Chapter 5

The Birth and Death of a Ranger

A few weeks went by. Jessica had confirmed her pregnancy in the medical bay of the Power Chamber, but she and Rocky decided to keep it a secret from the other rangers for now. Unfortunately, a replacement was out of the question at the moment due to Jessica's powers being linked to her life force. Balat had attacked Angel Grove several times over the last few weeks, and with each battle, Jessica became more and more tired. She knew the baby was draining her powers, she just didn't know why. She kept telling the other rangers that she was exhausted after battles because of her Eltarian powers, and that was partially true. Now that Jessica was of age, her and Jill were both nearly to full power and her whole body was reacting to her powers taking form.

The rangers had just returned to the Power Chamber from a battle. As soon as Jessica had landed in the Power Chamber, demorphed, she had landed next to Rocky and stumbled forward.

"Easy there, Tiger, you okay?" asked Rocky. The other rangers had rushed over as well.

"Girl, you okay?' asked Aisha.

"I'm fine guys, I'm fine, this battle just kinda drained me a bit," said Jessica. "I'll be okay." But she wasn't. Jessica didn't want to scare anyone yet.

"Well, since I'm not needed for awhile, I'm gonna go do some sparring at the Youth Center," said Jason. "Anyone else?"

"Yeah we'll join ya," said Tommy. "You sure you're okay, Jess?"

"Yeah, I just need to take a few minutes to myself in the Medical bay," said Jessica.

"I'll come with you," said Billy. "I can help-"

"No!" said Jessica. The rangers jumped at the tone of her voice.

"Jess, maybe you should let Billy help," said Jill.

"No, I got this," said Jessica.

"Rangers, I think it best be wise to allow Jessica to take care of herself," said Sarah. "Alpha 6 and I can assist her. You all deserve a break."

The rangers nodded and everyone but Rocky and Jill teleported out of the Power Chamber.

"Are you going to tell Sarah why you are so drained, Jess?" asked Rocky.

"Yes, she and Jill need to know what's going on," said Jess. "But I need to run a few tests. Alpha, I shall need your assistance."

"You gots it, Purple Ranger!" said Alpha 6 as he followed Jessica into the Medical Bay. As the door closed behind Jessica, Jill turned to Rocky.

"Okay, future brother-in-law," said Jill. "I demand to know what's wrong with my big sister."

"Where do I start?" asked Rocky, a grim look on his face.

"These readings can't be right," said Jessica. "No way."

"I'm afraid they are correct, my child," said Sarah, who had come into the Medical Bay. "Should I alert the other rangers to return?"

"Yes, it's time to tell everyone. In the meantime, Alpha, can you please prepare the Medical Bay for me. If this is going to happen soon, I want to be prepared."

"You got it, Purple Ranger, and everything will be okay," said Alpha 6.

"I love you sweetheart, I will be here with you the whole way," said Sarah, pulling Jessica into a hug. Jessica burst into tears.

"I'm so scared, Mommy," said Jessica. "I'm so scared."

They stood there for a moment, and they walked back out into the main chamber.

"Jess, what is it? What's wrong?" asked Rocky.

"We need to wait for the others, I want to tell everyone at once. Mom, can you teleport Richard, Sharon, Lexie and the DeSantos family please?"

"Of course, my daughter," said Sarah. Sarah pushed a button on the communicator panel.

"Rangers, come in," said Sarah.

"We read you, Sarah, go ahead," said Tommy.

"Please return to the Power Chamber. Your presence is requested immediately."

"We're on it," said Tommy.

"Kim and I will meet you there," came Aisha's voice. As soon as Sarah had ended the call, Jill turned to Jessica.

"Why didn't you tell us you were pregnant?" Jill asked. "Do you know how dangerous fighting while pregnant can be?"

"I will explain everything as soon as the other rangers get here," said Jessica. A few moments later, the other eight rangers appeared, along with a confused Richard and Sharon, Lexie, and a surprised Maria DeSantos and Rocky's brother and sister.

"Where are we?" asked Pedro DeSantos.

"This is weird," said Constance.

"DeSantos family, welcome. Maria, I know you are no stranger to this place, however, I would like to warmly welcome your children. I am Sarah of Eltar, and you are in the home of the Power Rangers."

"What?" cried Constance. She turned to Rocky. Although only 12, Constance was very smart for her age.

"Rocky Pablo DeSantos Jr., what on Earth is going on here?" continued Constance.

"Connie, Pedro, we're the Power Rangers," said Jessica.

"Whoa," said Pedro. "For reals?"

"Yes, and I brought you here, because the Hartgroves and the DeSantos need to come together faster than the wedding, if there will even be a wedding."

"What? You're calling off the wedding?" asked Maria.

"No Maria, but Rocky and I discovered something that may change all that. I think you need to sit down. You too, Sharon, because you two and Connie and Pedro are the only ones here who do not know the truth. The truth about me and Jill, and where we truly come from."

Alpha conjured up several chairs, and everyone sat down.

"First off, Sharon, I'm sorry Dad and I have not told you this, but as you know Jill and I were adopted by him and Lisa. But the "cult" my birth parents were in was not a cult. In fact, they are not even from this planet."

"You mean, you're-" began Sharon, her eyes widening.

"Yes, Jill and I are the children of intergalatic human-beings. Sharon, Maria, may I introduce you to the woman who gave birth to me and Jill."

As Jessica pointed to Sarah, Sharon and Maria's jaws dropped.

"Wait, this means Zordon is-" began Maria.

"Yes, Zordon is my biological father, and Sarah is my biological mother," said Jessica. "They are the rulers of the planet Eltar. This makes me and Jill Eltarian royalty."

"You said you and Rocky discovered something..." said Richard. "What is it?"

"Guys, Rocky and I are having a baby, well, two babies that is."

"WHAT?!" cried everyone in the room, with the exception of Sarah.

"TWO babies?" cried Rocky and Jill, giving Jessica a look of disbelief.

"Yes twins, but this pregnancy is not a normal pregnancy," said Jessica. "These last few battles against Balat have taken their toll on my life energy. I had Alpha run tests and we confirmed that because I am now a full Eltarian, my body is cycling in Eltarian time. Where women on earth have to wait nine months for a fetus to develop, Eltarian women only have to wait eight weeks."

"What?" cried Billy. "But your body is human, your physical makeup is the same as ours!"

"Yeah and what about Lexie?" asked Aisha. "You carried her full-term!"

"When I had Lexie, I had no Eltarian powers. My power coin was not active at the time. Because of this, I was able to have an Earthian pregnancy. Now, because of my powers, the babies are using my power to develop faster. I am already seven and a half weeks."

"But you aren't even showing," said Kim. "Surely you must be wrong."

"The tests are accurate, Kimberly," said Sarah. "There is no mistake."

Aisha noticed the grim look on Jessica's face.

"There's more, isn't there, Jess." It was more of a statement than a question, and Jessica nodded.

"Because of the babies draining my power, and me morphing these last few weeks, my powers are close to if not already gone. Once I deliver these babies, there is a ninety-nine percent chance that I will pass on."

The crowd gasped.

"You're dying? You can't die!" said Rocky. "I won't let you! We can get you more power!"

"Mommy?" trembled Lexie. Jessica looked down at her daughter.

"Yes sweetheart?" asked Jessica.

"You're going to go to heaven, right?" asked Lexie.

"Yes sweetheart," said Jessica. "More than likely when your siblings are born."

"Please don't go, I want you to stay," cried Lexie as she wrapped her arms around Jessica.

"I do too, baby girl, I do too," bawled Jessica. Just then, Jessica gasped and Lexie screamed as a gush of water burst onto the floor.

"Oh god, not now," cried Rocky.

"Mommy? Are the babies coming?" asked Lexie as she looked up at a panicked Jessica.

"Yes, sweetie, go see Grandpa Richie and Grandma Sharon to clean up," said Jessica. "I need to get in the Medical Bay, now!"

An hour after Jessica, Rocky, Jill, and Sarah had entered the medical bay, the rest of the rangers and the two families waited in the main chamber. Jessica and Rocky had built Lexie a playroom in the chamber when she was to be brought along. Adam was pacing up and down the floor, wearing a tread in the tiles. Screams could be heard coming from the medical bay, as it was obvious Jessica was in an extreme amount of pain from her labor.

"I can't take this!" said Adam. "That's my best friend in there!"

"Babe, it's alright," said Tanya. "Jess is in good hands. Sarah knows what to expect. She went through the same thing."

Meanwhile, in the medical bay, Jessica had just finished a contraction and she had breathed a deep sigh of relief as she laid back on the pillow propped up behind her.

"Rocky, in the top left hand drawer in that file cabinet are all of my documents," said Jessica. "My will is in there along with several other documents. They are of great importance. Please keep them safe."

"Of course baby," said Rocky, smoothing back her hair. "I love you so much, you are going to be okay."

"Alright Jessica, it's time to start pushing," said Sarah as she put on a set of latex gloves.

"No, I need to say my goodbyes first," said Jessica.

"No, you need to push," said Rocky. "Get the babies out, okay?"

"Rocky, I need to you to understand something," said Jess as she looked at Rocky. "Lexie and the twins are not going to be normal children. Lexie doesn't know, but she is already starting to develop her powers."

"That's impossible," said Rocky.

"They are of mixed heritage, Rocky," said Jessica. "Since they were born on Earth, they are going to be Eltarian at a younger age."

"Come on Jessica, I need you to push," said Sarah. Jessica nodded and put her chin to her chest.

"Good girl, that's it," said Sarah. "Again."

Jessica pushed with all of her might. Rocky looked down and his jaw dropped.

"I can see the head," said Rocky. "You're doing great Baby,just a couple more pushes now."

While Jessica was pushing, Jill was setting up two warmers for the babies. As the head of the first twin emerged, Jessica breathed a sigh of relief and laid back on the pillow.

"Look honey, look at its head," said Rocky as Sarah suctioned out the baby's mouth and nose. "Come on, one more push!"

"I can't," whispered Jessica. "I'm so tired, Rock."

"Yes you can," said Rocky, kissing her head. "I love you. One more."

Jessica screamed as she pushed again. A loud wail rang out through the medical bay, and outside in the main chamber, as they heard the cries of the first baby, the group cheered. Rocky stared in disbelief as Sarah held up the wailing infant and placed the baby on Jessica's chest.

"It's a girl," said Rocky, as he cried, kissing Jessica on the lips. "We have another beautiful girl."

"Rocky, you want to cut the cord?' asked Sarah. Rocky nodded and placed the scissors in between the two clamps. Sarah passed the baby girl off to Jill and prepared to deliver the second baby.

"What are we going to name her?" asked Rocky.

"Kira," said Jessica. "Kira Nicole Desantos.:

"Okay," said Rocky. "Did ya get that Jill?"

"I sure did," said Jill as she checked over Kira and wrapped her up. "I'll go tell the others about Kira."

Jill exited the medical bay and everyone came up to her.

"What is it?" asked Kim.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" asked Tommy.

"Baby A is a beautiful healthy baby girl, named Kira Nicole DeSantos," grinned Jill. The group cheered.

"How's Jess doing?" asked Adam. Jill looked at him truthfully as a scream came from the medical bay and a cry of "PUSH!" could be heard from Sarah.

"She's hanging on by a thread," said Jill. "She gets weaker with every push. I have to go back. Baby B is on its way."

As Jill re-entered the medical bay, she could see that Jessica was exhausted both physically and mentally.

"That's it Jess! I can see him!" said Sarah. "He's breeched, so I need you to use all of your strength."

"A boy, it's a boy, oh boy," said Rocky. "Come on babe, one more push!"

Jessica let out an ear-piercing scream and the baby boy's legs and torso were born in Sarah's hands.

"Okay Jess, I am going to deliver the head now," said Sarah. She wrapped a towel around the baby boy's body and gently lifted up.

"Push gently, Jess," said Sarah. Jessica gently bore down as she watched her son be born into his grandmother's arms. A loud wail came from the baby boy and Sarah immediately handed him to Jessica, who laid back on the pillow in relief.

"Hi Kor," said Jessica. "Koren Nathaniel." She looked up to Rocky and he nodded in approval. Jill brought Kira over and placed her in Jessica's other arm as Rocky cut Koren's umbilical cord. Sarah delivered the placentas while Jessica looked up at Jill.

"Jill, send Lexie in," said Jessica. "I need to say goodbye to her. My goodbyes to everyone else are in my files." Jill nodded and exited the medical wing.

"Baby B is a boy," smiled Jill weakly to the others. More cheers erupted. "Koren Nathaniel. Lexie, Mommy wants to see you." Lexie nodded and Jill ushered her into the medical wing before turning back to the others.

"She doesn't have much time," said Jill. "Pray for a miracle."

Lexie, meanwhile walked into the medical bay and up to Jessica.

"Mommy?" whispered Lexie.

"Come...meet...your brother and sister, Lex," said Jessica in between gasps.

"Mommy, please don't die," said Lexie. "I know I'm special, and I need your help."

"Aunt Jill and Grandma Sarah will help you, Little one," said Jessica as she brushed a hand on the side of Lexie's face. "Anacha vacha toca, princess petite..."

"Anacha vacha toca do, Momma," said Lexie. She kissed her mother's cheek and Lexie was led out of the medical bay by Sarah. Jill and Rocky took the twins and placed them in their warmers.

"Jill, will you do me one favor," requested Jessica. Jill nodded.

"Anything, my sister," said Jill, taking Jessica's hand.

"Will you perform the Eltarian Marriage ritual for us?" asked Jessica. "If I die, I wish to at least be married in the Eltarian eyes, so that my children can be seen as legal heirs to the throne."

"Of course," said Jill. She motioned to Rocky to join Jessica at her bedside and Jill entwined their hands.

"Nava hova macha mova," chanted Jill. "Hocha lova thoran maran. Now you become one. He loves you and wishes to marry you. Rocky, Jess, I bless you as one."

"Jess, I take you to be my wife," said Rocky. "For now and forever. No one shall ever replace you in my heart. We are heart and soul."

"Rocky..." muttered Jessica. "I love, you, and I, take you, to be my husband. Please keep our girls and our boy safe from all evil. Train them to be loyal, noble, disciplined and masterful in ranger ways and the art of karate. Let Lexie be a dancer, and the twins their own person."

"You are now both one. Anacha pronac toca mana et wie," said Jill. "Toca may ka le bie."

Rocky leaned down and kissed Jessica on the lips. Tears were flowing out of Jessica, Rocky and Jill's face.

"Anacha vacha toca, me wie, said Rocky.

"Anacha vacha toca do, me huan," said Jessica. Her eyes fluttered closed.

"Jess? Jessie?" whispered Rocky. He watched as Jessica's hand fluttered to her side. Jill let out a cry of horror and rushed out as Rocky bawled into his wife's still body.

As Jill came running out of the medical bay, the rangers and the familes looked up.

"She's dead!" cried Jill. "Jessie's gone!" She ran into Richard's arms and bawled.

"She's gone? She's really gone?" asked Tommy as all of the female rangers cried into their respective other's arms and Jill nodded as she looked up from her adoptive father's arms.

"She had me perform the Eltarian Marriage ritual, so the kids could be legal heirs," said Jill. "She told Rocky she loved him and she died in his arms." Jill cried again and the group mourned the loss of their comrade.

Jessica Hartgrove, biological daughter of Zordon and Sarah, wife of Rocky and mother of three, the purple power ranger, was dead.

"WHAT!" came the cries of Balat.

"You heard me, Sire," said Talarat. "Jessica, the eldest princess of Eltar, and the Purple Power Ranger, is dead."

"Excellent! One less brat to claim the throne on Eltar!" cried Balat. "Soon, Zordon and Sarah will be destroyed, and the other princess shall be dead too!"

"But sire, the purple ranger has heirs," said Talarat.

"Impossible! She is only a teenager!" said Balat.

"She has a five year old and just before her death, she gave birth to twins!" said Talarat. "The blue ranger is an Earthian and is their father!"

"We must kill these children! They cannot take the throne or I shall be ruined! My plans are already in effect. Zordon is kidnapped and the council has been overthrown. It's time to take over Earth!"

Back at the Power Chamber, Maria opened the doors to the Medical Bay. She watched as her son grieved over his dead wife. She could hear him muttering in Spanish. She knew he was reciting the Roman Catholic last rites. While she was not as religious as Rocky was, she knew that faith and God were the first that Rocky turned to for help. She listened closely as Rocky spoke in English.

"God, if you're listening," whispered Rocky. "If you can hear me, please bring back my wife. I can't live without her. She is my rock and my soul. When I'm sick, she's sick. When I'm hurt, she's hurt. With her dead, I don't want to live. My heart is breaking. Please bring her back to me so we can raise our children together."

Before Rocky could speak anymore, the alarms blared, signaling an attack on Angel Grove. He sprung up and looked at his mom.

"Go, I will stay with her," said Maria. Rocky nodded, and ran out to morph with the others.

"Balat is attacking the city himself," said Sarah. "He knows Jessica is no longer with us. His plan to dominate Eltar, Edenoi and Hatha are beginning by destroying Earth. Go, and may the power protect you."

"What about the Megazord?" asked Tommy. "With Jess gone, there is no one to operate Tigress."

"No worries, Red Ranger," came the voice of Tigress through the walls. "Call me when you need me and I shall come assist."

"Alright, let's do it!" cried Tommy. "Shift into Overdrive!"

"Pink Wind Dove!"

"Yellow Sand Bear!"

"Blue Ocean Seal!"

"Green Desert Snake!"

"Red Lightning Lion!"

"Orange Sunrise Owl!"

"Silver Rain Fox!"

"Gold Moon Dog!"

"Black Earth Ram!"

"White Snow Leopard!"

"HIYA!" cried the rangers as they appeared in Downtown Angel Grove.

"Rangers, how nice to join us," said Balat. "Minions attack!"

The rangers fought in hand-to-hand combat with the minions, taking them down one by one.

"Blue ranger, hand over your children, and no one on Earth shall be hurt," said Balat.

"I don't think so, Balat," said Rocky. "You keep your grimy, greasy hands and hair away from my daughters and son. This is for Jessie. HIYA!"

Rocky leapt into the air and came at Balat. Balat sent a shower of sparks at him and Rocky tumbled back, letting out a "WHOA!"

"Ay yi yi! They are getting pummeled out there, Sarah!" said Alpha 6.

"Then Balat has won," said Sarah, bowing her head. Just then, a loud rumble and a CRACK filled the Power Chamber, causing the lights to go out.

"What's going on?" cried Constance and she and Pablo held on to each other. Just then, Maria came running out from the Medical Bay.

"You won't believe it, she's, Jessie's, she's glowing and levitating! Es un milagro! Ella está bien! Nunca he visto algo como esto! Alabanza Dios Todopoderoso!"

Meanwhile, the rangers were in deep shit. They were getting their butts kicked like crazy. Each ranger wanted to take a stab at Balat. They were sure he knew about Lexie and the twins now. While Rocky went into protective father mode, the rest were fulfilling their aunt and uncle duties by protecting the kids. Jill was the last one to try and attack Balat, but he took sent her back to the rest of the rangers. Each of them huffed and puffed.

"Jill, you okay?' asked Tommy.

"I think so, but what are we going to do? He's too strong!" cried Jill.

"Take a look around you, Rangers," said Balat. "Soon the Earth will be no more, and you will all be my slaves. Hahah-AHHHHH!" A blast of fire came from out of nowhere, causing the Rangers to look up in disbelief.

"What?"

"Huh?"

"I don't believe it!"

"Is it possible?"

"Guess again, Balat. Guess who's back and stronger than ever? It's time you and I settled this. Mano e Mano!" Jessica stood at the top of the cliff, her weapon in her hand as she sat mounted on Tigress in her bike form.

"The purple ranger? No, they said you were dead!" cried Balat.

"Me, dead? HA!" cried Jessica. "Think again. You're mine, Balat!"

Jessica revved Tigress' tires.

"Let's do this, Tigress!" said Jessica. Tigress let out a loud roar and the bike sped forward, firing laser after laser at Balat's minions.

"Balat, as Princess of the Planet of Eltar, I hereby place you back under arrest for Treason against the people of Hatha, Eltar and Edenoi. Surrender now or cease to exist!"

"I shall never surrender!" cried Balat.

"Then prepare to meet your match, Balat!" cried Jessica. She sped up on Tigress. As Balat fired at her, she zoomed past the firefight and pulled out a long sword.

"The Eltarian Sword of Truth!" cried Jill in awe. "Jessica's claimed her birthright!"

"What? What is that?" asked Tommy.

"The sword has been missing since Dad's father was killed in battle thousands of earth years ago," said Jill. "Legend said that the one to defeat the lord of evil will perish and rise again in a rebirth as the rightful heir of Eltar. Jessica's fulfilling the prophecy!"

Jessica deflected Balat's fires back to him with the sword and Balat keeled to the ground in pain. Jessica jumped off of Tigress and pointed the sword at a now weak Balat.

"Have mercy, sweet princess, oh forgive me," said Balat.

"Cut the bullshit, Balat," said Jessica as she raised the sword, pointing the tip at his throat. "Any last words, Balat?"

"You will never be as powerful as me, Purple Ranger, mark my words. I will return."

"Not this time, HIYA!" cried Jessica. With a swift flick of her wrist, the other rangers grimaced as Balat was beheaded. His body was destroyed in a shower of sparks. Balat was no more. Around them, Balat's minions exploded one by one, crying out in horror. Galaxies away, the minions controlling Hatha, Edenoi, and Eltar all exploded, and the inhabitants of the three planets cheered as they were free from Balat's control.