Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers. I think Saban owns them again. It was Disney for a while, but whoever owns them, it's definitely not me.
AN: Here's chapter 8! Thanks for all the great reviews. Enjoy and let me know what you think!
AN 2: Set in 2007 following the Operation Overdrive episode "Once a Ranger". Refer to the prologue and chapter 1 for other important author's notes.
Crimson Rising
Chapter 8: Keep Holding On
You're not alone
Together we stand
I'll be by your side, you know I'll take your hand
Before the doors close
And it comes to an end
With you by my side I will fight and defend
I'll fight and defend
Yeah, yeah
Keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Just stay strong
'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you
There's nothing you could say
Nothing you could do
There's no other way when it comes to the truth
So keep holding on
'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through
Song: Keep Holding On
Artist: Avril Lavigne
As Tommy drove to Blue Bay Harbor, he started making another call after checking in with Jason again.
"Hello,"
"Anton…it's Tommy," he said.
"Tommy, good to hear from you," Anton responded.
"Yeah, I wish it was under better circumstances, but I'm afraid we've got problems again," Tommy began.
"This wouldn't have anything to do with what's going on in Mariner Bay, would it? I'm having a hard time buying the Earthquake story," Anton replied.
"I should have known you'd never buy the government garbage. But yeah, we're gathering in Blue Bay Harbor. I'd feel better if you and Elsa made your way there," Tommy suggested.
"I'll make arrangements. Anything you need, just name it," Anton said.
"Thanks. For now, I just need you to get Trent back here from New York as fast as possible," Tommy replied.
"I'll call him and send my private jet. We'll all be there tomorrow or the next day at the latest," Anton responded.
"Thanks. I'll see you soon," Tommy said, sighing as he hung up the phone.
Blue Bay Harbor
Zedd looked at the small establishment known as Storm Chargers and knew that this would be the best place to start. He walked in and looked around when a pretty red head approached.
"Can I help you?" Kelly asked.
"I'm not sure, I'm actually looking for Hunter Bradley," Zedd replied pleasantly.
"I haven't seen him around the last couple days, but those two might know," Kelly said, pointing to a Polynesian boy in red and a chocolate haired half Latino boy in yellow, who sat on the sofa. He instantly recognized them from his observance as Shane Clarke and Dustin Brooks.
"Thank you," he replied, politely, before approaching the two young men.
"Excuse me, can either of you tell me where I can find Hunter Bradley," he inquired. Shane and Dustin exchanged glances and stood up.
"Uh…he's out of town at the moment, actually. He should be back later today though," Shane responded. Zedd nodded.
"Good, I'll wait then. It's imperative that I speak with him soon," Zedd replied.
"Sounds serious," Dustin prodded. Zedd smirked.
"It is very serious and it's best if I wait to tell the story when Hunter arrives, though speaking to your Sensei beforehand might be a good idea," Zedd mentioned, watching Dustin become nervous and Shane go rigid.
"How do you know about Sensei?" Shane questioned.
"I'm not an enemy, red ranger. I'm an ally, I assure you and the information I have will only further your endeavors to take down Ivan Ooze," Zedd responded quietly.
"Dude…you know about Ooze?" Dustin asked. Zedd nodded.
"Back off Dustin, we don't know if we can trust this guy yet," Shane ordered.
"You can Shane. We need to listen to whatever it is he has to say," a new voice chimed in. They turned to see Cam filing in with Connor, Kira, Hayley, Tommy, and an African American woman the two didn't recognize. Zedd smirked.
"Hello Tommy," he greeted. Tommy nodded curtly.
"Zedd," Tommy returned his greeting.
Mariner Bay
Wes sped past the Mariner Bay city limits with Cole behind him. The smoke had been seen from the highway for miles, but it still didn't prepare them for the scene of horror that waited for them and when they reached a point in the city near the firehouse, they knew something else was going on. Wes had sent a Silver Guardian detachment ahead of them to help pull survivors from the rubble, but his men stood in a cluster off to the side, while several other men in similar tactical gear milled about, around three other men dressed in military uniforms, looking completely out of pace. Survivors were being loaded into buses and Eric noticed that Carter, Dana, Kelsey, and Ryan stood defiantly before the uniformed men. They were obviously sporting minor injuries, Carter's being the worst, as he seemed to struggle to stand on his right leg.
"This doesn't look good," Hunter said, as they got out of the vehicle and started toward the Silver Guardians.
"What are you guys doing just standing around?" Eric demanded to know.
"I'm sorry Sir, but we've been ordered to stand down," the lead officer reported.
"By who?" Wes demanded.
"By me, General Randall Gorbin, head of sector nine or G.A.M.A," the man in the center said. He was probably in his fifties with salt and pepper hair and displayed his General stars proudly on his uniform.
"Sector nine? There is no such thing," Eric refuted.
"Technically you are correct, Commander Meyers, GAMA, is an organization that is off the government books and is shrouded in more secrecy than even the CIA. We were founded in 1996, roughly two and a half years after Rita Repulsa's arrival on the moon," the General informed.
"If it's so secretive, then why are you telling us?" Wes asked.
"Because they know about us…all of us, isn't that right General," Carter spat, in obvious pain from his wounds. The aging man smirked.
"Yes, since the Ninjetti rangers, we have been closely monitoring each ranger team in their efforts against would be alien conquerors, thus the acronym GAMA, Global Alien Monitoring Alliance," the general informed.
"That's impossible…there's no way you could have been monitoring us!" Hunter hissed.
"On the contrary, Mr. Bradley, while we may not be able to gain access to the Wind Ninja Academy…or the Thunder Academy for that matter…yet, we know of their existence, Sensei," the general said.
"And you won't gain access," Hunter promised.
"That's all well and fine, but where the hell are you taking all these survivors?" Wes demanded to know.
"To hospitals in neighboring cities of course," the general replied simply.
"He means to the hospital on the nearest military base. They're not ready for people to know that we're under alien attack so he has to keep tabs on the survivors," Taylor chimed in, knowing military protocol.
"You can't keep those people against their will," Tori protested.
"On the contrary Ms. Hanson, we are at war with an alien enemy and the power rangers have failed. We have executive orders from the President to do whatever is necessary to not only combat this enemy, but protect the people, even if it is from themselves," Gorbin responded.
"The power rangers have not failed. We were all taken by surprise, but make no mistake, the beings responsible for this will pay. I think you better just stay out of what you don't understand and leave it to the experienced alien fighters," Hunter spat.
"I think I'd rather not leave my fate to a multicolored band of hormonal young people, who renegade around their respective cities above the law, especially from one with a juvenile record," Gorbin hissed. Hunter glared daggers at the man and felt Tori squeeze his hand. To this day, only she, Blake, and Sensei Omino knew about his trouble with the law when he was twelve. He felt the other ranger's eyes on him.
"I'm not sorry for trying to feed my little brother and I will do whatever I have to for Earth. You may be able to take these survivors with you for now, but we're not going anywhere with you, so I hope you're ready for a fight, old man," Hunter growled. Gorbin chuckled.
"As entertaining as that would be, hotshot, we're not interested in taking you rangers today, though if we did, we'd be taking all of you straight to prison for vigilantism…but that's for another day," Gorbin, said, as he turned away, walking toward his Hummer. The two other military officials followed him when he turned back for a moment.
"Oh and one more matter. I'm sure you have figured it out, but as of now, the Silver Guardians have been acquired by the U.S. government and your services, Commander Collins and Commander Meyers are no longer required," Gorbin said smugly. Eric snorted and threw off his beret with Wes following suit. They dropped their weapons without care at their feet and finally tossed their badges away.
"That's okay…I prefer the Quantum blaster anyway," Eric hissed.
"And finally Ms. Earhart, I trust you understand that if you don't report for duty that you'll face suspension and subsequently a dishonorable discharge," Gorbin continued. Taylor made her choice in an instant and threw her tags down in the pile, which also had the key to her military locker at the base.
"My ranger rank has always meant more to me anyway," she spat. Gorbin nodded and continued on, until the government vehicles and buses, carrying survivors, finally moved out. As they were finally gone, Carter couldn't hold out any longer and collapsed off his leg in pain.
"Damn it Carter, you have to stay off this leg," Dana cursed, as she examined it.
"It's broken. I need to set it and get it in a stint before we can move him," Dana informed. Alyssa hurried to the makeshift triage area and got the things needed.
"This is going to hurt," Dana told her husband, as she prepared to set the bone.
"Yeah, just do it," he said in a pained voice. She shook her head and did, eliciting a sharp cry from him, followed by a growl, as he attempted to act like the pain wasn't that bad. Dana shook her head and looked at Alyssa and then Tori.
"Are your reds this ridiculously hard headed?" she asked off hand. Tori smothered a laugh and Alyssa nodded whole heartedly.
"Afraid so," Alyssa voiced. Cole looked indignant.
"Oh definitely," Tori agreed, as Hunter tossed her a questioning look.
"Sorry babe, but we both know it's true," she offered with a kiss to his cheek.
"I just can't believe all that just happened. Talk about government conspiracies," Danny voiced in disbelief.
"No doubt. It's like from a movie or a comic book!" Max agreed.
"You would know, geek boy," Taylor quipped.
"So what's next?" Cole asked.
"We're heading to Blue Bay Harbor, home of the Wind Ninja Academy, with Hunter and Tori. Tommy is gathering other ranger teams there," Wes informed.
"Let's get the cripple in the suburban," Eric mentioned.
"I can walk, just help me up," Carter insisted.
"No you can't! Damn it, Carter Grayson, your leg is broken and so help me I'm not losing you today too, because you're too pigheaded to take care of yourself," Dana cried, finally starting to break down. Carter's bravado deflated instantly, as he pulled his wife into his arms.
"I'm sorry Dana…I'm so sorry," he whispered. Tori leaned against Hunter and he put his arm around her waist, as Eric and Danny helped Wes load Carter into the suburban.
"What did you do to get a juvie record?" Taylor asked suddenly, looking back at Hunter. Her teammates all shot her looks and she shrugged.
"Relax…I'm just curious. I like to know who I'm working with," Taylor assured them. Hunter sighed. Only select few knew about it, but he decided that it really didn't matter anymore.
"My parents were killed when I was eleven and my little brother Blake and I were on the streets for a while. No money meant I had to steal to feed us. It was wrong, but when your little brother is hungry, you don't really give a damn," Hunter explained sternly.
"Why didn't you go to the police?" Taylor pressed. Hunter scoffed.
"Blake and I aren't related by blood. Our parents adopted us and I knew they would separate us. Blake was still cute enough that he probably would have been easily adopted. Call me selfish, but I couldn't take losing my brother after losing my parents too," Hunter said, recalling that painful time in his life.
"Luckily, Sensei Omino found us and took legal guardianship, assuring the authorities that I wouldn't have any more run-ins with the law, so I got off with a warning when the store owner decided not to press charges. The arrest was still on my record though, but it was expunged when I turned eighteen. Anything else you'd like to know, Captain?" Hunter snapped.
"No…geez, sorry I asked," Taylor mumbled.
"I see you still have a way with people," Max quipped. Taylor scoffed.
"Shut up," she grumbled.
"Come on, it's still a good four hour drive back to Blue Bay Harbor," Wes called, just as Hunter's communicator went off.
"That's probably Cam," Tori said.
"Go for Hunter," he answered.
"Hunter…it's Cam, where are you two?" he asked.
"In what used to Mariner Bay," Hunter answered.
"That's still four hours out. I'm going to teleport you all here. Briarwood is gone too and Tommy says he wants everyone back here as soon as possible," Cam informed him.
"I guess our cars aren't going anywhere. They'll be fine here for now," Cole decided. Hunter nodded.
"There are thirteen of us," Hunter said, as Eric and Danny put Carter's arms around their shoulders to hold him up.
"I've got a lock. Prepare to teleport in three," Cam called. True to his word, three seconds later, all thirteen disappeared in streaks of light.
At the same time in Blue Bay Harbor
"Dude, I seriously can't believe this. I mean, you're Lord Zedd except for the whole evil thing," Dustin ranted, as they trekked through the Blue Bay Harbor woods.
"Dustin, if you don't give it a rest already, I'm going to seriously hurt you dude. Leave the man alone," Shane growled. Zedd smirked with amusement.
"I think someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning," Dustin quipped back.
"He's okay Shane. I appreciate his enthusiasm. You also know your ranger history well, Dustin," Zedd responded, as they arrived at a massive waterfall.
"Tommy, are you really sure about him?" Shane questioned for a final time. Tommy nodded.
"He's really changed Shane. Zordon gave him a second chance and he's taken it. Believe me, if anyone had a reason to hate him, it would be me," Tommy responded. Shane nodded in acceptance, before accessing the secret entrance and he, Cam and Dustin started forward, walking across the water. Zedd followed like it was nothing he had not seen before, while the other visitors looked uncertain.
"Come on guys, trust me, you're not going to fall in as long as we have the portal open," Shane assured them, as they carefully followed.
"Cyber Cam, has there been any word from Hunter and Tori?" Cam asked.
"Sorry dude, no chatter on the comm," Cyber Cam flittered, as he decided he would greet the newcomers.
"Later Cyber Cam," Cam ordered, as his cyber double disappeared with a disappointed look. The others, except Shane and Dustin gave him a questioning look.
"What? He runs things around here for me when I can't," Cam replied, as Sensei Watanabe approached.
"Hey Dad, we brought some friends…and a new ally," Cam stated.
"It's good to see you again Tommy and your young teammates. Conner, Kira, it is good to see you as well," Sensei greeted. They each bowed curtly and exchanged greetings.
"Sensei, this is Tanya Sloan, former yellow Zeo and Turbo ranger," Tommy introduced.
"It's an honor, Sensei Watanabe," Tanya greeted.
"It is my honor to meet another warrior of light," Kanoi responded.
"And this is Zedd…" Tommy said uncertainly. Kanoi greeted him, before Tommy could continue.
"For one to return to the light after walking a path of darkness takes true strength and character. To strive to right one's own wrongs takes even greater courage. Welcome to the Wind Ninja Academy," Kanoi said.
"How…" Tommy started to ask Cam, who shrugged.
"That's just Dad…he just knows. We kind of quit asking how a long time ago," Cam said in amusement.
"Thank you Sensei Watanabe, I don't deserve the humble welcoming I have been given and I don't intend to betray the confidence I've been shown. But as you all know, we have a serious situation on our hands. Ivan Ooze is one of the most powerful tyrants in the universe and as things stand now, this planet is doomed," Zedd began with an ominous tone.
"That's not very optimistic," Conner quipped. Zedd smirked.
"I do hate being a downer, but the situation isn't as bleak as that statement would lead you to believe, Mr. McKnight," Zedd continued, as he paced before them.
"Okay, I know I'm the slow one, but I'm totally lost," Dustin mentioned.
"I'm with Dustin," Conner agreed, making Zedd chuckle.
"Relax boys, I promise that I will explain everything, but Hunter needs to be here and it's better if we gather as many as possible. It's a long story that goes back six thousand years," Zedd responded.
"What could it have to do with Hunter?" Shane asked.
"Much more than you can imagine, actually, but it also has to do with Ivan Ooze. The first rule in combat is to know your enemy so it's time I make sure you all understand exactly who and what we are dealing with," Zedd remarked.
"I'll get Hunter and Tori back here. They should be with the Lightspeed rangers, along with Eric and Wes," Cam said, as he sat down at the Ops computer terminal.
"It may be at least tomorrow before Billy and later tonight before Jason's group gets here. I don't even know if Jason got a hold of Kimberly and Zack yet. And…Kat is here in Blue Bay Harbor," Tommy said, remembering his conversation with Jason.
"We should go find her," Conner suggested.
"No…if she's in witness protection, then we have to wait for Jason to get her. He's her handler and we don't want to put her and her son in danger," Tommy replied.
"Time is not on our side, so once Hunter is here, I'll proceed with my story. Cam can record me and play it back for the others later if necessary," Zedd suggested. Tommy nodded, as Cam made contact with Hunter.
A few moments later, thirteen people appeared in Ninja Ops. Wes and Danny helped Carter to a chair.
"Carter…" Tommy said.
"Hey Tommy…" Carter greeted with a pained expression, as the former black dino ranger took notice of everyone that had arrived. He soon noticed that Lightspeed was only four members in number.
"Where's…" Tommy started to ask him, as he saw the look in Carter's eyes and in an instant, Tommy knew exactly what had happened to Blue and Green Lightspeed rangers. Tommy felt his stomach drop like a lead weight. They had lost Trey, the Phantom ranger, the Aquitian rangers, their entire planet, and now two earth rangers.
"He will pay for this," Tommy assured the red Light speed ranger in a low whisper. Carter's look of determination mirrored Tommy's, simply nodding that he promised to see to it as well.
"Whoa…kind of crowded in here," Blake Bradley said, as he trekked down the stairs.
"Blake!" Dustin greeted. Cam and Shane greeted him next, before he finally came face to face with Hunter.
"Hunter…" Blake greeted. The older brother clapped him on the shoulder.
"Welcome home, little bro," Hunter replied. Blake nodded.
"Tori…" he greeted awkwardly.
"It's good to see you Blake," she replied, her awkwardness equal to his.
"Everyone, please find a seat. We have much to discuss and time is of the essence," Kanoi called to the young people in the room. They all quieted and found seats, even though most of them didn't know what was going on.
"Our guest has valuable knowledge we need to know about our enemy and he knows what must be done to combat this evil. We must listen now to his story if we are to preserve our future," Kanoi said, as all eyes turned to Zedd…