-In the Prime Universe-
The Ranger Slayer stood centered in the viewing globe as she broached the reason for their transmission to Zordon.
"We suffered a devastating attack today from an unknown alien creature. It resembled a large canine, but it wasn't like any dog we've ever come across. He seemed to be looking for something in the palace, in a wing that has been abandoned since the last time Drakkon was here," she explained, trying to gather her scattered thoughts.
Zordon and Alpha stared into the globe silently as the Kimberly from the Coinless World described the carnage the mysterious animal caused. It was evident that she was taking her time getting to a point she didn't want to face.
"We still aren't sure what it was looking for, but it seemed focused on the area that Red used to live," she continued. "Our weapons were ineffective in deterring it. The only reason it left the palace appears to be because it didn't find what it was sent to obtain."
Zordon mulled over what the Ranger Slayer was relaying; he couldn't recall coming across such a creature in his history. Nothing had appeared on their sensors regarding any incoming threat to their universe, at least not yet. Alpha danced in place nervously, listening to this alternate Kimberly's story.
"The reason we're reaching out to you, Zordon, is because Finster-5 analyzed the energy signature from this canine and we had a near match to one we've seen before," Kimberly stuttered. "It resembles Lord Drakkon's."
Alpha clasped his metal head in alarm.
"Ai yi yi! Are you sure, Kimberly?" his high pitched voice cried.
The Slayer nodded.
"Finster-5 processed the information several times with the same result. It's not an exact match though. And it has shown up in several different universes and dimensions. If it does have something to do with that asshole, then you all could be in danger," she answered.
"But Drakkon's dead, isn't he?" Alpha tried desperately.
Zack spoke up from behind the Ranger Slayer.
"That's what we all assumed. Jason said that he was going to stop Drakkon once and for all. The only evidence is what was left of the Spectrum. No bodies, of course. But, if Drakkon were alive, we don't know where he is or why he hasn't shown up by now."
Zordon was troubled. Drakkon had very nearly destroyed them all in his quest for power; he'd severely damaged bonds between the Ranger teams and almost made off with the Red Omega Ranger. Like the Rangers, he was also privy to Drakkon's journals and art. Knowing what had happened to the Jason of the Coinless World, it was obvious his intention with the Omega.
"We thought Billy might be able to help us find out what this thing is and why it seems to relate to Drakkon in some way," Kimberly finished. "Our technology is nowhere near what you have access to."
"This is troubling news, indeed," Zordon's deep voice boomed. "Of course, we will assist you in this endeavor. Alpha, summon the Rangers to the Command Center. We need to warn them in case this creature crosses to our realm."
"Right away, Zordon!" the little robot responded, quickly waddling to alert the teams communicators.
Beams of light filled the room as the Rangers teleported into the Command Center. Billy, Kimberly, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha arrived together as did Trini and Zack. The last to arrive were Tommy and Jason, the pair with flushed cheeks and sandy bare feet. The White Ranger's hand was entwined with the Red Omega's.
Misreading the room and not noticing the other people in the viewing globe, Aisha bounced over to the couple and clapped her hands.
"Let's see it, Jason!" she squealed, already catching sight of the gleaming band on the Red Omega's left ring finger.
Kimberly stiffened slightly as she also noticed the telling jewelry Jason was wearing. Even with Trini's heads up about the proposal, it still pricked her heart. She quickly averted her gaze and noticed the other faces in the globe.
"Guys?" she asked, confused.
The Ranger Slayer, Trini, Zack, and Skull continued staring out at the others, equally confused.
"What's going on?" the older Zack asked with a raised brow.
Seeing the younger Tommy was difficult for the mature Rangers as was catching sight of Jason at his side. It was odd seeing them this way considering the dynamic with Drakkon and Red. Obviously something important was happening in this universe.
The teams turned to investigate the Viewing Globe.
"Did you know about this too?" Aisha puzzled, not sure why the Coinless Rangers were in attendance.
"Know about what?" the Ranger Slayer asked, looking back at her group.
They all shrugged in confusion.
"Tommy proposing to Jason," the Yellow Ranger answered, not realizing that the White Ranger and Red Omega Ranger had never disclosed their relationship to the Coinless World.
"What!" the Slayer barked, her eyes wide. "What do you mean 'proposed'?"
Aisha lowered her head and meekly moved away from Jason and Tommy.
'Sorry guys,' she mouthed.
The couple approached the globe hand in hand. Looking at each other for strength, they each took a breath. Tommy decided to come clean and get it over with.
"Jason and I…. we've been in a relationship for two years. And today…um..well.." he stuttered under the Slayer's withering stare. "Today I asked Jason to marry me and he said yes."
The Coinless stared daggers at Tommy, remembering the entire debacle in the palace with Drakkon and Red. For a long moment, no one spoke. Tension hung heavy even across universes.
"Are you serious?" the Coinless Zack thundered from behind the Ranger Slayer, making her wince. "What is it with you two and obsessing over Jason? I remember you had quite the hard on for Red yourself, Tommy! This is fucking sick!"
He abruptly disappeared from the Viewing Globe as he couldn't continue to look at the two younger Rangers.
"I'm glad Red isn't here to see this twisted obsession," he yelled from his place in the corner of the room.
"Zack!" the Slayer said firmly. Then she looked to the Red Omega, a troubled look in her dark eyes.
"Jason," she breathed staring at the young man.
She couldn't find words for a moment.
"Does he know how you humped Red in front of all of us? How you made out with him?" Zack yelled again.
Jason's anger sparked now and he moved in front of Tommy, who's head had lowered.
"That's enough," he bellowed. "Yes, I know about what happened at the palace with Red. He told me about it."
Now Coinless Zack was back in view, his eyes red and moist.
"Then how in the hell can you look at him, let alone kiss him, have sex with him, knowing about that? You're lucky you didn't end up like Red, whether it was Drakkon or Tommy over you! It's a huge fucking slap in the face to what our Jason endured!"
Pointing a finger, Jason yelled back.
"Tommy isn't Drakkon!"
"Lucky for you," Zack added darkly and disappeared off screen again.
The Ranger Slayer pinched her nose and bit back her tears at the sight of Jason.
"We have more pressing matters to discuss. That's why we are here," she forced out.
Billy moved in now, blocking the line of sight to Tommy and Jason. He noted the beautiful, smiling eyes observing him from the back of the group. A smile crept to his lips at seeing his own beloved again.
"What's going on guys?" he questioned.
Skull grinned in approval. His Blue Ranger was becoming surer of himself and taking control. He knew Billy had it in him.
The Ranger Slayer replayed what she had told Zordon and Alpha about the strange canine and Drakkon's energy signature. At the mention of Drakkon's name, Tommy exchanged a worried glance with Jason. The Red Omega had paled slightly at the news.
"But Drakkon's dead," Tommy also exclaimed.
"That seems to be up for debate," the Slayer answered angrily.
She knew Tommy wasn't Drakkon too. But it was just too much to process. That motherfucker was the reason her Jason was gone. Even in this universe, he seemed to get what he wanted.
Skull cut in now, knowing the conversation could start veering sideways again.
"We need Billy's help and technology to find out what's going on and why these energy signatures are so similar. What do ya say, Billy? You up for a trip?" he smiled, despite the grim news.
"Absolutely," he responded, catching himself as his eyes gleamed in excitement at seeing Skull again.
Tommy was still the leader of this team of Rangers and he stepped forward.
"Billy isn't going alone. If Drakkon might be involved, I'm going too," he commanded.
"Why?" Coinless Zack called out again. "You both going to tag team Jason this time?"
"Enough Zack!" Kimberly bellowed, looking over her shoulder. "I agree that Tommy needs to come. Just in case."
Jason put a hand on Tommy's shoulder.
"If he's going, I'm going too," he ordered, not giving hesitation. "I trust him 100% and I'm not letting my future husband face this alone."
His statement hit the mark as a door slammed over the Viewing Globe as Zack stormed off.
Jason smirked. He looked over at the Yellow and Black Omegas.
"You guys stay here and help the other Rangers in our absence. This would be a good time for an evil alien monster to pull something. Or if that canine shows up here," he ordered.
Tommy looked over at Kimberly, Aisha, Rocky, and Adam.
"Same for you. Keep watch while we're gone."
Skull locked eyes with Billy and couldn't help another loving grin.
"Glad that's all figured out," he quipped.