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. . I also don't own any song lyrics used.

AN: Here's chapter 19! Enjoy and let me know what you think! Thanks to all the great reviews too and here's notes to those individuals:

RHatch: Yeah, Will's made some bad decisions and he doesn't really get what it means to be a ranger. The power has blinded him and this is only the beginning on the conflict. Stay tuned. ;)

MMPRFansince93: Thanks, I'm glad you're enjoying the story. This chapter kicks the chilling stuff up a notch too, so enjoy. :)

Harry2: Yep, though the visit to Ninjor is a ways off yet, as things get even more complicated in this chapter.

WideOpenSpacesGirl045: Thanks, glad you liked the chapter, especially the Adam/Tanya moment. :) And if you're angry with Will and hate Gorbin now, then I'm afraid that this chapter will make you hate them more. Hold onto your seat. :)

garnetred: Thanks, glad you're enjoying the story. As for Will, time will only tell. ;)

fallingstar22: Thanks, normally I don't think any ranger would betray their own, but when you change the circumstances on characters, they are going to react differently than normal. I chose Will as the most likely, because not only is he a spy for a living, but he hasn't been a ranger long. I don't dislike him, but him being a spy was just a plot twist that I couldn't resist. Glad you enjoyed the Adam/Tanya moment too. Buckle up, because this chapter gets a little bumpy. :)

Grass King: Thanks, glad you're enjoying the story. I explain where Tyzonn has gone in this chapter. Since Ivan Ooze is threatening other worlds too, Flurious is no longer the biggest threat and I'll be showing that in coming chapters. As for Daggeron, I've only seen a couple episodes of Mystic Force so I won't be including him or much more than mentions of the Mystic Force rangers. They'll likely remain behind the scenes. As for Merrick, he may or may not make an appearance later on. If he does, it will not be a large role. The rangers in focus will be the Morphin/Zeo, NS and DT teams. Others will have minor roles, like Wes and Eric, while others will have mentions or small roles behind the scenes. It's a very large cast I'm dealing with, but I promise to include all that I can without having the story skid off the tracks, so to speak. :)

tomwilliams1990: Thanks, so glad you're enjoying it. Wait no longer, here's the next chapter. I try to update this one once a week, providing life doesn't get in the way. Enjoy! :)

Crimson Rising

Chapter 19: Waterfall

And all my life, I've tried to find you

And every breath I breathe is for you

I refuse to let you go

I refuse to let you go

And all my life, I've tried to find you

And after all, you're a waterfall, crashing down

Crashing down

And after all, you're a waterfall, crashing down

Crashing down

Tonight

I feel right

When I'm by your side, when I'm by your side

Tonight

I feel right

When I'm by your side, when I'm by your side

Tonight

Song: Waterfall

Artist: Eyeshine

Blue Bay Harbor

Outside Ninja Ops

"Well, it seems we have a welcoming committee. How lovely," Gorbin said sarcastically, as the seven rangers filed through the portal and it closed behind them.

"Why Will…why would you do this?" Tori asked, hurt evident in her voice.

"Don't take it personally Tori. This isn't about any of you really. I was hired to do a job and I did it. That's what a spy does," Will replied coldly.

"So this is about money for you?" Conner asked in disbelief. The black Overdrive shrugged.

"Despite that old sentimental saying, you can put a price on friendship. Since I don't really have affection for any of you, I'm only risking my friendships with the Overdrive rangers and with the money I was paid, I can buy a new team if I have to. But…something tells me I can convince them to work with me eventually," Will responded.

"You're working for sector nine?" Hunter asked. Will shrugged indifferently again.

"Like I said, the money is too good to pass up," Will replied flippantly.

"Yes and Mr. Aston showed me footage of a very interesting story. I must admit, the return of Lord Zedd wasn't something I was anticipating," Gorbin said in amusement.

"He's not that evil being anymore. He's changed," Hunter insisted.

"Just because he is parading around in a new body doesn't mean we will let him get away with everything he did. And you yourself are in a lot of trouble as well, Mr. Bradley," Gorbin retorted.

"Hunter hasn't done anything wrong," Tori defended. Gorbin ignored her.

"I had your records pulled and it seems that your birth certificate is a forgery. You're an illegal, undocumented person on this planet. However, I'd be willing to forget all that if you simply take my offer and work for us," Gorbin stated.

"We're never going to work for you, no matter how much you threaten us," Hunter retorted

"Then I'm afraid you are all under arrest," Gorbin announced. Hunter smirked.

"You really think you can arrest us?" Hunter goaded. But Gorbin smirked.

"No…I know you'll use your powers to evade arrest. Those same powers have left me very intrigued. I watched your battle in Silver Hills and there's something I'm curious to test," Gorbin said.

"And what's that?" Hunter asked.

"This," Gorbin responded, as he drew his gun and shot Hunter point blank in the chest. Tori's blood curdling scream pierced the air, as her lover fell with a hard thud. The other rangers stared in disbelief, as the blonde Phoenix ranger lay unmoving, blood slowly soaking the material of his Ninja uniform.

"Hunter…HUNTER!" Tori screamed hysterically. Tanya was beside her instantly, trying to console her by stroking her hair, while Adam knelt beside the crimson ranger, feeling for a pulse. He found none and his head shot up, his frightened eyes mirroring his girlfriend's.

"I thought you said he had the power to heal himself," Gorbin asked Will. The black Overdrive ranger shrugged.

"He said he did. Guess he was wrong," Will replied in an uncaring voice.

"You…YOU DID THIS!" Tori screamed, as she lunged at Will, who only smirked at her display. Conner and Tanya held her back and though Will didn't realize it, they had just saved him from being torn apart by the water ninja. Jason and Tommy started for Gorbin, but his guards leveled their blasters at the two seasoned rangers. Neither moved, but quietly willed their morphers into their sight, ready to protect themselves and the others if the men decided to start firing.

"Sorry babe, but you're pretty enough. You'll find a new man in no time," Will joked callously. Adam looked at him in disbelief, as Tori's gut wrenching sobs seemed to have no effect on him other than indifference. Tanya held her in a tight hug and stroked the sobbing girl's hair.

"You're a ranger…how can you stand there and have no reaction to the death of one of us?" Adam asked in disbelief. Will sneered and smirked down at him.

"I'm not one of you. Let's get that straight," Will spat.

"Money and power, that's how you survive in this world, like it or not. I never wanted any part of your little ranger love fest or legacy or whatever you call it. The power is all I need," Will responded. Adam glared up at him.

"You're a disgrace to my color," the black Ninjetti spat. Will only smirked in amusement, but his mirth quickly melted, as they heard Hunter groan and his body twitch with movement. Gorbin also didn't hide his surprise. Tears still poured down her face, as Tori crawled to his side.

"Hunter?" she squeaked, her eyes wide as he sat up, holding his chest in pain.

"Damn…that freaking hurt," he growled, as he opened his eyes and saw Tori's tearstained face. He looked down at the hole in his uniform and the blood soaked material. She touched the skin beneath in amazement, as all that remained was a purpling bruise instead of the hole that had been there just a few moments ago. He noticed his blood on her hands and looked up at her.

"Tor…I'm so sorry for scaring you," he whispered, as she threw herself into his arms, despite their audience.

"So it is true. You can heal yourself from mortal wounds," Gorbin stated, clearly even more intrigued, as Hunter and Tori climbed to their feet.

"You could have killed him!" Tori screamed, as she started to advance on him. But Hunter held her back, not trusting Gorbin not to use his gun again.

"Careful Ms. Hanson, I don't believe you possess the same abilities as your lover and I would hate to be forced to shoot you," Gorbin goaded. Moving more quickly than any of them could see, Hunter drew his saber and leveled it at Gorbin, causing the Silver Guardians to raise their firearms.

"Threaten her life again and it will be the last mistake you ever make," Hunter warned, his hard gaze boring a hole through the evil man before him. His steely gaze shifted to the black Overdrive ranger and he enjoyed making him nervous by slowly bringing his blade toward him.

"I hope you're ready for the war you've declared, because you're on the losing side now. I suggest you train, because the only thing we're going to fight over," Hunter said, indicating the rangers present.

"Is who gets first crack at you," Hunter warned, as he sheathed his blade and raised his morpher to his lips.

"Cam…are we done?" Hunter asked vaguely.

"Everyone else is clear. I'm just waiting on you guys," came Cam's reply.

"We're ready," Hunter declared. Three seconds later, the seven of them disappeared in teleportation streaks in their respective colors.

"Find a way into that base. I want it searched with a fine tooth comb," Gorbin ordered, knowing they were long gone, but hoping they left something of use behind. The leaves crunched beneath his boots, as he knelt down, gazing at the crimson liquid that stained the ground.

"Get a forensic team down here to collect this blood sample and then get it to our top scientist. I want to know everything about his DNA," Gorbin ordered. His commander saluted and left to carry out the orders.

Anton Mercer's Hidden Island Base

The Legacy Compound

The last eight rangers appeared with the others on the island, before the massive compound that they had just learned was a joint project between Wes' father and Anton Mercer. Waves crashed on the beach and the smell of salt water filled the air, making Tori already feel at home.

"Welcome to the Legacy compound, the Power Rangers' last line of defense," Anton announced, as the massive doors swung open. None of them could help but gape open mouthed at the sheer size and luxury of the place. No expense had been spared.

"This is of course the atrium and the second floor is all spacious bedrooms and baths, enough for all, including our non-ranger allies and the children, as long as most everyone pairs up," Anton said, as he took Elsa's hand and led them further in.

"Here we have the kitchen, which is fully stocked, and then the living area. There are going to be some hard battles ahead and you'll all need a place to relax and wind down once in a while," Anton continued. The living area was massive, just as the kitchen and dining area were. It was complete with a huge flat screen TV, several plush sofas, recliners, and bean bag chairs.

"The basement has a state of the art dojo, gym, and Ops room with all the best ranger level technology," Anton finished.

"Dad…this place is amazing!" Trent said in awe.

"Yeah…you did this all for us?" Wes asked. Anton nodded.

"Let's just say that this is my way of giving back after the whole Mesagog fiasco. And your father and I know that the power rangers are the only way this planet will survive," Anton said.

"But when you're not in uniform, we will all need a place to go where we don't have to worry about our own people coming after us," Anton added.

"I think I can speak for all of us when I say thank you," Tommy said, as they shook hands.

"What about my dad though? I can't leave him to rot in prison," Wes lamented. Jason and Tommy smirked at each other.

"I think Tom and I can help with that," Jason stated. Tommy nodded.

"We'll go in tonight and sneak him out. With our invisibility powers, we can get him out," Tommy said. Wes smiled and shook their hands.

"Thank you, I know you're taking a big risk by doing this," Wes said gratefully. Jason shrugged.

"Rainbow ranger and I can take on whoever they've got to throw at us without even morphing," Jason assured him, as Tommy glared at his best friend.

"Stop calling me that," Tommy said, as the others snickered in amusement.

"You're the one that kept stealing colors. I mean green and white were yours first, but did you have to go steal my color next?" Jason teased.

"Yeah and then mine. When are you going pink?" Adam added, getting more snickers. Tommy rolled his eyes.

"You guys are hilarious," Tommy replied sarcastically.

"So what now?" Conner asked.

"Well, for now we can relax and unwind. I'm sure Ivan won't stay silent for long so we need to relax a little while we can. We'll dive head long into training tomorrow morning," Jason said.

"I know this is a couple months off, but what do we do when Alyssa goes into labor? I don't want those creeps coming anywhere near her and our baby, so a hospital is out," Cole spoke, as he consoled a nervous Alyssa. Trini smiled and approached the couple.

"I'm a surgeon so I believe I'll be able to handle the birthing," Trini said, as she turned to Anton.

"I assume there is a medical wing?" she asked. He nodded.

"It's on the basement level near the Ops room," Anton answered. She nodded.

"All this stress isn't good for the baby. I'm sure everything is fine, but with what's happened in the last few days, a checkup wouldn't hurt," Trini said. Alyssa and Cole nodded in agreement.

"While I'm gone, those of us that can cook should probably try to come up with something that can be called dinner. I'm sure Alpha can help too," Trini suggested. They agreed and soon the kitchen and dining area was bustling with activity, while Trini took Cole and Alyssa down to the medical wing.

Ivan Ooze's Ship

In Orbit of Earth

"FOOLS!" Ivan Ooze cried angrily, as he punished his daughter and top generals. Xinshing himself was not present and currently leading an assault on KO-35, which was decidedly going much better.

"Most of them are children! Barely adults and they defeat some of my supposedly best soldiers!" Ivan roared, as he concentrated his purple lightning on General Xerxes and Kalmec.

"My…Lord, he took…us by surprise!" Xerxes struggled to explain. Ivan ceased his attack, as the General gasped for air.

"I did not expect the show of power he displayed," Xerxes tried to defend himself.

"Of course you didn't, you imbecile! I told you not to underestimate the Phoenix Ninjetti and what did your men do?" Ivan questioned, as he paced before the kneeling soldiers.

"You allowed two of your degenerate idiot soldiers who were thinking with their dicks to make him angry? Their legendary stupidity is the reason he turned them to ashes!" Ooze ranted, as he moved to Kalmec.

"And you…I would expect that you might lose to one of the original rangers, but to that child parading around as the red Dino ranger? Pathetic!" Ooze screamed, as kicked the man away, before moving to his daughter.

"You are not skilled enough to take on the Phoenix ranger and you managed to lose to the Falcon as well," Ooze stated, as his purple lightning caused her more pain.

"The only reason you're still alive is because you happen to be my daughter, but that might not save you forever. DO NOT FAIL ME AGAIN, TOXA!" he screamed, before releasing her from his plasma shock ray.

"W…what are your orders now, My Lord?" Xerxes asked.

"One of my Ecto Morphicon's is nearly complete, but for now you will stand down. The lot of you are eternally lucky that I am very much enjoying watching the humans try to destroy their own," Ivan said, chuckling as he observed the events in the country the rangers called home.

"Their own people have forced the rangers into hiding and that General actually tried to kill the crimson brat. The humans have done more to hurt the rangers than my own army!" Ivan roared.

"Father…if the rangers find out that we have the Galaxy rangers as our captives, we could deal them another devastating blow. We could make them watch us execute them. It would teach them what happens when they cross you," Toxa suggested.

"No…not yet. We will keep them alive for now. I may need a trump card in the future. For now, the lot of you will get out of my sight," he hissed, as they started to leave quickly.

"Toxa…" he called suddenly.

"Yes Father?" she asked, as she stopped.

"Go to Earth and observe those idiots that keep getting defeated by the Overdrive rangers. The betrayal of the other rangers by the black Overdrive ranger will be something very exploitable if we play this right. I want to know the moment they engage in their next battle with Operation Overdrive, because we're going to manipulate it," Ivan instructed.

"Yes Father," she bowed deeply and left for her new mission.

The Hartford Mansion

San Angeles, CA

"You can't come in here! This is private property!" Spencer cried, as General Gorbin and his now renamed GAMA Guardians stormed into the Hartford mansion.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Andrew exclaimed, as the lead Guardian pointed a gun at him and Spencer, causing them both to stop and raise their arms in surrender.

"You are under arrest, Mr. Hartford," Gorbin announced.

"What the hell for and how did you even get in here?" Andrew demanded to know.

"I let them in," Will Aston announced, as he made his presence known and walked in.

"You did what?!" Mack exclaimed, as he and the other Overdrive rangers filed in, having heard the commotion.

"Will…what the hell are you doing?" Ronny demanded. The black ranger scoffed.

"My job. I'm a spy and they've hired me to do a job and they're willing to hire all of you too defend the planet. Think about it. We'll be saving the world and getting paid for it. These guys have technology that's just as good as ranger technology and they're ready to whip out the big guns on Ivan Ooze's operation," Will stated, pausing for a moment.

"The other rangers aren't cooperating so they're in hiding like the cowards they are! Are you going to do the same?" Will asked.

"What if we don't want to work for sector nine?" Rose asked.

"Then like the other rangers, you will be fugitives and either arrested or forced into hiding," Gorbin answered.

"You can't do this. Everything you're doing violates the constitution," Andrew argued.

"Normally you would be correct, Mr. Hartford, but we are at war with alien beings. Sector nine has been given the power to do whatever it takes to protect the public by the President and the Senate. If that means suspending a few freedoms, then that is what must be done," Gorbin reasoned.

"That's a load of crap! The other red rangers were right about you!" Mack exclaimed, but Andrew held him back.

"So what is it going to be guys?" Will asked.

"You're asking us to betray the other rangers," Ronny replied. He shrugged.

"What are they to you? We're just the rookies to them. You really want to be in their shadows forever?" Will asked.

"He's got a point. I'm not living in anyone's shadow," Dax said, with a look of deep concentration on his face.

"We keep our powers?" he asked. Gorbin nodded.

"Of course and you'll be well compensated. Mr. Aston will be your team leader," Gorbin replied.

"But Mack is our red ranger," Rose said.

"That's a ranger tradition. We don't use color to determine the qualifications for leadership," Gorbin snorted.

"Besides, history shows that most reds can be unpredictable and even unstable. Not leadership qualities in my book," Gorbin said, looking sternly at Mack.

"So what's it going to be guys?" Will repeated.

"Do we have much choice?" Ronny asked.

"You do. We told you what they were," Will replied. Dax made his choice and joined Will, leaving the girls in awe. But slowly, both Rose and Ronny joined them, uncertainty written clearly on all their faces. Mack looked completely lost, as his team abandoned him.

"Mack…please, we don't have a choice," Rose pleaded with him. Mack sucked back the tears that threatened to fall.

"We do Rose and this feels wrong. I won't do it," Mack replied, standing his ground. Will rolled his eyes.

"Come on man, your dad's accounts are all frozen now unless he works with us, so where you going to go?" Will challenged.

"I don't know, but I won't work for them," Mack stated firmly.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Mr. Hartford. I'm afraid you and your father are under arrest," Gorbin said, motioning to his lead officer, who moved forward to cuff the red ranger. But Mack leapt up and kicked him in the chest, as the other guardians advanced. Mack began to fight them off and Gorbin nodded to a man who entered the mansion. He was wearing a white lab coat, black rimmed glasses, and had thinning dark blonde hair. He looked every part the scientist he was and held a small handheld device. A ray was emitted from the device and slammed into Mack. The red Overdrive ranger cried out in pain, as he suddenly dropped to the floor, unresponsive.

"What have you done?!" Andrew cried.

"We told you, Hartford. We know everything about you…all your dirty little secrets, like your android son, for example," Gorbin stated, as Andrew and Spencer looked at him in disbelief.

"This ray was designed specifically to neutralize him if needed. This is just the base design. We're hoping to strengthen it enough to deal with the Phoenix ranger eventually, but that's for another day. Take them in," Gorbin ordered, as Andrew and Spencer were cuffed and Mack was dragged out of the mansion.

"You guys made the right choice," Will assured the other three rangers.

"That's funny, because it feels like we've betrayed every ranger in existence, most of all Mack!" Rose cried. Will scoffed.

"Get a grip!" Will yelled, causing her to shrink back.

"The kid did the "noble" thing and look at what that's got him. Trust me, Andrew will have his fill of being in a jail cell soon and come to his senses. They'll be back," he assured them.

"Where is Tyzonn? I haven't seen him since this morning," Ronny mentioned. Will smirked.

"Tyzonn is on his way back to his home planet. Ooze's forces are conquering planets all over the galaxy. He decided that he has a responsibility to rejoin his post as a Mercurian Intergalactic Emergency Responder since the calls for help are flooding their headquarters," Will explained.

"But he didn't even say goodbye!" Ronny exclaimed. Will shrugged.

"What does it matter? This is a team and we have a job to do," Will snapped.

"I thought we were all a family," Rose mumbled. But the black Overdrive ranger scoffed.

"Family? That's a joke. If you want family, then go rot in prison with Mack or hide in a hole with the supposed "Legends". Or do your job as a ranger and we'll prove to those "Legends" how it's really done," Will stated arrogantly. Ronny, looking a little lost, numbly followed Will and Dax to the operations room.

"Rose…are you coming?" Ronny called. She wanted to say no. She wanted to run away, but her legs wouldn't move. With Mack's courageous fire gone, Rose felt lost too and so she followed Ronny without a word.

The Legacy Compound

After dinner, some of the guys had gone down to the dojo for some light training, while most headed outside to the beach. It seemed that this island was somewhere in the southern hemisphere and in the middle of its summer months, leaving more daylight hours for them to enjoy. Tori took full advantage and was riding the waves, while several observed her from shore.

"Tori, that was so cool!" Olivia called, as Tori waded to the shore with her board under her arm, in a light blue bikini top and blue board shorts. She smiled, as Aisha attempted to keep a hold of her.

"Thanks sweetie," Tori replied, as she sat down in the surf.

"Mommy, can I learn to surf?" Olivia asked.

"Maybe when you're a little older, baby," Aisha replied, as she and Tori shared a smile. The blue wind ranger saw little Trina swimming avidly on her own just a few feet away, while Billy observed from the surf, letting the water lap at his bare feet.

"She's a really good swimmer for being so little," Tori mentioned fondly. Billy smiled, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"She loves the water," he mentioned.

"I know you're probably tired of people saying that it's going to be okay and it's going to get better, so I won't say those things," Tori said. He smirked.

"Thanks, that means more actually. Cestria told me not to grieve forever, but I don't think she realized what she was asking of me. How do you get over…" he said, but couldn't finish.

"Losing the love of your life?" Tori asked. He nodded.

"I don't want to sound like a downer, but I don't think you truly get over it. I…I thought for a few minutes that I lost Hunter early today. I didn't think it was possible for something to hurt that much…so I don't know how you're doing it," Tori sympathized. Billy nodded.

"Trina is the only reason I can even get out of bed," Billy admitted, as he stood up and prepared to wade out to get his little girl.

"Whatever you do, don't let him go…even for a second. Ivan Ooze won't stop until he's killed us all, especially Hunter, unless we kill him first. Cherish ever single moment you have with him," Billy advised. Tori nodded and felt her heart clench, as the day's earlier events came crashing back to her. She would take Billy's advice and never let him go, even for a second. If they came after him again, then they would be dealing with Hurricane Tori…