Disclaimer: Don't own them or Sabrina, but wish I did. See Chapter 1 for the owners of those entities.
A/N 1: For those fans of Adam Park, this…is probably a good time to be hiding your eyes. Things will start to get REALLY ugly for him.
A/N 2: This is to be an AU from now on. You'll see Diva and her minions come in later. You'll see why in this chapter.
Ch. 3: Fall of the Frog Prince
March 29, 1997
9:30 p.m.
Gulf of Mexico beaches
Tampa, FL
One hour after arriving on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Kimberly Hart and two of her former mentors began discussing major strategy.
"So how…exactly…have Tommy and I been sidetracked? I know he hasn't been calling me, which is odd," said Kimberly.
"A new force has manipulated you both into losing contact with each other, and to break you two apart," said Dulcea.
"What 'kind' of new force? I don't understand…Tommy and Jason were fighting the Machine Empire last I knew," said Kimberly.
"The plan, young Kimberly is being orchestrated by Lady Chaos, Rita's grandmother," said Ninjor.
"Good Lord. First it was Rita's brother, then her father, and now this. When does it ever STOP? And just how do you know this?" said Kimberly.
30 minutes later, after Kimberly had heard every detail, she gasped softly.
"OK, so let me get this straight. My former rival is actually Zordon's daughter, his flesh and blood, who, not coincidentally, was captured by…Rita, and turned evil," said Kimberly.
"Correct, young Crane," said Dulcea.
"Now she's broken her spell, and she's already deduced our newest enemy's plot, and that my coach has been turned against me. Leave it to her to find out what I'm the latest target for. Why are they ALWAYS targeting me, even when I'm not a Ranger anymore? WHY?" cried Kimberly.
"It's for two reasons, Kimberly. One is that they know you are still Tommy's weakness, which has caused Tommy's team to struggle against a powerful Machine Empire," said Ninjor. "The other reason, and possibly a bigger one, is that they have discovered the power potential inside of you. Not only are you Ninjetti, but they've discovered your potential to be a great sorceress, and they will look to use that for the forces of evil."
"Wow. I'm still a real target, and I'm not even a Ranger. What are we going to do?" said Kimberly. "What should I be prepared for, and what should I do?"
"You should go back to your training, and do what you normally do. Your teammates still need you, and for you to not be there for them would be disastrous," said Dulcea. "Be prepared to have thick skin, because who knows what Schmidt will have to say. However, if he gives you any indication at all that he's about to make a move to kick you off the team, call us immediately. This is paramount to yours, and the Power Rangers' survival. He probably knows now of your identity as well as the identities of the Rangers."
"And remember, Pink Crane, it doesn't matter what others think of you, it's what you think of yourself that counts. If you do all that you can do, then that is all that can be asked," said Ninjor. "You must return before anyone is suspicious. May the Power protect you."
"Where are you going?" said Kimberly.
"We're off to Sabrina's residence, in Lakeland. We will monitor things from there."
March 30, 1997
6:20 a.m.
The Power Chamber
At last, his dream had been fulfilled.
His daughter had returned.
He remembered what life was like before he'd been trapped in his time warp…when he taught Sabrina everything he knew about being a noble warrior, when he'd had great times playing with his young daughter in their home backyard on their home planet of Eltar.
'NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS WITH KIMBERLY,' he thought, 'MY LIFE HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY THE FACT THAT I'VE SEEN MY DAUGHTER AGAIN, AND NOT IN ATTACK MODE,' he chuckled to himself.
He was still meditating 20 minutes later when his daughter entered the room and glanced at her father.
"GOOD MORNING, DAUGHTER. YOU SURE ARE UP EARLY."
"Heh. Not used to seeing that are you?" she said with a wink.
"NOT EXACTLY. DO YOU HAVE PLANS?"
"Yes. I think we inform the Rangers one at a time...Jason and Tommy first, and Adam last. I think Jason and Tommy should know first because of their connection with Kimberly, and Adam last because I don't want the rest of the team getting upset by him blowing up at me."
"AH YES, ADAM. DO NOT BLAME YOURSELF FOR THAT, SABRINA. REMEMBER, YOU WERE UNDER A SPELL."
"It still doesn't excuse what I did. He has every right to be angry with me."
"NO HE DOESN'T. NOT IF YOU TELL HIM YOUR STORY WITH A STRAIGHT FACE. I AGREE THOUGH THAT HE SHOULD COME LATER."
"Good. Contact Tommy and Jason, and I'll come back in when I'm needed."
"IT MAY BE A WHILE, BECAUSE WE NOW HAVE A RECORDED MESSAGE FROM THE LORD OF TRIFORIA THAT IS TO BE PULLED UP ON THE VIEWING SCREEN WHEN THEY ARRIVE."
"OK. Call me if you need."
7:00 a.m.
Scott Residence
Angel Grove, CA
Jason Scott tossed and turned in his bed, and continued to think about what Tommy had said…that Kimberly wouldn't be the one to write a letter like that.
He was right, too, as the man who held the Tyrannosaurus coin had known Kimberly for years. Over that time, he and Kimberly had become almost like brother and sister, and he wondered what would cause her to write something like that.
Little did he know that as his communicator surprisingly beeped, he was about to get his answer...in a most surprising fashion.
"Man, leave it to Zordon to wake someone up at 7 in the morning," muttered Jason, as he was glad his parents had taken Jeremy out of town for the weekend.
He groaned to his feet, lifted his communicator to his lips and said, "This is Jason, come in."
"JASON, A SERIOUS SITUATION HAS ARISEN, AND YOU ARE NEEDED. TELEPORT TO THE POWER CHAMBER IMMEDIATELY, AND I WILL EXPLAIN."
"I'm on my way. What about the rest of the team?"
"I'VE ALREADY CONTACTED TOMMY. HE WILL ARRIVE SHORTLY. THE REST OF THE TEAM WILL COME LATER."
"I'm on my way," he said as he thought, 'Hmmm…this is interesting.' He then disappeared in a streak of gold light. Instantaneously, he and his best friend Tommy arrived in the Power Chamber…Tommy in gold, Jason in red.
"Zordon, what's going on? Why the early wake-up call?"
"I BROUGHT YOU HERE FOR TWO REASONS, TOMMY. ONE, THERE IS A MESSAGE TO JASON FROM THE LORD OF TRIFORIA. ALPHA IS PULLING UP THE MESSAGE ON THE VIEWING SCREEN NOW."
The viewing globe began to flicker, and suddenly changed to reveal a man that didn't look over 25 years old, wearing a gold jumpsuit.
"Greetings, Rangers," said Trey.
"What's going on, Trey?" said Tommy.
"A new threat has arisen, and Jason will still need to wield the Golden Powers while this threat stays. The problem is that the Golden Powers are mainly compatible to Triforians. However, I have a special something that can change this. I'm sending a vial to the Command Center…it should be arriving shortly." Instantly, a vial of golden liquid arrived in a flash of gold light.
"Jason, I must ask you to drink that liquid. If you do, the Golden Powers will be interchangeable between you and me for all time. Should you not, you will become weak very soon, since you've held my powers for at least a month."
"I'll do whatever needs to be done, Trey," said Jason, and he stepped forward and swallowed the liquid whole.
'Hmmm…that was actually pretty good.' thought Jason as he finished. Instantly, he could feel new strength rising inside of him.
"I can feel it!" cried the former leader of the Rangers as his durability and strength continued to increase.
"Take care of my powers, and your Rangers, while this threat stays. The Gold Ranger Powers and Pyramidas will be needed against this new foe. Good luck, and may the Power protect you all," said Trey as his image disappeared.
"Looks like we have a power upgrade. Congratulations, man!" said Tommy.
"You got it bro," said Jason as he looked his best friend in the eye and they both gave each other a brotherly hug.
"Now, Zordon, what is this new threat that Trey spoke of?" said Tommy.
"TO TELL YOU ABOUT THAT, I BRING IN SOMEONE YOU TWO REMEMBER VERY WELL," said the Eltarian Wizard, and that made Tommy and Jason steal uneasy glances.
"RANGERS, MEET…SABRINA, MY DAUGHTER," said Zordon as the double doors opened and a woman that the two boys were very familiar with entered. She was wearing gold from head to toe, complete with a golden robe and sash, her shoulders exposed, and her black hair was pulled back into a ponytail. She was strikingly gorgeous, and both boys stared…not just because of her beauty, but because they recognized her face.
"Hello, gentlemen. You remember me…the only difference here is that you don't need to fear me."
"Um, you were Scorpina, correct? If so, how could you also be Zordon's daughter?" said Jason in shock.
"Yes, I WAS, Jason. I suppose I should tell you about that," said Sabrina. 20 minutes later, after recalling her adventures, she began to break down, at which Jason stopped her.
"I'll speak to you afterwards about this. Now, what's this threat that's going on here?" said Jason impatiently.
"Ah yes, that. I'm uploading what I have so far to the viewing globe. Have a look at it," said Sabrina.
The Rangers turned to the viewing globe, and saw a picture of what they knew as the Lunar Palace, now re-redecorated in the styles of Zedd and Rita, complete with the Emperor and Empress, their familiar enemies, and a silver foe they weren't quite familiar with..
"It looks like…they've kicked the Machines out. But how?" said Jason.
"Not just kicked them out…blew them up. And blew them up through a bomb," said Sabrina.
"Wow. But who's the one in silver?" said Tommy.
"She calls herself Lady Chaos. She is Rita's grandmother." At this, both boys gasped, particularly Tommy.
"Man, does it EVER end? First Rito, then Master Vile, then this!" said Tommy. "But what do they want?"
"They want you, of course…you and Kimberly, in particular. And without the reunion of the Falcon and Crane, the entire world is doomed," said Sabrina.
She then went over their enemies' plans. When she was finished, Tommy was positively furious, and Jason was nearly there.
"Man, I SHOULD have gone down to see her! Why am I…" said the Red Ranger.
"Stop it, Tommy, as we don't need your guilty parties right now. You'd better get us all ready…ready for a BIG battle," said Jason. "I'm furious. Lady Chaos, Old Radiator Face, and their minions have gone too far this time," said Jason angrily.
"Calm down, Jason. It's the way they do things now. Lady Chaos is a different creature than any villain you've ever faced. Her attacks, unlike Rita, Zedd and the Machines are not physical…rather, she tries to torture you psychologically. It's what she does. They aren't playing by the rules this time, Jason."
"I know…it's just hard not to be mad. I'd still like to speak to you later today. When is a good time?"
"3:00 this afternoon, in some place secluded. I still have to contact the other Rangers, including Adam, and I'm not looking forward to seeing how the Frog Prince will react to me."
"Take it from me…don't worry about what he says. It's OK. You were under a spell, like me. Besides, any one of Zordon's children is OK by me. And if he says anything derogatory, don't hesitate to talk to your father, Jason, or myself," said Tommy.
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. Jason, where should we meet?"
"How about we meet on the beach, by Angel's Cove? It's very secluded."
"It's a great idea…besides, I love the water. See you there, and may the Power protect you both."
11:00 a.m. Pacific Time
Angel Grove Mall
Angel Grove, CA
Katherine Hillard, also known as the current Pink Ranger, and her best friend, the Yellow Ranger, Tanya Sloan, were walking through the mall trying to take advantage of Sunday sales.
Presently, they stopped outside a department store where Katherine had cashed a huge check, and the discussion turned to the 'date' with Tommy on Friday.
"What he did…was…incredible…" Katherine started muttering, but enough to where Tanya could hear her.
"So, do you like him? Is this going to be a habitual thing?" Tanya asked.
"Do I like him? Honestly, yes. Will it be a habitual thing? Probably not. He loved Kimberly well before he ever loved me."
"Why not just continue to ask?" Tanya said. "In my opinion, Kimberly's to blame."
"I think so too, but don't tell Tommy. Actually, it's not like her to do that, so I'm surprised," Katherine said. Presently, they were stopped by the sound of their communicators beeping.
"Wonder what those rust-buckets are up to this time?" said Tanya as the two girls found their way to a secluded place.
"This is Tanya. We read you."
"Tanya, we have an emergency!" said Alpha. "Teleport here immediately. Rocky is already here," the robot finished, referring to Rocky DeSantos, known as Zeo Ranger III, Blue.
"We're on our way," said Tanya. Instantly, Tanya and Katherine disappeared in streaks of rose and yellow light, to land in the Power Chamber beside soon after.
"Welcome, Rangers," said a voice that the two girls were unfamiliar with. However, Katherine recognized the face that said it.
"You are…or were…Scorpina, no?" said Katherine.
"Yes, I was. Rita must have said a lot about me even after I broke free. I'm actually Zordon's daughter."
"Wow…it's a pleasure to meet you, then," said Katherine. "And yes, she did say lots about you. That's why she put me under her spell, she says."
"I have to agree…it's been a pleasure to meet you in a better way this time," said Rocky.
"Anyways, there is business to get to," said Sabrina.
30 minutes later, after hearing about the latest plot, Katherine buried her head in shame.
"If only I would have known…how could I NOT have known?" wept Katherine.
"Please. It's not your fault. Daddy didn't even know before I came here," said Sabrina.
"SHE'S RIGHT. ONLY THROUGH HER TECHNOLOGY CAN SHE SPY ON LADY CHAOS' PLANS."
"Sabrina, you said Ninjor and Dulcea are here. Where are they?" said Rocky.
"In Florida, keeping an eye on Kimberly. From what I know, they've taken up place at my residence, and will be coming here later."
"Good to know we have them," said Katherine. "Is that all, Zordon?"
"FOR NOW, YES. YOU MAY RESUME YOUR NORMAL ACTIVITIES. I WILL CONTACT ADAM."
At this, Rocky began to shudder, and turned towards Sabrina.
"If Adam throws you in the trash, literally, know that we have your back," said Rocky.
"Thanks, Rocky."
With that, the three teleported out.
"YOU SEE, SABRINA, ALL MY RANGERS ARE IN SUPPORT OF YOU, AND LIKELY KIMBERLY IS TOO. SHOULD ADAM THROW YOU IN THE TRASH, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO INTERRUPT…LET ME HANDLE IT," said her father.
"I agree. Is it time to contact him?"
"YES, IT IS TIME. ALPHA?"
"Right, Zordon! Sending now!"
12:30 p.m.
Park Household
Angel Grove, CA
Adam Park, Zeo Ranger IV, Green, had been through a lot.
There had been the Mirror of Regret.
He'd had to fight his own lantern that had meant so much to him.
He'd had to stand in front of a camera with a Ranger suit on, even though at the time he hated cameras. How ironic that he'd become a stuntman.
He'd had to deal with Shawn, Tanya's overzealous, overbearing boyfriend.
And then there had been the Vice Versa dance fiasco with Scorpina. He, quite frankly, hoped he'd never see her again because to him, she was bad news.
And still, he'd survived it all. But as his communicator beeped, he knew not that he was about to begin the roller-coaster ride of his life.
He had been working on a paper, which was up his alley…writing was his strong point, but he decided to put that on hold to see what was up.
"This is Adam. I read you."
"ADAM, TELEPORT TO THE POWER CHAMBER AT ONCE."
"On my way," said Adam, and he then disappeared in a flash of green light, to reappear in the Power Chamber minutes earlier. And as he landed in the Power Chamber, to his disbelieving eyes, his archenemy was standing no less than 25 feet away.
"SCORPINA!" he roared, as he prepared to call forth his Zeonizers. "It's…"
"CALM DOWN, GREEN RANGER. SHE IS NO LONGER THAT VILE CREATURE YOU REMEMBER."
"Zordon, how in the world can I believe that? She might hurt me worse this time!"
"SHE WILL NOT, FOR SHE IS MY ELDEST DAUGHTER."
"There is no way that your daughter would hurt me like she did! Impossible!" roared Adam.
"TRUST ME, ADAM, SHE IS THE LEAST OF YOUR WORRIES RIGHT NOW. YOUR WORRY IS ON THE VIEWING GLOBE."
He expected to see a different set of the Machine Empire coming to attack them, wondering just what all was out there. He was surprised to find Rita and Zedd, in their old palace, with their minions and a new visitor.
"Who…is that?" said Adam.
"SHE IS LADY CHAOS, RITA'S GRANDMOTHER, AND SHE'S DEVISED A FIENDISH PLOT."
30 minutes later, after hearing Sabrina's origin, as well as Chaos' plot and how she'd found out, Adam was torn with grief. Would he take a risk and believe the new arrival, or would he not even let the chance come to get hurt this time?
After five minutes, he made his shocking decision.
"Zordon, please pass this Zeonizer on to someone else. I can't handle being hurt by her again," said Adam.
"ADAM, YOU CANNOT JUST QUIT. THE POWER CHOSE YOU," said Zordon.
"I'm sorry, but I just can't get past that she hurt me before, and may well do so again. In short, she must prove to me that she's not the same person she was. I'll always love you, but if she destroys all of you, I don't want to be around to see it," said Adam. "Besides, I'll just be hurting the team with this attitude. There are more experienced Rangers that can handle this better than me," he said as he laid his Zeonizers on a panel.
"And that's my final decision, Zordon."
"SO SHALL IT BE, GREEN RANGER. MAY THE POWER ALWAYS PROTECT YOU," said Zordon as Adam teleported out.
Once Adam teleported out, Zordon shook his head in dismay.
"I take it you're surprised and upset, Daddy?" said Sabrina. "I'm not surprised at all. I like Adam, but he's very stubborn."
"EVEN WITH HIS STUBBORNNESS, I DID NOT ANTICIPATE THAT, AND IT PUTS US IN A REAL BIND. WE MUST NOW FIND ANOTHER RANGER."
1:30 p.m.
Angel Grove Park
As Adam Park sat down on a bench, dismayed, he started wondering about his life.
"Why does bad luck have to befall me? Why, oh why, did SHE have to come back, just when some semblance of normalcy has been taking place? WHY?" cried Adam as tears ran down his face.
Unknown Time
The Lunar Palace
"Sabrina of Eltar!" roared Lady Chaos. "I just KNEW she was behind ruining my plans! CURSE HER for bringing Dulcea and Ninjor in! At least she helped make a Ranger ripe for the picking."
"Ah, yes. How nice that my former henchwoman scared him off!" cackled Rita.
"Masters, I have gone back in time and secured a huge possession…I've retrieved the Dragonzord Coin!" roared Goldar.
"Excellent, Goldar! Everything is falling into place. Now, we wait for the time to strike. Soon, Kimberly's comrade, and our new Evil Green Ranger, will be born!"
"It's brilliant! We use him and Kimberly's anger against the Rangers, and destroy them! Tommy will never fight Kimberly, and Sabrina will NEVER fight Adam!" said Rita gleefully. "I say we strike NOW!"
No. We wait. Two weeks. By then, my plan to have Kimberly out of Pan-Globals will be complete, and she'll be on the run, and ripe for the picking. Then we snatch her and Adam, and have our own sorceress and warrior to deal with those Power Twerps. Then, we hit them hard and hit them good, and destroy them once and for all!"
At this, Rita and Zedd clapped gleefully and danced around in what appeared to be a conga line.
Coach Schmidt's Office
Pan-Global Gymnastics Complex
Tampa, FL
Gunthar Schmidt walked into his office satisfied, as he had begun the torture process in a very elementary way…by berating Kimberly even when she did well.
"The first part of the plan is complete," he muttered as he pulled out a tiny communications device that Lady Chaos had given him.
"Gunthar Schmidt to Lunar Palace…come in," said the coach.
"What do you have to report?" said the voice of Lady Chaos.
"The first day of torture is complete. It was elementary, but I berated Kimberly even when she did well. Actually she did very well today, but I did my job too."
"Very well. Increase your torture day by day. Keep up the good work. Lady Chaos out," she said and then the communication ended.
"You are mine, Kimberly, and there is nothing your little friends can do to save you," Coach Schmidt sneered.
TBC…