A/N: See Chapters 1, 15 and 16 for information which doesn't belong to me.
A/N 2: I can't believe I've had 146 reviews for this story. That means a lot to me, as I didn't know how well this would do when I first put it out all the way back in October. To those who have been reviewing for every chapter, thank you.
Chapter 24-Begin Wild Sequence
Thursday, June 6, 1997
4:30 p.m.
Underground Power Chamber
Angel Grove, CA
More than two weeks had passed since Kimberly's last attack on the school, and yet the Rangers had not been attacked. Dulcea had told them rumors of Kimberly planning something big for graduation weekend, but she also stated that Kimberly had no clue of the plans in store for her by Lord Zedd...which was just as the Rangers liked it. Neither Kimberly nor the rest of the UAE had been informed of what Dark Specter had done to Kimberly's parents, or the rest of the Rangers, either.
With most of the parents dead, the Rangers had moved into the Chamber full-time to live. The only time they had left the Chamber was when they went to school or to the Youth Center. Otherwise, no one saw them.
Most of the Rangers, at this time, were amusing themselves with a game of flag football, save for Tommy, who had inexplicably stayed out of the game on that day.
And only Ninjor knew why.
Tommy had come to the Chamber right after school, and wordlessly gone to his room. He had not come out since that point.
Inside, the Ninja Master could hear Tommy crying out through their link.
'My brave and strong White Falcon,' thought Ninjor, his heart breaking for the Power Rangers' overall leader. A leader who had tried to gallantly rally his team against the one person that still mattered the most to him, but was finally facing the reality that this was a fight his team might not be able to win.
Ninjor knew differently, that evil could never win, that somehow, the Rangers would find a way through, but he also knew that Tommy was simply facing reality.
Wordlessly, he left for where Tommy was, Zordon simply staring after Ninjor, wondering what could be wrong.
Some time later, Ninjor arrived at where Tommy was, to find the Ranger leader simply crying full-blown tears.
Wordlessly, he walked over to the side of the bed where Tommy was, and said, "You know, I've never seen you this heartbroken...not even when Vile was around. Have you so little faith, after all you and your young friends have been through?"
Tommy's eyes locked with Ninjor's, and for the first time, Ninjor saw true fear in the one person who least exhibited it amongst the Rangers.
"Falcon," said Ninjor. "I truly understand how you feel, without the one person that matters to you most."
"I...I...can't...describe how this feels..." said Tommy. "I have never been more scared as a Ranger before or since, Ninjor. The one person who matters to me most, along with Zedd, could destroy us all."
"That's what they all want you to think, Falcon," said Ninjor. "You must take heart that there is still a chance."
"Ninjor, having to fight my girlfriend because she's become the sickest, most destructive, most twisted individual I have ever seen has been harder than anything I have ever had to do," said Tommy. "But I know I've had to do it because...because the safety of the planet is that much more important."
"And you've done a commendable job holding the team together through these trying times," said Ninjor. "And like I said, please take heart. If your plan truly works, then I am almost certain Kimberly will be back with us before long."
"I want that so much, Ninjor," said Tommy.
"And I want that for you, too," said Ninjor. "There is no doubt the two of you belong together. I knew it when I taught you the art of Ninja Powers. I want this for Sabrina, too. That woman has endured so much heartbreak, that beating Zedd would almost make it worthwhile."
"I want it for her, too," said Tommy. "She told me shortly after she came here that Zedd thinks she's weak-minded, that she's soft. From the time she came here until now...that's...that's one thing I know she isn't." Tommy sniffled as he said that last part.
"She is, mentally, one of the strongest women I have ever known, from any planet," said Ninjor. "She can think her way through any situation, and she's very mentally hardened by her past."
"I think Adam has been a big boost to her, too," said Tommy, as his crying finally stopped. "He's been stroking her ego for the last several weeks. She's also expressed a desire to win this fight for her planet."
"She would," said Ninjor. "I have close sources on Eltar that say that planet is ready to flat-out party should we free Kimberly and defeat Zedd."
"Not surprised," said Tommy. "I mean, she's Zordon's daughter."
"Are you feeling better, White Falcon?" said Ninjor.
"I am. Thank you, my friend," said Tommy.
Suddenly, an ominous voice filled the room.
"What's the matter, Ninja Nitwits?" said a taunting voice which he could hear inside his head...and Tommy knew that voice could only belong to one person.
Lord Zedd.
"A little bummed out that you're having to fight your precious Crane, White Falcon?" said Zedd, almost sneering.
"ZEDD!" said Tommy.
"She's beautiful, isn't she?" said Zedd, as he continued to taunt his accursed White Ranger enemy.
"Don't even start with me, Zedd!" said Tommy.
"Now, now, White Ranger," said Zedd. "We shouldn't get too angry. You broke her heart, after all."
"Shut your poor excuse for a mouth, you big, ugly tin can!" said Ninjor, raising his fists in anger. "We WILL defeat you and your alliance!"
"Zip it, Ninjor!" said Zedd. "Let's see how you react when your team has its powers revoked! Just remember, that in approximately 48 hours, your Rangers will become Power-less Rangers. Then...the universe...will be MINE!" said Zedd.
With that, Ninjor, having heard enough, closed and sealed the barrier which blocked Zedd from detecting what was going on in the Ninjetti Rangers' minds..
"Just letting him get even more overconfident than he already is," said Ninjor. "Then, we can really take him by surprise."
"It's risky, but, I like it," said Tommy. "How are we going to get her free of the spell, though?"
"I think your parents deaths should do it," said Ninjor. "When she hears that her mother has died, that should help quite a bit."
"Along with the fact that Zedd's been after her for so long," said Tommy. "She's going to need some mental therapy when this is over."
Lunar Palace
Unknown Time
Zedd was alone, sitting on his bed in his chambers, when he heard a knock at his chambers.
"Come in, Goldar," said Zedd as the winged monkey entered and bowed before his master.
"You summoned me, my Lord?" said Goldar.
"I did, Goldar," said Zedd. "Did you notice a letdown in the Ninja Rangers' links?"
"I did, my Lord," said Goldar. "Where are you going with this?"
"I found out," said Zedd, "that our accursed White Ranger has broken down because he doesn't have his precious Crane!"
At this, Goldar's lips formed into a smile.
"I assume you want me to be the one to kill him, my Lord?" said Goldar.
"Yes. After I marry Kimberly, Tommy will be yours to track down, and you may do what you wish with him."
"And without any sort of powers," said Goldar, "he will be ripe for the picking. When do we make our move?"
"48 hours, Goldar," said Zedd. "Oh, how I can't wait to take my precious Crane and get the hell out of here!"
7:00 p.m.
Abandoned Warehouse District
Downtown Angel Grove, CA
Dulcea, Master Warrior of the Ninjetti, had flown into downtown Angel Grove about an hour ago on a special mission. She'd gone to the Abandoned Warehouse District, where many battles had taken place over the last four years. The place was typically designated as "Monster Avenue."
Dulcea knew that even though the Rangers had many allies at their disposal, as well as several sets of Zords, that even this might not be enough...that they might need some extra help to get through this mission.
In specific, she was trying to do what was generally perceived as impossible...she was trying to revive five of Rita Repulsa's old monsters, and was trying to use the light and goodness of the Ninjetti to turn these creations into Ranger allies who the Rangers could count on.
She'd already gone out to the mountains to get some of the pieces to her puzzle which she needed, and they were now there with her.
Presently, she found the last piece which she needed amidst the rubble and junk which hadn't been cleaned out, and was ready to being using her magic. Dulcea raised her staff, and began chanting in an ancient language which would have been unfamiliar to anyone on Earth.
"Light of goodness, strength of the Ninjetti," began Dulcea, "revive these five long-deceased evil creations, and give them the strength, intelligence, and honor to destroy any evil creation which may come their way. Teach them all that is good and pure, and remain in their hearts forever."
This process went on for a taxing twenty minutes, mainly because even though the five monsters had been revived, Dulcea still had to suck every last ounce of the evil mindset which they had been taught out of them.
When she looked into their hearts and minds, and saw that this evil was completely gone, she stopped her magic and stood before these creatures, who were even now rising to their feet.
"Rise, reborn creatures, and claim your destinies," said Dulcea.
"What is it that you desire, Dulcea?" said one of the creatures, who looked like some sort of rhinoceros.
"Come with me, and I shall explain," said Dulcea as she and the five reborn monsters teleported out of town.
20 minutes later, the five reborn monsters sat with Dulcea in the desert outside Angel Grove, as Dulcea explained to them the current situation.
One of the former Ranger opponents sitting with Dulcea, who looked like some sort of female plant monster, suddenly spoke up.
"Did you just say that Lord Zedd desires the first Pink Power Ranger, and she's already evil?"
"That is correct, Octoplant," said Dulcea. "And if he succeeds in his quest, then the whole universe will be at his disposal."
"We can't, and we won't, let that happen," said the rhino monster. "She deserves a far better fate than being stuck with that tyrant for all eternity. He'll have more power than he knows what to do with if he weds Kimberly."
"So, what can we do?" said another monster, who looked like some kind of armadillo. "Rhinoblaster is right, but you know darn good and well the Rangers won't trust us."
"You wait, Soccadillo," said Dulcea. "We cannot press the action, for fear of our cover being blown. As for trust with the Rangers, do not worry about that. I have that covered."
"Dulcea," said another creature, who looked like some sort of woman in white robes, complete with a crystal on her forehead. "I think the Rangers' plan is brilliant. I, personally, never went face-to-face with Tommy, but he sounds like a very good battle general. But who's to say that Zedd won't come back and try to take over Earth in Serpentera? That thing's more powerful than any fleet of Zords they can muster."
"Hey, don't forget about me!" said a lizard monster who appeared ready to lift anything in sight. "I could lift that pathetic thing called Serpentera and fling it across these mountains in no time! That's just another toy for me to play with!"
At this, the circle of monsters broke into full-blown laughter.
"No wonder you were the jokester of all of Rita's creations, Lizzinator," said Madame Woe as she rolled her eyes at Lizzinator. "You and that current Red Ranger...what's his name...could run for comedian!"
When the laughter had died down, Dulcea spoke again.
"That is why I have recreated and recruited you five, Madame Woe," said Dulcea, "for in this case, you are to bring 'woe' to Zedd's plans. You will be, essentially, the last line of defense and will be fighting with the Rangers should we free Kimberly, and should Zedd return to try to take over Earth."
"Lord Zedd thought you five were weak when he banished Rita to her dumpster," said Dulcea. "In this case, you will prove him wrong, and save the planet you once attempted to destroy."
"Kind of ironic, isn't it?" said Octoplant, as she fiddled with one of her tentacles. "We tried to destroy them, and now we're going to be helping them from here on out."
"But, we must also do what's necessary to protect this planet," said Soccadillo. "You guys know all too well what will happen if that marriage goes through."
"For now, though," said Dulcea. "All you can do is stand by and wait. I'm not going to have you infiltrating the Palace while we have to go in there."
Same Time
Underground Power Chamber
Angel Grove, CA
"You summoned us, Tommy?" said Rocky.
"I did, Rock," said Tommy, as he motioned for the rest of the Rangers to sit down.
When all were seated, he spoke up again.
"I called you here because we need to council before we go into battle. Ninjor and I now know that in 48 hours is when Zedd is going to make his move."
"How do you know?" Rocky said.
"I'm sorry, Rock, but that's none of our concern. I wouldn't be trying to test Tommy at this point...these events have taken a toll on him," Sabrina said.
Tommy smiled...the Gold Ninjetti from Eltar was indeed everything he knew she was, and everything that Zordon had said about her.
"Thank you, Sabrina," said Tommy. "You just saved me a rant of about five minutes. Anyways, I don't need to tell you guys that the fate of the universe is at stake, more so than at any time since we became Rangers."
"I called you all here," said Tommy, "because I want to be sure we're on top of our game, so to speak, training wise."
"You mean, we're going to spar? With each other?" said Billy.
"Thank you for speaking in a normal language for once, Billy," said Tommy, "and the answer is yes, we are all going to go down into the workout center to spar. I don't need to tell you that one slip-up on this mission means the rest of the universe could be in danger. I want Justin with us too."
"Me? I can't take you guys in a sparring match!" said Justin.
"No, you probably couldn't," said Tommy, "but we also don't know whether Zedd is going to come back and try to take over Earth. You never know whether you'll have to defend yourself against his Putties or his monsters. I at least want you to have some lessons in case of emergency so you can defend yourself."
"OK. That's fair," said Justin.
Some time later, the 11 Rangers and Justin found themselves in the large arena, sparring with someone.
On one side, Justin and Rocky were going at it, as Rocky was trying to correct some of Justin's errors.
"No, no, no. Wait...stop," said Rocky. "Justin, my man, you got a hell of a kick, and you're quick for an 11 year-old, but ya got your footwork all wrong."
As Rocky tried to correct Justin's footwork, Adam was sparring with Jason, Sabrina had Tanya, Aisha was going against Trini, Tommy was going up against Zack (and trying to figure out what Zack would try next), and Katherine was sparring with Billy.
Presently, Tommy ducked one of Zack's spinning kicks, and, checking his watch, said in his best leader-voice, "STATIONS!" meaning it was time to rotate from one place to another. Tommy wanted his team to get as many different looks as they could get so they could be ready for anything come Saturday. They had nothing going on, after all...school was all over for them.
Having heard about the Rangers' family deaths, and wanting to give them the chance to focus on saving Kimberly, Mr. Caplan had simply given the Rangers their diplomas and had exempted them from finals earlier in the week.
As Adam moved to face Sabrina, she asked him regarding Tanya, "Just what in the hell did you teach that girl? My God, I thought that was never going to end!"
"Just mixed some of my Kung-Fu teaching with Tommy's teaching," said Adam as he shrugged. With that, the two began going at one another.
Jason was having the same thoughts as Sabrina as he faced Tanya. He'd been in trouble right from the outset, as Tanya's smooth movements and quickness were difficult for him to handle. He was wondering just what Adam had put in Tanya's Wheaties all this time.
Meanwhile, Zack was taking on Billy. Zack was finding him a lot more difficult to handle than in their earlier days as Rangers, in part because of constant work ethic as well as Dulcea and Ninjor's training.
"Man, Billy, you got yourself a meanstreak," said Zack. "I don't know where the HELL this came from, but you're a much better fighter than you were when I was wearing black."
Billy just shrugged and delivered another vicious kick, sending Zack sprawling to the ground. Zack simply shook his head as he pulled himself to his feet.
Out of sight, Archerina and Ninjor were watching the proceedings with interest.
"Tommy's already in lockdown mode," said Ninjor. "More than I've ever seen him, at least."
"One thing about Tommy that I learned," said Archerina, "is that he's got the ability to focus on what needs to be done, more so than any other Ranger on either team. Terrific battle general."
"He's dedicated his life to fighting evil," said Ninjor. "What Rita Repulsa did to him was give him a reason to fight any evil which may come his way. I saw into his heart and mind when we first met all those years ago. What happened while he was in Rita's service still weighs heavily on his mind."
"I'd heard for many years that he started as Rita Repulsa's evil Ranger, but I wasn't sure if that was true," said Archerina as she practiced with her bow and arrow. "I hope he winds up getting this Kimberly back."
Lunar Palace
Unknown Time
Lord Zedd, sitting in his throne, suddenly rose to attention.
"It is almost time," said Zedd, as he moved to make final preparations. "Time to take...my precious Crane."
At the same time, Dulcea moved in the shadows, and activated her magic.
"Rangers," she spoke softly through her magic, "The time has come. Do it now."
Saturday, June 8
10:00 a.m.
Somewhere near Angel Grove, CA
Moments later, Sabrina and Tommy were walking through the desert, simply talking about whatever they wanted to talk about. The two were without their communicators, as Sabrina had a telepathic link with her father, and the two didn't want to arouse suspicion in the Palace.
"How are you feeling after the sparring sessions the last two nights?" Sabrina said.
"I feel pretty good about them," said Tommy. "I think our team is ready for whatever challenges come its way."
"You and your teammates were born ready, Tommy," said the native Eltarian. "My father chose you to be Earth's defenders because, in part, he saw inside of all of you the need to help others."
"That's why we do what we do," said Tommy. "I have to ask you a question though. What did you reasonably hope for when you came back here to try to overthrow Lady Chaos' plot?"
"I was simply hoping that I could be your friends," said the Gold Ranger. "I knew you trusted me, but I didn't know about the other Rangers. I wasn't counting on all of you simultaneously to welcome me into your lives, nor was I expecting a second chance with Adam."
"That's one of the great things about being a Ranger," said Tommy. "It gives you a second chance to make things right."
Lunar Palace
As the Rangers' luck would have it, Kimberly was indeed checking out what the Rangers' situation was through Rita's telescope.
"Oh, yes! Talk about a golden opportunity! Two Rangers all alone, and without communicators! They can't call for backup, and it's the pair that Rita and Maligore want! TENGAS!" shouted Kimberly. "CAPTURE THEM, AND BRING THEM HERE, NOW!"
Somewhere near Angel Grove...
Sabrina and Tommy were still talking when, all of a sudden, they heard squawking behind them. The two spun around to face twenty of Rito Revolto's famed Tenga Warriors. Inside, they were barely able to conceal their delight. Their plan was working...so far.
"Ready?" said Tommy.
"Ready," said Sabrina.
"IT'S MORPHIN TIME!"
"WHITE RANGER POWER!"
"GOLD RANGER POWER!"
TBC...