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 55, the final chapter! Enjoy and let me know what you think! Thanks to all the great reviews from everyone. This story has been a lot of fun to write and it's great knowing that so many enjoyed it as much as I did. A sequel or possibly vignettes for this story are not out of the question, though I haven't made any decisions yet. For now, I'll be moving on to other projects, including the next story in the Endangered Legacy series, which is coming soon. Please leave your final thoughts and comments, I really appreciate hearing them.
Crimson Rising
Chapter 55: I Lived
I, I did it all
I, I did it all
I owned every second that this world could give
I saw so many places, the things that I did
With every broken bone, I swear I lived
Hope that you spend your days, but they all add up
And when that sun goes down, hope you raise your cup
Oh, I wish that I could witness all your joy and all your pain
But until my moment comes, I'll say...
I, I did it all
I, I did it all
Song: I Lived
Artist: OneRepublic
The next day
Mariner Bay
"It is with great honor that I dedicate this memorial to all those lost in the initial invasion of Mariner Bay and Briarwood," Mr. Collins spoke to the large gathering of people at the newly dedicated and completed Lightspeed Park.
"The Lightspeed rangers especially suffered devastating losses that terrible day, losing two of their own, Joel Rawlings and Chad Lee, as well as all personnel in the Aqua base, including Captain William Mitchell and Angela Fairweather-Rawlings," Mr. Collins continued.
"The names of all the victims are forever etched on these plaques to remind us and future generations of those who died in our fight for freedom so that we may never take it for granted again," Mr. Collins said, as there was applause.
"With so much sacrifice, the Lightspeed rangers could have chosen a well deserved retirement. but instead, true to their character, they still serve the people with Carter Grayson as your new fire chief. The city should rest well, knowing he will be at the helm in times of crisis," Mr. Collins continued.
"Many lives were lost, but more would have been had it not been for Dana Grayson. Despite losing so much, including her father, she put her own needs aside and provided life saving medical treatment to many in the critical hours following the destruction. With her as the new chief of staff at Mariner University Hospital, the city can count on her and her staff to take care of the people," Mr. Collins said, as there was more applause.
"And finally, Ryan Mitchell and Kelsey Winslow will see to the city's safety out in the field, as they lead and train the newest taskforce and Bio-Lab sponsored team, the Lightspeed Guardians. Like their sister organization, they will protect and serve you whether the danger be human or extraterrestrial, the city will be in capable hands," Mr. Collins concluded, as there was more applause and the celebration began.
Turtle Cove
"There you go. Promise to take good care of her," Aisha said, as she handed the kitty to the little girl. The little girl hugged her new pet and nodded.
"I will," she promised.
"Thank you," the mother said.
"Thanks for helping with the adoption clinic today," Cole said.
"Of course. This was such a great idea. There were so many displaced pets that need good homes," Aisha replied.
"Yeah, it feels good to work with animals again," Cole said. She agreed.
"I know. I miss it and Olivia is having a blast," Aisha said, as they watched her daughter play with the puppies. They would close up soon and head to Angel Grove for the reunion celebration later that evening.
Blue Bay Harbor
Blake stared at the tour RV in front of him in awe. Behind it was a trailer, painted with similar design and colors.
"What...where did these come from?" he asked.
"My dad wants to sponsor you and a successful factory has to have the right equipment. I did the artwork, of course," Trent said, as they admired the artwork around the words Factory Storm.
"He's sponsoring us?" Blake asked.
"You did just win the regional championship. There's a long road to national competition and even world competition, but Dad knows a good investment when he sees it," Trent replied, as he put his arm around Kelly's waist.
"First race is next week in Phoenix. We leave tomorrow," Carly said, as she put her arms around him.
"This is incredible. I won't let you down," Blake said. Kelly smiled.
"We know," she replied. After today's celebration, the bikes would be loaded into the trailer. Then he, Carly, Perry, and the three other riders they had signed would hit the road on tour to fulfill a dream.
New Tech City
A masked man discharged his gun into the ceiling of the bank. Empty bullet shells clanked to the floor. New Tech City was among one of the first Earth cities to integrate humans and aliens. Briarwood was another and some were not taking it well. They had made it a point to attack and rob establishments that allowed both human and alien patrons. It was attacks like this that required the new ranger task force that was joint faction between S.P.D. and the F.B.I.
"What do we have?" Jason Lee Scott asked, as he arrived with his team.
"We're not sure, sir. We don't have eyes or ears inside yet. The perp isn't answering the phone yet," the lead Silver Guardian on the scene reporter.
"Not to worry Commander, I'll have eyes inside momentarily," Jason replied, as he stepped forward.
"How? He has the entire perimeter barricaded," the officer asked. Jason smirked.
"Adam...give me the specs," Jason said into his communicator. Adam, not being able to resist the lure to continue doing good, was Jason's second in command. It helped that Rocky was happy to run their business in his absence.
"Four assailants, heavily armed and itching to create a body count. We need to disarm before we make a move," Adam replied. He was currently camouflaged against the far wall.
"Let's not take any chances. Let's use the smoke bombs and then go in morphed," Jen suggested, as she held the new blasters they were all equipped with. Billy, Hayley, and Cam had developed a new type of blaster for them to fight crime with. The blasters discharged blasts designed to stun human or alien offenders. The stun rays caused temporary immobilization, but otherwise no harm. The blasters did have a kill setting for dire circumstances, but ultimately were designed to show that killing was a ranger's last resort. So far, their team had been successful at thwarting crime and saving lives. Jason nodded.
"Time for Time Force!" Jen and Wes called.
"Quantum Power!" Eric shouted.
"Wild Access!" Taylor called.
"Let's Rocket!" T.J. summoned.
"Dino Thunder, Power up!" Jason shouted. Taylor soared to the roof of the building and released a smoke spray into the vents.
Inside, smoke spewed from the vents. It wasn't harmful to the occupants and was effective in disorienting the perpetrators. Their coughing ensued and Adam walked away from the wall.
"Hey!" the leader called, as he pointed his gun and fired. The power axe appeared in his hand and his black armor flashed into existence. The bullet bounced harmlessly off his suit and he fired the cannon on his axe, which had been modified with the same stun settings as the new blasters.
"Drop your weapons and get your hands in the air!" Jason shouted, as he leveled his blaster. One started running to the exit, but T.J. tackled him to the ground. Another attempted to shove Jen away, thinking she would be easily overpowered. He was proven wrong, as the pink Time Force ranger caught his arm, kneed him in the stomach and flipped him onto his back. The fourth guy tried for the back exit, but Eric was there armed with Quantum defender aimed and ready.
"Give me a reason, dirt bag," he goaded. But the man surrendered.
"You rangers don't play fair with your fancy powers," the leader hissed.
"Fair? I've read your file, man and you're wanted for murder, battery, rape, grand theft auto, and the list goes on," Jason spat.
"And most recently bombings, so where is it?" Taylor demanded. He chuckled.
"Take off that helmet and let me see that pretty face. Then...maybe I'll tell you," he hissed.
"Shut up slimeball. We don't need your help to find your bomb," Wes spat.
"Get these hostages out of here," Jason ordered, as he opened a comm channel with Billy.
"Billy...I need an infrared scan done on this place," Jason said.
"Already working on it," Billy replied through the comlink.
"Floor panel. Ten feet from you, Jase," Billy responded. He and Adam pulled the piece of tile up and observed the bomb with only two minutes left on the clock. Adam examined the wires.
"This one is a bit above my paygrade. Billy?" Adam asked.
"Hang on, I'm teleporting in," Billy answered. Billy scanned the wires and then promptly cut the blue one. The time on the clock stopped with five seconds remaining and they sighed in relief.
"That was close," Jason said.
"It's always close. I swear you two are addicted to adrenaline," Billy joked.
"Guilty," Adam admitted, as they exited the bank. Reporters barely contained themselves behind the crime scene tape, as the perpetrators were loaded in an S.P.D transport
"Good work. Commander Cruger will be pleased. We've been after that guy and his gang for a few months now," the lead officer said.
"Thanks. I assume you've got it from here, Lieutenant Tate?" Wes asked.
"Yes sir," he answered. The ranger team, now unmorphed, loaded into Jason's F.B.I. suburban and left the scene.
"I'm glad that was pretty quick. We'll still be on time for the party," Jason mentioned. Adam chuckled.
"Good thing, we won't get any flack," Adam joked.
"Nah, even if we were late...we'd still beat Tommy there," Jason joked back, making them all laugh, just as the comm system chimed in the vehicle and Adam answered it, seeing the red wind ranger appear on the screen.
"Hey Shane...need a hand?" Adam asked.
"Nah, I think we got it under control. Just a few more rogue Duronians thinking they'll come bring us down again," Shane replied.
"We could use a prison transport," they heard Cam call.
"We'll contact S.P.D. and have one sent," Jason replied, as the others watched the ninja team battle the Duronian energy blasts with their element power. Since Ooze's very public fall, many beings with any kind of energy or element power had come to try and bring them down. The galaxy was still a very dangerous place, with war and upheaval in many places. Ivan Ooze had truly left his stain on the universe and the warring wouldn't be quelled overnight.
"Ahh...watch it Dustin!" Shane completed, as he was sprayed with dirt.
"Sorry dude," called the yellow earth ranger. They saw Hunter and Tori nullify several blasts in the background.
"Wrap it up, guys," Shane called, knowing now that they were just playing with them.
"Yeah, looks like you've got it under control," Adam mused, as Hunter tossed them one by one, into a pile on the ground and trapped them within a thunder shield.
"Make sure they bring enough plasma cuffs," Hunter added.
"You'll pay for this rangers!" the leader growled.
"You came to our planet making trouble. This is what you get," Tori retorted.
"Yeah, get some new lines," Hunter added.
"Transport is on its way," Taylor told them.
"Thanks, see you guys at the celebration," Shane said.
"You know, we're going to be late. You could have defeated them without being show offs," Cam reminded.
"What's the fun in that?" Hunter asked. Cam sighed.
"Besides, we have to give you something to yammer on about," Shane added.
"I don't yammer," Cam refuted. Jason shook his head in amusement, as the transmission went dark.
"Never a dull moment," he said.
"Not with this bunch," Adam added, as Jason got off the exit, heading for Angel Grove.
S.P.D. Headquarters
"I'm telling you, this is a bad idea," Zedd complained, as he, Dulcea, and Ninjor waited patiently in the docking bay at S.P.D. headquarters for the spaceship to dock.
"It will be fine. You are not the person you once were," Dulcea insisted. Ninjor snorted.
"The Council members are not very forgiving. They're not happy with any of us, Zedd for obvious reasons, but they were not happy to learn that we hid Hunter from them," Ninjor said.
"He is my son and they reserved no say in the matter. We did it for Hunter's protection and I'll not apologize for that. We will be gracious hosts, allow them to meet him, and they'll be satisfied with that or they can go back to Eltar," Dulcea said firmly, as the three Eltarian dignitaries disembarked, Cruger bowed respectfully.
"Lady Zilha, it is an honor to have you and your constituents here. Welcome to Earth," he stated.
"Thank you Commander. Admiral Fowler speaks highly of you," the silver haired woman said.
"Yes, Zordon was fond of this quaint little mudball. It was high time that we came to see what all the fuss was about," the man on her right said.
"Forgive Lord Joran, he still a little miffed that Zordon's nephew does not wish to join his people," Zilha mentioned.
"There it is," Zedd stated.
"Shh…" Dulcea shushed him.
"And Lord and Lady? I shouldn't be surprised that they still do that formal pomp and circumstance bull," Zedd commented.
"Are you going to even try to behave?" Dulcea chided.
"Have you met me?" Zedd countered.
"He's got you there," Ninjor chimed in. Dulcea sighed, as they approached.
"Princess Dulcea, it is good to see you well. I was sorry to hear about the destruction of your planet," Zilha said.
"Thank you Lady Zilha," Dulcea replied.
"It is an honor, Princess," Joran greeted, as he kissed the back of her hand.
"Thank you, Lord Joran and greetings, Lord Gelwyn," she said, addressing the third and youngest Council member.
"You're as beautiful as they say Princess, but I expected the sister of Zordon to keep better company than that of a madman," Gelwyn replied, glaring at Zedd.
"Lord Gelwyn, my brother-in-law has made great strides to right his wrongs. He helped my son become the warrior he is," Dulcea said politely, yet firmly.
"So it seems," Gelwyn said, still making no effort to hide his disdain of Zedd.
"If the Phoenix can pardon you of your crimes, Lord Zedd, then this Council will strive to do so as well," Zilha stated.
"Thank you Lady Zilha, but it's just Zedd now," he answered. She nodded.
"The celebration will be starting soon. We should go," Dulcea said, as they led them to the transport pad.
"We're good to teleport, Hayley," Zedd called into his comlink.
"Standby in three…" she responded, as they were whisked away.
Angel Grove Park
Zack Taylor watched fondly, as his son played with Olivia, Trina, and Aiden in Angel Grove Park. It was the one year anniversary of Ivan Ooze's defeat and this spot by the lake had been chosen to host their large ranger celebration and reunion. It had been a difficult year from him though. He and Angela were divorced, but he had joint custody of his son. Cassie had been relentless in his defense, even getting Angela to finally cave in and move back to California to bring Tony closer. They settled in Los Angeles where he had re-established his business and it was doing well.
"Guess who..." Kapri said, as she and Marah peered around his shoulders. He smiled and chuckled. When Jason had recruited him back to be a ranger, he had been angry at being pulled away from his life. He soon realized though how much he missed his friends, helping people, and truly making a difference. He had loved Angela and he believed that she loved him on some level, but she didn't love this part of his life. He was proud to be a part of the legacy of rangers once again, instead of rejecting it like he had when he was with her. He remained close to his team, even though they remained in backup status.
"How you doing, fearless leader?" Marah asked.
"Pretty good. Keeping dirt boy in line?" Zack asked, referring to Dustin.
"Of course. How are things with you?" Marah asked.
"Is that code for am I dating yet?" he replied.
"We just want to see you happy. You're a great catch," Kapri said. He nodded.
"Thanks, but I'm not sure I'm ready to get back out there yet. I'm focusing on my studio and Tony. For now, that's enough for me," he assured them.
"As long as you're happy," Marah said, as others began to arrive.
"Wow...look at this place! They've really outdone themselves," Tori mentioned, as she and Hunter arrived with the twins.
"It helps when three of the richest guys in the world are ranger dads," Hayley mentioned, as she and Cam arrived. They spotted Anton Mercer, Albert Collins, and Andrew Hartford, all conversing and enjoying a drink. Several grills were already fired up, grilling meats and being manned by competing ranger males and Bulk, who was the one that really seemed to actually know what he was doing. That was evident when Rocky snatched the tongs away from Adam.
"Give these to someone who knows what they're doing, frog boy. You're gonna burn the burgers," Rocky said, as he took over.
"I guess you would know, you know you being the expert in food...eating it at least," Adam joked, as the banter started.
"Those two...I swear," Tanya said, shaking her head, as she peered in on the twins, whose eyes were as wide with curiosity at all the excitement. Tori wasn't surprised to see Haydn hold up his arms to her and Tanya picked him up.
"Well hello little prince," she cooed, as he grumbled.
"You are such a little charmer. Your mommy is gonna have to beat girls off you with a stick when you're older," Tanya joked. Tori smiled. Briella was not one to let her twin get all the attention and reached to her father. Hunter gladly picked her up and the baby girl laid her head on his chest, making him practically melt.
"I'm going to go say hi to mom," he said, as he kissed her cheek. She nodded and smiled.
"Oohh...she has him wrapped around her pinky," Tanya noticed. Tori laughed.
"Oh yes, he denies her nothing. Daddy's little princess," Tori said fondly.
"Can I go, play with Olivia and Trina?" Zoe asked.
"Of course," Tori told her, as she watched her run to play with the other kids. Tanya took notice of Tori's pensive gaze.
"Are you worried about the Eltarian dignitaries?" she asked.
"Not really...I mean I know they want Hunter to come to Eltar, but I doubt they'll get too forceful, right?" Tori asked uncertainly.
"Not if they know what's good for them. Hunter is completed devoted to you and the kids," Tanya assured her.
"I know, I just don't want to deprive him of any experiences," Tori replied
"And I'm sure he would tell you that he isn't interested in any experiences that don't involve you and the kids," Tanya replied. Tori smiled.
"You're right again," she agreed.
"Hey T...your D.J. is here," Adam called. Tanya handed Haydn back to his mother.
"I need to go help set up and get this place jammin'," she said.
Tori saw her husband follow his mother so she could introduce him to the dignitaries and decided to make her way over too, as he waved to her. Naturally, the guys followed, curious as well.
"It's wonderful to finally meet you, Prince Hunter. The resemblance between the photos of your father we've seen and you is striking," Zilha greeted.
"Thanks," Hunter replied, a little uncomfortably, as he heard the guys snicker.
"I forgot he's a prince," Shane said.
"That's cause it's Hunter," Blake joked. Hunter rolled his eyes.
"Actually, I just go by Hunter. We are pretty laid back here on Earth," Hunter replied.
"Very well, I'm Lady Zilha and these are my constituents, Lord Gelwyn and Lord Joran," she introduced. Hunter gave them each a curt nod and they took instant notice of the children and the woman holding one of them.
"So...these must be the fledglings," Lord Joran said.
"And the woman that is keeping you here," Lord Gelwyn added, though Lady Zilha looked horrified that he said such a thing aloud.
"Gelwyn...we discussed this and your conduct is very inappropriate!" Zilha hissed.
"It's all right, people will always have their opinions," Hunter replied, as he put his arm around Tori's waist.
"But I think there are few that would actually be stupid enough to get forceful with those...opinions," Hunter replied, his eyes flashing gold briefly and effectively relaying his warning.
"My apologies. We know and respect your decision to remain here. We only hope that you...and your family will visit Eltar someday," she replied. Hunter nodded and led his family away. The guys followed, after each giving the dignitaries their own stern glare, clearly stating that they too were a part of that family.
"Hey guys...sorry we're late!" Tommy called, as he and Kim arrived.
"Why? It's not like this is new," Rocky joked, as he took a huge bite of his burger.
"Yeah, we hardly notice anymore, bro," Jason mumbled through the hot dog in his mouth. Tommy rolled his eyes and Kim unwrapped the plate of brownies.
"Oohh... brownies," Adam said, helping himself.
"So...how's life as S.P.D.'s Ranger Academy lead combat trainer?" Jason asked. Tommy smiled. It had been a tough decision, but Tommy had left teaching to take the offered position. It had been too hard to pass up, training the future of Earth's defenses. So he and Kim had moved to New Tech City where he began his S.P.D. career and Kim had opened up a new studio that was doing very well.
"Some days I miss teaching, but I think this is more what I should be doing. We need to make sure we're leaving the Earth in good hands someday," Tommy replied.
"Yeah, this life has a way of pulling you back in," Jason said.
"Once a ranger, always a ranger," Trini added, as they shared a smile.
The party lasted well into the night, as they enjoyed food, drinks, and company to commence and celebrate one year since Ivan Ooze and Master Vile's defeat. The city began a brilliant fireworks display and clustered together to watch them light up the sky. To their surprise, though they should have expected it, the words Thank you, Power Rangers, lit up the sky.
"You know that you don't have to worry about those stuffed shirt dignitaries, right?" Hunter asked her, as the twins babbled and stared at the sky in wonder. She smiled.
"I know. Wild zords couldn't drag you away from us," she said, as she kissed him tenderly. He smiled and they turned back to the sky.
"This brings back a lot of memories," Kimberly mentioned, as she and Tommy held each other and watched the fireworks, the same way they had done over fifteen years ago after Ivan Ooze's first defeat.
"Yeah, but something tells me that you'll remember this night even more," Tommy replied. She looked at him questioningly and he pointed at the sky, which now read Kimberly, will you marry me? She looked back at him in shock and practically tackled him to the ground. He laughed and spun her around, as their lips met passionately.
"Is that a yes?" he asked. She did her cute little laugh that he loved.
"You better believe it, handsome," she replied, as cheers erupted around them.
"Woohoo...about damn time, rainbow ranger!" Jason called.
"Are you ever going to stop calling him that?" Trini asked. Jason chuckled.
"Not a chance. Oh and Billy and I have the most epic prank planned for next April Fool's Day," Jason replied. Trini shook her head.
"I didn't agree to anything yet," Billy reminded.
"What exactly didn't you agree to?" Kat asked.
"He wants me to tap into the morphing grid and temporarily alter Tommy's suit so it's all five colors that he's been," Billy replied. Rocky laughed.
"Oh man, if you do, I want video," he joked.
"Me too," Conner added, as Kira elbowed him in the ribs.
Behind them, Zedd and Dulcea hung back, watching from a further distance.
"So...do you think this is the end of the threats to the Earth?" Zedd asked curiously.
"Perhaps...though in my experience, it has been a very long time since the Earth and especially the galaxy has not needed rangers," Dulcea replied. Zedd nodded.
"And somehow, we have twin Phoenixes again. I suppose that's not a coincidence," he mentioned.
"Perhaps not...but for now, all is well again. Zander would be proud of all you've done," Dulcea assured him. Zedd looked down.
"I had a lot to make up for...and I still do," Zedd replied.
"Redemption is never an easy road, but it is never one that you must walk alone," Dulcea said, as they joined Hunter, Tori, and the children. For now, Earth was at peace once again and there would always be rangers to guarantee that peace.
The End.