Changing Silver Prologue
Power Ranger is now owned by Hasbro I believe, if I'm wrong let me know LOL.
Authors Note: An attempt to rewrite certain things in my stories and change them around
Revisions & Beginnings
It was a bright summers day, there wasn't a cloud in the sky as the young man found a quiet corner of the park, intent on enjoying the sun and his book, which he held in his hand. As he sat reading enjoying the sun, he remained as usual blissfully unaware of the appreciative looks he was getting from some of the females also in the park, if his friend Kimberly had been there she would have probably taken the book and whacked him with it for being so dense, but he remained clueless, though he did find it odd if this had been 8 years earlier when he was 15 there would have been no looks and in fact no-one would have noticed him. Adam sighed as his concentration was shot and he came back to the fact his life had once again changed greatly in the past year and not just over the last 8 years as whole.
Adam put down his book and though he looked outwards, he cast his thoughts backwards to more or less eight years earlier when he had been so different, back then at 15 nearly 16 he had been a loser and there was no disputing that. He had barely scraped by on his GCSE'S, had no friends and barely existed when he had been transported from his bedroom to somewhere else. At first he thought he was just dreaming and if he was it was a realistic one as there were 5 other people in the vast room, 3 boys about his age and 2 girls also of a similar age. Like me they looked confused and quite frankly terrified, but the guy in red seemed ready to take charge and the boy in overalls seemed very inquisitive as he went towards the computer consoles intent on pushing buttons, which brought a mechanical man into view who tried to go to stop the blue overall boy and promptly fell on his front, the boy helped him to his feet and then this and I can only describe him as a head in a jar as it were. He introduced himself as Zordon and the robot called himself Alpha 5.
He explained he had brought them here to form a team and protect the world from this intergalactic evil Witch and then he proceeded to explain to them what they would do and what they would control, at that point I coughed and everyone seemed to see me for the 1st time as if they hadn't noticed me before, not that I was surprised I was used to being unnoticed. The guy 'Zordon' didn't seem surprised to see me and then his expression did change to one of shock. I could never work out that and it would only be 7 years later in 2000 when I came face to face with him nearly 2 years after his 'death' on the Dark Fortress before he would reveal that I had been brought through on purpose as I had a destiny to fulfil along with my twin sister Kimberly the original Pink Ranger
Sister that was a shock of biblical proportions for us both, I mean after the first initial few months as a Power Ranger and eventually bonding with the Rangers, I had come to see Kim as a sister, so it was a tad ironic to realise that she was actually my twin sister. Anyway back to my earlier thoughts, Zordon explained that an accidental inversion had brought me from my universe to the Rangers Universe. This one had been a bit of mind blower as Zordon explained that there were many parallel universes, much as I had read in comic books, this one was almost the same as my own, the differences were really nothing, except things such as Zordon and the others only existed as a television show and though some of the adventures they I mean we would have were similar, they were still different. But over time I transported between the 2 universes aiding my friends as I could during battles and improving myself both physically and mentally thanks to my friends. The few short months of being a Ranger had changed me as I found myself more confident and surer of myself. Though as Kim noted I had suddenly developed an Impulsive streak that often got me into situations that were more than I could handle, which led me to taking the sword of darkness straight through the gut when I went one on one with Tommy while he was still under Rita's spell. Adam grinned at the amount of angry concern Kim had directed at me as I had healed from my injuries and would again several times over the years as I sustained the odd one or two injuries from my occasional impulsive and sometimes reckless actions.
The early days were the best in his mind, he'd still bonded with newer Rangers, but the biggest difficulty was during the Turbo days when everyone but he and Justin had transferred their powers to new people. Eventually things changed and with Zordon captured by Dark Spectre we joined with a Space Ranger to try and rescue him, knowing what happened in the television series I expected difference but knowing that, I tried to make differences and avert the coming outcome, by locating the Zeo Crystal which was buried in the ruins of the Power Chamber and giving the individual powers to the original Zeo Rangers and told them when to use the powers, despite these attempts to improve the odds, Zordon still sacrificed his life to save the universe and the Rangers identities were known to the world and their lives where changed forever. Somehow I still managed to escape all of this due to my dimension hoping and with the end of all our foes I thought my life as a Ranger was at an end. Little did I realise my Ranger days weren't over just yet, it would be 18 months later when I came to see the latest team of Rangers the Lightspeed team and during that adventure I learnt of Zordon's return, the truth about my adventures in this universe and Kimberly's identity.
Adam reflections ended their except for the one thing he was trying to not think about the identity of their latest foe. Only weeks earlier he had faced down the Emperor, who proceeded to reveal his identity of being Adam Pearlman also. But this Adam Pearlman was different like him he had been a Ranger but not from a different dimension, he had always known the other Rangers and even as they moved on, he had stayed and fought the good fight, until during the Astro Ranger era, a girl he had fallen in love with was murdered by Darkonda while he was defending Angel Grove. The Emperor then told Adam how he had finally seen the truth that no matter what he did evil would always be there and he knew that the only way to beat it was to join it. Making a deal with Astronema that would ensure they both ruled the universe, he betrayed the Rangers and the Earth and the universe itself fell to darkness and his rule. And then months ago he had discovered the other universe and he decided to take it for his own and through various actions including torture, rape and mass murder he began a campaign of terror against the Rangers and the Earth. The Rangers fought back as everyone who currently was and had been a Ranger retook the power and worked together to try and stop the Emperor and the fight continues even now.
Adam had returned to his universe trying to make sense of the recent revelations and he was just trying to find peace when a single scream shattered the very quiet and tranquil day. Without hesitation Adam was up and heading in the direction of the scream, little realising the changes in his life it was going to create.
The Changing Face of Silver
I had heard the scream and for a few moments thought it was just someone mucking around a couple perhaps goofing about and then there was a more piercing scream one that was not of someone being scared but of sheer terror. Grabbing my jacket in my left hand I scooped up the book and moved in the direction of the scream. For a moment he paused wondering if it was actually nothing and he was reacting to something that was not his concern and then he heard a word and he knew that it wasn't. The voice was female full of terror and the word "Help".
The decision was made by his legs even before his head thought, instinctively he ran towards the cry. For a moment he looked around wondering if he was going in the right direction and then he jumped to one side to avoid a young man, almost fly past him at Mach 1. He recognised the man and remembered he'd seen him with a young woman, but if the man was running like the hounds of hell were on his tail, where was the young woman. Following the path the young man had come from I stepped into a clearing and immediately assessed the situation, the young woman was there, but being held by a man or at least I think it was a man. He stood at least a foot taller than me, if not more, the armour he wore covered every inch of his massive frame except for his head which was visible, the woman was struggling in his gauntleted hands grasp and the smirk on the giants face told me he wasn't even worried.
Stepping into view I kept my expression neutral and spoke. "Hi is there is something going on, I heard a scream".
The two people whom I directed my question to turned and looked at me. The giant seemed to regard me with amusement almost as if he could not believe someone had chosen to approach him and speak to him. The young woman's eyes told a different story one of fear, mixed with something else.
"Boy this does not concern you" the Giant said addressing me.
I turned my gaze on him, ignoring the looks from the woman. "Like I said I heard a scream, was worried someone was in trouble and came to see if I could do anything to help".
"Leave boy, or I will turn my wrath upon you and you will wish you had not come here. I have a job to do and I will finish it" The Giant said his tone which the first words had been almost expressionless, now were tinged with a bit of menace.
"Okay, I get the point, I have things to do. So I'll leave you and your lady friend to your business" And then I turned to start back the way I had come and I paused. "However your lady friend if she says two words from the time I finishing speaking to me turning around, well that is a different story".
I stopped still in a relaxed poise, neither facing away nor facing towards the Giant and then I heard the two words I wanted to hear. "Help me" the woman cried out full of panic and fear. The giant flung her to the floor as she uttered the words and she landed hard, all the breath of her body leaving her and I could tell she was busy trying to gather her wits about her.
"Boy once more I order you to turn around and leave" The Giant said.
To his surprise I laughed. "I told you two words and it would be a different story, you see she asked me for help and I never turn down a cry for help, especially not from a beautiful woman. Plus they'd take away my hero permit and that would mean I'd lose my parking space and have you ever tried parking in London, it's a nightmare".
"You babble about stupid things and yet you do nothing, you are not a warrior, you are boy playing a warrior and for your insolence I will carve you to pieces". Even as he spoke a very big axe appeared in his hand.
"Ookay so it's a big weapon, don't suppose we can talk about this like civilised beings" I asked, assessing the new added complication.
"The time for talking is past, my axe will taste human flesh, blood and bone for the first time and your prattling will cease. Do you have any last words human" the Giant menaced.
I sighed, knowing that he was going to fight and probably kill me, I wasn't a fighter, hell I wasn't good with words. "You may kill me, but at least I know I did the right thing".
The Giant laughed, clearly amused that a mere human would challenge him and not show fear. "And I shall carve those words on your tombstone".
Reaching into my subspace pocket I did the last thing open to me? "It's Morphing Time, Silver Ranger Power". With those six words I felt the power of the Ninjetti for the first time in almost 5 years I became the Silver Ranger again. Glancing down I saw my animal spirit emblazoned my suit the spirit of the Lion and the words of Dulcea again in my head 'a courageous spirit with a wise head'... yep she didn't know what she was talking about.
The Giant, who had taken a step forward towards me, took a step back when he saw the transformation happen. Cleary he did not expect that and the girl's eyes widened in surprise and something that might have been hope.
"So you are a Power Ranger" The Giant asked.
"No flies on you then, did the silver uniform give it away" I answered sarcasm clear in my voice.
"Insolent boy, I still have a job to do and I will complete it, because I have never failed to complete my tasks" the Giant stated.
I grinned at last he had revealed he was here for a reason and not just random chance. "So your here for a reason, what is that?" I questioned.
"My employer requires the girl, she has abilities that he will find useful and he sent me to retrieve her" the Giant Answered.
"So you're a Bounty Hunter, the last question I have before I kick your butt and save the damsel in distress and I recognise I might not like the answer, tell me who are you working for?" I asked.
"You already know but I shall answer, his name is the Emperor" the Giant said.
"Yep I knew I would hate the answer, right now we got the talking bit out of the way, it's time for me to kick your ass and be damn heroic about it" I answered my anger at the name of the man responsible for all my current woes.
"You will die Silver Ranger, Putties attack" the Giant cried out.
Then he stepped back the girl firmly in his grasp and a group of grey figures appeared. Quickly I appraised the situation; the Putties were the ones I had last fought when Lord Zedd was around and sure enough on their chest was the 'Z'. I waited for them to make their move; my natural Ranger instincts to allow the enemy to make the first move had kicked in, even as other instincts screamed this was going to end badly.
Moving in front of one them I paused and the Putty looked confused as I said "Hello boys, been a while since I seen you guys, I might not remember how to beat you lot". The Putty look confused for the second it took me to smack the 'Z' on its chest and its burst into pieces and vanish and then I added "Guess not, now we can do this the easy way or the hard way. Hard way is me kicking you all over this park because I have a lot of anger issues at the moment or the easy way and you hit your own 'Z' and defeat yourself".
The Putties didn't reply and in their own burbling and bumbling style lurched towards me with all the grace of a ten ton elephant, I side stepped and pirouetted out the way of the first oncoming putties and laughed as I knew Kim would be impressed that I actually had picked up some stuff from watching her over the years. The fight was short and brief the Putties despite my years of not fighting them were easily dispatched and I watched as the last disintegrated.
"So Giant pain, your goons are gone, care to give up before I make you gone as well" I asked as I stepped back in front of him.
The Giant laughed and brought his hand around the girl's neck and I paused and he looked at me before saying. "The Emperor said he wanted her, but also said if I had to, kill her and since it appears that is my only option, one snapped neck coming up".
Knowing my choice were limited I demorphed and held my hands up in a surrender posture. "Wait, you don't have to do this, I surrender". I said hastily and sincerely.
"He said you would" The Giant paused and I could see the girl was now barely conscious, he relaxed his grip and then with ease hurled the girl at me, I didn't have time to react as she came flying towards me and I was flung backwards onto the floor with a thump. The Giant stepped forward and loomed over me. "You challenged me and it's been a while since that has happened, so I'm making a sport of this. For now you can keep the girl, but I'll be coming for her again and next time I will take her and you and your friends won't stop me". Then he vanished in a black glow leaving me sat on the floor a partially conscious girl laid across me.
For a few moments I sat there, trying to digest everything that had happened and then I carefully pushed the girl into a laid position on the grass and I took stock of the situation. Thankfully she had but a few bruises mainly round her neck and a cut below her right eye, but for the most part she was in one piece. At this point I wondered why the Police and Emergency services hadn't shown up and in fact the area was absent of people. Spying a blanket and a bottle of water, I reached over and tore a corner of the blanket off and pouring a little water onto the blanket I carefully dabbed at the cut under her eye. For the record this is why I'm not a medic, as the moment I did the girl yelped and sat up, looked around and then glared at me.
She opened her mouth and began to talk, though the voice was very subdued and scratchy, no doubt from the recent hand around it. "What happened, who are you?"
"Don't try to talk, I suspect your larynx and throat aren't really supposed to be used much, but I will answer your questions. First you were attacked by some Giant guy, working for some guy called the Emperor, who obviously wants you for some reason, and as for me, I'm no-one saw you were in trouble and I thought I would help you out Miss."
She blinked and looked surprised, that I had recognised the woman before me, though it wasn't that hard as she and her band mates where hardly off television and while I enjoyed the light bubble-gum nature of their music, it was the brown haired, brown eyed woman that captivated me every time she appeared on stage. Even as my mind wandered I noticed her eyes had narrowed and she looked at me with a hint of annoyance and irritation, I sighed I recognised the look so many times on my sisters face, usually after I had done something stupid. "Not buying the just random part of me passing are you?"
She spoke her voice clearly struggling. "You morphed in a Power Ranger in front of me, you could have just held up a neon sign saying, I'm a superhero, look at me". The sarcasm despite the pain in her voice was clear.
"Didn't think you were going to buy it, yep I'm a Power Ranger, usually it's a secret, but in this case I had no choice to morph to protect your life, which I did save by the way, you're welcome" I replied.
The look on her face was one of an annoyance. "You did a great job, I can barely talk, and my face and everywhere feels so bruised over".
"Gee, sound more grateful, next time I'll do nothing and leave you to it" I said harsher than intended.
At that the girl looked frightened, more frightened than ever and I realised her words were a front for how genuinely terrified and afraid she was and I felt my own annoyance fade. "Okay, look we need to get somewhere safe, before the big guy comes back with friends" I reached for my communicator intending to use it to teleport us to safety and then cursed as I realised it was not there and my expression was one of annoyance.
Looking at me this time with an expression of worry, I answered the unspoken question. "Normally I have my communicator which acts as a teleportation device, unfortunately as I didn't want to be disturbed I left it at home today".
"So what do we do, go to your place?" She asked, looking concerned about getting there.
I grinned. "You might want to hold on to me and hang onto your stomach".
She looked at me confused and more than a little concerned, but before she could ask me a question, I triggered my morphing sequence and just as quickly de-morphed and took her hand and I felt the teleportation take effect and she and I were teleported away from the park. We reappeared in the Power Chamber, concerned faces where the order of the day it seemed as some of my friends were there, concern etched on their faces and none more so than Kimberly. I powered down straight away and without speaking helped the girl over to the medical table and with ease I lifted her onto it. Even as I stepped away I felt her hand reach for mine and almost like she had chained herself to me, refused to let go. I looked at her with understanding. "Look Miss, I need to speak to my mentor and bring in our Doctor who can look at all your bruises and cuts".
She let go of my hand and favoured me with a small smile and nodded and before I moved away. "You can call me Rachel; you saved my life so I don't think we need to stand on ceremony".
I nodded as I replied. "My name is Adam; don't go away I'll be right back". I stepped away and moved towards Alpha, ignoring the looks of fellow Rangers. "Alpha can you get Dana up, her medical skills are required".
The little robot nodded before replying. "One Doctor Pink Ranger coming up" With that he went over to the console and began tapping away.
As he did I turned to face my mentor. "Zordon I know I broke the rule by bringing her here, but she saw my identity as I had to morph to protect her. Some big giant guy was after on behalf of the Emperor and while he let her go, he said he'd be coming after her again, so here we are".
"You acted wisely Silver Ranger, but why did you morph twice, if I may ask" Zordon replied.
"I wasn't wearing my communicator and I powered down briefly and realised if I morphed quite quickly again, you'd hopefully realise there was a problem and either send the others or bring me here" I explained.
At that Kimberly who had been stood close by our guest, walked over to me and punched me hard in the arm. "You dumbass, what were you thinking not wearing your communicator, don't you know you have a bulls eye on your chest from the Emperor" Kim yelled at me.
As she continued to berate me, a few of the other Rangers grinned remembering previous rants at me from Kimberly, somehow they seemed funnier to them now that people knew the truth about the two of us.
"Okay Kim, rant over, I was stupid and I admit it, but it worked out, I'm safe and Rachel is safe" I said in a tone indicating my sincere apology.
Kim at that paused and she didn't look happy though and for a long moment glared at me before her expression softened. "I only get annoyed because I care, you're my brother and I need to look out for you, when you have your acts of stupidity".
I nodded, I knew that she only acted like this because she cared for me, still it didn't have to hurt so much. Gripping his bruised arm, he stepped over the medical table where Rachel was being ministered to by Dana.
"How is she Dana?" I asked as I approached.
The Pink Lightspeed Ranger turned at my approach and answered. "She will be fine nothing more than a few bruises and scrapes; she will have a very sore throat for a while though".
"So Rachel, do you want to maybe tell me why the Emperor's goons were after you?" I asked.
Rachel looked at me and then answered. "I don't know, I was just enjoying time with my boyfriend when the giant appeared. Where did he go, he left me". She said almost as if she had suddenly realised he was gone.
I looked direct at her, I knew the answer and I wasn't sure if she would hate it or not. "I saw him running like the devil was on his tail as I was coming in your direction, sorry but he was out of there" I said apologetically.
She looked quite upset, but whatever else was going on, seemed to make her push that too one side. "I guess I know how much he really cares about me then, but I still don't know why they were after me, I mean I'm a pop singer in a band"..
"Fear makes people do strange things, I wouldn't read too much into his behaviour, I suspect most people would have done the same thing" Dana said.
"Psychology course while learning to be a Doctor" I said.
"Psych 101" Dana answered with a laugh.
"Okay so Rachel doesn't know why they were after her, Alpha can you run a scan on her, maybe there is something about her that will tell us why".
"Right away Adam" Alpha nodded and took hold of a scanner and approached the girl, meanwhile Zordon turned to face Rachel as well and he asked of her. "With your permission, I would like to perform a mind scan of you; perhaps I can find a clue where Alpha's scans cannot".
"If you think it will help, please go ahead, I want to know as much as you why they were after me" Rachel answered.
Then for a few minutes there was silence as Alpha ran his scanner and Zordon concentrated his energies on Rachel and then the silence was broken by a simultaneous cry of alarm both from Rachel and Zordon. I went straight to Rachel who was clutching her head in both hands and others looked up in worry at Zordon.
After a few minutes he spoke. "I am okay Rangers, but now I know why the Emperor is after Rachel, she is a latent telepath and from my scan I believe if her abilities manifest she will become powerful".
"Okay time out, telepath, you mean like Jean Grey in the X-Men" Rachel said.
At the pop culture reference from Rachel my impression of her went up a notch as it wasn't many people who would bring that reference out. Zordon paused and seemed to be considering something. "Jean Grey is a fictional character but from my understanding of the character in the fictional universe her power set is about 8, if I would have to guess yours is 9".
Rachel looked very startled and I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and she patted it gently. "So this is why he is after me, but you said latent, that means I don't actually have the abilities, just the potential".
"Correct, I would surmise the Emperor has a plan to make your latent powers manifest and when he does, he will bring you under his control and we cannot allow that" Zordon said.
At his tone Rachel tensed up, running through her mind was only one possibility that she could think of and I felt her tense up and realised I hadn't let go of her shoulder and she hadn't let go of my hand. With a start I pulled away and she did too, we both looked faintly embarrassed, I didn't take my eyes off her however, had I done so I would have noticed both Kim and Kat sharing amused grins.
"Rachel I know where Zordon is going with this and you don't have to worry, we're not going to let anything happen to you. The way I see it we have 3 options here, option 1 is we keep you here, but that would be indefinitely as they would wait us out and the Emperor isn't the type to give up. Plus you have your career and you pretty much vanishing will cause problems you don't need. Option 2 is one of us act us bodyguard; the problem is it will lead to questions that none of us want to really answer" I started to explain.
Rachel put up a hand to stop me and she interrupted me. "None of those options work, you would be putting your entire life on hold for me and you're not teenagers who are summer break, you all appear to be adults with real lives I assume".
The others all nodded at that and so did I, as much as I wanted too, I had my own life to still get in order a new apartment and a new job I was still settling into and then I thought of a 3rd option. "There is one more option, but you have to understand if you choose this option there is no going back from it and its not one you can just change your mind on, you do this and your life is about to get more crazy" I explained.
"Adam what are you talking about" Kat asking the question everyone had on their lips.
"Rachel can't live her life here and she can't be always relying on us to be there to fight off people who will come after her for her abilities, but we can even the odds by making her a Power Ranger" I explained.
There was a gasp from all in the Chamber, none more so than Rachel who laughed but it was a nervous laugh before she added. "You're joking right, me a Power Ranger, I'm no fighter".
"Neither was I, took a number years after becoming a Ranger to even get to a good standard" I said in a reassuring tone and glanced over at Tommy and Jason my teachers who nodded. "The point is, you become a Ranger and you have us looking out for you all the time in fights, we can't be with you 24/7 but it gives you extra protection and hey if you get found out, think of the publicity it will do for your career". I added the last with a grin on my face.
Rachel laughed and then surprised me by punching me in the same spot Kim had punched me a few minutes ago and I grimaced and glared at my sister and Rachel. "Seriously people have to stop doing that; I'm not a punching bag people".
Rachel laughed again and so did others in the Chamber, the tension evaporating with it. "Suppose I say yes, what kind of Ranger, I mean do you have powers lying around that I can use at least temporarily" She asked.
"The powers will come from me" I answered and seeing her questioning look I explained. "I've been a Ranger since the beginning, over time we've used different powers and the only difference with me is while the Power Coins were destroyed, mine wasn't. I was elsewhere when that happened and my powers survived, though I stopped using them and became a Zeo Ranger like the others, then a Turbo Ranger, then a Space Ranger and finally one of the Galaxy Rangers. So I've been around and I can spare a power" I finished.
"Okay, great so if I accept, which power would you be giving me" Rachel asked.
I hesitated, but I already knew my decision it was why I had used those powers earlier that day and in a flash my Silver Power Coin appeared in the palm of my hand. "This is my power coin, the 2nd set of powers we had after the original power coins were damaged beyond use. The difference here is they're keyed to our animal spirits. I'm not sure if you could access the power fully without the correct animal spirit" I said.
"Animal spirit, then how do I get that" Rachel asked.
Rachel turned to see a young teenager stood there, wearing a lot of green, including a headband to keep her very long ginger hair out of her eyes. And though she looked in her mid-teens, there was something about this young woman that said she was more than meets the eyes.
"Hello Dulcea, Rachel this is Dulcea the guardian of the Great Power on the Planet Phaedos, some years ago when we gained our animal spirits it was she who helped us find them". At that I saw Rachel's look at the young teenager before her and the scepticism in her eyes, so I added. "Yep she looks 15 and is 15, you just need to add an extra 3000 to her age. Long story she came to help us last year and through events she was reduced in age to the equivalent of a 14 year old girl, since then she has remained on Earth with us, living a normal life. Well normal life of a teenager who has lived for 3000+ years" I finished.
"So that was the simple explanation?" Rachel asked with the barest hint of amusement playing across her face.
I looked faintly embarrassed but was saved from answering by Dulcea herself. "Anyway, I just need to prepare, you don't have to do anything, I just kinda need to look at you and your spirit should reveal itself to me" Dulcea explained as she stepped in front of Rachel.
At that moment it was hard not to forget that Dulcea wasn't really a kid, yes in age and every respect she now was, her mannerisms were that of a teenage girl, but sometimes the way she stood or spoke and you could see glimpses of her, though right now the teenage girl was pulling a face.
"Something wrong, you seem very confused or concerned" Rachel asked.
Dulcea jumped as if she was not there at all, just there in body. "It's weird an animal spirit can be for multiple people with the same traits, but the odds of two people in the same group having the same animal spirit and soon the same powers is even more bizarre" Dulcea explained.
"Dulcea what are you saying?" I asked a little confused.
"I'm saying that Rachel spirit animal is also the Lion, just different from you in terms of how it's her guide, but it is. I think the odds of this are so astronomical that it should not have happened" Dulcea added as further explanation.
I was a little flustered by the explanation, but I turned back to Rachel. "So Rachel are you in, being a Ranger I mean" I asked.
"Yes, it seems like fate has plans for me and it include being a Ranger, what do I need to" Rachel said with an eagerness in her very quiet and still scratchy voice.
"The Sword of Light is needed it, will separate the powers from Adam and he can then transfer the coin to you" Zordon stated.
Before our eyes the Sword appeared and in Tommy's hands and putting it in the air, I felt it draw the connection from the coin to myself away and suddenly I felt different. As I sagged I felt a hand on my shoulder it was Kim, she had gone through the same thing and knew how I felt at that moment. Then straightening my shoulders I stepped forward with coin in my hand and I stepped over to Rachel who saw the offered coin and extended her hand and as I placed it in her palm that is when all hell seemed break loose.
There was a scream as the coin touched her palm and the next thing I felt was being flung backward across the chamber and hitting something solid and I blacked out. I wasn't out long at least I don't think I was, I found myself laid out on the floor in a heap by the back wall, opening my eyes all I could see was shapes and I shook my head though all it brought me was more pain and a voice that sounded far away. "Adam lie still, you've got a concussion for sure and you're bleeding".
For a moment I couldn't focus on the voice or who it was and then my vision slowly cleared and I saw Kim and Kat next to me in a kneeling position, I tried to pull myself back into a seated position, but even as I moved I felt pain flow through every part of my body. "Don't move you idiot". That I knew was Kim and then I asked. "What happened?"
The next voice I heard was the soft Australian tones of Katherine Hillard the 2nd Pink Morphin Ranger and current Pink Zeo Ranger. "We're not sure, you put the coin in Rachel's hand and then there was an arc of energy and the next thing was you were flung over here and Rachel was screaming in agony".
Kat saying that, made me sit up with a start and ignore the pain and the fact I could feel a wet patch on the back of my head. Reaching up with my fingers, they came away slick with blood. However I cast my own pain away and turned my attention to Rachel, I saw the girl was on the medical bed now curled in agony with her hands over her ears as if trying to block out noise.
"Zordon, what happened?" I asked my voice strained from the pain I felt
Zordon turned his gaze upon me. "It would appear that passing on the Silver power coin caused Rachel's latent telepathic abilities to manifest and unfortunately you were the recipient of her mind burst. She is currently hearing everyone's thoughts in her head, it is almost like hearing lots of noise in a crowded room and you cannot pick out one voice. If Rachel does not manage to control the power now she will be overwhelmed and it will turn her catatonic at the least, the worst she will die from brain seizure".
"We can't let that happen, what do we do?" I asked.
"Not we, you Adam must act" Zordon said and on my look of shock he answered. "Through the passing on of your power coin to Rachel, you and she have formed a connection through the power and her new abilities; I believe your voice will help her".
"If that's true, I'll help... how though, I'm not expert on telepaths" I insisted.
"Speak to her, perhaps you can bring her back" Zordon said.
I sighed and knew that if Zordon believed I could help her, then I would have to try. Somehow getting to my feet without hurling, I stumbled over to the medical bed, every step feeling like I was going to collapse, but somehow I made it to her side. Reaching over I took her hand and spoke. "Rachel I need you to look at me".
The girl didn't respond, she was too busy doing something I couldn't see. Then she spoke with a voice full of pain. "Help me, the voices I can't stop them".
"I know, I'm going to help you. What you need to do is focus on me. Focus on my voice and no-one else's" I said.
Rachel looked at me in pain and confusion as she gasped. "I can you hear, but I can't stop the others, I can hear all their pain, sorrow, joy...it's not stopping" she gasped.
I was clutching at straws I didn't know what to do and then it occurred to me like a light bulb going off above my head. "Rachel I need you to focus on my voice and my voice only, we're going to do some DIY" I started. Even as I spoke I realised how ridiculous it sounded and I glanced over at Zordon whose expression remained neutral but he nodded "Okay, think of a wall, except it's in your head, build it in front of the voices, make it as high as you want, but make sure you leave room for a door in there" I said.
Rachel looked doubtful, but she seemed to concentrate on this and for a few minutes her brow furrowed as she seemed to concentrate and then the tension which was in her mind and etched on face started to seem to ease. "Now what?" She still sounded in pain and panicked but less so than before.
"Okay, now you've got a gap in the wall, imagine a door there, nothing fancy, just a door and you've attached it to the wall and the gap, now do you see the handle" I paused and I saw the girl nod before continuing. "Take the handle and close the door, there is a key take the key and lock the door and when you do all the sounds/voices will be on the other side and you can't hear them, they can't get past your wall or door, only if you open the door".
There was silence and then the tension that was etched in Rachel's face suddenly and completely faded away and she seemed to sag in exhaustion of the exertion and I knew that feeling as I felt myself fall back and as I did. "You did well; now excuse me I'm going to pass out". And I did.
I awoke, I don't know how long later, to see concerned faces of Rachel, Kim and Kat staring at me. "You gave us quite a scare there, try not to do that again" Kat said lightly a tone of concern still there.
"No problem, one head wound per day is my limit...ouch" I answered as I tried to pull myself back into a seated position. This time I at least avoided the feeling of wanting to throw up, but still felt queasy. Looking over at Rachel I asked her. "How are you feeling, more importantly?"
Rachel smiled as she answered. "Better, thanks to your 'DIY', the voices in my head are silent, Zordon says he'll help me learn to control it properly but it feels like it is under control thanks to you".
"I was making it up as I went along, Zordon had faith in me, and I didn't have a clue" I answered honestly.
"Well that's twice you saved my life today, thank you". Rachel replied and then gently leaned over kissed my cheek. Even that caused pain, but instead of grimacing I forced a smile and tried to avoid the fact that my cheeks were reddening.
"So what happens now?" Kim asked Zordon.
Zordon replied. "For now we must be on our guard and remain vigilant, I assume the Emperor will attempt to take Rachel once more and we must be prepared".
"So what's the plan?" Tommy asked.
I glanced at Tommy and saw him look back at me, how strange for so long it had been his responsibility to be the Leader of the Rangers and now that he wasn't he looked happier, for me though the responsibility was now on my shoulders and I didn't like it. "I guess as Zordon says we have to be on our guard, you guys probably need to be ready to come to Rachel's aid at a moment's notice. It might be wise though if she stays with another Ranger tonight, after all it's been a hell of a day and probably best she isn't alone". I suggested.
"Sounds like a plan, seems like you're getting a hang of this leadership gig" Tommy said nodding.
"Trust me I'm making this up as I go along, anytime you want to be the leader again, feel free to take it back" I said, adding the last with a laugh.
"No thanks, I did my time and I'm glad to be rid of it, too much stress, I mean look what happened to my hair because of it" Tommy said as he ran his hand through his very short and spiky hair.
"I like your hair like this, so don't think about growing it out again" Kat said.
Tommy nodded as Kat came to stand beside him and ran her hands through his hair. "Okay then, guess I'll be the leader a little longer. So who wants to act as Rachel's guide into the wonderful world of being a Power Ranger" I asked.
Kim looked over at me and with something in her eyes akin to amusement. "I think you should stay with her, after all she's familiar with you, you were the Silver Ranger and she is your successor, maybe you should be the one to explain to her the dos and don'ts of being a Ranger. Plus I reckon she wouldn't accept anyone else, what with you having saved her life twice today".
I glared at Kim, knowing she was up to something, but I also knew there was certain logic to her words. "Okay, I mean if your cool with that, you can crash at mine tonight and we can figure out our next move tomorrow".
Rachel nodded as she said. "That's fine, I should probably go grab some of my clothes if I'm staying over as I don't have anything and will need something for tonight and tomorrow morning".
Zordon interrupted before I could reply. "Rachel that would be unwise, it is more than likely that they have your apartment under surveillance and you're going back would be a signal to them, the best course of action would be for you to go back to Adam's directly".
"I get that, but what about something to wear" Rachel asked.
Kim answered before I could. "Some of my stuff is over at Adam's I think it should fit you, feel free to borrow anything you need".
"Thanks Kim, I'll look after everything" Rachel said hugging her now fellow Ranger.
"So its sleepover at Adam's... pyjama party" Dulcea said giggling.
Before she could say anymore Kim clamped her hand over Dulcea's mouth and said. "That will be enough out of you young lady, don't you have homework to do".
Dulcea looked at the Pink Ranger who returned the gaze and Dulcea nodded. "Yeah I do, guess I'll be going and doing that. Rachel it's nice to meet you, I hope we can hang out soon".
With that Dulcea teleported out in a streak of green, watching her go, Tommy said. "I'm not sure if I will ever get used to her as a teenager, she is so much like an earth teenager now it's hard to remember the adult she was".
"Tell me about it, I'm the one she is living with" Kim replied.
"Okay we'll head back to mine, guys we'll back here at midday your time, be here just in case we need you" I said.
Rachel at that looked at me with confusion and I knew there was a lot to explain. "Long story, alternate universe, different time zone, I will explain when we get to mine" Kim paused before I could finish what I had been about to say.
"Just make sure you rest, you had a nasty blow to the head and I don't want you getting sick or something" She said.
I laughed at that, even before we knew the truth she had looked out for me, now even more so. "I'll be good, promise I'll rest and try and sleep. Now Rachel, shall we go?"
Rachel nodded and took my hand in her own and we teleported out in a streak of white and a streak of silver. The other watched us go and Kim turned to Kat and asked. "So how long before they're together?
Kat laughed before replying. "I give it 6 months before they are either killing or kissing each other".
"I'd say a year at least, knowing Adam as well as we do he will be very shy and not make a move at all, especially if she has a boyfriend" Kim replied back.
"Care to put your money where your mouth is Kim" Kat shot back.
At that Tommy stepped between the two and put his hands and looked at both of them before replying. "Guys are you serious about putting money on Adam's dating life?" he asked.
"Yep we are" Kat said favouring him with a glint and smile on her face. "Are you in?" she asked.
Tommy laughed and replied. "Hell yeah, I say Valentine's Day next year".
The three friends shared a laugh before departing for their respective abodes, leaving behind Zordon and Alpha. The little robot turned to Zordon. "Ay, Yi. Yi. Zordon do you think you should have told them?"
Zordon favoured Alpha with a grim look. "No Alpha, while I have revealed much in recent times to the Rangers, I must not reveal this, for it is Adam and Rachel's future and I cannot change that as I know their destiny leads to another's destiny and indeed maybe our survival".
"And if fate doesn't bring Adam and Rachel together" Alpha asked.
Zordon didn't answer the question and Alpha shook his head and quietly muttered to himself.
Meanwhile I and Rachel had arrived at my place and Rachel took a look round and I noted the look. "Welcome to my humble abode, mind the boxes".
Rachel took another look this time with the lights on and favoured me with another look. "So just moved in?"
I shrugged and looked embarrassed as I mumbled a reply. "Three months ago".
Rachel laughed before she replied. "Once this craziness is behind us, I will help you get settled".
I looked at her a little surprised before I answered. "You don't have to do that; I can do it... at some point".
"You've saved my life twice in the last few hours, this is the least I can do. So where is Kimberly's stuff so I can change?"
I motioned for her to follow me to another room and she did, stepping into my bedroom she noted that this room was more organised than the others. At one end was a large bed and beside it a few yards away a desk with a laptop and several books around it, plus what looked like a notebook, then on the other side next to the window was a very large wardrobe. I motioned to her. "Everything you want to look at is in there, mostly on the left hand side. There are towels in the bathroom if you want to take a shower. Have a look and I'm sure you find something. I'm just going to use the bathroom, give me a shout if you need anything".
With that I left her rummaging through the wardrobe looking for something to wear. Stepping into the bathroom I turned on the light, wincing at the brightness of it and then I looked at myself in the mirror and muttered about the state I was in. Looking back at me in the mirror was a bloodied young man with a bandage around his head and bloodstains on his face and shirt which was also torn.
Stripping off the shirt I tossed it into the bin, knowing that neither the holes nor the blood stains could be fixed. Taking stuff from the medicine cabinet I started to tend to the blood that stained both my face and parts of my upper torso I had just started to reach for the cleaning solution when I heard a gasp and a voice. "What happened to your back, did I do that?"
The voice was Rachel's, for a few minutes I'd forgotten she was even here and the voice was quite worried or distraught and I turned to face her with a reply. "No you didn't do these; they are old scars from battle". I paused lost in memory and I saw Rachel's face also take on a faraway look so I continued. "Old villainess wanted me for her consort, didn't like no for an answer and got these for my trouble".
Rachel didn't look happy and I wasn't sure if she was sensing my pain at these memories dredged up, but she asked. "Did the bitch that did this get what she deserved?" I was so surprised about the venom of her question/reply to my brief explanation that for a moment I couldn't find the words.
"It's a long story; suffice it to say she is one of the good guys now and a fellow Ranger".
Rachel seemed stunned at that revelation as she asked. "You guys are working with someone who basically tortured you and tried to kill you?"
"It's not Stockholm syndrome if you are wondering, the very brief explanation is. Astronema as was her name, was actually a girl called Karone, she had been kidnapped at an early age grown up believing she was evil. Part of this little incident helped to bring her back to our side, though she did go back to being evil and she did die as well and then I helped resurrect her. That's another story, look why don't you take a shower and I'll clean up after you're done in here okay".
I left without another word not really wishing to talk about Karone. For a few minutes there was silence and then I heard the sound of running water and I sat down on the couch for a few minutes to compose myself and all the tiredness and stress of the day seemed to fade and the next thing I know is I heard a gentle coughing and I opened my eyes and saw Rachel. She was stood there a towel wrapped around her head and wearing not any of the clothing left by Kim, but some of my own. She was wearing a pair of baggy sweat pants that I used to work out in and my grey X-Men t-shirt which as it was for me was hanging off of her, she still managed to look good in my work out clothes.
She saw my look and explained. "I know you said take anything of Kim's, but it was weird I didn't like any of it and I saw your stuff and just had to wear it as it was as close to silver as possible, so strange just felt the need. I'm sorry" she apologised.
I laughed as I waved it off. "Don't worry about it; somehow I'm not surprised when we all became Rangers we all ended up wearing our Ranger colour, me I started out with Silver and then to mostly stuff with a lot of white. This is okay except when bloodstains happen and then you have to throw it away".
At her look I laughed and she spoke before I could again. "So bloodstains are they a regular thing for you and the other Rangers?" She asked.
I nodded and explained. "Sadly being a hero comes with pain, I've seen my share of cuts, bruises, broken bones, pulled muscles and bloodshed in the last 8 years, more so than I would care to have seen, I'm not saying it doesn't have its reward being a hero, it does. Sadly there is the downside which is the broken bones etc."
She looked more than a bit scared as I spoke, as though the idea of pain was new to her and I took her hands in my own as it felt right to do so. "I can't promise it won't happen and I can't promise that I will be there to protect you, I do promise I will do my best to look out for you always".
For a moment the universe seemed to stop as she looked into my eyes and I looked back and then she pulled away and turned away from me and the moment was over and silence fell. It seemed to last for a while and then she spoke. "So care to tell how you became a Ranger and the other dimension thing?"
I motioned to the chair near me and said. "I would sit down this could take a while and it will, so get comfortable".
She took a seat in the La-Z-Boy and though she still looked uncomfortable she looked at me expectantly and so I began the tale of how I had become a Ranger, how I had been at home at my parents alone in my room when I felt weird and then the next thing I was in the Command Centre along with 5 others whom I would come to know eventually. How disbelieving of it all, we left and even I did though not sure of where I was and how we had been attacked and using the morphers morphed for the first time. I told her how we accepted this responsibility and how we fought on for years, the changes in the team and then I came to end of my time as the Silver Ranger with the destruction of the power coins and the destruction of the Command Centre. It was at that point I noticed Rachel's eyes were drooping and she was trying in vain to not look like she was falling asleep. I realised I had been talking for hours as it had been light when we arrived here and now it was dark.
"Sorry I didn't realise I was talking so much or talking for so long" I said apologetically.
Rachel tried to fight it but the yawn came out and she answered back. "No its okay, I like listening to you, you have a nice voice" Suddenly her eyes opened fully as she realised how it sounded and she added. "I mean it's been a long day and very strange, just tired that is all".
"Yeah you are right and Kim would kill me if she knew I wasn't resting" I said.
"One final question, do your parents know about you being and Kimberly being Rangers and that you have found each other?" Rachel asked.
I hesitated, it was a sore subject my parents and me at the moment. "To be honest we're not really speaking" She looked at me and I explained. "See Kim and I were always close right from the start, but we didn't know the truth until last year. When it happened both of us were angry with our parents and Zordon as well for this, I mean who gives up a child willingly to go to another universe and be raised there".
Rachel interrupted me and gently said. "Maybe they felt they had no choice, but I get it, I would be angry with my parents as well. So I take it you confronted your parents?" The last was a question.
"Yeah we did and it went okay, the usual angry words and tears, but the end result is I just feel a little betrayed by them, so does Kim. We speak but for me it's not like it was before when I could talk to them about anything. If they had told me when I was a kid that I'd had a sister I might have been more understanding, but they lied and I always felt strange".
Rachel put a reassuring hand on my arm and gently patted it and waited for me to calm down. "So what are the sleeping arrangements? Are you a cover hogger?" she asked with amusement in her voice.
The amusement was lost on me however and I blushed crimson about what she was implying and I squeaked out a reply. "No, you can take my bed; I'll sleep here on the sofa".
Rachel shook her head and wagged a finger in my direction. "No you don't, Kimberly told me under strict instructions that you should sleep in the bed because of your concussion, rather than on the sofa like you would offer".
I opened my mouth to protest and said. "When did Kim say that, I don't remember her saying of the sort"?
"That's because you weren't paying attention and she thought it, not said it and I picked it up. See getting the hang of my new abilities already and no changing subject" Rachel said, this time the tone of a disapproving adult.
"I'm not going to win this argument am I" I said grudgingly.
Rachel laughed. "No you're not, somehow I think this is the first of many arguments we're going to have and you're going to lose them all".
I couldn't help it I laughed as well. "Okay if I have to take the bed I will, far be it for me to argue with my sister and a new fellow Ranger, but the bed is big enough for two of us, so you can take the other half".
Rachel nodded and she walked off to the bedroom, I followed, slightly amused about the fact that I was about to spend the night in bed with a pop star and also another man's girlfriend. My thoughts were broken by the sound of a ringing phone and I saw Rachel take out her phone and look it with apprehension. I craned my neck to see who it was, though it felt stupid knowing I wouldn't know who it was anyway.
Rachel pulled away but then she answered my unspoken question. "It's Jeremy, what do I say? She asked.
I hesitated as this was something I knew that would come up. "Not the truth, you can't tell him about what happened today, just come up with something half convincing and hope he believes it". I answered.
She looked at me with a look that said that doesn't help and how can, but then she answered the phone. As she did so I stepped into my kitchen, to give her some privacy but even from there I could hear her slightly raised and angry voice. Then there were the sounds of calmness and sounded like stuff I really didn't want to hear.
Minutes later, she came into the kitchen; she had dried the tears from her face, but the redness and puffiness around her eyes spoke volumes. She looked at me and I didn't even have to say a word as she fell into my hug, we stood like this for moment, minutes I don't know but for the strangest of feelings it felt right.
She pulled away from me eventually and rubbed the tears from her eyes and her face. "He never even apologised for leaving me, can you believe that, my boyfriend abandons me and he wants an apology for me not calling him to say I'm okay" She said.
"Is this the part where I am supposed to say what a jerk and he is an idiot" I asked cautiously.
Rachel looked at me and the faintest hint of a smile crossed her lips for a fraction of a second. "He's my jerk so no and I guess I understand his point of view, once I was safe I could have called him, maybe I should have".
There was a difference about her then, as if I had wounded her pride and I thought I had crossed the line, instead I just said. "Possibly, but what could you have said to him".
"I don't know the truth about what happened, he is my boyfriend" she said simply.
I shook my head and answered quietly but firmly. "Not a chance, Rule number 1, No-One must know you are a Power Ranger and that applies to all, including newbie's". She nodded and I knew she wasn't happy about it though. "Look as long as you told him something that meant he is happy that is okay".
The look on her face told the story, but I'm sure it was the face most of had assumed when we knew certain things we could never say to other people about our lives. "How do deal with that, lying to the people you love?" She asked.
I hesitated. "Honestly I do not know, I spent years having to make excuses to disappear into another universe to help the others, with the time difference and everything else, meant many strange hours. My parents never really questioned it, now I know why". There was a trace of bitterness in my voice but I banished it.
Her expression which had been quite annoyed and angry softened and she said. "It will be okay; look maybe we should try and get some sleep".
I nodded, fatigue and the pounding headache where taking their toll on me. As I thought that I felt myself fade a little and put my hand out to steady myself. Then I felt Rachel take my arm and start to guide me towards my bedroom. Even though I was suffering there was something oddly comforting about Rachel doing this, like she had done or would do it. It was all hard to explain and I put it down to the concussion I was suffering from. At that point I really do not remember much after, I remember getting to my room and very little afterwards as the pain and everything finally took its toll and I blacked out.
When I finally came awake again, I felt better, the pain in my head which had been agony was now a dull ache, but there was another pain, I was feeling from the bruises on my side and I wondered what it was and as I opened my eyes I closed them in shock at what I saw. Then cautiously I opened them again, the reason for my shock was, Rachel. She was nestled comfortably against me fast asleep.
I thought about moving but knew if I did so I would wake her and that felt very wrong to do so. At that point I realised that light was streaming into the room and I glanced at the clock on the table near me and I saw the time was just gone 11am, I had and Rachel as well I assumed slept for at least 12 hours.
I didn't have more time to contemplate anything as I felt movement and I saw Rachel stir and her eyes open and our eyes met and for a second the universe seemed to stop. Then there was a noise and the moment ended and Rachel pulled away and looked away from me. I got out of the bed hastily and grabbed a clean t-shirt and my jeans and fled the room.
Ten Minutes later I was sat at my kitchen counter a mug of tea loosely hanging from my hand when Rachel came into the kitchen, this time she was wearing a pair of blue jeans but wearing a plain t-shirt that said 'I may have gotten Silver, but I'm still a winner' that Kim had gotten me as a joke after a tournament a few years ago.
"How did you sleep?" I asked breaking the tension.
She didn't reply, instead her gaze was on the drink in my hand and I quickly poured her one and passed her the mug. She took a sip from it and smiled before she answered. "Just perfect, exactly how I like it, hot but not too hot and sweet but not too sweet and just a little milk".
I shrugged as I answered. "Tea Drinkers of the World Unite" With that I saluted her with a cheeky grin on my face and then said again. "So how did you sleep?"
Her own smile faded. "Badly at first, too many bad dreams and things from yesterday running through my mind, plus the new abilities I was picking up thoughts that disturbed me and I couldn't settle. I guess eventually my brain just had enough and told me to sleep and I did until you woke me up".
I blushed as I said. "Sorry, but we had to get up, need to get ready to meet the others and stay aware in case our friend shows up again".
Rachel nodded as she indicated the television sat in the corner. "You mind if I put it on, see what is going on in the world".
I shook my head indicating I did not and she grabbed the control from the table and I flipped on the television, part of me wished she hadn't when I saw what was on. I had left the television on the news channel the day before and it was still on there, except it wasn't a newsroom that was on screen it was a playground. That wasn't unusual in itself, news reports sometimes were at schools or playgrounds if it was being opened or was a special occasion. This was neither, in front of me I saw Rachel tense up, the reason very obvious in the centre of the playground a group of very frightened looking children and parents and stood towering over them was the Giant who yesterday had menaced Rachel.
"Rachel, turn away from the screen now". I said in a commanding tone, well as much as I could use before my first cup of tea was finished.
Surprisingly she did, though I could see the colour had drained from her face, the amusement of a few minutes ago was gone replaced by fear and she was gripping the mug in her hands so tightly it looked like it would break at any moment. Stepping over to her I gently lifted the mug from her hands and placed it on the side and even as I turned back I saw she was holding her hands tightly that it looked like she could break them both.
Gently I took her in my arms and I could feel only a little resistance and despite the weirdness of it all, it felt the right thing to do as I said. "It's okay to be scared Rach, this guy attacked you, tried to take you away and when he couldn't he threatened to come back and try and again. This time he hasn't but he's gone after innocents, for whatever reason. You have to hold it together, you are not alone and you can fight him". I said.
The words seemed to help as I felt her tense body loosen, and she looked at me, though still pale there was a look of determination upon her face that said I can do this. "What's the plan then?" she asked.
"We go in there now, he'll be expecting it or rather he'll be expecting me. But if we go in together, he might be surprised and we'll have the advantage".
Then the look of apprehension crossed her face again. "You mean morph?" she asked uncertainly.
"Yep, time to get in the saddle, you were okay with doing this, it's time for you to get into it and well most of the time it's like this a baptism of fire". I explained.
Still unsure she nodded; I reached for my communicator and opened a link to the Power Chamber. "Zordon this is Adam, our Giant Bounty Hunter has reappeared and taken hostages in a playground. Rachel and I are off to confront him, alert the others to be on standby if we need them".
Zordon's reply could be heard over you he speaker in the small device. "Of course, Rachel I know you are probably nervous, but you will do fine. Good Luck".
Then there was silence except for the sound of our own breathing. "Ready, let do this. It's Morphing Time". I didn't even wait for her to reply, I simply gave the command and felt the familiar surge of energy as my Zeonisers appeared on my wrists and bring them together I connected with the Zeo Power. "Zeo Ranger VII, White". With that I morphed into my Zeo Ranger suit.
Seeing my own actions Rachel called upon her newly acquired power, with the morpher appearing in her hands she too called out. "Silver Ranger Power – Lion". The morphing sequence triggered she transformed into the Silver Morphin Ranger. As she did I whistled the change was noticeable from my own original costume, almost as if the power sensed it was now in the hands of a female.
"How do I look?" Rachel asked.
"Like you were born to wear the uniform, now we need to go and get to the playground. To do that, visualise the playground and hold onto your stomach". The last I added with a smile even though I knew she couldn't see my smile.
With that we both dematerialised in silver and white light and moments later streaking across the city we appeared in the playground. The Giant turned at the arrival and stared at both of us and then he addressed the Silver Ranger. "Welcome Silver Ranger, again we meet, though you appear to have changed your uniform since we met yesterday".
I answered for Rachel. "Yeah big guy, I went back to my White's you know how it is. Since you were after that girl, guess what I brought her too you, although this time she isn't helpless as before. So you might want to leave before we kick your ass over this playground".
"So the girl has powers, it seems the Emperor was right, this would be a challenge for me. Still I see a scared little girl whom I will make beg to be taken to the Emperor" The Giant said his gaze never wavering from her.
I risked a glance over at her; I couldn't see her expression beneath the helmet, but from the step she took back I could see she was falling back to her fear of the past twenty four hours. "Silver, stay focussed on this guy, he's trying to rattle you and it's not going to work, and we're going to stop him".
I didn't dare look back at her to see if my words had effect, but I felt her come back into line with me. The Giant looked unimpressed and instead. "Putties destroy them".
Then as with yesterday the annoying clay created minions formerly of Zedd and Rita appeared. I dropped into a fighting stance and I glanced over to see Rachel do the same. "Just aim for the 'Z' on their chests and that will get rid of them".
There was a nod and then fight was on, it wasn't long though before we were separated, my every intention had been to fight as close to Rachel as possible, knowing that even though the powers would protect and tell her what to do, she wasn't a fighter. Dispatching a few Putties with a kick, I took a moment to gather my breath and I stopped and my mouth dropped in amazement.
Rachel was not only fighting and winning against the Putties she was using moves that had taken me years to learn but I used on a regular basis. It was like she had suddenly learnt everything she need to know in an instant and then it hit me, when she had taken my silver power coin it had linked us and everything I knew she now knew. Then the Putties were on me and I didn't have long to wonder.
Meanwhile Rachel found herself lost in the fight, almost as if she was watching herself fight. It was like her body was acting on instinct and she was just there in spirit. Then the Putties were gone and the Giant was coming towards her and she snapped back to reality and the fear came back and she started to back away.
"Yes girl, run because I'm going to destroy you and then take you to the Emperor and he'll finish you off" The Giant said.
A sword appeared in his hand as he advanced on the terrified girl and she continued to back away and then it was as if something in her snapped and stopped, standing ramrod straight and then to my own amazement and to his, she cried out. "Silver Armour Power up".
There was a flash of silver light and even with my helmets light filters I blinked a few times to clear the flashes from eyes. Then I watched in amazement. Still stood there the Silver Ranger, but she was now wearing extra armour on top of the original uniform. It was almost as if someone had taken the outfit and created armoured parts for it, there was a second and I could see her look over at me and I almost imagined as if she was grinning the smile of someone who was playing with a toy, knowing they were in charge.
The surprises weren't finished, in a flash of silver light a katana appeared her hand and she stood ready to use it and not like someone who had never held a sword of any type before, like someone who had been born to do so.
The Giant had taken a step back; I think for the 1st time since this fight began he had a moment of doubt. "Impressive girl, you have found a way to wield the power you now possess, but I have hunted everything in the known universe and I do not fear you, attack me and prove that is all a charade and underneath the armour you are still the same scared girl from yesterday"
Rachel didn't respond, instead her stance altered and before I even could react she lunged forward towards the Giant and then I saw it. It was a trap; he was leaving her an opening and would strike. I called out; hoping to warn and stop the girl when I heard her voice but it wasn't out loud it was in my head. 'It's okay Adam, I got this'. Then the voice was gone and I watched as she continued her charge and a split second before she hit the opening he had left, she vaulted high and above his head.
The Giant watched as this happened, almost appalled his bait had been foiled, but he did have time to contemplate as the Katana came sweeping across, slicing into his flesh and despite himself he allowed a cry of pain to pass his lips.
Even as his hand went to the now bleeding cut, Rachel ran to join me and I looked at her in shock. "How did you do that, summon the armour and the katana?" I asked.
Underneath her helmet Rachel blinked before replying. "Couldn't you do that, the power she told me what to do, said how to call for the armour and the katana".
"Called to you, that's now how it works, when I was the Silver Ranger I just summoned what I had been told about, never heard of Silver Armour or the katana you used".
"How cool that is, the inexperienced Ranger who receives the veterans powers, in less than 24 hours knows more about them than he does".
I glanced at her, with a glare. "Seriously you are gloating during a fight... man I'm going to love having you around". I said with a laugh. "But now let's finish this fight" I added.
Then I produced my own Zeo sword and alongside Rachel still wielding the Katana charged the Giant who had forgotten the wound in his arm. The Giant threw a punch, which I ducked and came up with a kick to his abdomen and even as he reacted to that Rachel swung the katana at him which brought him to bring his arm up to block allow me to land a solid kick that sent him flying backwards.
Rachel ran to join me, her weapon ready in her hand. The Giant came back to his feet and looked at the two of us and laughed. "No credits are worth this, the Emperor wants you girl then he can send someone else. Enjoy the victory I will see you again and next time I will destroy you both or even worse". Then he was gone in a flash of light and there was just myself, Rachel and the innocent people he had taken hostage. Rachel looked at me and asked. "So what now?"
Before I could answer the kids and adults where around us, thanking us and talking to us, then a camera and a microphone was thrust into my face and a young blonde woman looking at me spoke. "White Ranger, what can you tell us about this situation?"
I hesitated before answering, I always hated dealing with the press but I knew it was part of my job. "The danger has passed the Giant was a bounty hunter, tasked to bring in the new Silver Ranger to The Emperor. Fortunately she was more than up to the task to help myself fight him off".
"Another question, new Silver Ranger, what happened to the previous one that was a member of your team?" the Reporter asked.
"The former Silver Ranger has passed his powers onto the one you see before you. He had fought for a long time and decided the time was to step down as the Silver Ranger and pass on his powers and this lovely lady was the chosen recipient. For now there are now more questions and we will release a formal statement later". I answered.
The reporter seemed to take the hint and stepped away as did a lot of the crowd and then it happened. There was a noise and I looked around to see a portal and already city size monster appear.
"What do we do?" Rachel asked her voice tinged with a little fear at something new.
"Same thing we always do, call on the Zords. In this case go for your Shogun Zord it's more powerful and should be able to go one and one with that thing. I'll be right behind you".
Even though her face was covered I could tell she was giving me a look and then she just said "You really were serious about this being a crash course in being a Ranger".
I laughed, the situation was so absurd I had no choice but to laugh. "On the job training, it's how it's done".
The Silver Ranger nodded her head and took a step forward and despite the tremble in her voice, with a steely determination. "Shogun Zord, power up".
For a few moments it was as if the Zord didn't want to appear, like it didn't recognize the command to appear and then the Zord was there, Rachel took a step forward, hesitated and then leapt and teleported herself inside.
I started to raise my own arm skyward to call for my Super Zeo Zord, but something made me stop, something made me realise this was not my fight and I took a step back and the fight was on.
The monster threw its arm like tentacle at the Zord, enveloping it and dragging the Shogun Zord towards it, with that my earlier hesitation disappeared and I reached to call for the Zord I had decided not too only moment ago when in my head I heard a voice it was Rachel 'I. got this, don't worry'. My own thought was of course I worry but I paused again.
Then the monster had the Zord in front of mere meters from each other, or rather less than an arm's length apart. With a start the Zord flexed its arms and the tentacle was forced to release the Zord. Before it could even react the Zord threw a jab and followed with a right hook that any professional Boxer would kill to perform and as the monster reeled threw an uppercut that if the monster had boots would have knocked it clear out of them.
The monster went down and went down hard and as it staggered back to its feet the Silver Shogun Zord was there and this time it did something that I didn't know it could do. In between its hands energy was appearing, coalescing into a ball and then the Zord flung it almost casually at the monster who caught it and seemed transfixed by it before the energy expanded surrounding the monster who didn't even have time to scream as it and the energy disappeared.
I stared in disbelief, Rachel had used the Zord in ways I could never imagine, used the Silver Ranger powers in a way I didn't know possible and then she was by my side and reporters was crowding around, pushing and shoving, asking questions. I felt her grab my arm, not in the way that said I need you, in a way that said get me out of here. I triggered my teleportation taking us both away from the scene and dropped us on the Power Chamber roof.
Rachel clutched at the clasps of the helmet, almost frantically trying to get it off and I sensed her panic and I reached to help pull the helmet away and as the helmet clattered to floor I saw her brown eyes full of fear, panic, confusion and joy. She pulled away from me and dropped to floor pulling her knees close to her, rocking gently back and forth.
I watched not willing to get close until she allowed me to do so and then the rocking stopped and the expressions of multiple emotions that had crossed her face vanished to be replaced by a smile and her next words were almost childlike sense of wonder "That was so cool. Is that what it's like all the time?"
I was a little startled that she seemed to have flipped from emotions so quickly, but I guessed for a telepath they could process stuff differently than others. I saw her looking and realised I had not answered her question. "Nope, most days are pretty easy, really".
She looked at me with an expression that said 'really are you serious?' I suddenly realised I had not removed my own helmet and I slowly took it off to put it down next to her own and then I looked back at her a neutral expression on my face, but then she saw my eyes sparkling with amusement and she laughed and she laughed until tears streamed down her face and the laughing turned to crying.
I didn't wait for permission I took the girl in my arms and let her cry until everything was out and she pulled away blinking the tears from her eyes and trying to rub the stains away with a hand. She was quiet for a moment and then quietly she said. "My life isn't ever going to go back to the way it was before yesterday is it?"
I shook my head knowing nothing I said would change that and a lie would not be good. "It will not ever be the same, but you're not alone, there are people here who will work with you and defend you, just as you will learn to do the same for them. And me, well you're stuck with me. Got to look after my successor, can't let you ruin my reputation as the Silver Ranger, now can I?"
She looked puzzled and with a smirk replied. "You have a reputation?" I stuttered an answer about how I was working on it and then she smiled a real smile of genuine warmth since her mini breakdown a few moments earlier.
"So what happens now?" she asked. I looked out into the distance before responding. "Well, you have to meet the rest of your team and get to know them, live your normal life, but be ready for the call. Something is coming, something that wanted you here and you need to be ready. Jason and Tommy will train you because I can't be there all the time and you need to be able to defend yourself".
Rachel looked worried but I smiled. "Trust me it's not as bad as it sounds, Jason and Tommy a scared out of shape kid and turned him into a half decent fighter, and they can do wonders with you. Rachel welcome to the Power Rangers".
With those words I extended a hand and for a moment Rachel stared and then took the hand and shook it and I could see it and I could feel it and I know she did too. Something was coming, something was coming for us and it was getting closer.