinks. The group laughed, ate, drank, and talked well into the evening until they all went their separate ways.

Location: Hillard-Oliver Residence

"How was it?" Tommy asked as Jake returned home. "You were out late. Does that mean you're finally back with the team?"

Jake cocked an eyebrow. "I never left the team, Dad. I just...needed some time to think things through. But yeah, I think everything's good."

Tommy smiled. "Alright, that's what I like to hear."

"I got some homework to take care of," Jake said. "I'll see you later." With that, he went upstairs.

Tommy sat on the couch for a few more minutes before turning off the TV. He went to his bedroom and opened up a safe under his bed. He reached into it and gently lifted two wrist-mounted devices - his Zeonizers. He stared at them for a few seconds before putting them away. "Hopefully it doesn't get that desperate," he said, putting the safe away.