Hey! I'm alive! I'm sorry about not updating sooner, but I was way too busy trying to write out the plotline for the rest of the story. Which means, it's from now, to whenever Kaleb either decides to give up his powers/gets forced into retirement/critically injured making him unable to be a ranger/or killed. (The last one is def not what happens, so don't worry about that.)

Also, I was thinking, and I realized that there are more good looking rangers that don't get appreciated enough here on . There are only like four that really deserve to be recognized. They are Nick Russell (Mystic Force), Xander Bly (Also from Mystic Force), Lucas (Time Force), and finally, Zhane (Space)

So, sorry about my ranting, but it just got me thinking watching the other seasons. Also, I have decided that once I'm done with this story, I'll try to work on more PR fics for your enjoyment.

Now, sorry t keep you waiting, but here we go! Part 2 of Ninja Quest! I don't own anything!

We all just stood there, still in shock at the event that just occurred. Our Zords all lay in a fiery heap, broken apart and melted. It was just a horrible sight, especially looking at the green shard that nearly killed me. That green piece of metal was just a way of saying that my Basilisk was no more, and that it would never be fixed.

I felt Rocky push me lightly forward, "Come on Kaleb, let's go." He said, trying to keep his cool. I could tell he was getting emotional as well, but he was stronger than me, so he didn't break down. Kim however, I heard her sniffling, like she was crying. Aisha was hugging Adam, while Tommy and Billy were just looking at the metal beings that were formerly known as the MegaZords.

We started walking, going through the piles of metal, just observing the damage. I lifted my head up, looking at what was once my zord's head. It just made me feel even more hopeless. Rita and Zedd finally beat us. Without the Zords, we had no chance of beating any of their monsters.

Aisha gasped as a few sparks shot out near her, "Their completely destroyed." She said, in complete shock. It was a big shock to all of us. How could this happen? I mean, the Zords were always a surefire way that we won fights. I get that every fight has a winner and a loser, but the loser hasn't ever been us.

Kimberly sniffed, probably recovering from her crying. I wasn't a sniffler, I just stayed quiet whenever I cried. Anyway, Kim looked around, "We gotta get back to the Command Center. Maybe Alpha can figure out a way to fix them." She said, sounding extremely panicked.

Everyone gave her a sad look, knowing that the Zords were never going to be fixed. Billy shook his head, "I don't think it would be that simple."

We still tried. Tommy pressed his teleporter down, but nothing happened. Not even a spark. I couldn't feel any type of power going through me, but I thought that was just the complete sorrow coursing through my body.

He turned to us, "Looks like we lost more than our Zords, we lost our powers, completely." He said, setting the tone for the day. It was just so shocking to know that our powers were suddenly gone, just like that. It was such a beautiful day, and then something like this happens.

Looking at the rubble, Billy sighed, "It's going to be a long walk back to the Command Center." The head of the ThunderMegaZord gave off a bunch of sparks, before Billy started walking, "Let's get going."

We all agreed, and deciding to just buck up and deal with it, I stood up straight and walked on my own. Of course, Rocky and Adam were right there beside me. It was funny, out of the six people I first met here, half of them became closer to me than I thought. One ended up being a cousin I never knew about, and as he's said before, he didn't know about me either. Another was possibly going to be a sister, and the third was my first real boyfriend. How did I have such good luck to have met them first in this town?

Rocky leaned down to me, "You okay?" He asked, like he was worried that I'd break into little pieces.

I shook my head, "No, but I will be. It's just a heavy blow to my confidence." I told him, honestly. Why lie and say I was okay when I obviously wasn't when I was crying into his chest?

o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Half an Hour Later

o0o0o0o0o0o0o

The whole walk was silent, except for the crunching of the rocks under our feet. No one dared to say anything, and no one tried to give us some type of hopeful speech. Even Tommy, who I've come to learn has never backed down from a challenge without a fight, was looking down and out.

We reached the Command Center within the next couple of minutes. I was the first to walk in, and when I saw that the lights were out and the control panels were all blown to pieces, I looked shocked. The battle destroyed the Command Center too?

"Rangers?" A pained and staticky version of a voice we've come to know and love sounded from somewhere. I looked around, and saw that Alpha was standing there, walking slowly over to us. I didn't let him get too far as I ran over and hugged the robot, glad that he was safe. "Alpha!" I cried, not literally.

The other rangers surrounded me and the robot, joining in the hug. Alpha moved away from us, "I'm fine, but our systems have suffered a terrible explosion. Rito's attack has left the Command Center with barely any power!"

Zordon's face appeared in his chamber, making me sigh in relief, along with everyone else. "Rangers, I'm glad to see that you are all safe." He said, looking very sad. Of course he was. His home was destroyed and his power was almost gone.

Billy looked around the area, scanning the busted control panels. Tommy stepped forward to address his friend, "Come on Billy, give us some good news." He pleaded.

It was almost sad for all of us, to see Tommy almost breaking down. The guy was our leader, and now, he seemed so distressed and just broken down. I guess he relied on his powers as a sort of confidence boost. The Blue Ranger sighed, turning to Tommy, "I wish I could, but we're talking about the Command Center's power core. I don't even know how to begin to repair it." He said, leaning back against a panel, holding a hand to the bridge of his nose.

Alpha walked forward, "Aye yi yi! I don't know Billy, that could take centuries!" He informed the brainiac.

Kim sniffed, looking at our robotic friend, "Alpha, we don't have centuries." She sighed.

Adam looked up to Zordon, "What about our Zords? Can you bring them back Zordon?" He asked. We all knew the answer, but there was no harm in asking for clarification.

"I'm afraid not. Since the Command Center's power is nearly depleted, there is no way to revitalize your lost Zords." He replied, grimly. Aisha shook her head, "There's gotta be something we can do."

I stepped forward, speaking really confident for some reason, "We find where our powers came from in the first place." I said, looking up to Zordon. "Right?"

He smiled, "Legend has it that there is a lost temple, hidden beneath the Desert of Despair. The keeper of the temple is named Ninjor. He forged the original Power Coins to be used by those battling the evil forces of the universe. This may only be a myth." He explained.

We all dropped our heads in disappointment, before Alpha spoke up, "What about the map we found along with the Power Coins?" He asked.

Rocky raised an eyebrow at the robot, "Map?"

A really old and crumbly piece of paper teleported into Alpha's grasp, making Rocky's eyes widen. "Hey, maybe it does exist. Maybe we could find the temple." He suggested, sounding hopeful. It was cute the way he was trying to give everyone some happiness.

Aisha turned to Zordon, "And maybe find the power."

Our mentor shook his head, "I'm sorry Rangers. The Desert of Despair is much too dangerous."

I looked up to him with a glare, "And fighting Lord Zedd's monsters and risking our lives everyday isn't? I'm sorry Zordon, but whether you like it or not I'm going after the power." I told him, giving him some attitude.

Tommy rested his hand on my shoulder, "Kaleb, he said…"

I turned on him, "I don't care if it's dangerous!" I snapped. Everyone backed away from me a step. I sighed, "Sorry. I just really want to gain that power. Before I became a ranger, I never felt like I really belonged in the world, like I was just going to live the boring life and not do anything. Now that I have been teammates with you guys, I don't want that to go away." I turned back to Zordon, "Please Zordon, we need to go find that temple." I pleaded.

Zordon sighed, "Very well. Although it is against my better judgement, I will let Alpha give you the map. But I must warn you, once Lord Zedd learns of your destination, he will try to thwart your every move. Without your powers, you will be at his mercy." He explained, while Alpha handed Billy the map.

Adam looked to Zordon, "Powers or not, we don't have a choice." He said, sternly. I liked the confidence everyone was showing today, except Tommy, but he was still shaken up by the Zords being destroyed, so I couldn't blame him.

Billy looked up to Zordon, "But, how are you going to get us there? The power is gone."

Alpha nodded, "Yes Billy, we're going to do this the old fashioned way." He told us.

I groaned, "More walking?"

The robot shook his head, "No, just hold your arms up and form a circle around me. Make sure that both of your hands are placed against the two people next to you."

We did as we were told, and we stood in formation, our arms above our head, pressing flat against whoever was next to us. I just so happened to be between Adam and Tommy. Zordon looked down at us, "Remember, stay alert and be prepared for the unexpected."

We all nodded looking back at him. He turned to Alpha, "Are you ready for the teleportation Alpha?" He asked.

He just pressed a few buttons on a portable system he was holding, "Aye yi yi! Talk about your crude methods!" He cried.

Zordon replied, "Keep trying Alpha. There should be enough residual power to teleport the rangers safely to the desert." He calmly told the robot.

Aisha rolled her eyes, "Either that or we're toast."

There was suddenly a big burst of electricity that surged through the Command Center and hit the system Alpha was holding. It send mini sparks of our respective colors into our bodies. It was like a little tingle in your stomach, like you were nervous or scared. This wasn't a real feeling, but an artificial one. Zordon wished us luck and told us to come back safely, before the flash of green hit me and my feet left the ground.

It was only a few short seconds later that I felt my feet land on something soft. Oh great, again, I land on top of Rocky. Why does this always happen when we are suddenly teleported? I looked down, to see that it wasn't Rocky or anyone. It was yellow sand. I looked around, as did the rest of us. It was a desert, but it didn't look too bad. It was just a regular old desert, with sand, heat and rocks.

Luckily for me, I was wearing a light t-shirt and running shorts, so the heat wouldn't affect me that badly.

Billy spoke up from his place, looking at the map, "According to the map that Alpha gave us, we should start heading in that direction." He pointed forward, starting to walk, "The entrance to the temple is marked by a very mysterious rock formation."

I'm sure he would've said more, but as we were walking with him, a loud moan was heard from behind us. Actually, I'm not sure where it came from. It sounded like it was everywhere. It was very bone chilling. "What is that?" I asked. It sounded like a woman in pain. Maybe this wasn't a normal desert after all.

Adam looked to us, "Remember, Zordon called this the Desert of Despair." He reminded us. Hmm, good point.

"Well, it sure lives up to its name." Kimberly commented, sounding freaked out. Aisha looked a lot like Kimberly at the moment, holding her arms to the side, "Despair or not, this place is giving me a major case of the heebie jeebies."

We all walked away, heading in the direction the Billy told us to. The loud moan kept sounding off at random times, making all of us a little bit jumpy. It was really creepy. I didn't like it at all. Also, with the rocks being all around us, the sound echoed all over the place, making our blood go cold.

I shivered, hearing the sound come extra close. Rocky turned to me, grabbing my hand, "You okay?" He asked, concerned.

I nodded, "Yeah, I just wish that sound would stop." I told him.

Tommy and Kim separated from us, so they were a little farther away from us. They were still going the right way, just they were a little bit away from us. I heard Kim say something about teleporting and how she'll never take it for granted.

Billy pointed out the next way we should go, and we went past this rock that had some sort of cave in it. It didn't look too promising, as the cave only went like two feet and then it was just wall. Kim stopped, "Hey, look at this rock!" She picked up the rock, but dropped it and screamed. "Hot!"

The rock landed on the sand and a stream of fire surrounded us. Rocky, Tommy and Aisha all rolled out of the way of the fire, while Billy, Adam and Kim were on the other side. Me, I was in the path of the fire and it hit my leg, burning it. I cried out in pain, before rolling out towards Tommy seconds after the flames touched my leg. Aisha helped me up, and I leaned on her, wincing.

I looked to my leg and saw it was really red. Rocky grabbed me and sat me down, nearby. I watched as Adam and Kim both jumped over the fire and to us. When Billy jumped however, he dropped something into the flames.

He tried going after it but it was too late. The paper had already burnt down to a crisp. Great, now that's two things that have burnt today.

Once the initial shock of the fire was over with, the attention was brought onto me. Aisha bent down, taking a good look at my leg. She touched it gently, but it still sent searing pain throughout my body. She smiled, "It isn't bad. It's a minor burn. Like if you place a hand over a hot stove. You'll be fine." She told me, pulling me up.

I winced a bit, stepping on my right leg, but it wasn't so bad. I could bear with the pain for a while. At least, I hope I could.

Adam looked around, "What do we do now? We lost the map so we have no idea where we're going." He complained.

Billy looked at the rocks, "Well, I did read that the entrance was at the base of some rock formation, but I forget what it was supposed to look like." He told us.

"GUYS!" I heard Kim scream. We looked over to see she was waist deep in the sand and she was sinking fast. I quickly ran over, ignoring any type of pain I was in and grabbed her hand, only to start sinking myself. Adam grabbed my arm, Tommy grabbed Adam's, Aisha grabbed Tommy's, Billy grabbed Aisha's and Rocky grabbed on Billy's with one arm and a rock with his other. We all pulled as hard as we could. Kim's screaming in my ear didn't help my hearing, but I still held on.

Eventually, after about three more seconds of pulling, I was able to pull Kim and myself out of the sinkhole. I fell onto my butt, but I didn't care. I grabbed Kim and hugged her, "Are you okay?" I asked, very scared for her. Hey, her dad's dating my mom and knowing her personality along with what I saw when I met the guy, a ring couldn't be far.

She just nodded, "Thanks Kaleb." She said, breathlessly. I looked to Tommy, and nudged my head. He nodded and picked her up onto her feet, and she grabbed him like he was going to vanish into thin air. He held her close, while I rubbed my burnt leg. It was weird. The sand that went over my leg seemed to numb the pain. It wasn't hurting at all, and I could move my leg without any type of pain. Hmm, maybe it wasn't that full of despair after all.

And then, mother nature proved me wrong, again, by releasing that loud and creepy moan right into my ears. Well, at least I know I could still hear.

I stood up, brushed my clothes off, and looked to the rocks. "We better hurry. Who knows what else will happen if we stay here in the open." I suggested.

Everyone agreed, and we started off towards the rocks. Adam came up to me, "I know Kim's okay, but are you?" He asked. I laughed at my cousin. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit shook up, but fine." I told him.

He gave me a skeptical look, making me laugh again, "Adam, just because you're my cousin, doesn't mean that you get to play the older protective type, okay? It's not a good look on you." I told him, hitting his shoulder.

The Black Ranger just sighed, before shaking his head, smiling. "You're something else, you know that K?"

I smiled back at him, "What's new?"

o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Fifteen Minutes Later

o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Well, to catch you all up to speed on what happened in the past fifteen minutes, here's a list. We walked, we walked, we walked, and just for a change of pace, we walked some more. Now what we saw was rather interesting. We saw rocks, dry bushes, more rocks, sand, cacti, did I mention rocks?

Yeah, I was bored, but you can't blame me! We've been walking in this damn desert for the past hour okay? It is hot outside, and I can't do heat! I can't do cold, I can't do heat, I'm a mess!

Okay, sorry, I don't mean to take it out on you, but after the day I've had today, I deserve a break.

"Guys, I think that's the formation!" Billy called to us from the front of the group. I looked up to what he was pointing at and smirked. It looked a lot like Pride Rock from the Lion King. "The entrance to the temple should be somewhere around the base." The blue wearing brainiac told us, as we walked over towards it.

As we climbed over some rocks that lead up to the formation, Billy told us to look for any caves. I couldn't really see anything, and even if I did, I'm sure someone else would've spotted it first, as I was one of the last ones in the group. Tommy stopped to tie his shoe, which was completely random. We all stopped as well, and looked around. Adam looked very confused, "I don't understand. Are you sure this is the right formation?" He asked Billy.

Our Blue Ranger friend sighed, "Well, it's the only thing that I can see that even slightly resembles the formation on the map." He told us.

Rocky sighed, pressing on the rocks, probably checking to see if there wasn't any secret passage or something. "Maybe Zordon was right." He said, after nothing happened, "Maybe the temple doesn't exist." He said, sadly.

We all looked down, upset. It was very quiet in the desert, with no moaning sounds or no wind blowing. It was just quiet and peaceful.

"Hello Rangers!" A bird-voice squawked. I looked up and saw a humanoid bird thing standing on a ledge. It didn't look friendly either. Suddenly, a whole flock of these birdbrains were around and they were just cawing and shrieking, making my ears almost bleed. Tommy turned to us, "Looks like Zedd found us."

The bird laughed, "Good guess!"

I groaned, "These things talk? Great!" I cheered sarcastically.

Rocky moved in front of me, "Can this get any worse?" He asked.

I hit him in the back, "Don't ask that or else it will!" I scolded him. One of the birds jumped in the air and flew at us, leaning back, extending a foot. I jumped out of the way, but Billy didn't have time to. The bird's foot was slammed into Billy's chest and he was sent flying back into a small patch of grass. He turned to Rocky, "It just got worse." He groaned.

Tommy lifted him up, as we ran over, "Stay close together guys." He gave the army of birds a look. "We've never seen these guys before. There's no telling what they can do." He warned us.

One of the birds jumped down, and flew towards me. I fell onto my back and pushed my foot up just as the bird flew over me. I sent it flying forward, but it pulled up before it did any damage. He then flew back to me and tackled me. I tried pushing it off, but I couldn't. It was way too strong. I felt the weight being lifted off of me and I saw Rocky throw the bird into a group of them.

"Those featherheads are way too strong!" I commented, as the birds backed us into the face of the rock. Tommy looked to his right and noticed something. "Guys, over here!" He called, jumping into an opening to the rock.

We all jumped after him, looking back at the birds. They tried getting in, but they were just too big and they were fighting each other to get through. Kim smiled, in relief no doubt, "They're too big for the opening."

Adam leaned against a rock, "Now what?" He asked, as the rock shifted. It caused an earthquake, that made me almost lose my sense of balance. In front of us, as the earth was shifting, so was a giant rock. It moved out of the way and revealed a pathway. I smiled, walking along it. "Guys, come on!" I called back.

They didn't need to be told twice. All of them quickly followed. "This will put some distance between us and the giant feather dusters." I said, walking into a cavern.

The cave quickly got dark and foggy. It was hard to see, so everyone grabbed onto one person, so that if one got lost, we'd all get lost. Billy looked ahead, "We should follow this tunnel until the end. Maybe it'll lead to safety."

Adam nodded, "And if we're lucky, the temple." He said, hopeful.

Continuing ahead, the cave got smokier and strangely enough, lighter. We could see better. And it wasn't a really good sight to see. We were stuck in a big circular area of the cave with no hole at the top or some kind of a way out. Rocky, from behind me, growled, "Perfect, a dead end, just perfect."

I shook my head, "No, there has to be some other way. This can't be the end of the line." I said, in disbelief. Tommy hit his fist in anger, "Man!" He growled in anger. It made me jump a bit, as he looked like he was going to hit someone.

He walked over to the nearest wall and punched, "I don't believe th-!" He shouted, as the wall absorbed him in a white light. Kim ran forward to the wall, but stayed away, "Tommy!?" She cried in shock.

"Billy, where'd he go?" Kim asked.

Said Blue Ranger threw a rock to the wall and like Tommy, it went right through. He turned to us, "It appears to be some kind of power vortex there." He noted.

Adam turned to us, "We've got to go after him." He said, seriously.

Aisha nodded, "Yeah."

Billy walked forward, "Let's do it." He exclaimed, before walking over to the wall. It absorbed him into the wall with a flash of blue light. Man, why does everything revolve around our Power Ranger colors?

I looked back at the group, before walking forward, as no one was going through. Of course, if I was going, you best believe Rocky was going. I grabbed him and pulled him along. I heard Kim, Aisha and Adam follow us. It was weird, like walking through water, except you could breath. It was very thick in the tunnel and you couldn't see anything.

I just hoped this led to what I thought it led to. If not, we're in big trouble.

So, what do you all think? Sorry again for the lack of updating. But, don't worry, I'm not ever giving up on this story. Hope you liked it!

Review and tell me what you think.