Chapter 10 Zeo Quest
Rocky groaned as he landed in a grassy field.
"Man, where am I?" asked Rocky. He saw a boy with a goat and knew he had to be in Mexico. But when? The kid caught a glimpse of him and started to walk away.
"Hey, wait a sec!" Rocky said.
"Hola, como esta?" the boy asked.
"Bien, bien, habla Ingles?"
"Si, I speak a little English," said the boy.
"Umm, my name is Rocky, and I'm looking for a crystal," said Rocky. "Do you know anything about it?"
"Si, there is a crystal in the volcano above my village," said the boy. "It has magical powers, but no one is brave enough to go up there. The crystal is said to make the volcano active, and if the crystal is not removed, our village will be destroyed."
"Lead the way," said Rocky. "I'm pretty sure that's the crystal I was sent to find."
"You're not from around here, are you?" asked the boy.
"No, but I think I have relatives that live around here," said Rocky. The boy led Rocky to the volcano and handed him a rope.
"Buena suerte a mi amigo," said the boy.
"Gracias," said Rocky. He started to climb up the side of the mountain, ready to find his crystal.
Meanwhile back in the normal time-period, Billy and Jill were putting the finishing touches on what would hopefully restore Billy to his normal age. Jessica had taken the Aquatians to the lake to rehydrate after the younger rangers had jumped through the time hole, and now they were all back at the Command Center.
"I think that just about does it," said Jill. "Let's give it a whirl. Got your coin?"
"Right here," said Billy. He placed the coin in the device and closed the compartment.
"Here goes nothing," said Jill as Jessica watched on in anticipation. Jill pushed a few buttons and the next thing they all knew, Billy was seventeen again.
"It worked!" cried Jessica. "Welcome back!"
"Thanks, it's good to be back," said Billy.
"It is nice to finally meet the real Billy," said Cestro.
"Likewise," said Billy. "I just wish I had thought of this sooner. Then maybe we wouldn't have had to send the others on their quests."
"Not to worry Billy," said Zordon. "The quests were necessary for them. However, I have a feeling one Ranger might not return."
"What do you mean, Dad?" asked Jill. "If anyone dies I'll-"
"Do not be alarmed Jill," said Zordon. "It is not what you think. When I put the zeo crystals in the time hole, I sensed that when the quest to retrieve them began, a ranger would have to make a decision to stay where they were, altering the course of their family history."
"I hope it's not any of them," said Jessica. "I want my best friends all here."
"Same," said Jill.
At that moment, a flash of light filled the room, and the group was astounded to see Rocky holding his Zeo crystal.
"Rocky!" cried Jessica, engulfing him in a bear hug.
"Babe, can't breathe!" said Rocky muffled.
"Sorry," said Jessica, letting go. "You got your crystal!"
"Yeah, and you will never believe where I was!" said Rocky. "Billy! You're you again!"
"Yeah, the device worked!" said Jill as Rocky handed Billy the zeo crystal. Billy put it in the other device that he had designed to hold the zeo crystal fragments.
"So where did you go?" asked Jessica.
"Remember that story my grandpa Pablo told us about the volcano and the mysterious boy?" asked Rocky.
"Yeah?" asked Jessica.
"It was me retrieving the Zeo crystal fragment," grinned Rocky.
"Shut the front door!" cried Jill. "You saved your grandpa's village?!"
"When the village congratulated me, I asked the boy who helped me find the volcano what his name was, and he said Pablo DeSantos. He confirmed what I already suspected. You were right about looking into our heritages, Zordon and Delphine," said Rocky. Zordon chuckled.
"Hope the others get back soon," said Jill. "Hopefully they find their crystals fast like you did."
"Curses!" cried Zedd. "That pesky red power brat got his zeo crystal! No matter, I'll send a monster down to distract those Alien rangers and those Terror Twins."
"But Zeddy-" started Rita.
"Not now Rita, I have to keep those terror twins from helping the other rangers return the Earth to normal!"
But Zeddy! The blue ranger is back to his normal age too!" cried Rita.
"OH for pete's sake!" cried Zedd. "Can't anyone do anything right? Rito and Goldar went to plant another implosion device at the Command Center, I'll tell them to snatch the Zeo crystal when it's complete and then the Power Rangers will be no more!"
Back in the command center, Jessica, Rocky, Jill and Billy were analyzing the possible effects of the rotation reversal. Billy had determined that he could morph again thanks to the device he had created when the alarms blared.
"Ai yi yi!" cried Alpha. "Zedd's unleashed a monster in the park!"
"He is the Hydrohog," said Zordon. "Zedd and Rita created him to suck up all the water on the planet."
"Roh boy, here we go," said Jessica. "I think the Aquatians should sit this one out."
"I agree," said Jill. "He will drain you five as well."
"In the meantime, we have plenty of bottled water in the storage closet for emergencies," said Rocky.
"Billy, while you are the only ranger restored to normal, you can still morph and call upon the Shogun Megazord if needed," said Zordon.
"It's worth a shot," said Billy.
"It's Morphin Time!" cried Jessica.
"Purple Ranger Power!"
"Orange Ranger Power!"
"Blue Ranger Power!"
Meanwhile, Adam had landed in Korea, somewhere in the past. Tommy had landed in the middle of the Mojave Desert, on the Indian Reservation. He figured he was back about ten years or so in time. Kat had landed in Australia, and Aisha had landed smack dab in the middle of the African Savannah.
Aisha gasped as she saw a lion approach her.
"Oh now I know I'm definitely not in Kansas anymore!" cried Aisha. "Nice kitty..."
"Quick! Back here!" called a voice. Aisha felt someone grab her and she screamed.
"Shhh! Quiet!" said the girl.
"Sorry, you startled me," said Aisha. The two watched the lion walk away and Aisha breathed a sign of relief.
"I'm Tanya," said the girl. "How did you end up all the way out here? I know you are not from here."
"It's kind of hard to explain," said Aisha. "I'm Aisha by the way."
"Well, let me take you back to my camp," said Tanya. "It's dangerous after dark and it's a long walk, come on."
Back in the normal time-period, Billy, Jessica and Jill were fighting the Hydro Hog.
"Oh man, this guy is tough!" cried Billy. "Not sure how much longer we can hold on!"
At the Command center, Rocky was watching the battle when a flash of light shone through the Command Center.
"Adam! Dude, you're back!" cried Rocky, high-fiving his best friend.
"Yeah, I got my zeo-crystal!" said Adam. "Where's Billy and the girls?"
"Billy and Jill created a device to restore Billy to the right age," said Rocky. "He's able to morph again!"
"Welcome back Adam," said Zordon. "The three of them are out trying to defeat the Hydro Hog."
"Oh man, that guy looks brutal," said Adam.
"Delphine!" cackled Jessica's voice through the console. "We can't hold him off! We need your guys' help!"
"We are on our way, Jessica," said Delphine. "It's Morphin Time!"
The Aquatian Rangers morphed and teleported to join the other three, leaving Rocky and Adam with Zordon and Alpha in the Command Center. Rocky aligned Adam's crystal with his, like Billy had shown him how to do. At that moment, two more flashes of light filled the room and Tommy and Kat both also returned.
"Hey guys, I got my zeo crystal!" said Kat.
"Mine too!" said Tommy.
"Ai yi yi!" cried Alpha. "It's nearly complete! Oh I hope Aisha gets back here soon!"
Tanya had led Aisha into her camp. By then it was well after dark and the girls had carefully crept into camp.
"Tanya!" said a woman by the fire. "There you are! You know better than to wander around at night! It's not safe!"
"I'm sorry Ashala," started Tanya, "I was tracking that lion and-"
"And she found me," said Aisha. "My name's Aisha, and I'm sorry if I caused any trouble."
"Come closer my child, let me take a good look at you," said Ashala. Aisha came closer. "Why it was if I were looking at my own reflection, fifty years ago."
"I remember my mom telling me about my Great-Aunt Ashala," said Aisha. "Do you think-?"
"Yes, it is a sign," said Ashala. "You are home."
Aisha and Tanya looked at each other in disbelief as they sat next to Ashala by the fire.
"Tanya told me about the animals," said Aisha.
"This is a dark time for us," said Ashala. "The animals represent our future. When they cease to exist, so shall we. That is why you have come. To learn, to reach your potential and to deliver us from this great struggle. You are the chosen one."
"But I was sent here on a quest to find something," said Aisha.
"I have often called on the power of my personal talisman, when I am unsure," said Ashala. "And now I give it to you, in hopes that you will stay." Aisha and Tanya gasped as Ashala opened a box to reveal a bright yellow crystal. Aisha's heart leapt in her chest. It was the zeo crystal! She reached in and pulled out the crystal, the yellow power surrounding her.
"This is what I was sent here to find!" said Aisha.
"We were told, that there would be a time when it would save us," said Ashala. "Perhaps that day is here."
Back at the Command center, Tommy, Kat, Adam and Rocky watched as the Hydro Hog drained the Earth's water. The rangers were losing.
"Zordon, this is Billy, we have no choice but to retreat. The Aquatians are being drained."
"I read you Billy. Teleport to the Command Center immediately!" said Zordon.
"You guys go on ahead!" came Jessica's voice. "Jill and I will take care of this pesky pig with Tigress and Apollo! You find a way to reverse that cloud!"
"Roger that Jess!" said Billy. "Alpha prepare for teleportation!"
Billy and the Aquatians landed back in the Command Center, and the other rangers helped give the Aquatians bottles of water.
"The only way to reverse that polarity is to aim a beam at the cloud," said Billy. "I have just the device."
"Done," said Billy several minutes later. Jessica's plan hadn't worked, so the twins had to retreat back to the Command Center.
"Alpha, bring up the cumulus cloud on the viewing globe," said Zordon. "Billy, aim the hyperionization beam directly into the cloud."
"Right away!" said Alpha, pushing a few buttons on the console.
"Let's hope this works," said Jessica.
"Cross your fingers you guys," said Billy as he aimed the ionization beam at the cloud. "Here it goes." He pressed the buttons and the beam fired into the cloud.
"That's it Billy!" cried Jill. "You've got it! Steady now, steady!"
The cloud burst and rain fell throughout Angel Grove.
"You did it!" cried Jessica. She looked at the Aquatians. "Come on, let's get you guys hydrated!"
Back in Africa, Ashala stood with Aisha and Tanya at the edge of camp at sunrise.
"Are you absolutely sure about this?" asked Ashala.
"We have to go back where Tanya originally found me," said Aisha, holding her Zeo Crystal.
"Very well, if you are absolutely certain about this," said Ashala. "It is absoultely for the best." She hugged both of them. As the two walked off into the African Savannah hand-in-hand, Ashala waved.
"Safe journey little one," called Ashala.
"Much better," said Delphine. "Let's finish the hydro hog!"
As the Aquatians morphed, the others hurried back into the Command Center.
"Rangers, we are close to locating Aisha," said Zordon.
"Zordon! I'm getting a signal through the time hole!" cried Alpha. The rangers hurried to the viewing globe.
"It's Aisha!" cried Jill.
"Who's that with her?" asked Rocky.
"And she's got the crystal!" said Kat.
"Prepare for transmission and teleportation!" said Zordon. "It's time to bring Aisha home."
"Hooray!" cried Alpha.
"What if I don't fit in?" Tanya asked Aisha. "What if they don't want me?"
"They'll love you as much as I do," said Aisha. "Remember, the way to tell apart Jessie and Jill is by their hair color. Jessie's is always a wild style."
"Aisha, do you have the crystal in your possession?" came Zordon's voice. His head appeared in the blue sky.
"Is that-Zordon?" asked Tanya. Aisha nodded.
"Zordon, this is Tanya," said Aisha. "I'm sending her back with my crystal. I have to stay here. With my knowledge of animals, and my experience as a power ranger, I know I can help find a cure for these animals."
"My instincts told me this would happen with one of you," replied Zordon. "We shall miss you greatly Aisha. We are proud of your accomplishments."
"I'm not going to say goodbye you guys," said Aisha. "I love you, and being a part of you has meant everything to me. Especially you Billy. I'll write you soon."
"We all feel the same about you," said Zordon. "Your decision to remain has altered the course of your family's history. You will find that they have joined you when the world is returned to the future."
"Yes, I knew I was making the right choice," said Aisha. "Somehow, I feel this is where I belong. This is the answer to my quest." Aisha looked at Tanya and held out the crystal to her.
"Are you ready?" asked Aisha.
"I'm a little nervous," said Tanya. She took the crystal from Aisha and the power was transferred.
"Yeah me too," said Aisha.
"You need not be afraid, Tanya," said Zordon. "Know that the power will protect you."
"Bye," said Tanya to Aisha. "I'll make you proud." As Tanya disappeared through the time hole, Aisha sighed.
"You already have," said Aisha.
"I'm gonna miss her," said Kat, a tear rolling down her cheek.
"Us too," said Jill and Jessica in unison.
"We must all be strong as we welcome Tanya with open arms," said Zordon. "This is a very brave thing that she has done."
A flash of light shot through the Command Center and Tanya appeared in front of the others.
"Tanya," said Billy, coming up to her. "Welcome."
"You must be Billy," said Tanya. "This is for you." She held the crystal out in front of her. Billy took it.
"Billy, now it is time to put the Zeo-Crystal in order," said Zordon.
"Right Zordon," said Billy as Alpha opened up the device.
"Hi ho silver, away," joked Rocky.
"Hang on to something guys," said Billy. He felt the force of the crystal resisting as he tried a first time. He slammed the crystal into the device. The device spun around and around as the Zeo Crystal's powers started to shoot out of it.
"Billy, it's working!" cried Jessica.
"Yeah you did it!" cried Jill. The earth shook.
"Whoa!" cried everyone as they fell to the ground.
Down in the basement of the Command Center, a lost Rito and Goldar started to freak out.
"Oh no the implosion device is going off!" cried Rito.
"No you idiot!" cried Goldar. "It's the Zeo Crystal!"
Upstairs a flash of light shined through the Command Center as the Earth's rotation returned to normal time. Billy sat up as he saw everyone around him. Tommy held a hand up to his ponytail and looked at his hands.
"We're back!" cried Tommy.
"You did it! Way to go Billy, ow!" said Rocky as he his his head on the console. Jessica tackled Rocky in a passionate kiss as did Jill with Adam.
"Welcome back Rangers, and congratulations on a job well done," said Zordon as the rangers stood up.
"Tanya! Are you okay?" asked Kat as she looked over to their new friend. Tanya turned around, ten years older, and smiled.
"After everything that's happened today, I know it's going to take awhile for me to get the hang of things," said Tanya.
"Don't worry," said Adam with a smile as he and Jill helped Alpha up.
"Yeah, we'll be there every step of the way," said Jill.
"Alpha, please locate Aisha again," said Zordon. "We have to make sure she has made it through the transition safely."
"Right away, Zordon," said Alpha as the others gathered around the viewing globe. As Aisha came into view on the screen, Billy sighed.
"Looks like she made it through the transition just fine," said Billy.
"Welcome home child," said Ashala as she and Aisha hugged on screen.
"Bye Isha," said Jessica with a wave.
"It is also time to say goodbye to our other friends, who have successfully defeated the Hydro Hog.," said Zordon.
"We'll do that in person," said Tommy.
"Tanya, we would like you to remain here, so we can fill you in on a few details," said Alpha.
"Don't worry, you're in good hands," said Kat.
"Alright, let's do it," said Tommy. The seven rangers teleported out of the Command Center.
Down in the basement, Rito and Goldar were playing hot-potato with the implosion device.
"I don't want to hold it," said Rito.
"Neither do I! You hold it!" cried Goldar.
At the beach, the other rangers landed in front of the Aquatians.
"Thank you," said Jessica as Tommy held out his hand for Delphine to shake.
"Tommy? Yes, of course it is," said Delphine.
"We've come to say goodbye," said Jessica.
"Yes, you must get back to your planet and get well," said Rocky.
"I don't even know how to thank you for everything you've done," said Billy.
"You would do the same for us," said Aurico.
"In a heartbeat," said Kat.
"We'll miss you," said Adam.
"And we you," said Cestro, "but out own environment awaits us."
"We have learned much from your planet," said Corcus.
"Til we meet again, Power Rangers of Earth," said Delphine. The Aquatians bowed in respect to Jessica and Jill again as they did at their first meeting. "Your highnesseses, thank you for your assistance and hospitality."
"Til we meet again, Rangers of Aquitar," said Jessica bowing. "You are welcome. Anytime."
The Aquatians disappeared into the sky in their flashes of respective colors and the group smiled.
"Okay, let's get back to the Command Center," said Jessica. As the group teleported back in, they found Tanya and Alpha in hystericals.
"What's going on?" cried Jessica.
"Ai yi yi! Goldar and Rito have stolen the Zeo Crystal!" cried Alpha.
"Oh hell to the no!" cried Jessica angrily. Just then an explosion rang throughout the Command Center.
"What's happening?" cried Tanya.
"Rangers! You must evacuate the Command Center! Immediately!" cried Zordon.
"We can't leave you!" cried Jessica. Another explosion rang throughout the room.
"Alpha teleport them now!" cried Zordon. Alpha pushed a few buttons as another explosion rocked the Command Center.
The group landed at the bottom of the hill to the Command Center. A giant explosion rocked the desert and the Rangers were thrown several feet, stunning them for a few seconds. Tommy looked over to his right as the group started to sit up.
"Everyone okay?" asked Tommy.
"I think so," said Tanya as Rocky looked to the right.
"Jessie!" cried Rocky and the group rushed over as Jessica coughed and looked up at the ruins of the Command Center.
"No," whispered Jessica. "Dad!"
"The Command Center, it's gone," said Jill.
"Zordon and Alpha," said Kat.
"Do you think they could have survived?" asked Tanya.
"I don't know," replied Tommy.
"Tommy, what are we going to do?" asked Kat.
"This could be the end of the Power Rangers," said Tommy as the Rangers just stared at the broken Command Center.
FIN Book 1
TBC in Book 2