Chapter two Bringing it all together.
Over the next few hours 14 rangers were called, they would be known as Earths Defenders. Two people from each continent were called forth to protect the world from Galactic evils. Now it was time to bring them all together. Lady Celeste reached out to the minds who have all proven themselves worthy
"Rangers, It is time to come together. In exactly 2 hours you will be teleported to a small island. You and your partner will work together to make your way through the jungle and to the temple, Set your priorities in order for you may not be back for a while." The ancient woman spoke in their minds the high pitched call that seemed almost like a bird. Every ranger heard and prepared themselves for teleportation.
Once on the island each set landed, this time they were transformed into their ranger uniforms. Each one was clad in a uniform, the girls found themselves in almost a belly dancer type outfit depicting their color and their mates color. Their armor consisted of almost chain linked coins while the men wore loose fitting pants and a vest like armor over their torsos. Over their faces were veils that covered from just under the eyes to their throats the men looked like Arabian warriors and the women like harem dancers.
By the time the sun was setting the first set made it to the temple. Tommy and Kim, the respected leaders would always come in first. Secondly a group of six made their way up the steps. Jason, Connor, Trini, Adam, Tanya and Aisha found their way into the group. Only Adam and Tanya found their colors matching. Shortly after Rocky and Nia found their way into the group finding their matches with Aisha and Connor, and last but not least the final 4 found their way, Kira and trent already matching and obviously the youngest of the group, along with Billy and Kat their final partners to match up with Trini and Jason.
Tommy looked around at the group before him his eyes wide at the unusual pairings from different continents. Him and kim were understandable he and her both lived in America but why were there different groups that paired up with other groups? His questions would soon be answered as a woman clad in a pearlescent gown stepped forward
"Greetings Rangers of earth, you will find that many of you know your counterparts, and many of you were destined to be as you are now. This temple was built over a millennium ago to house the protectors of earth and it is here where your life's from here on out will continue. Unlike being a ranger in the past you cannot give this power to another for it is your life's energy and should you lose it, your partner will lose theirs too. I am Lady Celeste, Daughter of Zordon and Andromeda of Eltar. My father chose many of you because he could feel the power inside of you. Unveil your faces, Become known to eachother." She almost commanded and they did as she said.
Kimberly was the first to remove the violet veil from her face and head. Followed soon by the other women, gasps were heard all around and the men followed suite. The first to speak up was the youngest girl Kira
"Dr. O… Is that really…" her hand was grabbed by hear partner Trent they had been visiting in brazil when they received the call. Tommy turned and looked at the two and nodded his head
"you Stole My color!" both Connor and Trent said at the same time as they glared at eachother only to get smacked up side the head by Kira
"Kimberly" came a round of yells as Aisha, Trini, Kat, Jason, Rocky, Adam, and Billy surrounded the girl. It had been years since she spoke to many of them, and months since she spoke to Jason or Trini. She was almost overwhelmed by the love they all still had for her
"Hi Guys" Kim said as she hugged them all, Kira Connor and trent moved towards tommy and the one that was left was Nia. She looked to be just barely 18. Connor was the first to notice her as she stood off by herself. Rocky was the second to notice his friend and almost little sister shying away from everyone
"hey guys, I want to introduce you to a new member of the team, This is Nia Kard. She works with me down in Antarctica." Rocky stated her ice blue eyes looked out shyly as she waved. She had vibrant red hair and was fairly petite.
Connor was instantly taken by the younger woman, especially the icey gaze that watched them all He took a few steps forward before spinning and dropping to one knee. He took her hand in his and smirked before pressing his lips to the top of it.
"Ah bonjour mademoiselle I am Connor McKnight welcome to the team" he had to try the French as the woman was one of the most beautiful he had ever seen. Her response was even better as she blushed a rosey hue.
"Hi Nia, I am sure you will love being on the team, We all become family quick" Kims voice called out as she approached the other woman "Don't worry about Connor, he thinks he is god's gift to women" Kira stated leaving both girls to chuckle,as she made her way over.
"Hi, I am Kira, Trent, Connor and I Have worked with Dr. O before and we have seen a video about all of you guys so we know a little bit about you, although most of your colors are a bit different now. I was the Dino Thunder Yellow pterodactyl ranger. Trent was the white Prince charming was the red leader." She smiled now she was pink, which was a huge difference, but she was proud to take on any color of the females on the team. It was with Kira's ramblings that Tommy walked over He stood to the right of Kim his left hand resting gently on the bare skin of her back
"Kim is right, we aren't just a team we are family. I am Dr Thomas Oliver, The younger ones call me Dr. O and the older ones call me just regular Tommy, Either or will work since I am no longer any of your teachers" he made sure to look his trio in the eye.
Next too walk over and introduce themselves was Jason, Kat, Billy, Trini, Adam and Tanya. Nia couldn't help feeling overwhelmed at the number of people who introduced themselves but they were all very nice. She ended up scooting back so she was pushed between Rocky and Connor. It was then Aisha walked up.
"Girl, You look like your shaking like a leaf. Listen… No one here is going to hurt you, and if your like a sister to rocky, How on earth are you standing there shaking?" she had met Aisha once before when the other woman visited the lab to see rocky but nodded and spoke
"I guess it's because as long as I can remember I've heard the stories of the power rangers, I have always wanted to be the pink or yellow ranger. I have always wanted a white knight or a red ranger or any of the rangers to sweep me off my feet and save me from this big evil. And now that's coming true… It's a little… Overwhelming, besides what if I am not worthy for the power." she blushed before turning her eyes to rocky, and then to Connor, she noticed their colors and blushed when he gave her a grin.
Celeste looked over the group and found herself smiling once more, the rangers were getting more and more acquainted and that was the point. In a few moments she would have to tell them the reason they were called here.
"Alright rangers, this journey will be much more difficult than anything you have faced before. The evil you are about to face will work to pull apart your every bond, between brother and sister, between Lover and friend. Your only hope is to remain faithful, Loyal, strong, and keep your head on your shoulders. Many lovers will have to part ways in their duties in their own countries but remember in the end you will be back here. This is now your home, your life. Take it and cherish it. This island is protected by spell after spell while you are here nothing can harm you or take you away from this place. But when you are out there your life is in your hands and your partners hands. You must learn to trust each other more then you trust yourselves. For that reason you will live here, for the next month you will train, and build bonds, you will learn each other's strengths and weaknesses. You will find how to build on those strengths. Let us take solace in this month and in this night. Shall we?" with her speech finalized she led the group into the temple.
The temple was larger than it looked. the hallway lead in to a large great room, There was a large table in the center filled with food. There were hallways that led off in 8 different directions including the one they had just entered through. The rangers looked around amazed. Celeste invited them to the table
"Please eat, you all must be starving, you have had quite the day no?" she smiled watching the rangers kneel on the pillows provided. Rocky was as always the first to dig in. And then everyone else followed suit once everyone was well fed Celeste stood again
"Look around you rangers. Your colors and spirit animals are paired. You are not ninjetti, you are much more than that. Each one of you has the strength and ability to become a higher being that the humans regard as gods. As with Jupiter and Juno Zeus and Hera, Osiris and Isis, Odin and Freya, Vishnu and Shiva, even down to the stories of Adam and Eve, angels and devils. Life comes in pairs and such each one of you is paired with another. You are compliments to each other. You bring out both the best and worst in your partner and you strengthen them. Tommy and Kimberly, My Blue falcon, and Purple Martin, You both take to the sky, one is a fighter a loner while the other brings family together. Jason and Kat, My Black bear, and black Tasmanian devil, you are both fighters both strong. One large one small but both ferocious and yet our bear remains calm while our devil hides her emotions until she is untouchable. May your bear find his way into your heart. Adam and Tanya, My Orange tiger, and yellow cheetah both feline light and graceful on your feet One solitary much like the falcon and the other fast but lacking of the endurance. You have much to teach each other. Billy, My Green frog, you are so quiet and shy. Take a lesson from your turtle and calm your mind, ease your body learn to take things in stride. While Trini, my green turtle you also must learn that you cannot run from your fears. Trent and Kira, My Red otter, Pink dolphin, you are both young full of energy together you will teach each other. One must learn to trust while the other must learn to be more aggressive in battle. Aisha, My Golden lion, you stand over your pride to protect them all. And Rocky, MySilver wolf you are much the same, but you both must learn from the other. Lion you cannot do it on your own. And wolf you must learn that not everything can be fixed with a joke… Young Nia, My White fox, you are shy and unsure, but you are cunning and intelligent. Our white rat can teach you the ropes, while you teach him modesty." She smiled watching as their eyes turned to their partners she only brought up a few weaknesses that they would have to work on
"You will be paired with your mate in a chamber; each chamber has a bathroom, a bedroom and a private study. Use your time wisely. The temple has a library that is yours; we have an arena where you can hone your skills. You will learn to use each other's weapons, each others powers. You will leave as one and return as one. The grounds have hot springs, and lakes, Please feel free to take your time and explore" celeste bowed her head and choose to take her leave disappearing in a shimmer of color.
The rangers were left to stare at each other it was Nia who spoke up first "The lady Celeste was right, we should take time to rest, I guess we find our way to our chambers." She smiled shyly at Connor and stood holding out a hand to him "would you care to show a girl to her room" she was trying to be bold, trying to trust. they were the first to retire but not the last.
"Kim, are you alright sharing the room, I can sleep in the study I am sure or on the floor" Tommy was worried she had opened up so much in the past day and a half but she was still being effected by what she had told him.
Jason watched the two and he knew that the two had spoken. He reached out under the table to grab Kats hand, he had fallen in love with her when he first worked with her when she was a zeo ranger and now they were working together again he hadn't been able to take his eyes off of her.
Trini and Billy looked shyly across the table at each other before standing and taking each other's hand. They had been best friends for a very long time, they had let their love hide behind their duty but now their love was expected they too walked off to find their room.
The next to leave was Kira and Trent. Both were more embarrassed because their teacher… well ex teacher knew they would be sleeping together. Kira knew she loved Trent from the moment she saw him even before he was a ranger. Trent loved Kira enough that it broke the evil spell the white dino gem held over him. The two were inseparable.
Adam and Tanya seemed to just glance at each other from time to time Adam still being shy. Both of them had the experience of working together and that helped break the ice but they hadn't spoken since they were last rangers. they chose to take a stroll outside rather then find their way to their rooms.
That left Rocky and Aisha. The two had been together and had a long distance relationship for the past few years. They had grown up in high school together While Adam was one of their best friends they found their relationship becoming so much more. With a wink they too chose to follow the others out.
That left Tommy, Kim, Kat and Jason in the main room, so much had happened between the 4 of them, but somehow this felt right.
"who would have thought…" Kat said quietly her eyes looked up at Jason for a brief moment before looking to Tommy, Celeste was right, after the Tommy Kim Fiasco she shut her emotions away and just fought against the world.
"Tommy, I trust you… I never stopped" Kim spoke quietly before turning to Kat "things happen for a reason, I am sorry that you and Tommy never worked out. I tried to let him go…" she turned her eyes away feeling as if it were her fault Kat was so hurt.
"Kim, your right, things happen for a reason, Tommy and I, we were never meant to be, you and Tommy, now you're the real thing, besides. I have this guy to lean on now according to Celeste" Kat wanted to fix things. She felt she needed to if they were all going to need to trust each other. She smiled at Tommy and moved forward to hug Kim. "He was always yours. I could never replace you. I just became a new part of the team" she smiled at Kim then moved back to Jason.
"Thank you, for being there for everyone Kat. I am glad to be able to work beside you now." Kim wiped a tear away and turned to Tommy "we can do this. I know we can" she let her hand take his and she squeezed it gently, before her gaze fell on Jason "You take care of her right Jason Lee Scott, or so help me I will be after you" she playfully scolded and then smiled at him. The quartet found themselves tangled in a large group hug. Soon after they pulled apart and headed in to bed.
Once in their bedroom kim went over to the window that overlooked the grounds. The temple seemed to be high on a mountian with the land cascading out around them. She could see the ocean and the stars that lit up the night sky, where ever they were she knew it was late. She hadnt bothered changing from her uniform yet the coins resting on her skin blocked the cold air that entered from the window. She jumped as she suddenly felt the warmth of tommy's hand resting on her back
"you should go to sleep beautiful, power down and get into something more comfortable" he said with a worried tone in his voice. She had shown so much strength in the face of their friends but he could still see her breaking just beneath the surface. His hand drew circles on her spine as he looked down at her, he had already powered down and had pulled on some pajama pants and a wife beater both in navy blue.
"what time do you think it is at home tommy?" she was trying to figure out where the location of the island was but was having no such luck. She made no move to leave the window instead she just turned her eyes up at him. She could feel his hand touching her spine. Providing comfort and warmth.
"Bed time beautiful. Thats what time it is" he wouldn't let her distract him from what he needed her to do, from what she needed to do. With careful fingers he pulled the tie from her hair and slowly untied the braid so her caramel colord hair fell loose in a curtain around her. He remembered when her hair was so much shorter, but he found it absolutely beautiful the length it was. It went well with the ranger outfit as well. He could feel her relaxing as his fingers brushed through the locks which were now curled from being wrapped and wound so tightly together.
She sighed and leaned back into him, her eyes turned away from him and back out the window as his fingers worked their way up the braid from the bottom to the top. Her mind was a hundred places all at once. The world was in danger once more, and they had to save it. Only this time, Tommy's life was at risk if she messed up. She knew she had to stay strong for the others but all she wanted to do was curl up in a hole and hide. A single stray tear slid down her cheek.
Tommy noticed the internal struggle that she was going through. He pulled off his wife beater and slid it over her head over the uniform that covered her. With careful fingers he untied the and unhooked the back to slide it out form beneath it. His shirt like always seemed to fall to her thighs, so he began to work on the bottoms carefully as not to startle her too much. Once he had her uniform off he picked her up and pulled her away from the window
"beautiful, we can worry about where we are, and everything else tomorrow. For now you need sleep" he said quietly as he placed her in the oversized bed. He pulled the covers up and tucked her in before standing up to go to the study
"dont leave me please" her voice was quiet as she begged him to stay. "the bed is more then big enough for the both of us, and you kept the bad dreams away last night. Please dont leave" she scooted over in bed so he could take the spot he just placed her in. once he was in bed with her she smiled up at him before scooting close once more "Thank you tommy" she whispered deciding to use him as a pillow instead of the ones on the bed.
He watched her cuddle in before she drifted off to sleep. Before he finally let his dreams take over he leaned forward to press a soft kiss to her forehead, he still loved her there was absolutely no doubt about that. He promised himself to never let another bad thing happen to her.