Disclaimer: I don't own Power Rangers. Saban and Nickelodeon own them. I also don't own any song lyrics used.
AN: Here's chapter 43! I'm so, so sorry for the delay in this chapter. December was one crazy month and it just left me next to no free time for writing. Things are calming down now that the holidays are over so I hope to not have such large gaps between updates. I think this chapter is worth the wait though. Enjoy and let me know what you think! Thanks to all the great reviews too and here's notes to those individuals:
RHatch89: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it.
Jokermask18: Thanks, glad you like the addition of Zedd as a ranger. I like it too. :)
Pinkrangerfan : Thanks, glad you're enjoying the story. :)
Alex B. Goode: Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
TommyOliverMMPRFan: It was a great battle and there's more to come. Glad you're enjoying the story. :)
foreverawildandbeautifulmess: Thanks! So glad you liked it so much! :)
MMPRFansince93: Yep, Xin is gone.
Harry2: Yep, Zedd is in ranger armor. And you're right, Vile's plan will most likely backfire ;)
garnetred: Thanks, glad you're enjoying it. :)
fallingstar22: Glad you're enjoying it. More battles to come, but this chapter has a bit of down time and a little back story. ;) Enjoy.
Crimson Rising
Chapter 43: Pressing On
And I won't sit back, and take this anymore.
'Cause I'm done with that, I've got one foot out the door.
And to go back where I was would just be wrong
I'm pressing on.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Out of mind, out of state.
Trying to keep my head on straight.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here.
Adversity, we get around it.
Searched for joy, in you I found it.
You look down on me, but you don't look down on me at all.
You smile and laugh, and I feel the love you have for me.
I think we're going somewhere.
We're on to something good here, and we're gonna make it after all.
Song: Pressing On
Artist: Relient K
Angel Grove Youth Center
A few hours later, they had quite a few people in the Youth Center, which Ernie had closed for the day. Raymond was excited, as he waved his hands to call everyone's attention.
"I just want to thank everyone for coming. I know getting our message out there will mean a lot to the rangers. Thanks to the online world, my friend Devin here has hooked us up with not only his mad camera skills, but a lovely reporter to go with it," Raymond said, as Cassidy smiled shyly.
"Is it true you two have been in hiding with them?" Ernie asked. Cassidy nodded.
"We were sure to be arrested after some of the early reports we did, so they've welcomed us right in," Cassidy said.
"You guys are going to need to be careful after we do this. They could come after you," Devin warned.
"Maybe, but I think the Vice President is scrambling now that the President is gone. He made quite a mess before he died," Raymond mentioned.
"Yeah, that ranger did us a favor if you ask me," Adele said saucily.
"He wasn't what he appeared to be, that's for sure. Hunter only killed him, because he was trying to kill some of the others. The news didn't show that part," Devin replied.
"Well, it's time to show them that not everyone buys their garbage," Raymond said, as they prepared to film their message.
Duronia
The Duronian man hurried along the palace corridors and burst into the Throne room with urgency. The guards bowed to him though, for he was the Royal Vizier to the King of Duronia and his urgent news would devastate their ruler.
"Sire," he said, as he knelt before his King.
"Rise my comrade. Explain your urgency," the King demanded.
"I have received devastating news from KO-35, my King," he said.
"Then speak," he urged.
"I am afraid that your first born son...Prince Xinshing has been killed," he announced. Hush swept through the Throne Room and the King rose from his seat.
"That's impossible..." he hissed.
"I'm sorry Sire, but we have footage of the altercation and it has been confirmed," he said sadly.
"My son is one of the most powerful warrior's in the known universe!" the King roared.
"Who has taken my eldest son from me?!" he questioned. The Royal Vizier gulped nervously.
"The same brat that took young Prince Xerxes from us," he informed.
"Play the footage," the King ordered, as the last few moments of the battle began playing from the hologram disc.
He landed in front of his team and his wings folded around, creating a shield. Xin growled, as he pumped more power into his blasts. But Hunter chose that moment to go on the offensive. His shield pushed the General's energy right back at him. Xinshing cried out in terror, as his own attack blew up in his face...literally. Hunter powered up the blaster canon on his right gauntlet and the Phoenix saber lit on fire in his other hand. The Phoenix eyes on his helmet glowed golden, almost blinding the injured General and he could almost see the young ranger's blue eyes piercing right through him. Xin knew it was over, Hunter could see the realization in his eyes. But since he wasn't one to go out quietly, he fired what would be his final energy blast. Hunter fired his energy beam from his gauntlet and joined it with a fire blast from the Phoenix saber. The beams met, but the crimson ranger's quickly overwhelmed the weakened warrior's. There was an agonizing scream, as Hunter's attack engulfed the once unbeatable foe. A huge explosion rocked the landscape and when the smoke cleared, nothing but ash remained of Ivan Ooze's right hand man.
"You...YOU KILLED HIM!" Toxa screamed. The recording ended.
"Who is this ranger?!" the King demanded.
"No ranger is powerful enough to kill Prince Xinshing!" the Royal advisor spat angrily.
"We have learned that this ranger is the Phoenix ranger, son of Zander himself, the original Phoenix ranger," the messenger explained. The King rose from his Throne.
"I'm not sure how that is possible, but he is not going to get away with this," the King hissed.
"Sire, our sources say that this ranger currently resides on Earth, which is under siege by Ivan Ooze," the Royal advisor reminded.
"I don't care. We are going to Earth and I am going to make an example of this ranger myself," the King responded.
"But Ivan Ooze will not be pleased...he could renege on our deal!" the messenger cried out, before he could stop himself. The King punished him with a deadly energy blast, leaving just a scorch mark where he once stood.
"I don't care what Ivan Ooze wants anymore! That ranger has taken my sons and now I will take everyone he loves away! Set the course for Earth!" he snapped.
Ranger Ops
Cheers erupted in Ninja Ops, as they all returned from the recent battles.
"We did it! We have all five crystals!" Dustin cheered.
"Ivan Ooze is probably really ticked though. The others have food waiting for you. If we're lucky, we have time to eat and if we're really lucky, we all have time to sleep," Hayley mentioned.
"While we're doing that, you guys can decide who our new zeo team will be," Carly added, as she hugged Blake.
"Fortunately, we have a bit of good news. It seems the Power Rangers still have some allies out there. We can watch upstairs," Alan said, as the tired, hungry active teams trudged upstairs.
Ivan Ooze's Spaceship
Thrax and Toxa writhed in agony, as they were punished for their failure with Ivan Ooze's purple lightning that poured from his fingertips.
"You have both made a fool out of me!" Ivan roared angrily.
"Father...please..." Toxa pleaded through her screams.
"We will...make them pay...My Lord," Thrax insisted.
"You can't even defeat your own father, you worthless worm! Bringing you back was a waste of time!" Ivan screamed.
"Please father...please give us another chance!" Toxa pleaded.
"He was practically laughing at you! He tried to goad you into attacking him, just so he could finish you off too, because you're pathetic!" Ivan growled, as he finally ceased his torture.
"But you will have one more chance to save your skins," Ivan mentioned.
"What is your bidding, father?" Toxa asked.
"The crimson ranger must pay for Xin's death. He will be difficult to replace. You two will go to Phaedos and kill Dulcea. Take help with you since I doubt the two of you weaklings can handle Ninjor and Dulcea on your own," Ivan spat.
"At once, My Lord," as they left quickly. Ooze clenched his fist in anger.
"You may be laughing now Zander...but if you think I'm going to let your spawn make a mockery of me, then you are sadly mistaken. He will suffer..." Ivan growled.
The Legacy Compound
The Dining Room
"Hi, my name is Raymond Henderson and my friends and I have a message tonight. A message for the Power Rangers and the people of Earth," he began.
"In the last few days, you've seen interviews from people claiming the know the rangers and some pretty terrible things have been said about them," Ernie continued.
"But they're not the only ones that know the rangers. We're here tonight to spread the truth," Adele said.
"Adele is right. I'm David Trueheart and my brother is Tommy Oliver, the white ranger. The planet is in good hands with him at the helm and I know words about him being evil have been tossed around. But he's not evil by any stretch of the imagination. The people that want you to think that are just trying to control you through fear," David insisted.
"He's right. We're here to tell you that we are all better people having known some of the rangers. I personally wouldn't be the successful business man that I am without the zeo rangers. They gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my career dreams," Raymond added.
"And don't forget how the Space rangers revealed their identities to save us all from Astronema. You didn't condemn them then and you shouldn't condemn the rangers that came before and after them," Adele continued.
"The footage shown to you of Hunter Bradley killing the President is only part of the story they're telling. We have the rest of that footage and it shows you why Hunter had no choice to do what he did," Cassidy said, as the footage cut to the scene that day where Hunter faced that ultimate decision.
"You can drop the act, Mr. President, you're not fooling anyone anymore," Tommy said, glaring at him.
"Oh and here I thought I was being too subtle," Vile replied sarcastically, as he glared at his long dead nemesis' offspring.
"No matter how many of these things you build, it won't be enough," Hunter stated, referring to the burnt cyborgs at his feet. Vile chuckled.
"Oh believe me, son of Zander, I don't need those machines to deal with the likes of you," Vile hissed, as his eyes flashed. The irises in his eyes disappeared, as they became a frightening solid black, shocking them all.
"You have no idea who you're dealing with boy…but I'll be happy to show you," he growled. Hunter felt a tingling in his senses. The tingling suddenly became a sharp pain in his head and he cried out in pain. Holding his head in agony, he dropped to his knees.
"HUNTER!" Tori cried. Tommy willed a spirit orb into his palm and Shane prepared to fire an air beam.
"Don't do it…it's exactly what he wants!" Zedd called, as he arrived, staff in hand.
"He would love to further divide humans by showing the power rangers killing another "human", wouldn't you, Vile?" Zedd spat, as he concentrated and snapped the old wizard's hold on his nephew's mind with his own magic. Hunter felt instant relief and slowly started to regain his bearings. The President chuckled.
"Oh Zedd, I had almost forgotten how amusing you can be," he jabbed.
"But I haven't forgotten what a sick bastard you are," Zedd retorted.
"I see you've taken back your magic. You'll need it and so will your pathetic nephew if he can't even shield his mind from me," Vile goaded, as he glared at Hunter.
"Hunter's potential is off the charts, but you already know that, which is why you want to eliminate him now before he can realize that potential. You on the other hand are a washed up evil wizard that has to rely on body snatching humans to survive," Zedd goaded back with a mocking chuckle.
"Oh how the mighty have fallen. I can't wait for those in the M51 galaxy to hear what has become of you. You'll certainly be the butt of many jokes," Zedd continued. Vile growled.
"I'll show you who the joke is!" Vile hissed, as gold energy left his fingertips. It met Zedd's silver energy and the two warred from control. Their magic, nearly equal, canceled each attack with an explosion ensuing.
The footage cut again to a scene that occurred a few minutes later...
"Hiding behind your little girlfriend now, crimson ranger? And I thought you couldn't get more pathetic than you already are," Vile hissed, as he turned to the others and targeted the ninja team. Shane, Cam, and Dustin held their heads in agony and Hunter wasted no time in unleashing a fireball from his palm. It struck the human form of Vile and incinerated him instantly. Black wispy tendrils swirled and formed into a figure that the Ninjetti instantly recognized. It was Master Vile's mutant form in spirit and the old evil wizard laughed maniacally.
"You're not rid of me, stupid child! You've only freed me to find another shell to inhabit and I promise the next one I find won't be some weakling human! Meanwhile, your species has just witnessed you kill the President of the United States. Enjoy the rest of your time as a wanted murderer, for we will meet again!" Vile'sspirit hissed, as he disappeared.
"As you can see, they didn't intend for anyone to see that. Hunter Bradley is no murderer," Cassidy concluded, as she delivered the proof of Vile's treachery.
"Hunter is my mentor, he was there for me as a friend after my dad died. He's not a murderer. He and the rangers are the only hope for our planet," a boy, maybe fourteen, said.
"My son Charlie is right. Hunter brought my son out of his shell after my husband passed away and he did what he had to in order to save the people he loves, just like he'll do what he has to for the people of Earth. It's time to believe in the rangers again," Charlie's mom, Beverly, added.
"She's right..." a skinny, kind of nerdy looking man said nervously.
"The Bradley brothers saved my life a few years ago when I got myself into something too deep. I acted like I didn't remember that they were rangers after the ordeal, but it's only because I knew how important it was to protect their identities. But I've known they were power rangers for years and I owe them everything," Perry said.
"And that's the just of it. Raymond has it popping up all over the Internet," Hayley said, as she turned off the screen.
"You weren't kidding about good news. It's nice to know that there's people that still have our backs," Adam said.
"Yeah, especially after the day we've had," Rocky said, as he sat back and patted his full stomach.
"No kidding, at least you made a green grease spot out of that freak," Conner mentioned, looking at Hunter.
"Maybe, but I have a feeling he'll do something to make me pay for it," Hunter mumbled, glancing over his shoulder. Tori was nearby in the kitchen with Aisha, as they were helping Zoe and Olivia wash their hands.
"I wish I could say you were wrong about that, but he will not take this lightly," Zedd warned.
"Yeah, but Hunter took out his top General. How much worse is the big guy himself really?" Shane asked. Zedd gave him a sharp glance.
"Far worse than you can imagine," Zedd answered.
"Back in the day, we never actually fought him directly until he merged with one of his Ecto Morphicons. I always wondered what he would be like in hand to hand combat," Adam mentioned.
"In his current form, his energy is contained, but I assure he is a monster. Merging with the Ecto Morphicon years ago would have actually inhibited more than it helped," Zedd replied.
"He's really that powerful?" Conner asked skeptically. Zedd nodded.
"What exactly do you mean by his current form?" Jason wondered. Zedd sighed.
"Ivan Ooze is a shape shifter. He is a morphological being and was unfortunately the product of dark matter from the morphing grid itself," Zedd explained.
"He came from the grid itself?" Tommy asked in disbelief. Zedd nodded curtly.
"Ivan Ooze's creation dates back about twelve thousand years ago, long before Zander or I were even born. You see, the first in our bloodline to embody the Phoenix Ninjetti were actually a pair of twins, Irebus and Iris, Scarlet and Crimson. Irebus' abilities made him thirst for power and it eventually corrupted him. But Iris, while just as powerful as her twin, followed the code of honor followed by all warriors on Eltar. She was gentle and he was cruel. Eltar's champions eventually divided the planet and civil war broke out. Irebus wanted to rule as Emperor while you can imagine that Iris favored a more democratic way of governing," Zedd explained, as he paused for a moment. As he suspected, he had drawn everyone's attention.
"What happened?" Hunter asked.
"It came down to a final battle between them, Phoenix vs. Phoenix. It lasted days before Iris finally cast a powerful spell and purged the darkness from her brother. He was captured and taken to the eternal falls on Aquitar where he was completely purified. The Phoenix spirit, however, abandoned him for all his crimes, even though he renounced his dark ways after the purge. From that day forward, the morphing grid was made of up completely good magic and energy. Another power source would not be corrupted again until...mine," Zedd told.
"So how does this connect to Ivan Ooze?" Tori asked curiously.
"The dark morphological essence that was purged from Irebus still had consciousness and was contained for the safety of the people before it could grow into something more powerful. Iris, who formed the first Council of Meledon and led it alongside Eltar's most powerful elite, had the containment chamber tossed into the most horrific place in the known universe," Zedd explained. As he suspected, recognition dawned on Tori's beautiful face.
"The Fire Pits of Duronia," she guessed. Zedd nodded.
"Iris knew how volatile the place was and figured the evil morphological energy would burn up in such a place. But it only made the conscious being inside the essence more angry and determined. We don't know the specifics of how it happened, but roughly six-thousand years later, that dark essence had become a living, walking, being and eventually escaped the Fire Pits, a feat that no one else has ever accomplished," Zedd added.
"Ivan Ooze," Hunter deduced.
"That's what he called himself when he conquered Duronia and forced their best warriors into his servitude. That was the deal," Zedd replied.
"What deal?" Shane asked.
"When Ooze went on his first rampage, fresh from the Fire Pits, he would have taken over the planet, but he made a deal with the King, who was a direct descendent of Xinshing's. Ivan Ooze would allow them to continue to exist independently, as long as their warriors served in his army. And the first born Prince was automatically handed over to Ooze as a personal servant in which he would groom into his right hand man, replacing him as needed. Ivan Ooze essentially owns Duronia and they serve him loyally so they won't be blown out of the sky like Aquitar. They are powerful and if they were ever to revolt, he wouldn't bother taking them on face to face. It's too risky even for him," Zedd explained.
"So...Ooze spent thousands of years in that fiery hell?" Dustin asked, scratching his head. Zedd nodded.
"And then Zander and Zordon locked him away in that hyperlock chamber for another six thousand years," Zedd replied.
"And then we blew him up with a comet," Adam added.
"He keeps coming back. How do I destroy him if he just comes back from everything?" Hunter asked. Zedd gave him a weary look.
"If we knew that, then your father would have finished him the first time. All their battles ended in stalemates and the hyperlock chamber seemed like the only solution. And it is my fault he was unleashed again. I opened the chamber when I was evil," Zedd explained, as Rita put her hand on his shoulder.
"We'll find a way to kill him for good this time. You can't keep blaming yourself," Hunter chided.
"Maybe, but I have a feeling that Ivan Ooze is going to seek revenge on you sooner rather than later. We need to choose bearers for the zeo crystal tonight. You'll need them when you attempt to break the spell on your mother," Zedd replied.
"Doesn't he just need the crystal though?" Conner asked.
"It's going to take a tremendous amount of energy and having actual bearers will allow you to channel the zeo crystal's power without draining your energy so severally," Zedd explained, as he looked to the original five bearers of the crystals.
"I suggest that you choose your successors if you haven't already and that we all get some sleep while we can," Zedd suggested. They agreed and dispersed for the night.
Kat tiptoed out of the Aiden's room, where Billy waited for her. Trina was already tucked in and they joined hands, as she closed his door. He hugged her close and she relished his closeness and how safe he made her feel.
"Have you made your decision with the pink crystal?" he asked. She nodded.
"I have and I think my choice is down in the rec room. I was thinking of going down there tonight. Want to come?" she asked hopefully. He nodded.
"Of course," he replied, as he kissed her forehead. They walked downstairs and into the rec room where they found a few of the night owls lurking. Trent was drawing as usual, while Kapri idly watched her new boyfriend on the skating simulator. Shane was not someone that liked to be cooped up and everyone knew he missed the skating park and the Academy grounds probably more than any of them.
"Kapri...do you have a minute?" Kat asked. The blonde, whose hair was highlighted with its usual pink streaks, turned her head. She looked slightly confused, but nodded and stood up.
The two blondes faced each other and Trent and Shane took notice.
"I know that we haven't had much chance to talk, but as you know, I have a decision to make before morning about the pink zeo crystal. And I've decided that you would be the perfect choice for Zeo Ranger I, Pink," Kat announced, causing a chuckle to come from Kapri.
"That's a good one," Kapri joked, until she realized that the other blonde was serious.
"Wait...you want me?" Kapri asked. Kat nodded.
"But I'm..." Kapri replied, but stopped to think.
"You're an excellent fighter, a ninja even," Kat answered for her.
"But I was evil," Kapri blurted out.
"So was I, but Kimberly trusted me with the pink coin," Kat reminded.
"But you were under a spell. I was..." Kapri sputtered, as she bit her bottom lip.
"Doing what you had for yours and Marah's survival? Protecting your sister?" Kat asked, as Kapri looked down at her shoes.
"I know something about that, Kapri. You'll do anything...and I mean anything to protect someone you love and that's the kind of ranger we need. So what do you say?" Kat asked.
"I...I don't know what to say. I'm not a good choice," Kapri replied.
"Yes she is," Shane encouraged, as he put his arm around her.
"You're the only one in this room that doesn't believe in you," he added with a tender smile. She returned it and looked back at Kat.
"I'd be truly and humbly honored. I'll do my best," she said, still with a twinge of uncertainty.
Justin secured his gloves and took stance, as he started boxing the bag in the gym, just as Rocky came in.
"What are you doing down here so late?" he teased. Justin smirked.
"Training. What are you doing down here? Isn't it past your bedtime, old man?" Justin teased back.
"Oh...you're going to pay for that," Rocky joked, as he motioned him to the sparring mat.
"Think you can still take me on?" Justin challenged.
"Oh, just because you wear big boy pants now you think you can take me?" Rocky challenged back. They smirked at each other and keyed off, as they began their spar, shuffling swiftly along the expanse of the mats, exchanging punches and kicks. Rocky saw an opening and caught him with a sweep kick. Justin hit the mats and Rocky looked down at him triumphantly.
Justin smirked and in a move Rocky hadn't seen him ever use, he did a one arm handspring to get back on his feet and then locked arms with the older fighter, quickly flipping him onto his back.
"Where the hell did you learn that?" Rocky asked, impressed, as his former student helped him to his feet.
"I learned it last week during blue training," Justin replied. Rocky lifted an eyebrow.
"I know that sure as hell isn't Billy's move, so which blue taught you that one?" he asked curiously. Justin smirked.
"Tori," he answered. Rocky shook his head. He should have known it was one of the ninjas.
"She's got skill and she's so hot. She can flip me any day," Justin said, grinning from ear to ear. Rocky gave him a sideways glance.
"She's a little taken, don't you think?" he asked. Justin shrugged.
"I can still look as long as Hunter doesn't catch me," Justin replied, as he took a drink from his water bottle.
"Besides, us blues have to stick together," he added.
"Well, I'm a blue. How come I don't get invited to these special blue training sessions?" Rocky asked.
"Not anymore. You traded back to red," Justin replied, pointing at Rocky's red tank top. The goofball grinned.
"I guess so, but I'm still an honorary blue," Rocky said, as he picked up a towel. It had something wrapped in it, but Justin couldn't see what it was.
"I guess that also means I don't need this anymore," Rocky added, as he tossed the towel to Justin. The young man unwrapped the towel and was nearly blinded by blue light. He looked up at his grinning former mentor, as he casually walked away.
"Me..." Justin wondered. Then he guessed it made sense. Rocky had trusted him with the blue turbo powers, so why would the blue zeo powers be any different?
Skull's goofy laugh sounded, as he finished his drink in the bar area of the kitchen. Adam rolled his eyes and sighed, as Bulk gave him a refill.
"Did you get knocked in the head by one of Ooze's goons?" Skull questioned.
"No, I didn't get hit in the head," Adam replied, as he thought for a moment.
"Well, I probably did out there, but I'm not crazy," he added. Skull scoffed.
"I'm sure you are, because you just asked me to be a ranger," Skull replied.
"Yes, I think you would make a great ranger," Adam countered.
"Based on what? I have no experience and know zero martial arts. I may not be a huge jerk anymore, but I'm hardly ranger material," Skull refuted.
"I disagree," Adam insisted.
"So do I," Bulk chimed in. Skull looked at his best friend incredulously.
"You can't be serious, Bulkie," Skull said. The portly man nodded.
"But I am. You've really matured," Bulk replied. Skull scoffed.
"Bulk's right. And don't worry about the fighting skills. The power pretty much tells you what to do. Then when we're not in battle, you'll be training with the rest of the greens and blacks," Adam added. Skull raised an eyebrow.
"It tells you what to do?" Skull asked skeptically. Adam smirked and set the green crystal in front of him.
"It's kind of hard to explain. It's something you'll just have to experience for yourself," Adam replied, as he left.
"Hey...HEY...I didn't agree to this!" Skull called. Bulk shook his head in amusement and clapped his best friend on the shoulder.
"Stop kidding yourself and do it, Skull. This is a chance of a lifetime to make a real difference. I'm satisfied with helping behind the scenes, but I know you better than you know yourself. You belong out in the field," Bulk insisted, as his best friend gripped the crystal that seemed to be calling to him.
The soft breeze from the open window tousled Tori's blonde locks, as she heard him come out of the bathroom. She turned to see him wrapped in a towel, fresh from the shower, and as always, she admired his shredded physique. His training in the last couple months had only made the definition more pronounced and carved. That combined with his wild blonde hair and chiseled features made him a breathtaking sight to behold. Suddenly, she flashed back to him holding the gaping wound in his abdomen, pain etched on his face. Mere hours had passed since it had been inflicted, yet no evidence of the wound remained on his skin. For that she was forever grateful, but it didn't erase her fears.
"I'm fine babe," he assured her, practically reading her thoughts. She blushed
"I know, but you know that won't stop me from worrying about you," she replied. He closed the distance between them and she wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close. She lifted her head and pressed her lips to his. He pulled her close, squelching the remaining daylight between them, as he moved his lips passionately over hers. Their lips parted and she smirked, as he took air back into his lungs while gazing at her beauty in awe.
"I think I know what you're thinking now," she teased, as her hands skated gracefully along his carved torso.
"It's a little hard to hide. You know what you do to me when we're this close," he replied. She smiled and undid his towel, letting it fall to the floor, as their lips met passionately again.
The next morning
Marah finished her run on the beach and was confused to see Tanya waiting for her on the sand.
"Good morning," she greeted, offering her a bottle of water. She accepted it and took a drink.
"Thanks," she replied.
"I was hoping I could talk to you for a minute," Tanya said.
"Sure, what's up?" Marah asked.
"Well, I've never been one to beat around the bush so I'll just come out and say it. We need a yellow zeo ranger and I happen to think you're perfect for the job," Tanya replied bluntly. Marah's mouth dropped open in surprise and Tanya smiled.
"Don't look so surprised. You're an amazing fighter and a good person, despite what you're thinking right now. And since Kapri is the new pink zeo ranger, it only makes sense that you're yellow," Tanya stated.
"Me...a ranger?" Marah asked. Tanya nodded with a smile, as she saw Dustin approach.
"Yeah, looks like we're going to match now," Dustin said, as he put his arm around her. Tanya giggled and turned to leave the couple alone.
"You'll both do justice to yellow," she said simply, as she left. Marah was still stunned, but with her love's words of encouragement, she quickly accepted her new role.
"You have got to be out of your damn mind," Zack growled, as he threw his towel aside angrily. Tommy sighed, though he expected this reaction, so he had brought Jason with him.
"Zack...you know I wouldn't be asking if there was another choice, but I need an experienced red out there. I can't send a cold leader out there, not this time. The stakes are just too high," Tommy reasoned.
"What about Carter then?" Zack asked.
"Billy has connected the Lightspeed morphers to the morphing grid. It's taking time, but they'll be operational again soon," Jason responded.
"I promised Angela I wouldn't get back in the game again!" Zack yelled.
"And she left you anyway!" Jason roared back. Zack looked hurt and turned away. Jason sighed deeply.
"I'm sorry man, that was a low blow. But you were a great ranger. It's part of who you are," Jason replied.
"Look Zack, I know you don't want back in. None of us did, but we have to. If you won't do it for us, then do it for Tony. Otherwise, he may not have a world to grow up in," Tommy reasoned. Zack sighed.
"All right...for my son," Zack said reluctantly, as Tommy placed the crystal in his hand.
"So...who's my team?" he asked.
"Well, you've got Kapri and Marah as your pink and yellow. They've never been rangers before, but they're ninjas and damn good fighters," Jason stated. Zack nodded.
"And you've got Justin as your blue. He's an amazing fighter and he's done this before. The power doesn't have to grow him anymore either and he's smart as hell," Tommy added. Zack nodded.
"Great, so who's my green?" he asked, watching Tommy and Jason exchange a look.
"It's Skull," Tommy said. Zack's face broke out in a grin and he chuckled in amusement.
"Skull...that's a good one Tom," he joked.
"He's not joking," Jason replied. Zack's smile faded.
"Skull?" he asked in disbelief.
"Well, he's not the Skull that tormented us in High School," Tommy replied.
"I know that...but is he really ranger material?" Zack asked. Jason nodded.
"I know it's weird, but we trust Adam's judgment. He is just kind of one of those guys that knows more about people than they know about themselves," Jason said. Zack sighed.
"All right, if the Ad-man thinks it's all good, then I'll trust him," Zack replied. At that moment, they heard the attack alarm sound.
"Looks like you'll be morphing back into action sooner than we thought," Jason said, as they hurried into Ranger Ops.
"What's going on?" Hunter asked, as he and Tori arrived next.
"What city is under attack now?" Tori asked.
"No city...it's way worse than that," Cam said, as he looked up at them.
"It's Phaedos," the Samurai said, as he pulled up the visual on screen, showing Toxa and Thrax leading an army of foot soldiers.
"Mom..." Hunter uttered, worry in his voice.
"He's going after her as revenge for Xin's death," Zedd stated.
"We've got to go," Tori insisted.
"This is not an ordinary attack. They have a cruiser orbiting the planet, which means they will likely just blow it out of the sky if they don't succeed in killing Dulcea on the surface," Zedd warned.
"Then the new zeo team needs to come with us," Hunter stated, as he looked at the five new rangers.
"The Dinos will stand by. Ivan Ooze will likely launch another attack on Earth," Jason stated. Another warning alarm went off and Cam's fingers flew over the keyboard.
"You had to say it. That bounty hunter creep is back and attacking Reefside," Cam said.
"We'll go with the Dinos," Tommy replied. Cam joined his team, as Hayley teleported them all to their designated destinations...