Disclaimer: I do not own Power Rangers, Saban does. I own all characters, events, and places not found in Dino Thunder.
Chapter 7: Downfall of Red and Green
Kira didn't know how it happened, but she found herself in a battle with a group of Tyrannodrones while Krista was fighting Dr. Oliver and Ethan. Eric was lying very still, having already lost his morph. She could see a small pool of blood forming near his head. The Zords had been destroyed, she knew. She saw parts of them lying close to the battlefield, not far from where Conner was slowly advancing on her. Kira finished off the last of the Tyrannodrones, but saw Conner casually approaching with the Saber drawn in one hand, and the Tyranno Dagger in the other. With no words exchanged, Conner attacked. Kira put up a valiant battle, but was no match for the Red Ranger, who knocked her down. Her morph was lost as her head hit a jagged rock, and her vision became blurry. She saw Ethan and Dr. Oliver had just been killed by Krista, who stood by and watched as Conner came up on Kira, drawing his Saber above his head.
"Conner! Don't do it!"
"I must!"
Conner brought the Saber down rapidly towards her heart, and Kira could only hope her demise was quick.
"Nooooooo!"
Kira woke up screaming. Her breathing was erratic, and her heart was beating rapidly.
"Just a nightmare, Kira. It was just a nightmare. But what if it wasn't?"
Her thoughts were disrupted as her door flew open and her parents scrambled into her room. Her mother wrapped her arms around Kira, who immediately broke down and gripped her mother as if afraid she was still dreaming.
"Kira? Honey, what happened," her father asked as he put a calming hand on her back.
"I…I saw the Power Rangers being slaughtered. They didn't stand a chance! They were cut down without mercy!" Kira became unintelligible after that, as her mother tightened her grip on the young songstress.
"Kira, listen to me," her father stated soothingly. "It didn't happen. It was just a very bad dream. The Power Rangers are fine."
"Your father is right. We know the Rangers are fine, because you are fine. You're hurt, but still fine."
Kira picked her head up and looked at her mother. "What?"
Her father softly chuckled. "Kira, we're not stupid. We know you're the Yellow Ranger."
"B-but I'm not a Power Ranger. How can I be?"
"Kira, please look at us." She followed her mother's instruction. "You didn't have to tell us. We grew up in Angel Grove, and saw the first Power Ranger teams in action. We eventually learned what signs to look for, and you and your new friends Ethan and Eric exhibit them."
Her father nodded. "That's right. You take on a greater affinity for your Ranger color and can't seem to live without having something in your color displayed. You start developing close bonds with new people, people you may have not even considered hanging out with one time. You start wearing a piece of equipment or "jewelry" on your wrist that looks nothing anyone has ever seen. You come home with injuries and try to cover them up, and you are constantly exhausted, falling asleep in class or at home when you're working on something. These are all signs that someone is a Ranger."
Kira frowned as she listened to her parents. Had she really fallen into the pitfalls that come with being a Ranger? She couldn't argue her parent's logic, as Dr. Oliver once described the signs. Her parents didn't seem to mind at all.
Kira sighed. "Yes, I'm the Yellow Ranger. But I couldn't tell you! Even now, it's dangerous for you to know!"
"We know, Kira," her mother exclaimed. "We understand why you're not allowed to tell anyone, and we promise not to say anything."
"But we do insist that you be careful," her father added. "You're our only child, and your job is probably the world's most dangerous, and certainly least thankful. It always seems like someone's trying to uncover the identities of the Rangers, or blames them for all the problems they face. Be wary of government entities," he finished. "Even if they are benevolent for the most part, there are certainly shadow groups, or fringe elements within agencies, that act against US interests and law. Please be careful."
"I will. Thanks for understanding."
"No problem. Now go get cleaned up, and be sure to tell your teammates of your dream. Perhaps it's a warning of some kind, and you can be alert for anything out of the ordinary," her mother finished. Kira nodded and headed into the bathroom.
As soon as the water was turned on to the shower, the smiles dropped. "Do you think we did the right thing by saying all that? We both know there are people after them. We can only do so much to protect her from the government, even if it's a group that's not even officially recognized."
Kira's father groaned. "I know what you mean. If we have to run and go underground, we will. I won't let those creeps take my daughter. They have enough weapons as it as; Hell, the problem is they have too many weapons! They can go without the newest toys for a change."
"They won't let up, you know. If they were to discover that Kira's a Ranger…"
"It's not ideal, but I do have something ready in case that happens. I just hope it'll be enough, because after that, I haven't a clue what to do."
While Kira's parents were talking, Kira was taking a shower, and listening to her parents' every word. They didn't realize that being a Ranger enhanced all their senses. Hearing her parents' talk both soothed her and made her very nervous. She never even thought of the government going after her.
"What are we going to do? We can't let them learn our secrets! I have to tell Dr. O!"
Kira quickly finished her shower and changed. She couldn't enjoy the shower after hearing that. She was just glad today was Saturday, and she got her homework finished.
"Now all I have to worry about is homicidal Rangers, and the government coming after me! Great!"
After grabbing something quick to eat, she called Tommy and asked if she could meet him and the others, all the others. Tommy could hear the anxiety in her voice, and quickly agreed. They were meeting at his place, anyway. So bringing in his current teammates wouldn't be an inconvenience. He told her to be there at 1130, and the others should be there. She thanked him and continued work on a report she had due in her history class. At 1045, she headed downstairs and was about to leave, when her father pulled her aside and gave her a strange device.
"This is a scrambling device. If there are any bugs, this will prohibit anyone from eavesdropping. I may simply be acting overcautious here, but it can't hurt to be cautious."
Kira nodded, her parents' conversation fresh on her mind. She pocketed the device and said goodbye to her parents and drove to Tommy's place.
Command Center
Kira entered the Command Center and saw the others were present, as she had requested. Tommy initiated a sweep of the grounds and found nothing out of the ordinary. The Yellow Ranger held up the scrambling device, and Tommy nodded, not saying anything until it was active. Given what he and Hayley had uncovered lately, he thought a scrambling device prudent. He took the device from Kira and activated it.
"OK, it's safe to talk now."
"Paranoid much, Tommy," Jason asked.
"Not at all. I've confirmed what I've long suspected. You won't like it at all. But first, Kira asked everyone to be here for a reason. Kira?"
Kira took a deep breath and told the Rangers, current and former, of her nightmare. Nobody spoke for some time, and eventually Eric broke the silent.
"OK, that's really creepy. But it was just a nightmare, right? You don't think there's more to it than that, do you?"
"Don't be so quick to dismiss it, Eric. There could be any number of reasons she had that dream. Stress could be one. But there are a number of different mental abilities that aren't understood, and any of them could hypothetically account for her dream. Prescience, or clairvoyance, as some consider it, is one of them. Or maybe it was someone trying to send a warning, and could only do so while the mind was resting. Anything's possible, and as Rangers, it's our duty to take such possibilities into account," Tommy said.
Billy nodded. "Your Uncle's right. Telepathy has been proven to exist, and my wife's people has that power."
"OK, so it could be a warning?"
"Perhaps. Either way, we need to be careful. And on that note, I believe I've come up with a solution to the Saber of Destruction problem. My contact is standing by, ready to free Krista from her prison."
The Dino teens were elated at that news. They were tired of getting their asses kicked, even though they knew Conner and Krista weren't to blame for their predicament. Kira eventually sobered up.
"There's something else, though. While I was taking a shower, I overheard my parents talking about something disturbing."
Tommy warily glanced at the Yellow Ranger. "What would that be?"
Kira took a deep breath. "Well, before I went into the bathroom, Dad was telling me to not trust the government, saying that they may be benevolent for the most part, but that there are fringe groups trying to find out who we are. And then when I was taking my shower, my parents were talking about us going underground if the government were to pursue me. He also said he doesn't know what to do if that doesn't work. They thought I couldn't hear them. They were wrong."
Ethan and Eric exchanged worried looks. Like Kira, they too hadn't considered their own government pursuing them. But it made sense, now that they gave it further consideration. Even the more than a decade old Thunder Zord technology was still centuries ahead of anything any Earth government had. It only made sense that the governments would try to unlock the secrets of Ranger technology, as Lightspeed Rescue's technology didn't even approach that of the Mighty Morphin' era. It was enough to get the job done, but still did not pass muster when compared to true Ranger technology.
Tommy sighed. "The fact that your parents know you're a Ranger complicates matters.
"I didn't tell them, I swear! They found out on their own."
"I know. All of you take your duties very seriously, and I'm proud of you for it. Unfortunately as Rangers, we fall into a set pattern. And Angel Grove residents learned to spot it from a mile away. So it doesn't surprise me your parents put it together. Once my parents had observed the first five long enough, they quickly spotted that pattern in me, as well. Just be careful.
Anyway, your parents are right to be afraid. In fact, part of the reason why I chose Reefside rather than simply return to Angel Grove was due in no small part to what your parents fear so much."
Kira became even more focused at that. "So, this might actually happen? The government, our own government, could come after us?"
"The government itself, maybe not. A fringe group working with the consent of the government and with ties to it, probably. Hints of this came to my attention while I was on the island."
"That reminds me, what were you doing on that island? And why didn't we hear anything from you after the disaster? Do you have any idea how long we searched for you," Rocky asked.
"OK, first off, I was doing simple research and construction on the island. Yes, it was controversial, but nothing nefarious."
"Then what of those things running around, those robots," Jason pressed.
"The Tyrannodrones weren't supposed to behave like that. They weren't supposed to be violent at all. They were built so we could learn more about how dinosaurs reacted to their environment, and their daily activities. That's it. Then Mesogog came onto the scene. He obviously tampered with their programming, because they tried to kidnap me as soon as Mesogog showed up. It galled me how my own research and creations were used, and are still being used, in such a barbaric way. It was supposed to help better mankind, rather than help try to wipe it out!"
Jason's jaw dropped. "All this was your fault, in other words?"
Emily elbowed Jason hard in the ribs. "Pay attention," she hissed. "No, it was not his fault. Didn't you clearly hear him say that their programming was altered?"
"Why build the damn things in the first place?!"
"Jason, do you consider yourself a scientist," Billy asked.
"No. I consider myself a healer above all things. I'll leave the pure research stuff to you, Hayley, and Tommy."
"Then you can't understand. Science is inherently risky. We push the boundaries of knowledge and understanding everyday by experimenting. And yes, that does mean sometimes taking risks. But there are numerous protocols set up to limit the possible damage. What happened was an unforeseen variable, and it set in motion a domino effect. The fact that the incident happened on a remote island in the Pacific shows that they took precautions to limit the damage their experiments could have. But sometimes, things simply happen, things we can't take into account, for various reasons. Early research into applications of uranium leaps to mind. There was no malice on Tommy's part. He was a scientist who took a risk to further knowledge. And, he's working to stop the entity responsible for the disaster. So get over yourself."
"Thank you, Billy." Billy nodded.
"May we get back to the topic? We've gone far off course with this bickering," Zack said. "Please continue, Tommy."
"While on the island, I heard some unsettling rumors about a supposed weapons program in effect. Knowing certain factions have tried to pilfer Ranger technology in the past, I knew that my research could be used for less than honorable applications. So to limit the chance of this happening, I made it so only myself and the head researcher and sponsor of the project, a friend by the name of Dr. Anton Mercer, had access to my research. It wasn't that I didn't trust the others on the island; in fact they were good friends, for the most part. But the idea that technology I pioneered could be weaponized was enough to make my stomach churn. My guess is that if they couldn't get their hands on Ranger technology, why not go for the next best thing?"
"So you believe your Tyrannodrones was it?" At Emily's question, Tommy nodded. "Yes, you believe your Tyrannodrones were in danger of becoming the government's newest toys?"
"I did. Ironically, they did become weapons, but for someone, or rather something, that I never took into account. And why would I? I thought the Ranger life was finally behind me, so why consider something like this happening? Guess I learned the hard way that I can't truly escape the Ranger life."
Billy shook his head. "Don't go down that road, my friend. It's as you said: You thought all this was behind you. There was no reason to consider something like being a variable in your plans. But I must ask, though: When did you start building your fleet of Zords? They are most impressive."
"Thanks, but don't compliment just me. Hayley was of tremendous help in that area. There's no way I would've completed it in the time we did had it been just me. Not without raising a few eyebrows from the wrong parties, of course. I started construction when I learned that plans to use my technology to gain an advantage over others were in the works. To this day, I still don't know who all the players are. I have some pieces of the puzzle, but not enough to say who all is involved. I do have enough to be worried. Quite worried, in fact. And with Kira's parents throwing in their concerns, I have to wonder when they're going to make their move, either on my technology, Ranger technology, or all the above."
The room became very quiet once more. Rocky broke the silence, being uncharacteristically serious.
"Has anyone tried it before? Take Ranger technology, I mean?"
Tommy nodded. "That is a certainty. The government tried to claim the destroyed Thunder Zords. Fortunately for us, there was a failsafe embedded in the Zords that prohibited this. Anyone not touched by the Power can't touch Zord technology. If they try, the Zords initiate a program that has the Zords vaporize themselves. I imagine the government was quite irked when that happened."
Billy took over. "That is why I wasn't worried about the destroyed Zords when we had to leave to claim the Ninjetti power. I knew about the failsafe, and so did Tommy. So neither of us were surprised when the Zords were gone upon our return, with no trace of their having been there."
Rocky and Aisha frowned. "How did you know about it? Billy I could see, but you," Aisha asked.
"Ever notice how I paid close attention to Billy when he spoke of his creations? I may not have understood it all at the time, but I paid attention. It paid off, as I started to recognize the difference between regular equipment and failsafes. I even performed maintenance on the Zords, and started to build my own robots later on."
Rocky had a glazed look, and snapped back to the conversation. "Actually, I do remember that, now that you mention it. I was just remembering how you went over the Red Battlezord with pretty much a fine -toothed comb after that whole sabotage deal when Billy had his aging problem. No offense, Billy," he quickly added.
Billy shrugged. "None taken. It was actually somewhat of a blessing in disguise, as I met Cestria because of it. And as you can see, we're still together."
The Human appearing Cestria smiled at that, her black hair shimmering in the light.
"Didn't she have brown hair when you went to Aquitar, Billy?"
Billy nodded at Aisha's question. "She did, but the color change was part of her metamorphosis when she received the enchanted bracelet allowing her to take Human form."
"In other words," Jason said, bringing the conversation back to Tommy, "you didn't become a super genius like Billy overnight. You had to work at it."
Tommy frowned. "Super genius? I may have a genius level intellect, but I highly doubt I'm on par with that of Billy or Hayley."
"Actually, that's where you're wrong, old friend," Billy said. "You seem to have taken to our teachings like a moth to a flame. You've obviously proven your worth as an engineer when you built those beautiful Zords. With Hayley's help, of course," Billy added with a nod to the redheaded genius. "But you still built them nonetheless, as well as designed the software for everything here in the Command Center. I'd say you are not giving yourself enough credit."
"He's right. You've always had a problem with downplaying your role and intellect. At least 90% of all this came from your mind, not mine. I merely helped your dream become a reality. You provided the schematics, materials, and software, a most admirable feat. And with my help, you've easily become a technical genius. Trying to break your firewalls alone gave me quite a migraine. I can crack them, but not without spending significant time devoted to just that, and becoming best friends with the Tylenol. Learn to give yourself the benefit of the doubt, and start believing in yourself in the same way you do with your martial arts. Your mind is easily as sharp as your body."
"Uh, OK. Thanks, I guess." Truth was, Billy and Hayley were right. Tommy did have problems with self-esteem, even to the present day. He was always raised to not be arrogant, and he took that lesson to heart. The problem was that he took that lesson too far, to the dismay of his parents, who tried to tell him that there's nothing wrong with confidence. "Point is, yes, I did have to work towards this intellect. Billy and Hayley were blessed with being able to have it from a young age, and they were able to cultivate it. I still have some catching up to do. Although getting a second PhD should help in that regard."
"When you're ready to go for it, make sure to call me. I know the Dean of Engineering at CalTech. I can just call her and see if she can squeeze in an interview," Billy said.
"Or you can go back to MIT. The Dean was sad you didn't go for the PhD; she understood your reasoning, but was sad anyway."
"There is that," Billy nodded to Hayley.
"How did we get so far off topic," Tommy sighed.
"So the government is pursuing Ranger technology. To what end? What could they possibly need with it," Kim asked.
"Nothing good, I imagine," Tommy responded. "And now Kira's parents believe they'll pursue Rangers themselves. That was never outside the realm of possibility, as they may try to force us to work for them. We can't let that happen."
"But what can we do? We're American citizens…" Jason began, before Tommy broke in.
"…Who do not work for the United States Government. We are not military, federal law enforcement, or any other employee of the US Govt. As such, they can't order us to do anything in regards to Ranger secrets and technology. And even if we were government employees, letting them have access to Ranger secrets and technology would betray everything Zordon stood for, and what we promised."
"That brings us back to what do we do," Eric asked. "As far as I know, we're all just Sophomores. Even the homicidal Conner and Krista are Sophomores. And speaking of, what about them? They're still running around, waiting for the moment to kill us!"
"Eric's right! We still have to tangle with that nasty Saber. And who's to say Krista doesn't have her own weapon," Ethan exclaimed. "And to top it off, my parents are becoming highly suspicious of everything.
"What do you mean, Ethan?"
"The bruises, falling asleep at odd times of the day, hanging out with people they'd never seen me with, Hell, hanging out with people in general. I used to have only a very select few to hang out with. Now that I'm a Ranger, they've seen me hanging out with those who aren't 'computer geeks,' I think that jock Derrick called me."
"So what? Hanging out with us is an imposition," Kira huffed.
"No! Not that at all. It's just that my folks are used to me hanging out with people like me: The people who get stuffed in lockers, or have their lunch money taken. The fellow social outcasts, in other words."
Kira calmed down at that. "So you think they suspect you're a Ranger," Tommy asked.
"It's either that or a severe bullying problem. Even though I have been bullied for years, it was never bad enough that I got bruises every other day. And I do pay attention when you teach use fighting techniques."
"Yes, you do," Tommy confirmed. "And if things get worse, your parents may go the school and demand to know why Randal hasn't done anything about an endemic problem, correct?"
"I'm afraid so."
Tommy sighed. "There's a reason the no reveal rule is in place. The more people know, the greater the chance someone will be used against you."
"I know, and I'm not asking if I could tell them. But I felt compelled to let you know this."
"I'll try to think of something. But first, I have to reclaim something I never wanted to touch again."
Hayley's eyes went wide with understanding. "Tommy, you can't mean…"
"I do. It's the only way we can stand a chance against Conner. My contact is ready to free Krista. Conner is the main concern."
"Dr. O, could you fill us in," Kira asked.
Tommy went to a false panel in the wall and pushed it in. The panel slid up, revealing a compartment with the Dragon Dagger and the Green Power Coin and Morpher.
"You sure you want to use those, Tommy? I know you still have several demons to face concerning your use of those items," Cestria said. Tommy looked at her curiously.
"Your mental shields are usually quite formidable, however when it comes to your Green Ranger days, your mind is sent into turmoil, and your thoughts leak. I've sometimes picked up on them, despite my efforts to keep them out."
"I'm sorry you have to see that," he sighed.
"Don't apologize. I can help you. My people have come up with a form of telepathic therapy where the subject is helped through the issues by being in the mind with them and seeing and experiencing the events with them. Then, we are able to move forward with a personalized plan of attack."
"But that would mean further subjecting you to this. You've already seen glimpses of my demons. Would you really want to experience that?"
"That is why they only use it as a last resort, Tommy. Fortunately, they haven't had the need to use it a lot, as their other means of coping with trauma seem to work."
"Would this work? I wouldn't want to subject her to this if there's a chance it'd fail."
"It is not a…what do your people call it, a 'magic pill?'" Tommy nodded. "We would have to have more than one session, with each dealing with the inner demons the subject faces. Billy had taken my advice and gone through it himself to help deal with Trini and Zordon's deaths. It helped him immensely."
"I'll…I'll think about it. Thanks Cestria." She nodded solemnly.
"Dr. O, there may be yet another issue," Kira said. Eric and Ethan groaned. "I'm sorry, but it can't wait."
"I know, Kira. What would be the problem?"
"When I confronted Conner, he said we won't have to worry about Mesogog soon, and they'd soon rule the world. But who does he mean: Mesogog and him and Krista, or just himself and Krista?"
"I saw and heard the exchange. That part bothered me, as well. And you're correct. There could be two different ways of interpreting it. The first is that Conner and Krista mean to finish us off very soon. The second could be that he and Krista look to overthrow Mesogog and his minions, and seek to rule themselves. Neither thought is particularly appealing, but we have to keep all possibilities in mind."
Ethan groaned heavily. "How do we deal with all this, Dr. O? Eric and I just thought we'd be talking about the would-be homicidal Conner and Krista when we came over. Now there's all this talk about splinter groups, stealing Ranger or robotics technology, and now even the possibility of having to deal with Conner and Krista overthrowing Mesogog? This is starting to get too big for us," the Blue Ranger lamented.
"Let's first deal with the more immediate problem, that being Conner and Krista."
At that, the alarm went off.
"Speaking of Conner and Krista, guess who's back," Hayley said as she pulled up the feed of the Red and Green Rangers, who had just appeared at the rock quarry.
"Why there," Kira asked.
"This is a trap," Tommy exclaimed. "They have an ace up their sleeves. We must exercise extreme caution. Ready?"
"Ready!"
"Dino Thunder, Power Up, ha!"
It was the first time Tommy's former friends, for he wasn't sure what they were now, saw him morph into his newest Ranger form.
"You just had to steal my color, didn't you," Zack joked. When he got no response, he brought his hand up to his neck, rubbing it nervously. It was a habit he picked up from Tommy.
"Teleporting now," Hayley said. She sent the team to the quarry, ready for battle.
"We've really messed up, didn't we," Zack asked, his previous joking nature gone.
"Yes, you did. He needed you guys, and you abandoned him. Feel lucky he's even letting you in the house, let alone the Command Center," Hayley said in a firm tone, her emerald gaze boring a hole into the veteran Rangers. Billy stood off to the side with Cestria, as they were exempt from Hayley's fury.
"How can we atone for what we've done," Kat voiced the question everyone wanted to know the answer to.
"The rest should explain yourselves, especially your behavior. You might be surprised, as he's loyal to those he holds dear."
Hayley then turned to Kat and Kim. "As for you two, you should still explain yourselves. But I don't know if he can forgive after what you've done. He's a much better person than I, so he just might anyway. Even though I likely wouldn't be so quick to forgive were I in his position. Let me make one thing perfectly clear, you two. I won't let you hurt him again. He's come too far just to have his heart broken yet again. If you want to atone and maybe, and I do stress maybeseeing about having a second chance at a relationship with Tommy, fine. But I'll be watching you, very closely. And while he and I may not carry a torch for each other, that can very easily and quickly change. We already stimulate each other on an intellectual level. It would not be hard for us to become involved. While he was never one to be shallow, he was always drawn to beautiful and spirited women, and I'm not exactly unattractive myself."
"Understatement of the century," Kat thought as she looked at the gorgeous redhead. One look Kim's way told her the first Pink Ranger was thinking the same. The two Pinks looked uneasy at the prospect of Tommy falling for the spitfire, but knew they couldn't help it. She was there for him, while they weren't. The two saw Tommy and Hayley were very close, and she had every right to be protective of him.
The others shifted nervously. This was not what they wanted to see or hear. They only hoped the Rangers were faring better than Kat and Kim were here.
Rock quarry- Same time
The team arrived at the quarry, and the Evil Rangers didn't waste time in their attack. Conner held out his hand and launched a fireball at Tommy, who quickly dodged.
"OK, that's new," he thought to himself. "What other tricks do they have up their sleeve?"
Eric brought his pistol up and fired off some shots, but they were reflected back to him, slamming into him when Conner played the Tyranno Dagger. The White Ranger was about to help his Uncle, until Tommy stopped him.
"No! You help Ethan and Kira fight Krista. I got Conner."
"But Uncle!"
"Go! I can handle this!"
Eric didn't want to leave hisUncle, but Tommy knew what he was doing. Sighing, Eric ran towards Ethan and Kira, who were faring poorly against Krista.
"You should've let him help you, old man. You would've lasted longer." With that, Conner sped towards Tommy and slashed him repeatedly with the Tyranno Dagger. He produced the Saber of Destruction and held it in one hand and the Dagger in the other, hitting the Black Ranger with each and knocking him down.
"Conner, stop it! You're a Ranger! We're supposed to work together," Tommy said as he got up. Not even his superior martial arts skills were doing much damage to the Evil Red Ranger.
"Not a chance! Soon we'll reign supreme! If you surrender now, you may yet join us. Same goes for the others."
"Don't be foolish. Mesogog will kill you once we're gone!"
"Who said anything about Mesogog," Conner asked as he knocked Tommy down again with the Saber of Destruction.
That proclamation brought Tommy up short. "What?"
"We're not stupid. Mesogog wants all Humans dead. We just won't give him the chance to take us out after we kill you. Surrender, and you'll live," Krista said as she came up to join Conner. Eric, Ethan, and Kira were sprawled out on the quarry, struggling to get up.
Tommy powered down.
"Wise choice, old man," Conner sneered.
"I'm not surrendering," Tommy said, shaking his head. "I have something else in mind," he finished as he produced the Dragon Morpher.
"This should be fun," Krista said in glee.
"Here goes nothing," Tommy whispered. "IT'S MORPHIN TIME! DRAGONZORD!"
For the first time in more than a decade, Tommy became the Green Ranger.
"Let's go, old man," Conner said. "Krista, keep an eye on our friends over there. Don't let them interfere."
Krista nodded and headed over to the Dino teens, who had managed to get back to their feet.
"You should've stayed down," the Green Ranger coldly said.
"Krista, stop! Please," Kira begged her friend.
"Enough talk," she responded and launched herself at the Dino teens. Eric was able to get in some hits using his speed and Drago Sword, and Ethan and Kira followed through with some slashes with their own Swords. Krista was knocked down for the first time in a while, but Ethan, Kira, and Eric did not celebrate. Instead, they tried to press their advantage by splitting up and attacking at different intervals and different blind spots. Eric and Kira doubled up for a combo that sent Krista staggering back. The Green Ranger responded by lifting the Rangers into the air with her TK, and slamming them into each other, and finally a rocky wall.
"Impressive," Krista said. "You managed to hurt me, and not a little, either. Join us, and we can reign this wretched planet!"
"You've got to be kidding," Kira said. "Krista, this is not you! Listen to yourself!"
"The Krista you knew is dead! I am now strong, powerful!"
"But you're not using your brainpower," Ethan said as he leapt at Krista and used his Dino armor to send her sprawling.
"If that's your response," she said as she quickly rose, "so be it. Die now."
Krista shot the teens point blank, and they lost their morph, lying unconscious. She was about to finish off the teens when they were teleported out of the quarry and into the Command Center.
Command Center
"Cestria, help me treat these plasma burns," Billy said as he and Cestria ran to the Dino Rangers sides and noticed the pistol blasts left them with burned skin.
"This salve should do wonders," Cestria said as she pulled out a glowing pack of gel. The two started to rub it onto the burns, and they quickly healed as the skin absorbed the gel.
"Anyone get the number of that truck," Ethan moaned as he, Eric, and Kira woke from their battle.
"What are we doing here," Kira asked as she recognized her surroundings.
"You were about to perish," Billy explained. "Krista had managed to make you lose your Ranger form when Hayley teleported you out to prevent your untimely demise. We treated the plasma burns you sustained with an Aquitian medicine that should have you feeling rejuvenated."
"I do," Ethan agreed. "But now we need to get back to the fight. Dr. O needs us."
"I'll send you back, but exercise caution, guys. Mesogog made some adjustments to Conner and Krista's blasters. Tommy and I did not make the blasters that powerful, for that very reason," Hayley said.
Ethan nodded. "Ready?"
"Ready!"
"Dino Thunder, Power Up, ha!"
"Eric, you have a new Zord waiting for you, the Stegazord. Combine it with the Drago Zord to form the Dino Stegazord."
Eric nodded, and Hayley teleported the Rangers back to the quarry.
Rock quarry
The teens were shocked and dismayed to see Tommy fighting both Conner and Krista. He held up admirably, but the Rangers' youth and superior stamina won out, knocking him down.
"You fought well, old man. I will grant you a warrior's demise," Conner said as he raised the Saber of Destruction above his head.
"Nooo," Eric screamed as he launched himself at Conner, granting Tommy a reprieve as Conner was knocked several yards back by the sudden tackle.
"Don't know when to cut your losses, Rangers? Fine, we have something else in store for you," Krista said. "Parasaur Zord, arise!"
Conner played the Tyranno Dagger, sounding a tune familiar yet different to Tommy.
"Oh no. Brachio Zord, do your thing!"
The Brachio Zord ambled its way to the battlefield, allowing the Ptera, Drago, and Tricera Zords to come to their Rangers, who leapt into the cockpits.
"Stegazord, to me!"
The Brachio Zord opened once more, allowing the Ruby colored Zord to join the battle.
"Combine!" The Drago Zord swooped down and grabbed the Stegazord, initiating the transformation. The Stegazord was brought up so its underside was exposed, being the chest part. The Drago Zord split apart and made the arms and legs of the Dino Stegazord. The Stegazord's head formed the top of the Dino Stegazord, and the armor provided extra protection. The wings were used to form a missile-like weapon.
The Tyranno Dagger's tune continued as the ground shook. The Parasaur Zord was the first to arrive. The shaking increased as the Tyranno Zord appeared, and the Rangers gasped. There were large laser and missile cannons on the shoulders of the Tyranno Zord, and its tail looked to have a drill at its tip, reminding Tommy of his Dragonzord. The Tyranno Zord looked to be a blend of the Q-Rex, the personal Zord of Quantum Ranger Eric Meyers, and Tommy's Dragonzord.
"Fire lasers," Eric commanded as the Dino Stegazord fired eye blasts towards the Tyranno Zord, knocking it back several yards.
"I'll show you lasers! Fire!" The Tyranno Zord lowered its head and fired its own lasers, causing great damage to the Dino Stegazord, and sending it to the ground. The Tyranno Zord ran towards to the Dino Stegazord, which had gotten back to its feet, and slammed its tail into the Dino Stegazord. Conner played the Dagger again, and the drill on the tail became active, slamming into the Dino Stegazord's chest.
"Convert to Warrior Mode, now!" The head of the Tyranno Zord lowered into its chest, revealing a hidden helm. The tail separated to form a staff with a drill at the end. The Parasaur Zord leapt up and attached itself onto the Tyranno Zord's left arm, completing the transformation, as the staff lowered itself in front of the Tyranno Zord Warrior Mode. Conner and Krista leapt into the cockpit of the new Zord.
"Dr. O, a little help here," Kira cried out as the Tyranno Zord Warrior Mode launched its missiles at the Ptera and Tricera Zords, sending them to the ground.
"Ankylo Zord, arise!"
A small, armored orange Zord came out of the Brachio Zord and walked over to the Dino teens Zords. The Ankylo Zord raised its tail and lashed out with the armored tail, sending the Warrior Mode staggering back. The Ankylo Zord then launched a missile of its own from its tail, sending the Warrior Mode to the ground.
"This isn't working. We need something more." Tommy looked to his own Dagger and got an idea.
"Well old friend, I hope you're well rested. I need you." Tommy played the Dragon Dagger, and the ground shook once more. The familiar form of the Dragonzord soon appeared in Reefside, and for only the second time ever since he's had the Dragonzord, Tommy leapt into the cockpit. He suddenly remembered why he preferred using the Dagger to control the Dragonzord, feeling just how claustrophobic one could get in the narrow, utilitarian cockpit of the Dragonzord. But the cockpit allowed for greater control in a fraction of the time. Tommy sent the Dragonzord into the fire, launching its own drill tipped tail at the Tyranno Zord Warrior Mode, and activated the drill when the tail was under the Zord's nose. The damage caused the Zord to fall.
"Give it up, Conner and Krista! I will defeat you!"
"Never!"
"I'm sorry, but I must destroy your Saber and save you."
"You're welcome to try," Conner spat as he leapt out from his Zord. "Krista, can you handle the Zord battle?"
"Yes."
"Good. The Dino Stegazord is still down. He's prime pickings," Conner said in a dark tone.
"You just handle the throwback. I've got this," Krista responded.
"Are you ready," Tommy sent telepathically to his ally, who widened her powers to allow Tommy to contact her.
"Ready and waiting," she sent back.
Tommy leapt from the Dragonzord and landed a few yards from Conner, who had the Saber ready.
"This is the end, old man."
Tommy didn't respond as he simply leapt into battle, attacking Conner with a flurry of punches and kicks. Conner easily parried them with the Saber, or dodged them entirely. Conner was able to smack Tommy back a few times with the Saber and Tyranno Dagger, while Tommy had the Dragon Dagger and the Brachio Staff.
"Brachio Staff, Fire Strike!" Tommy slammed the Staff into the ground, sending a wave of flames to rush towards Conner, who couldn't avoid the rapid attack.
"Energy Orb!" Tommy raised the Brachio Staff and made a circular motion, creating a large orb of concentrated energy and sent it to the Evil Red Ranger.
A woman in pure white robes appeared and looked at the Tyranno Zord Warrior Mode, which had knocked down all the Zords. She closed her eyes and concentrated on the Evil Green Ranger. Once she was connected to Krista, the woman raised her staff and sent a beam of pure energy. The energy permeated through Krista's body, and she felt a warm feeling engulf her. She started to scream as the pure and dark energies warred with each other, with Krista's body as the battleground.
The Dino teens didn't know what was going on, but they were thankful for the reprieve. Their Zords had been damaged severely, and there was only enough energy to get the Zords to stand up. They were waiting for the deathblow to occur, and were relieved that it didn't come.
The relief quickly evaporated as they heard Krista's bloodcurdling screams. Being Krista's friend long before either became a Ranger, Kira's eyes watered as she heard the screams. She didn't know what was happening, but could only hope it ended soon.
As soon as the screaming started, it stopped, as Krista fell from the Zord and hit the ground, losing her morph.
"Krista!" Kira leapt from the Ptera Zord and ran to her friend.
"Krista? Krista, c'mon, speak to me! Please!" Kira shook her friend. Eric and Ethan stood back, having departed their Zords, which had all been sent back to the Brachio Zord, the auto repair function having been engaged. The woman in white approached and placed a hand on Krista's forehead, sending energy through her once more.
"Who are you? Did you do this to Krista? Answer me!"
"I am the Mystic Mother, Kira Ford. Not long ago, I was once known as Rita."
Kira's eyes widened. "You're the one who turned Dr. O."
Mystic Mother nodded sadly. "I am. And that sin has come back to haunt me even more than it has Tommy. It is because of me all this has taken place." She turned to look at the newest Pterodactyl Ranger. "Just like your predecessor, you are the heart of your team. Krista will need you, now more than ever. She will remember everything that has happened, and feel horrible for it. Just remember that she was not to blame for this. Neither is Conner."
"We know. Dr. O stressed that."
"He learned. I sometimes wish he never had to learn such a lesson. It's a bitter pill to swallow. But I've been given a chance at redemption, and I took it. It's why I am Mystic Mother, the embodiment of good magic. I broke the control over Krista's mind. Her body has healed from the injuries. Now the battle to save her soul begins. It is important that you and your teammates be there for Conner and Krista. Conner especially, as he has unfortunately killed civilians. He will probably try to take his own life, feeling he is unworthy of it. His mind will be very fragile."
Kira's head dipped as she took this in. While Tommy talked about not holding the actions of an Evil Ranger against him or her, he never talked about the effects their actions have on their psyche. Whenever the teens asked, Tommy changed the subject, leading Kira to believe he still felt the effects of his actions as the first Evil Ranger.
"Krista will awaken soon. I will teleport you and your teammates to your base of operations once this battle is over," Mystic Mother finished as she and the others turned to look back at Tommy and Conner's battle.
Tommy had managed to knock Conner down with a well-placed wind strike from his Brachio Staff.
"It's all over, Conner," Tommy said as he fired his blaster at the Saber of Destruction, vaporizing it. Conner's Ranger suit vanished, as he appeared face down in the gravel, not moving.
"Conner? Conner, c'mon get up," Tommy said as he cautiously approached the unconscious Red Ranger. Tommy rolled Conner onto his back, and to his horror saw Conner's pallor. The ashen white appearance also scared Kira, Ethan, and Eric, who had gone over to Tommy with Krista and Mystic Mother. Tommy turned to the sorceress.
"What's happening? This isn't what happened to me!"
Mystic Mother sadly shook her head. "He used the Saber long enough to put him into a very deep unconscious state. If he hit you one more time, he would've died. I can heal the injury to his body, but he's now warring with his own mind and soul. That I cannot help you with."
"What do you mean? Is Conner going to survive? We just freed him; he can't die," Kira said frantically.
"Please, calm your mind. I cannot say with any certainty. Magic can do many wondrous things, but when it comes to matters of the soul, only the individual can change things. The next 24 hours will be crucial. It may sound cliché, but it's all I can give you. If he survives the night, he may have a chance. But the longer he remains like this, the greater the chance he will not survive. I am sorry."
Mystic Mother approached the unconscious teen and healed his bodily injuries, and prayed he'd pull through this latest ordeal. The boy had already gone through so much pain and suffering in his short life. She saw the torturous life he had gone through at the hands of his caretaker and friends. Nobody, let alone a child, should ever have to be forced to go through what Conner had. It would be a shame for him to lose the battle when things could actually work in his favor for once. She kept her promise, and teleported the somber team to the Command Center, with Billy and Cestria already standing by at the infirmary.
Command Center- Main room
After Tommy had set Conner up in the infirmary, he went into the computer room and took out the Dragon Morpher.
"Mind telling us how you were able to use that thing? We thought its power was gone forever," Jason said.
"Yeah, that's what I remember Zordon and Alpha saying," Zack added.
"Dulcea once said: To those who are Ninjetti, all things are possible," Tommy said tiredly.
Rocky and the other Ninjetti Rangers nodded at Tommy's explanation. They brought Zordon back from the dead with the Great Power, so replenishing the power of his Dragon Coin was simple in comparison.
"So now what? We just wait to see if the kid dies," Jason brazenly asked in a demanding tone. He never saw the punch coming as Tommy knocked Jason on his ass.
"I don't much care for your tone, 'bro,'" Tommy sneered as he put his foot on Jason's chest.
The tension was thick enough to be cut with a knife.
"Tommy, could you please let my husband up," Emily asked. "I don't know what's gotten into him of late, but I promise he and I will be having a nice long chat," she finished glaring at Jason. Tommy nodded.
"You're lucky she was here," Tommy said as he took his foot off Jason's chest and helped him up. Jason shook Tommy's hand free.
"Don't touch me!"
Rocky got off from his position on the wall he was leaning against. "What's gotten into you? You've been pretty nasty lately," the Detective said.
"I just don't need any lectures or reminders of my actions. I'm perfectly aware of what I've done."
"You say that, yet continue to make the same mistake," Cestria said as she and Billy came into the main room. Billy nodded.
"Affirmative. You've pushed Tommy away several years ago, and you appear to be falling into the same pattern now." Billy turned to Tommy.
"We've activated the robotic assistant you've constructed for use in the infirmary. He'll let us know if there's any change."
"Thanks, Billy. Both of you, really."
"We just wish there was something more we could do. I don't like feeling helpless," Cestria said.
"I know. This has never happened in my long Ranger career. And for the first time, I'm completely powerless to do anything except stand by, and hope for the best." He turned to Jason.
"And as for you, watch yourself. I haven't the time or patience to deal with any bullshit from you. Same goes for everybody else," he finished and went to his basement gym to try to relieve some of the nervous energy he accumulated. The Dino teens were present, clearly having the same idea. It was a pleasant surprise to Tommy; the teens took their Ranger duties seriously, but this was a reminder just how seriously they took it. He just hoped Conner would soon be joining them. He knew the kid had already suffered a lot, and he didn't need anything more to add to his list of issues. As it was, there was already going to be a long period of recovery from his actions as the Evil Red Ranger. Having Krista around would help, but she has yet to awaken, herself. He sighed and took a gulp of water, helping Ethan to his feet after having thrown him to the ground while teaching the teens a new grappling and throwing technique.
"Please pull this, Conner," the Black Ranger thought to himself. "Your team needs you, more than you realize."
He just hoped his prayers weren't in vain. He would find out soon enough.
AN: Yes, I know the Dino teens were Seniors in the series, but they had to be Sophomores for this to work.