Disclaimer: Once again, don't own them or Sabrina, but wish I did. See Chapter 1 for that information.
Chapter 5: Return of Ooze
Wednesday, April 2
7:30 a.m. local time
The Power Chamber
Angel Grove, CA
In the Power Rangers Command Base, also known as the Power Chamber, Alpha 5 and Zordon had been mentally working on times where they could contact former Rangers Zack Taylor and Trini Kwan and get them to come home and provide some assistance. They'd decided it was almost time, but the nearing time for a return call to duty for both of them made the Eltarian inter-dimensional being go down Memory Lane for a few moments.
Zordon smiled when he thought of his first Yellow and Black Rangers.
'ZACHARY,' he thought. 'THE ONE WHO COULD ALWAYS KEEP THE POWER TEAM LOOSE IN TIGHT SITUATIONS,' he remembered fondly. He vividly recalled the day when, in the first couple of weeks after the first Rangers had gone on active duty, Zack had Alpha practice some dance moves. Of course, dancing was not Alpha's forte, and all efforts to be like the former Black Ranger in that regard were futile. He'd also recalled many times when Zack's creative streaks had bailed the Rangers out in many a battle, such as the battle with Rita's Nasty Knight. That was a battle where Zack could claim ultimate victory. It was his idea to reflect the Knight's energy back at him that had turned the tide of a seemingly lost battle and eventually helped his teammates win it.
Zordon's thoughts next shifted to his first holder of the Yellow Ranger powers.
'TRINI,' he thought. 'ALWAYS GRACEFUL AND SERENE, AND VERY HONORABLE. SHE WAS ALSO NEVER ONE TO BACK DOWN FROM A FIGHT.'
He thought of the times when the young Asian now in Switzerland had been challenged, first in her fear of heights, and also when Rita had sent her Mantis monster to challenge her kung fu skills. Yet she'd survived through both, and had always kept an even keel when in tight situations.
Presently, Sabrina walked into the Power Chamber's main room, having been summoned by her father. She had gone to Angel Grove Beach at sunrise because she loved the water and loved sunrises, and had decided to make plans to do a little swimming later in the day, but she'd come back when her father had asked for her.
"Is it time, Daddy?" she presently asked.
"YES, IT IS TIME. ALPHA, CONTACT TRINI AND ZACK IN SWITZERLAND AT ONCE," he replied. The Eltarian Wizard could say this knowing that he was safe from Lady Chaos' scanners. The night before, Sabrina and Ninjor had used their Ninja skills to create a invisibility force-field around the Power Chamber, much like Ninjor had done with Sabrina's residence.
4:30 p.m. local time
Geneva, Switzerland
Trini Kwan, first Yellow Ranger, presently sat in her room in Geneva, many, many miles from home, just wondering what was going on with the Ranger team, and in particular was a little bit irritated on this day.
She had, for a time, been very upset with Tommy when Kimberly, her long-time friend since early elementary school, had called her time and again with complaints that Tommy hadn't been calling her.
But then, she had heard from her former Red teammate, Jason, after he returned to Angel Grove, that Tommy had received a letter from Kimberly, though they both found it strange.
In a way, with her not as much of a part of the Ranger family as she had been before, she felt helpless to do anything about it even though she wanted to do something.
Her annoying attitude had been noted by her former Black teammate and friend, Zack Taylor, who had been around her throughout the day.
Presently, Zack said, "Hey, mind a few dances for a bit? You look like you could use some stress relieved."
"Thank you for the offer, Zack, but I'll pass," said Trini as calmly as she could muster.
"Are you sure you're OK?" said Zack. "To me, you seem just a bit paranoid. Kimmie's probably OK, and so is Tommy. They haven't lost yet, and they have our former mentor to guide them and who knows what else now?"
"Usually I share your optimism when it comes to our friends, but I don't like the vibes I'm getting," said Trini. "I mean, think about it. Kimberly supposedly writes Tommy a break-up note, and yet Kimberly's complaining that Tommy's not calling her. She's done it several times in the last few months. Something tells me someone's being manipulated, and I don't think I'd like what I'd find," she added.
"Yeah, I know what you mean," said Zack. It's a bit strange, but I'm sure they'll be fine." Just then, their communicators, which they'd always kept with them for novelty reasons, started beeping.
"Why, in the name of all that is good, would someone be calling us when we're off duty?" said Zack.
"Something tells me that this off-duty is about to end, and that I may get my answer," said Trini. "Let's go."
They made sure no one was around, and then raised their communicators. "Um, this is Zack here," said the former Black Ranger.
"ZACHARY, IT IS GREAT TO HEAR YOUR VOICE AGAIN. I JUST WISH IT WERE UNDER BETTER CIRCUMSTANCES," said their former mentor.
"Um, Zordon, why do I have the feeling something's wrong?" said Trini.
"THAT'S BECAUSE THERE ARE SOME THINGS SERIOUSLY WRONG AND YOU ARE NEEDED. WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO COME BACK HOME?"
"Any time, Zordon," said Zack. "We've kicked evil ass before and we can do so again."
"PREPARE FOR TELEPORTATION," said their mentor. In two flashes of white light, both of them disappeared from Switzerland. In a matter of minutes, they reappeared in their former home, now rebuilt.
Their faces then turned to smiles at the sight of their mentor.
"It's good to see you both again. I can't tell you how much I've missed you," Zack said
"WE HAVE MISSED YOU BOTH IMMENSELY. BUT ALPHA AND I ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES IN THE POWER CHAMBER AT THE MOMENT."
At that very moment, Sabrina stepped forward from her place in the back of the main room to say, "Hello, Rangers."
At this, Trini and Zack's eyes widened. They recognized the face as that of a former enemy, and yet Trini felt no threat coming from her this time.
"Um, you are who I think you were, right?" said the young Asian.
"Yes, Trini, I was, but that is not my true identity," said Sabrina. "I'm really Sabrina, your mentor's daughter. However, we don't have time to talk about that now. Things have been mighty hectic the last few days. Observe the viewing globe," she commanded as she pulled a picture of the Rangers' latest enemy up.
Some time afterwards, after hearing of their newest enemy, her plans, and Adam's departure, Trini and Zack both shook their heads.
"I've never known a Ranger to quit of his own free will," said Zack as he shook his head. "Man, that's just not right. We all forgave Tommy, after all, and Tommy welcomed Katherine to the team after she came free of being Rita's pawn."
"I agree," said Trini. "I want to find something to be mad at Sabrina about, but I just can't, especially if she winds up saving my best friend."
"Man, you all are against Adam, aren't you?" said Sabrina in shock. "You'll be surprised about this, but I don't blame him for what he did."
"Then who do you blame? Yourself?" said Trini.
"Yes. We shall talk about that in due time. But now there is much to do. After all, I didn't come here for a pleasure visit. I have a score to settle with my former bosses for ruining my life as I knew it, and I have a responsibility to the side of light to protect those in need. And above all else, by the time this is done, Tommy and Kimberly must be back together for all time. That relationship was prophesized and must be upheld at all costs," Sabrina said as she began to regain her composure; she had cried when she had begun speaking about her past.
At this the former Yellow and Black Rangers nodded their assent grimly and returned to the task at hand.
"Man, it just seems like it can't get any worse, can it? A nasty-ass witch is trying to warp Kimberly from the real world and split her from Tommy!" said Zack as he pounded his fist into his hand.
"Come on, Zack, calm down and quit living in the past," ordered Sabrina. "This villain does NOT play games. She will relentlessly pursue what she wants until she gets it, and she will try to obtain it by whatever means possible."
"Not having Adam hurts," said Zack. "Somebody needs to calm him down. Maybe I should go talk to him."
"Not so fast, Zack," said Sabrina. "Adam is still very upset as my arrival is still very fresh in his mind. Some of the current team has reported to me that Adam has been zoning out in school, and his performances in stunt show practices have diminished. It would be best if he had at least two more days to recover, and it would not be wise for him to take the Green mantle again."
"We can't wait that long," said Trini. "God only knows what this villain is planning. We need the team at full strength. One of us can take Adam's spot if necessary."
Unknown Time
The Lunar Palace
Indeed, Trini Kwan was correct, for they knew not what their enemy was planning. In the Moon Palace, Lady Chaos couldn't see what was going on in the Power Chamber because of the forcefield, but she could view Trini and Zack teleporting from Switzerland.
"Blast," grunted Lady Chaos in frustration. "So all of them have reported, eh? Well, that still won't be enough to help them. It is time for me to make plans to bring back the ultimate of all evils…my own uncle, Ivan Ooze. Those putrid Power Brats defeated him once before, but shall not prevail against him again."
With that, she walked away to her ship, and left the Moon Palace.
8:50 a.m.
Angel Grove High School
Angel Grove, CA
"OK, class, your five page paper is due on Friday," said Ms. Jill Appleby as she went over the assignment with her class. "Please remember to use proper grammar and spelling, or there will be points deducted. I would like to see Rocky DeSantos, Jason Scott, Tanya Sloan, Katherine Hillard, and Tommy Oliver as soon as class ends," said Ms. Appleby. As she finished, the bell rang.
"Class dismissed, except for those mentioned," said the likeable teacher.
"If trends are any indication, this doesn't sound good," said Tanya while she and the rest of the Rangers huddled up as the others filed out of the room, murmuring to each other.
As soon as the last student had filed out, the Rangers then met Ms. Appleby at her desk after she had closed the door.
"Um, is there anything wrong?" said Tommy. "And what about our next classes?"
"Do not worry, Tommy. I have passes made for each one of you should you be late to class. Make sure to pick them up as you leave. As far as there being something wrong, there is nothing wrong. I figure, however, that you should first know that I know of your identities as Power Rangers," she finished. At this, the Rangers looked at each other in shock.
"First off, we're not in any trouble, are we?" said Jason.
"On the contrary, Jason, I'm extremely proud of you all for putting your lives on the line for the safety of our city and planet. I have no idea how this city can ever repay you. By the way, I've promised myself not to tell anyone of your identities, since you guys had the habit of keeping your identities concealed. It annoys me at times, but in the end I feel that's a good thing. There would be tremendous amounts of media coverage in this city should the city's populace ever find out your identities, and that would be a negative for your team."
"That is good," said Rocky. "But does anyone else know of our identities in this school?"
"Yes. Mr. Caplan knows, and has known for a long time. He has also sworn to keep your secret."
"For how long?" said Jason.
"Ever since those evil twins attacked this school and city. He still regrets putting you in detention to this day," said Ms. Appleby.
"Oh, come on. I don't blame him. He could never have known that those were evil twins. We did what we were supposed to do, and that's what counts," said Jason.
"How long have you known?" asked Tommy.
"Since that time period as well. I happened to be walking downtown when your evil twins attacked. It was mayhem before you guys got there. I knew who you were because I recognized your voices."
"Leopards don't change their spots," said Kat. "But I sense there is something else behind this."
"Yes. It's Adam," said Ms. Appleby. "He's been quite depressed this entire week…even refusing to talk to me, and we are fairly close friends. Is there anything I can do, or is this Ranger business that must be handled in your circle?"
"I'm sorry, but there is nothing you can do," said Jason. "It's Ranger business, something we must handle ourselves. Oh, and there is something else you should know."
"What is it?"
"Our latest enemy is after Kimberly…it turns out that she was the one that split Kim from Tommy. If she comes back to Angel Grove at any time, do not hesitate to keep her safe if you can," said Jason. After Jason had finished saying this, Ms. Appleby couldn't have been more shocked if Goldar would have shown up with Rito.
"Thanks for notifying me. I was wondering what happened to them…after all, they have been voted as Angel Grove High's #1 couple for the last two years running. Take your passes, and you are dismissed," said Ms. Appleby as she shook her head in disbelief.
"Oh, and Tommy?" said Ms. Appleby.
"Yes?" said the current Red Ranger.
"I'm sorry for taking your communications device that one time. I kicked myself afterwards saying, 'you idiot, that's probably their communications device!'"
"Don't blame yourself. You tried to do what you were supposed to do," said Tommy.
"Also know that if there is ever any attack on the city during school hours, know that you'll have support from Mr. Caplan and myself to leave school if necessary. You should get to class now. I'll see some of you later today…as for the rest of you, I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, and Tommy, find a way to get Kimberly back. I mean it," said Ms. Appleby.
As the five Ranger teens filed out of the room, Tommy shook his head in disbelief.
"I don't believe this," he said. "She knows our identities?"
"You heard the woman," said Jason.
"So what do we do now?" said Kat.
"We tell Zordon the truth and nothing but the truth," said Tommy. "I'd rather tell him the truth and lose the Power that way than keep it bottled inside."
"I agree with Tommy. He should definitely know," said Rocky.
"Let's get to class in the meantime. Who knows what we've been missing," said Tanya.
Unknown Time
Lunar Palace
She'd just returned from her mission…to gather up the particles of her own uncle, whom she'd watch die a horrible death after an intense battle with the Rangers.
It was in part because of this death that she wanted revenge on Angel Grove's own heroes. She was about to watch her uncle take over the world, at which point he would have surely called her away from conquering another planet so they could rule the Earth forever.
And then, those 'teenaged brats' as she liked to call them, spoiled her uncle's plans and killed him.
Now, she was ready to bring him back along with the villains already in place, and with that army plus Kimberly and her own Evil Green Ranger, she was sure she could conquer Earth.
She sprayed some particles across what was left of the famed inter-galactic being, after which she began to chant a spell.
"Winds of evil, winds of bane. Help me with my latest game. With the newest arrival, I shall not lose. I summon thee, my uncle, IVAN OOZE!" she roared.
With her final words, the pieces of her deceased uncle began putting themselves back together. Within 10 minutes, the famed Ivan Ooze stood whole again, staring with wonderment at her niece.
"Um, niece…"he started.
"Yes, it's me. Welcome back, my uncle," she said.
"You're at the top of my favorites list for bringing me back after those miserable brats destroyed me," said Ooze. "And now that I am back, they shall pay!" he roared.
"Indeed. You, my uncle, shall be the final ingredient in my brilliant plan."
"And what would that be?"
"Come, and I shall explain," said Chaos as she and Ivan made their way to her quarters.
