On the Warrior Dome, Cosmo knew what the result would be even before Stonedozer hit the ground and exploded. He had a sixth sense for reading his crowd, and the studio audience were practically in a frothing frenzy over the destruction he had already wrought on the city. The information he was getting over his headset on the responses on Social Media suggested the home audience was also similarly like-minded. He almost didn't need to bring out the audience tracker, but then...it was all about the show.

"It looks like Stonedozer's been caught between a rock and a hard place!" Cosmo stated. "Shall we give him another chance?"

There had only been a handful of times that he had seen the meter show up so quickly. There was never any doubt as the display flashed up the verdict.

"You asked for it! GIGANTIFY!" Cosmo called out, slamming his hand down on the button. He danced for his audience as they roared their approval. Stonedozer had taken out the arena and almost taken out the Rangers at normal size. They were more than ready to see what he could do with a power boost! Right now, so was Cosmo.

Down on the ground, Levi was looking at the Rangers as they whooped in excitement and came to congratulate him. All but one of them anyway, he could already see that Brody was a lot more restrained. In a lot of ways he couldn't blame him.

Levi had been raised with a very simple set of values out in Texas. If you made a mess, it was up to you to set it right. That didn't mean you were forgiven or that you hadn't messed up in the first place, it just meant that you were responsible for cleaning up after yourself.

Levi had taken care of Stonedozer, but that didn't mean that a lot of what happened wasn't down to him. He had blown off the Rangers all week, concentrating on his concert. While he did have obligations to his producer and his fans but since he had revealed himself to the Rangers he hadn't so much as been to the Command Centre.

He had been asked to go with them to investigate the earthquakes only a short way from the arena, and yet he had been unwilling to even delay the start of his concert a little bit to go with them. If he had, maybe he could have helped and the arena wouldn't have been destroyed, and he was perfectly certain the Rebel Rockers would have been able to pad out their set with an extra couple of songs.

Then there was the debacle of the Ninja-comm. He always took off his watch when he played, not because he needed to, but because he didn't like how it felt while he was playing. Because of that, he had been delayed in calling for the evacuation of the arena. It was a miracle that no one had been seriously hurt or worse. He stood, looking to them a little uneasily.

"Listen guys...I..."

"This should probably wait." Preston suggested as the beam hit the ground right where Stonedozer had fallen. Levi turned in time to see him starting to revive and grow to incredible size. As the other Rangers went for their stars, he just held up a hand.

"Thanks for the offer, but this is still on me." Levi told them. "This is still my mess to clean up."

"Levi, you've never called your Zord before. You've never been in a Zord battle before." Sarah reminded him.

"I'm sure there was a time that was true for you guys too." Levi answered.

"Yeah, and I remember how that went!" Sarah shot back, recalling the way they had stumbled through their first Zord battle against Ripperrat. It had been ultimately successful, but if she was to score it on style points...she was sure their score would have somehow found a way to end up on a negative scale.

"I appreciate the offer, but please, let me at least try to fix my own mistakes." Levi told her. Brody just nodded his head.

"We'll back you up if you need it." He assured him. Levi pulled out his Zord star, loading it into his weapon.

"Bull-Rider Zords, out of the shadows!" He called out. The Rangers watched on as a humungous Zord, one that looked a lot like a quad bike fashioned after a bull came into view. Riding on top of it was a light blue Zord of similar design to Brody's Robo Red Zord.

"He gets...two Zords?" Calvin complained. "How is that fair?"

"Well...you DID kind of get two Zords." Hayley reminded him.

"Yeah, you got the Rumble Tusk and Sarah got the Astro Zord." Preston reminded him. "Hayley and I only got one Zord."

"Yeah, and I don't even get my own Megazord configuration." Hayley chipped in, looking to Preston. "You didn't hear me complaining."

Levi leapt into his Zord, taking up position in the control room. He stared down Stonedozer as his Zord raced around him, keeping him off-balance trying to keep track of where it was.

"First you trash my concert, now you're trying to make a comeback?" Levi yelled at him. "Sorry Stonedozer, I know a one-hit wonder when I see one! Ninja Master Mode!"

He powered up, gaining his armour as Stonedozer swiped this way and that, trying in vain to land a blow on the Bull-Rider Zord, but it was much too fast for him to get so much as a glancing hit on it.

"Hold still!" Stonedozer screamed, frustrated at his inability to land a hit. He finally started scooping up bucketfuls of rocks the size of cars. If he couldn't hit him with close attacks, then he was going to have to try ranged combat. "Let's see how you handle a little ROCK!"

Levi could have avoided most of the attacks, but he knew that if he did, the rocks that missed him would likely head deep into the city. The Bull-Rider Zord pulled its head down, beneath the much more heavily armoured front plate of the Bull-Zord, allowing it to take the hits. Levi could feel the impacts, but it seemed the Bull-Zord was built to take a hit. He was getting instructions through on his display, informing him of its abilities, one of which was a deadly ram attack. It made sense that its head plate was built to take one hell of a hit.

He continued straight through, ramming into Stonedozer full-speed, before hitting a wheelie, throwing him high overhead. On the ground, the Rangers cheered him on.

"Go Levi!" Calvin called out.

"Levi, check your configurations, you might have a Megazord mode!" Sarah told him. Calvin just turned to stare at her.

"Wait...he has a Megazord?" He asked. "How is that fair?"

"Levi, try combining your Zords, it should give you a power boost!" Sarah reiterated, ignoring Calvin's comments. Levi just looked to the display, seeing that Sarah was right, his Zords did indeed have their own Megazord configuration.

"Bull-Rider Megazord, Combine!" He yelled, activating its conversation. As the transformation completed, the Rangers just stared at it.

"Does that look like a giant cowboy to anyone else?" Preston asked.

"So much for the ninja motif." Hayley sighed.

"Well I...guess...there's no reason that cowboys couldn't be ninjas?" Brody offered weakly. "The Samurai cared a lot more about blood lineage than the ninja did."

Stonedozer started scooping up rocks again, throwing huge piles of rocks his way. Levi could see not all of them would hit his Zord. Powering up his blaster, he took careful aim.

"Time for some target practice! Rapid fire!" He said as he opened fire, blasting the rocks into dust with powerful blasts. Stonedozer could only watch as his attack failed. Running out of options, he let out a massive roar, before rushing headlong straight at the Bull-Rider Megazord.

"You mess with my fans, you answer to me!" Levi announced, powering up his Zord. "Rodeo Rapid Blast, Final ATTACK!"

Stonedozer didn't get to reach Levi as he opened fire with a succession of high-powered blasts. Before he could get to him, he pitched forward, hitting the ground and exploding. Levi just raised his blaster into the air.

"Show's over, Ninjas WIN!" He announced. Down on the ground, the Rangers were celebrating as he leapt out of his Megazord, coming to greet them.

"Levi, that was awesome!" Preston exclaimed. "You did an amazing job!"

"Yeah, you rock!" Sarah agreed, offering up a fist-bump. Levi though could still see that Brody was a little more reluctant and a little slower to come forward with praise. The others all just looked to Brody. The Red Ranger was still put-out by the fact that Levi didn't prioritise his Ranger duties over the concert, it was a big disappointment considering the lengths Levi had gone to in order to convince him he wasn't a self-centred celebrity only concerned with what benefitted him. However, eventually he offered him a handshake.

"Good job Levi." He told him. Levi accepted the handshake.

"Thanks Brody." He answered humbly, knowing that all things considered, there was a lot more Brody could have said on the matter. He looked to the others. "Look, I need to go check on things back at the concert. People will be looking for me but...I'll see you at the school tomorrow alright?"

"Levi?" Hayley asked as he turned to run off.

"I'll be there tomorrow, I swear!" He told them. "Trust me!"

With that, he disappeared. The Rangers all gathered around.

"He did a great job." Preston stated.

"Yeah, at least the Gold Ranger got one great battle." Sarah sighed. "Come on guys, let's go home."

Up on the Warrior Dome, Cosmo was in his office. He didn't need to hang around for the usual floor show of Galvanax chewing out Ripcon for his failure. Galvanax always did think in terms of the short-game. All he cared about was getting the Ninja Power Stars, and so any battle that ended without him getting them was a failure to him. That wasn't the case for Cosmo though.

Wrench came in, seeing Cosmo admiring the handiwork in his office. It had now been completely cleaned and refurbished after the attack. Everything was back as it was, no mean feat considering much of the decor was antique and likely extremely expensive and difficult to come by. However, in less than a day it looked like the attack never happened, likely what Cosmo was going for.

"Wrench my boy, what can I help you with?" Cosmo asked him.

"Sir...I um..." Wrench started to stammer, trying to find the words to speak. "Um...I wanted to see if..."

"If I'm happy with the show? Of COURSE I am!" Cosmo told him. "Wrench, Stonedozer was a great warrior, and his loss is sad, but the only thing better than keeping a star is making a new one! I've just gotten the figures back and this Gold Ranger is a hit across every demographic!"

"Well yes, that's great news." Wrench told him. "Um...I was going to ask if you're alright after..."

"Wrench my boy, if I stopped every time I was threatened or attacked I would never have come this far." Cosmo told him flatly. He panned his hand around the room. "You don't get all this without crossing a few people."

"But what if Ripcon..."

"My dear boy, this isn't Ripcon's doing!" Cosmo interrupted him. "Ripcon's a lot of things, but the one thing he isn't is devious. There's no way he has the brains or the sneaky streak to pull something like this off. If there's one thing I'm certain of it's that Ripcon is no traitor."

"But...you said..."

"I think you'll find I've never SAID I thought Ripcon was the traitor." Cosmo assured him. "Of course if I continue to let the real traitor THINK I believe it's him, then they are likely to let their guard down. They'll reveal themselves soon enough."

He leant over his desk.

"Unless...there's something you'd like to tell me?" He offered. Wrench shook his head rapidly. Cosmo just sighed and backed off. "That's a pity. Now, about the next show..."

"Ripcon says he's got..."

"Oh, we'll let Ripcon have another shot soon, but first...I thought I might take a little crack at things." Cosmo told him.

"You?" Wrench asked him. "But...but...you don't..."

"My boy, I have a special event planned that I'm sure will keep everyone entertained." Cosmo assured him. "Believe me, no one will be BOARD."

The following day at Summer Cove high, the students were called early in the day for an assembly in the main hall. It wasn't often that Principal Hastings really bothered with assemblies, usually it was only when the school board mandated it, but there was a lot of buzz surrounding this one, especially as many of the students had seen a couple of limos and even some news vans parked outside.

"I wonder what's going on." Preston said as he struggled to get through the crowds. "Have any of you guys seen Levi?"

"I'm afraid not." Brody answered, though there was a slightly icy tone in his voice. It wasn't as though it was a secret he wasn't impressed by Levi's lack of commitment to the team so far, and a broken promise to the team didn't sound like it surprised him particularly much.

"Hey, that's the woman from the local TV station." Calvin stated. They all got as close as possible to try and hear what she was saying.

"Today we're at Summer Cove high, the home of many Levi Weston fans." She began her report. "After yesterday's massive earthquakes, the city's mayor and Levi Weston himself are expected to make big announcements."

"Did you hear that?" Sarah asked. "Levi IS here!"

"I guess maybe you judged him a little quickly." Hayley teased Brody.

"Alright, so he's here." Brody said, conceding that he had been a little quick to judge. However, this wasn't exactly what he had in mind when Levi had told him he'd meet them at the school. He had more of a Ranger meeting in mind, not a press-conference. "Three months is a really long time to go without the Gold Ranger."

"Yeah, we worked so well together and now he's leaving." Preston said sadly.

"At least he's leaving his Zord." Calvin said, producing the Bull-Rider Zord Star. "I guess..."

"Yoink!" Hayley said, whipping it out of his hand. Calvin just stared at her open-mouthed. "I'm the one with only one Zord and no special Megazord configuration remember?"

"How could I say no to you?" Calvin asked, putting his arm around her and pulling her in close.

"Hey, it looks like they're about to start." Brody said as he saw the mayor and Levi coming out of a side room. There was some applause as they came up to the podium, while Principal Hastings tried to get the kids to settle down so that they could speak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I'm pleased to see you all here today. It is a testament to the fortitude of the city of Sumer Cove to see so many of you back out and about so soon after yesterday's attack." The Mayor began. "I'd like to once again thank the Power Rangers for their continued efforts to keep this city safe from those who would do us harm."

There was some applause, and the Rangers had to remind themselves to clap too. It felt a little big-headed to be clapping themselves, but since no one actually knew they were the Rangers, they couldn't really be seen to not show their appreciation.

"The city has fortunately received relatively minor damage, with the exception of the arena which unfortunately was completely destroyed. However, we have been assured by Tien Industries that they will rebuild it bigger and better than ever."

There was another applause, which the Mayor gratefully received. He then gestured to his side.

"Now ladies and gentlemen, I'd like you to welcome, Levi Weston." He declared. Levi stepped up to huge cheers from the crowd. He took his position by the podium and prepared to begin.

"I'm so glad you're all safe, thanks to the Power Rangers." Levi began. "And I'd also like to say that I look forward to performing for you all again as soon as the new arena is open to make up for the show I had to cancel."

He let the crowd cheer for a moment as he took a deep breath. This was the important part, and while there were dozens of people there, his real audience was only five people. Well, five and an alien.

"I'd also like to say that seeing them in action, seeing what they do to help others made me think a lot about what's important. Which is why after a long talk with my management team, I've decided to postpone my world tour so that I could stick around a while and help out in any way I can." He told them. Everyone in the crowd was surprised, especially the Rangers. He hadn't had a chance to tell them about his change of plans, but despite the surprise, he could tell they were happy with his decision. They were getting to keep their newest Ranger after all. "But don't worry, I love my fans, and I'll be working hard on new songs and new material so that when I do get to go, the new world tour will be better than ever."

The crowd cheered loudly, hearing that their idol was putting them first and sticking around. No one could have blamed Levi for taking the first plane as far from Summer Cove as humanly possible. He certainly had the means to do so. He hopped down from the podium, to where his new friends were waiting, accepting high-fives and hugs from them all.

"I'm so sorry you guys, I've been making my music my priority for so long I guess...I just never thought about what my priorities should be." Levi said apologetically. "I should have put being a Ranger first. If I'd come with you to investigate the earthquakes, maybe all of this wouldn't have happened. Helping you all, and especially that little girl Mary taught me something. Music is important, but right now, the world needs the Gold Ranger a lot more than it needs Levi Weston."

"Well it's great to hear you say that." Brody said, smiling and offering Levi a handshake. Levi accepted it, pleased that he had finally won him over. "We all have to make a few sacrifices for the greater good."

"Now all we have to worry about is how I get in and out of the Command Centre for Ranger business." Levi sighed. "I know about your secret entrances and all, but trust me, getting around being famous is not that easy, and people might just notice me hanging around the school all the time."

"Mr Weston!" Principal Hastings said, tapping him on the shoulder. "I couldn't help hearing your announcement; you said you wanted to help the city?"

"Um...well yes ma'am, that's exactly right." Levi told her.

"I think I might have an idea." She told him. "Would you mind coming to my office?"

"Um...sure." He said with a shrug. She grabbed him by the wrist, starting to drag him to the office as Mick was approaching.

"Principal Hastings, about that museum..."

"Not now Mitch." She snapped as she brushed past him.

"It's Mick, actually." He corrected her, but she was already too far away. Mick just looked confused, but shrugged his shoulders and went about his business.

Principal Hastings and Levi arrived in her office, at which she closed and locked the door. She turned to look at him, eyeing him up and down.

"You know, there aren't many people who would be willing to stick around and help a city with as many problems as this one." She commented.

"Yeah, well...I just want to help." He said as she started to walk around him. He was very aware of her gaze as she eyed him up.

"Well, the thing is, I happen to be a fan of yours. I've read your autobiography cover to cover four times." She told him.

"Yeah...thanks." He offered weakly.

"The thing is, I seem to remember something...you mentioned in it you considered becoming a teacher didn't you?" She asked him. He furrowed his brows.

"Well...if my career hadn't worked out I did think of teaching." He answered. "But..."

"Well, it just so happens that we're in need of a music teacher." She told him. "Mr Epstien decided enough was enough when his third car was flattened by a monster and practically sprinted out of town before his resignation letter even hit my desk. I was wondering, since you're going to be hanging around for a while...?"

"I'm real flattered and all, but..."

"Oh, I'm sure you'd be an excellent teacher. Who better to teach the children about music than someone who has made a living out of it?" She asked him, taking out her hair tie and shaking her hair loose. "Of course the only question is...how much do you want it?"

Levi was starting to panic, but before he could answer, he thought of something. A grown adult hanging around a school without good reason in the current age was usually a cause for concern. In his case, being famous, he was just far more likely to be noticed. He doubted it would end well if he hung around the school, going in and out for his Ranger duties, at best he would inadvertently draw attention to the Rangers, at worst...he could end up in very serious trouble if people got the wrong idea! While being a teacher was something that did interest him for the days when he was planning to wind down his career, right now, it would provide him all the reason he'd need to be around the school without people getting the wrong idea.

He went over to the door, and grabbed the draw-string to the curtain that covered the glass.

"I guess the sacrifices start now." He sighed as he pulled down the curtain.

A/N: I do have to give a particular shout-out to Lily Hanson here. Making Levi a music teacher was something that hadn't initially occurred to me, and it's a concept she was willing to let me borrow from her storyline. As such, just a quick thank you for that. More coming soon.