Kanoi watched the others work around the lab with a growing sense of urgency. He knew they all needed time to regain their strength, but from what little information he could glean from Tommy's mind he knew they were working on a much tighter time limit than anticipated. They didn't have much time to finalize their plan before the Ninjetti Rangers would have to infiltrate Mesogog's fortress.
Glancing over toward the computers, Kanoi gathered that the three who had been working on the transporter glitch had been successful. They seemed to be making minor adjustments, not frantically scrambling to fix anything. Blake's return to the lab with a plateful of food indicated that Shane was back on his feet – Blake wouldn't have left him if he thought he was still needed. Rocky seemed to be rejuvenated, not only by the assistance of his team, but also by the cookies brought by Blake. Blake himself appeared more grounded and less shaken after a few minutes spent with his brother. Kanoi determined that they had all regrouped as much as they would be able; now it was time to get to work.
Placing his empty teacup on the table near his chair, Kanoi rose and approached the main computer console. His movement caught the attention of all those in the lab. They could sense their time of preparation was at an end. Wordlessly, Blake rose from his seat behind Hunter and jogged upstairs to retrieve Shane, Tori and Kim. Hunter gently shook Conner and Kira to wake them; he jostled his leg to wake Ethan as well. As soundly as Conner had been sleeping, he was alert in an instant. He seemed more surprised by Kira's proximity than the position he found himself sleeping in.
Giving Kira a chance to uncurl herself, Conner looked up at Hunter and grinned. "Thanks, bro." he stated.
Hunter answered with a grin, "Anytime."
Conner didn't have any leverage where he lay and he couldn't roll off the couch without landing on Ethan, so Hunter gave him a push into a seated position. This maneuver nearly landed Conner on top of Kira. Conner scooted back as Hunter got up in order to give her some space, but it did cross his mind to wonder if she always looked so cute and tousled in the morning.
"G'morning." Conner grinned widely. He felt stupid saying it, but really, what else was there to say? With more room to maneuver without Hunter on the couch, Conner swung his legs over Ethan's head – much to the Blue Ranger's annoyance – and stood up. He gallantly offered his hand to Kira to help her off the couch, which she accepted with a smile and "Good morning!" of her own. Ethan, irritated by the unusual morning perkiness of his teammates grumbled from his spot on the floor. Conner offered him a hand up as well, and the three made there way over to where the others had gathered.
But the time the Dino Rangers joined the group, Blake had returned with the group from the kitchen. Kanoi moved to stand by Haley, with his back to the viewing screen, facing the assembled Rangers. Tori and Shane stood close together on his right side; Cam and Hunter on his left. Billy gravitated toward Kim who remained close to the Wind Ninjas and was surprised when she reached out to take his hand. Taken aback, he looked down their clasped hands and then at her face – he could read a world of feelings there, but mostly apology and regret. Billy squeezed her hand tightly and tried to convey his own apology and acceptance. Her brilliant, grateful smile was all he needed to see to know his message had gotten through.
Aisha, standing on Billy's right, threaded her arm through his and looked around her lanky teammate toward her petite friend. Her eyes gleamed with pride and approval as she winked at Kim – they needed to go into this situation with all of their strength – Kim's gesture toward Billy did a lot to alleviate the tension Aisha hadn't even realized she'd been hanging onto. Rocky and Adam completed the Ninjetti grouping. Aisha could feel the strength of the team building even stronger now that all of the hearts were whole, or at least healing.
The Dino Thunder Rangers assembled on Adam's right. Ethan and Conner stood on either side of Kira. Not surprisingly, Conner ended up next to Hunter. Blake completed the circle by stepping in between Hunter and Cam. Kanoi nodded with approval. It was time.
"My friends," he began, gesturing wide to include all of them, "the moment is now upon us. Mesogog has detected our ability to mind-speak with those he is holding and has successfully prevented that avenue of communication. I believe he is aware of the presence of others, but does not know our abilities or number. I do not know how long Tommy will be able to withhold this information from him. We must strike while we still have the advantage of surprise and stealth."
"From what little information I was able to gather from Tommy, both he and Dustin are safe and well. But Mesogog intends to tap Dustin's earth energy at some time this morning leaving us very little time."
Kanoi scanned the faces in the circle around him. They were grim and determined, but unafraid. "Ninjetti Rangers, it falls to you to infiltrate Mesogog's fortress and attempt to rescue our friends."
Haley stepped forward handing a small device to Billy. "With this you can track Tommy and Dustin's energy signatures. They'll be significantly stronger than everyone else's. You'll also be able to detect when anyone's coming your way."
"Thanks Haley." Billy smiled as he accepted the device.
"You guys ready?" Rocky asked.
The Ninjetti nodded in response and stepped back into formation. With Rocky in the center, Aisha and Adam flanked him on one side, while Billy and Kim flanked him on the other. One by one they called on the ninja power that lay dormant for so long.
"Red Ninja power!"
"Yellow Ninja power!"
"Black Ninja power!"
"Pink Ninja power!"
"Blue Ninja power!"
The other assembled Rangers watched in awe as the animal spirits of each Ninja responded to the call for power. The ape, frog, bear, crane and wolf spirits glowed bright around each Ninjetti; everyone in the room could feel the sense of welcome and return projected by the spirit animals. As the bright light coalesced around each Ranger it created the Ranger's ninja uniforms. When the transformation was complete each Ninjetti stood hooded and masked facing the others.
Ethan couldn't control his glee. "That was so cool!"
Conner scoffed. "You do it everyday, dude."
"Not like that…and it's not like I get to watch it happening…" Ethan grumbled and Kira thwacked Conner on the arm. Ethan shot Conner a look.
Conner caught his eye and smiled flashed a lopsided grin. "I guess it was pretty cool." he admitted. Ethan smiled, satisfied.
Kanoi waited for the youngest rangers to settle down, and then turned his attention to the oldest. "We all have a part to play Rangers – you are the ones who will begin. Rocky, mighty and strong; Aisha, cunning and fierce; Adam, courageous in spirit; Kimberly, agile and graceful; Billy, silent and sure - I can give you no advice beyond this…listen to your inner ninja…trust one another." Kanoi looked deeply into each Ninjetti's face as he was speaking. They each met his gaze and nodded in affirmation as he spoke. "When you work as a team, there is nothing you cannot accomplish."
Kanoi turned slightly toward Haley. She nodded toward him, "I'm ready whenever you are."
Kanoi bowed solemnly toward the Ninjetti. "May the Power protect you."
The Ninjetti raised their hands in a silent salute. Haley pushed the transporter button on the console and they were immediately transformed into beams of colored light. In a flash they were gone.
The fight had truly begun.