A/N: See Chapters 1, 15 and 16 for info which does not belong to me.
Ch. 21: Secrets Revealed, Two Returnees
Friday, May 9
4:30 p.m. local time
Undeground Power Chamber
Angel Grove, CA
One hour after the beginning of the devastating fight with Kimberly's forces, Rangers, allies, and 12-year-old Justin Stewart touched down in the Power Chamber.
"Is he OK?" said Rocky.
"Yes," said the Gold Ninjetti. "He looks somewhat dizzy, but it looks like he's fine."
"Affirmative," said the Blue Senturion.
Meanwhile, Justin was looking around the main chamber, and he gasped.
'Man,' thought Justin, 'I LOVE computers and technology, but this is way out of my league.'
"DO NOT FEAR, YOUNG JUSTIN," came the voice of a man who had seen Justin's shellshocked look and attempted to restore some order.
"What the...who's there?" said Justin.
"Up there, Justin," said the Red Ninjetti, pointing at Zordon's tube.
"JUSTIN, I AM ZORDON OF ELTAR, MENTOR TO THE POWER RANGERS. YOU ARE IN OUR RECENTLY BUILT UNDERGROUND COMMAND BASE.
'Way too unbelievable to even fathom,' thought Justin. 'How am I to believe that I'm talking to the mentor of the local Rangers? There's GOT to be more to this than what I'm seeing now.'
Um, thanks," said Justin. "Pardon me if I'm just a bit shocked right now. What is there to this that I'm missing?"
"This," said the Red Ranger, as he began to unlatch his helmet. Justin would have fainted had Senturion not been there to catch him on the spot.
"Um...ROCKY?" said Justin, almost incredulously. "And how did this happen?"
"Um, yeah, it's me. And I'll explain everything in a minute. But first..." said Rocky, who nodded to his team as they unlatched their helmets...and the Turbo Rangers did the same.
"And who the hell are the rest of you? I don't even know most of you!" said Justin.
"You know me. I'm Zordon's daughter, Sabrina of Eltar...it's nice to meet you." said the Gold Ranger, who nodded towards Tommy.
"Tommy Oliver," said the White Ranger. "I'm the leader of this group." As he said this, he nodded towards the Black Ranger.
"Adam Park. I understand your shock, but hang in there." With that, Adam nodded towards Billy.
"Billy Cranston," said the technical advisor to the Rangers. He then looked towards Aisha.
"Aisha Campbell," said the young African-American. With that, everyone turned their attention to the Turbo Rangers.
"Zack Taylor, leader of the Turbo Rangers, and first Black Ranger," said Red Turbo as he extended his hand.
"David Trueheart. I'm Tommy's brother," said David.
"Trini Kwan. I was the Yellow Ranger before Aisha was," said Trini.
"Tanya Sloan. Don't worry, Justin...we'll make you all feel comfortable," said Tanya.
"Kat Hillard," said Katherine.
"I am Ninjor! Keeper of the Temple of Ninja Powers! It's a pleasure to meet you, young Justin."
"Auric the Conqueror, defender of all that is good and true!"
"Archerina, formerly of the Machine Empire."
"I am Prince Dex of Edenoi...also called the Masked Rider."
"Sarah of Eltar. I'm his wife," she said, pointing to Zordon's tube.
"Dimitria of Inquiris," said Dimitria, white veil and all.
"We," said Delphine, "are the Alien Rangers of Aquitar. I am Delphine, the White Ranger and leader. These are my teammates...Corcus, Cestro, Tideus and Aurico."
"And I am Prince Trey of Triforia, holder of Triforia's Golden Powers," said Prince Trey, as he came out of the shadows.
"YOU WERE BROUGHT HERE, JUSTIN, IN PART BECAUSE WE FOUND OUT FROM OUR SPIES ON THE MOON THAT THE FORCE WE FACE IS TARGETING YOU," said Zordon. At this, Justin nodded.
"Because they're trying to turn me against the Rangers," said Justin. "I don't get it. Why would they think a 12 year old kid would be able to beat a bunch of 17 or 18 year old veterans who make a daily habit of beating the tar out of the next piece of scrap metal that comes down to Earth?"
At this, the Rangers all burst out laughing uncontrollably.
"Oh...My...God," said Adam as he just rolled on the floor. "Leave it to a 12 year old kid to speak the truth."
"Hey, I didn't mean for it to be funny," said Justin. "I'm just speaking my mind."
"I know you didn't, Justin," said Kat, "but it's just that it came off as funny. But it's also very true."
"By the way," said Justin, "you can count on me with your little secrecy policy. I owe you that much for you potentially saving me from having my mind warped into Bolivia," said Justin. "You guys might wind up being all that I have, so if I betray the trust Rocky has in me, I have nothing."
"Our team is becoming a lot like that," said Tanya. "You'll be right at home...all we have left is each other. The fight against the force we are facing is proving to be quite difficult."
"Yeah," said Tommy. "I never thought my girlfriend could wind up being one of the most twisted, sick individuals I've ever seen."
"That girl in that black dress?" said Justin. "Yeah, she looked pretty freaking mean, all right."
"She was a Ranger, just like the rest of us, Justin," said Billy. "She was Earth's first Pink Ranger, and she's the only woman Tommy's ever truly been tied to."
At this, Justin gasped.
"Oh man, Tommy, I did so not mean to make a comment like that," said Justin. "This just has to be killing you right now."
"It's cool, man. Don't worry about it," said Tommy. "A lot of this is new to you...it will take some time getting used to. We also didn't bring you here for no reason."
"We understand you're some kind of supergenius, especially with regards to technology," said Billy, "and we were hoping you could help us here."
"Guys, I'm good with computers, but this is out of my league," said Justin. "There's no way I'd be of any help with advanced computers such as these."
"It might be out of your league now, but if I help, it might not be for long," said Billy. "Sabrina, here, can also help you. She is VERY good with technology and inventions."
"We also feel," said Rocky, "and I, too, feel this way...that you need some people to turn to. I've told you before that it was sad how you were sent to that shelter. I know most of us are closer to 18 than your age, but we'd make you feel at home here. This may be the closest thing you ever get to a family. Would you like that?"
Justin nodded solemnly before saying, "Yes."
"Good," Sabrina said, nodding towards him. "Why don't you go get cleaned up? I'm putting you on the fifth floor, right below where my quarters were until recently. Could somebody show him up that way?"
"I'll show him," said Blue Senturion. "Come with me."
"The rest of you, stay here," said Sabrina. "I'd rather we all sit down. We have much to discuss regarding Kimberly and Zedd thanks to our spies at the Moon Palace."
Once everyone was seated at the couch near the large center television, Tommy was the first to speak.
"OK, so what do you have?"
"Actually, I was given this information from Squatt and Baboo," said Sabrina. The rest of the team nodded...they'd heard about the "defection" of Squatt and Baboo to the Rangers side, for this battle at least.
"They tell me Zedd has set a target date for when he wants to take Kimberly," said Sabrina.
"Which is?" said Tommy.
"Your graduation day." At this, Tommy nodded.
"I'm really not surprised," said Tommy. "Zedd's always been that type. On what's supposed to be our happiest day of our lives, he plans on breaking our hearts."
"That helps quite a bit to know when he's setting this up," said Aisha, "but that still leaves the problem of knowing precisely when to spring the trap."
"I know what you mean," said Adam. "If we go too soon, or too late, that could prove to be costly."
"And how in the world is he going to get her on his side?" said Rocky.
"Squatt and Baboo told me Jason spied on Zedd and Goldar, and saw that contraption. Jason says that Zedd fully believes this machine will devote her entirely to his cuase," said Sabrina, as she ran a hand through her hair.
"So, for once, we know Zedd can actually do this this time, if his machine works," said Trini. "This is not good. If Jason, Squatt or Baboo messes up, we are going to be in serious trouble. We're going to need some more help."
"Leave that to me, Rangers," said a familiar voice from the back of the room.
"Who's there?" said Tommy.
"Calm down, White Falcon. It's only me," said the familiar female voice, as the woman whom the six Ninjetti had known from long ago stepped out of the shadows.
"Dulcea!" said Tommy.
"We did not expect you to come back this early, Dulcea," said Billy.
"I'm coming back because I have some more revelations for you all, and because I am needed," said Dulcea.
"What about the house?" said Sabrina.
"The house is in good hands, Golden Cougar," said Dulcea. "I have left it in good care, and plus there is a heavy cloaking shield on the residence. Now, I believe there are some things you all need to know. Mind if I sit down?"
"Go ahead," said Tommy. "I'll make room."
"I thank you, White Falcon," said the tall, lanky warrior as she sat down next to Tommy.
"You know," said Dulcea, "if you weren't destined to be with your Pink Crane, you look..."
Dulcea suddenly stopped as Tommy shot her a glare, which earned him a laugh from the group of Rangers that were there.
"I swear, Tommy, you get so worked up about Kimberly!" said Rocky. "We're going to get her out of there!"
"I'm afraid it may not be that easy, Red Ape," said Dulcea sadly. "I like your plan, but I'm afraid that those in the Palace will catch on to our plan before too long."
"Which is why you want Jason out of there," said Aisha.
"Correct, Yellow Bear," said Dulcea. "I do not know how long he can keep up his guise."
"How in the world are we to know what's going up there if we don't have our spy?" said Adam.
"You forget, Dulcea can transform into her spirit animal," said Sabrina. "And we have Squatt and Baboo."
"Don't tell me you're thinking of walking into that snakepit!" said Trini.
"Trini, I hate it too, but it may be our only chance," said Zack. "Jason's good, but they'll catch on to his crap sooner or later. We gotta get him out of there."
"Zackary is correct," said Dulcea. "I also would like to purify Squatt and Baboo, and give them the freedom they deserve. We will keep them as spies, but after we win, they shall be free."
"I agree with that, and I think Jason's been wise to use them in his plan," said Tommy. "I could never figure out why Zedd especially didn't use them more."
"Because they think that Squatt and Baboo are incompetent," said Sabrina. "The UAE prefers battle generals such as Goldar, and previously, myself, not the ones like Squatt and Baboo who aren't battle generals."
"Correct," said Dulcea. "Sabrina, you were also wise to bring Justin here. I hate to say it, but it was the only way this was going to work. They were goign to keep targeting him, and you were going to have a tough time keeping your identities concealed while you were trying to protect him. He also has a home now."
"Yeah, but this is a lot for him to handle," said Rocky. "I'm close with him, and I'm afraid this is going to blow his mind!"
"It will, Red Ape," said Dulcea, "but he's still going to be a target now. He will settle down...he's already realized the gravity of the situation."
"What about Jason?" said Adam. "I hope he hasn't revealed too much."
"He's done a great job, but if we don't get him out of there soon..."
"That's why we're going to get him out of there now," said Dulcea. "I will see Justin, and then rest for a couple hours, but after that, I will fly to the Moon Palace, and give Jason his freedom. You'll need him, and the power of the mighty DragonZord, in the future."
At the mention of his former Zord, Tommy smiled.
"Man, it's been so long since I've seen that Zord," said Tommy. "But I know I can trust Jason with it."
"So you're the one that's going to tell us when to spring the trap, huh?" said Adam.
"Yes. They will not notice me...for one thing, I am Ninjetti, so I have the ability to cloak myself, and for another, I will be in my animal form. Most, if not all in that palace, do not know of my animal form."
"And when the time is right," said Dulcea, "I will use my magic to come to you in a vision. Then, you will spring your trap and we will free Kimberly."
"I sense another reason you're here," said Aisha.
"The other reason is," Dulcea continued, "I consider the six of you who received powers from me on Phaedos my surrogate children. You were more than worthy of those powers. I do not want to see you have these powers revoked."
"We're here for you too, Dulcea," said Tommy. "If not for you, Ivan Ooze would be rampaging around Earth right now."
"I think someone should go see Justin," said Rocky. "I'm kind of concerned about him right now."
"I will go," said Dulcea. "Justin does need someone with him right now. You Rangers should get some rest."
"I agree," said Sabrina. "Let's get to the Youth Center."
The Youth Center
5:00 p.m.
The Rangers were all engrossed in their activities at the Youth Center 30 minutes later. There was to be a concert there that night, so the Rangers had decided to catch up on exercising and then would head out later befor the concert.
On one side of the room, Adam and Rocky were weightlifting. Rocky had always been the stronger man, but Adam had been getting stronger through the years, and was fast catching up.
Aisha, Trini, Tanya and Katherine were at table, sipping smoothies and talking about what they might like to do at the mall that weekend.
Billy was with Zack, still catching up on old times. Zack was never hesitant to talk about his days in Switzerland, some of which he considered the best times of his life. Zack was also teaching nearby David some subtle footwork for dance moves.
And then there was the event over on the mats.
Tommy had asked Sabrina to spar with him, which had flattered her, so the two former rivals were currently on the mats, going at it. Both were excellent fighters and martial artists (though Sabrina had learned a style which was totally foreign to Tommy), which quickly became evident as a crowd was drawing to watch the two go at it. The two were flipping, kicking, dancing and punching in a way that was intoxicatingly attractive. She had speed and athleticism on her side, but Tommy was taller, almost as fast, and had raw power. Even now, some of the Ranger men were coming to the mats to watch the developments.
"You know, I always wondered after Tommy became the Green Ranger," muttered Zack, "how he'd have done against her. Well, I'd say they're pretty evenly matched!"
"I'll say," said Adam quietly. "Until I watched some of her movements in the park a couple of weeks ago, I had forgotten how great a fighter she is. She'd be a tough matchup for anyone."
"What I like about her," said Billy, "is that she did not cry, did not make excuses when she came back...just has done what she's needed to do. Without her, guys, we may already have lost."
"You're right, Billy-man," said Zack. "If we win this, she's going to be a big reason why."
"I don't know about you, but I need a shower. What do you say, Rocky?" said Adam.
"Me too. Let's go," said Rocky as the two headed for the locker room.
Fifth Floor, Underground Chamber
6:00 p.m.
Justin stared in a mirror in his new quarters, combing his hair, wondering just how the previous sequence of events happened.
'How in the world did Rocky wind up being a Power Ranger?' thought Justin. 'I wish someone would fill me in on what the hell's going on here, and why these goons who attack the city have to be so low!'
He was pondering this so hard that he didn't even notice the person who had come up behind him.
"Thinking much, young one?" said a feminine voice.
Whipping his head around from the mirror, he found himself standing before a feminine figure who was at least a foot, and possibly a foot and a half taller than he was.
He found himself gawking as he asked, "Um, who are you?"
"A friend," she said as she took his small form into her arms. "Come, please, sit down. Make yourself comfortable. This is your bed, you know."
As soon as both were seated on the bed, Justin turned to face the woman, who said, "I am Dulcea, Master Warrior of the Planet Phaedos, and keeper of the Ninjetti Power. This is the power source that envelops six of the Rangers you met today, including Rocky."
"I'm just trying to get myself under control and not asking too many questions," said Justin. "I still can't believe Rocky is a Power Ranger."
"Don't be afraid to ask questions," said Dulcea. "An extremely young mind such as yours is bound to be curious, and I think it extremely sad that you went to that shelter home."
"Yeah, it's not something I'll ever forget," said Justin. "How did this whole Ranger thing start. What was his name-Zordon-was he the one that started it?"
"Yes," said Dulcea. "The first being that attempted to take over Earth, Rita Repulsa, had trapped Zordon in a time warp in what was then the Command Center, directly above us. In the year 1993, she attempted to take over Earth, and Zordon called on five people to stop her."
For the majority of the next hour, Dulcea told the young boy of Zordon's long fight against Rita, and how he'd called upon those original five Rangers, all those years ago, to stop her. She proceeded to tell him of how Tommy had joined the team, of how he'd lost his powers and retrieved them again, then of how Lord Zedd came and stripped Tommy of his Green powers for good, and how he'd tried to make Kimberly his evil queen.
She next told of how Tommy had come back as the White Ranger, then of how Rocky, Adam and Aisha had become involved with the Rangers, and eventually became Rangers themselves. Also, she spoke of Zedd and Rita's marriage, followed by the invasion of Rito Revolto and the destruction of the Rangers' Zords and powers.
She next spoke of the coming of Ivan Ooze, and how he had forced the Rangers to Phaedos, and their time with her lifelong friend Ninjor.
She continued the Rangers' chronology through the Zeo era against the Machines, and to the current time and the fight they were facing, as well as the origins of Sabrina, and how she, who had served both evil and good, was trying to topple Lady Chaos and her forces.
"So...let me get this straight...Kimberly's not evil, and Jason's not either," said Justin.
"This is correct, Justin," said Dulcea. "It is really Lady Chaos, as well as Lord Zedd, whom we must free Kimberly from."
"Do you mind if I sleep in peace, Dulcea? I think I need a night to get this information straight."
"Not at all. I need to go too. I'm going to free Jason," said Dulcea. "Sleep well, young one."
With that, the Master Warrior left the room, transformed into a small white owl, and flew towards the Moon Palace.
Moon Palace
Unknown Time
"Man, this body needs some rest," said Jason to himself. He'd just come out of a bath in the hot springs near the palace, and was ready to get in and sleep for hours.
"What if you could rest back on Earth...tonight?" said a familiar voice from behind him.
"Dulcea," he said, smiling, as he turned around.
"Hello, Jason," she said as she pulled him into a massive hug.
"So, you mean, I can go back and see my friends, now?" said Jason.
"You can indeed. I'm going to take your place," said Dulcea. "You did a wonderful job here Jason, but I think your services would be best on Earth."
"I agree...and I think you can keep up our surprise better than I can. But before I go, I think I should morph, and destroy the sword so nobody will know anything. Besides, I already have my dagger, and the DragonZord," said Jason.
"It's Morphin Time!" shouted Jason. "Dragonzord!"
Instantly, Jason stood as the Green Ranger, and drew his sword.
"Sorry, buddy," said Jason, "but I gotta do this. It's been fun. I'm sorry you never had a reason to fight for good." With that, Jason tossed the sword on the ground, fired a beam from his Dragon Dagger, and destroyed it.
"Power Down!" said Jason, who immediately stood in his regular clothing.
"I'm creating a portal that will allow you to teleport right to where Justin is staying," said Dulcea. "Would you stay with him for the night? Rocky's parents needed him, and no one else is there."
"I will," said Jason. "Beam me up."
In mere moments, the portal appeared.
"Goodbye, Master Warrior," said Jason. "I hope we see each other soon."
"Farewell, Jason Scott of Earth," said Dulcea. "May the Power protect you."
With that, Jason stepped through the portal...and to his freedom.
Dulcea secured the portal with her magic, changed into her animal form, and flew off to the throne room...waiting for her chance to purify Squatt and Baboo.
TBC...