LITTLE OVER THREE YEARS PRIOR TO 'COUNTDOWN TO DESTRUCTION'

"Got to hand it to you, Zordon. You picked yourself a bunch of good kids. They were brave, clever and would never give up. They passed all my trials and they proved themselves worthy of earning the Great power and wielding the Ninjetti arts." The recently released Ninjor said.

"I always had fate in them. And they managed to save the day. However, while Ooze is gone, Rito isn't and is still fighting on his sister's side. And with Rito's presence, I'm afraid we may stumble upon the rest of Rita's extended family in the future and they are all dangerous in their own right."

"It's a good thing I decide to stick around. Thousands of years in a bottle, I was eager for a good fight." Ninjor said as he stretched. "And I may not be the only one whom decides to stick around."

"Oh?" Zordon raised an eyebrow.

"We are getting more reinforcements?" Aisha asked. "A new friend?"

"Relatively new, you met her as she guided you towards me." Ninjor noted.

"Dulcea? But isn't she stuck in Phaedos?" Adam asked.

"Dulcea?" Zordon said, in an unusual soft and melancholic voice.

"She mentioned she knew you. She helped us especially because we knew you, actually." Rocky noted. "Figured she was an old friend."

Something about Zordon's projection seemed off, his cheeks became purple as he grew a fond smile. "You could say that."

"Yes, normally the injuries she sustained long ago would prevent her from parting from the healing spiritual atmosphere of Phaedos. But luckily I brought a piece of Phaedos with me." Ninjor pulled out a big mineral. It wasn't exactly a crystal but it was no mere rock or lump of dirt. "And to be honest, she really wanted to see you again too."

"So I…can see her again." Zordon said, and the normally stoic mentor sounded optimistic and hopeful.

"More then that. Hey, little robotic friend, connect this mineral to his energy tube and see what happens." Ninjor said as he gave the mineral to Alpha.

"Er…sure?" Alpha said confused but did as he was told. He put the mineral on a small pedestal and started dialing away at the controls. There was a flash.

Inside the time warp, just a void of emptiness for Zordon with only a small window to look out to the world outside. Normally empty. But now it became a little less empty when in a flash of light, something else appeared. Or rather someone else. A beautiful warrior woman whom appeared human, but she wasn't. She gave a soft smile towards Zordon. "Hello, Zordon." She said with a warm tone.

"Dulcea…it's really you, isn't it?" Zordon asked.

"Last time I checked." Dulcea said. "You're still as handsome as I remember."

"I don't have a physical form no more so you may see me how you remember me instead of how I am…" Zordon said.

"I don't need that to know you are still the great man I always knew. You really know how to pick 'em, your warriors beat any challenge and defeated the great evil that is Ooze. No small feat." Dulcea said.

"They did that, I only guided them." Zordon noted.

"You always were so humble." Dulcea said as she reached out with her hand and stroked Zordon's cheek. "I missed you my love, I thought you were dead."

"I thought the same. I'm glad to see you after all these years. A lot happened and…I'm not sure if I call myself the Zordon I once was."

"I know you still are, I can tell." Dulcea said.

"So now you're here…in the time warp with me. Know that you are stuck with me." Zordon noted.

"I always intended to get stuck with you. I was stuck on Phaedos too but I was alone. At least here, I'm with you. And that's more then a fair trade." Dulcea said. "I missed you, love." She said as she put her forehead to his.

"And I missed you too." Zordon said.

"What is going on in there?" Kimberly noted.

"If I guess due to the spiritual connection to the Phaedos mineral they are trying to channel Dulcea's essence through the temporal vortex…" Billy noted. The others stared at him. "They are putting Dulcea in there with Zordon."

The Energy tube glowed for a bit. And when it was done glowing, there were now two faces in the energy tube. Zordon's and Dulcea's. "I think a re-introduction is order. Rangers, let me formally introduce you to Dulcea…My betrothed."

"Betrothed…wait, Zordon's fiancée?" Tommy noted.

"Dang, Zordon's got game." Rocky noted.

"And I'm here to stay. Too long have I spent time apart from Zordon. And to be honest, after you impressed me on Phaedos, I am curious to see what else you all are made off." Dulcea said.

"You'll find we're made of awesome." Rocky noted.

PRESENT DAY, THE DAY OF THE UNITED ALLIANCE'S INVASION…

Andros has snuck aboard the Dark Fortress. Despite their best efforts, the Rangers and the other heroes across the universe have been defeated and captured. Right now the other Space Rangers were on Earth fighting the army of Quatrons led by Elgar. He has snuck inside to try and set things right.

Andros now stood in front of Zordon and Dulcea, stuck in an Energy Tube. "Zordon…Dulcea…" Andros said. "You're here, Dark Specter is gone."

"He is gone, but he's not dead. Only his physical form is. Right now, his spirit is dispersed across the universe, preventing him from becoming consious again. If luck would have it would take eons, if ever, to recompose himself." Zordon explained.

"But Astronema has taken on the leadership of the United Alliance and Dark Specter lives on in those whom he revived, empowered or forced into his servitude." Dulcea continued. "But there is a way of stopping them."

"Please, tell us what to do." Andros asked.

"Shatter our Energy tube." Dulcea said.

"What? But…what will happen to you?" Andros asked.

"We will be destroyed, but so will the forces of evil. And our spirit lives on in all that's good." Zordon answered.

"I can't…you'll die…how can I…" Andros asked.

"It's a small price to pay to save the universe. While Zordon and I are happy to have each other…we lead curse existences. We had devoted our life to destroying the United Alliance of Evil…and with it gone, our mission will be over. And we will have rest." Dulcea said.

"And eternity awaits. So it is not goodbye. It is more of a…see you again, in the distant future. When you are able to have lived your life to the fullest, and made the universe a better place." Zordon said. "Just tell everyone, from the Mighty Morphin' team up to now, and every one of you allies that fought for good…tell them we're proud."

Andros had his spiral saber in his hand. Underneath his helmet he cried tears. "There is no other way?" he asked.

"Our connection to Dark Specter exists because he tried to drain us, we can use that connection to send a wave of good, ripples across the Morphing Grid, and neutralize everything in his power." Zordon said.

"We had prepared this plan ever since we were taken. We just need a spark to lit the fuse." Dulcea added.

Andros would raise his Spiral Saber and ready to strike. But he was interrupted. Soon after Astronema had come in to try and stop them. It was a fight in which Andros accidentally deflected her energy blast and seemingly killed his sister. Then Ecliptor had come in to avenge her. And that was when Andros knocked him down and created an opening.

"Andros…Do it now!" Dulcea said.

"It is your duty as a Power Ranger to save the universe…and save us." Zordon said.

Andros realized it was now or never. He had to steel himself, and raised the Spiral Saber. "Goodbye old friends!" Andros said as the weapon struck the tube. It shattered and there was a huge bright golden glow.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"No regrets, my love?" Dulcea asked.

"Plenty, mostly about the people I couldn't save. The fact that we didn't have to spend as much time together until now. That we didn't have a chance to make it official, and start a family." Zordon replied. "But I didn't regret what we did now."

"Maybe we already had what we wanted. My vow to you was as good as any official ceremony. And the friends we made, the Rangers and warriors we mentored, they were our family. And besides, we have eternity waiting for us now. No better eternal reward then spending it with you." Dulcea said.

"Same here, Dulcea." Zordon said with a smile. "One more thing we need to pick up before we go."

"Indeed." The two said as the two channeled their powers, in this attosecond as the weapon hit the tube.

Something formed between them. A smaller and slimmer, not to mention less spiky and demonic version of Dark Specter formed. "What? Darkonda…Zordon? Dulcea?"

"It is time. It ends here. Eternity awaits." Zordon said as he and Dulcea grabbed him.

"What? Let me go! You reconstituted me just to condemn me? I am darkness incarnate, I am eternal."

"You're not. You're difficult to destroy, not impossible to destroy. And you were foolish to made the connection with us. You would never understand how we are wiling to throw our lives away for our cause. So we are able to take you with us." Dulcea said.

"And unlike us, eternity it not looking well for you." Zordon noted.

"No…I am Dark Specter! I cannot die. I will not die…" Dark Specter saw the void the three of them were in was fading quickly, becoming white as it slowly faded. "You will all paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyy!" with that, Dark specter ceased to be completely. Zordon and Dulcea faded with smiles on their faces.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Dad…what is that light?" Prince Sprocket asked.

"Son…close your optics." King Mondo said. He knew what was coming. He could feel it in his gears.

"Hold us close, Sprocket." Queen Machina said.

"Will it hurt?" Sprocket asked.

"It won't." Mondo said. He wasn't sure but he felt like comforting Sprocket.

"Well, this is one heck of an ending. It has been an honor Orbus." Klank said.

"Same, old friend." Orbus replied

"If anyone sees my sister after this, tell her she is a whiny b-" General Havoc said, before being interrupted.

"YOU THINK YOU CAN HANDLE GOLDGOYLE; DESTRUCTIVE ENERGY WAVE COMING RIGHT AT US? WELL, GOLDGOYLE IS GOING TO MAKE YOU REGRET IT, EVEN IF YOU ARE MADE OF ENERGY AND INTANGABLE I WILL PHYSICALLY BREAK YOU!"

With that, the wave washed over them and they were turned to dust.

Blue Senturion and the Phantom Ranger didn't find a trace of the Turbo Rangers. The copies apparently faded or merged back with the original. The Phantom Ranger took off his helmet. Normally he wouldn't he able to but something told me he could. He removed it and looked at his reflection in his own helmet. He looked very human-like aside the pointed ears. "My face…I had long forgotten what it looked like. The wave didn't just defeat our enemies. It restored me as well."

A de-transformed Justin stood there, looking over the various piles of dust. "So, whom is going to clean that up?"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hydro Hog saw the light coming towards him. He sighed. "Really? I just got back." Lokar just roared. "F*** you too, you floating spiky a** head!" The two villains and their army was hit, dissolving into dust, which created an underwater dust cloud that engulfed the area.

"Billy?" Cestro asked, looking around. "Oh, the energy wave must have reintegrated him with his other aspects."

Aurico began coughing. "Oh my god, I accidentally inhaled a bit of Hydro Hog dust, its literally in my gills!"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Zeddy, don't let it get…Aaaaaaahh!" Rita and Zedd's army was engulfed in the energy wave. When Rita was hit, she traded her garish outfit for some white robes, not unlike her late mother Lady Fienna.

Zedd was hit and he was returned to his original form, that of Zophram of Eltar. "Well what do you know? The blue bastard did it. He told me long ago that if he had a chance to trade his life and turn me back to normal…he would. Never thought he'd pull it off."

"And now, we're here." Rita said. "My anger, my darkness, my pain has faded. I feel free. But also, so very regretful. Why would he give us another chance?"

"He thought that we could be saved. Always wanted to be right in that regard." Zophram said.

"Is he right?" Rita said.

"Maybe…I am no longer Zedd. Zedd in a way died, and Zophram was reborn. But can we just go back?" Zophram wondered.

"I guess Zordon thought so. So what now?" Rita asked.

"I don't know for now. But…we have time to figure it out." Zophram said as he looked at his blue, now fully organic hands.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

The wave has washed over safehaven. Rito was hit and he became human looking again, just like his sister. "Sis? Dad? What is going on? I feel…Like I think clearly again for the first time in ages."

"What the…" Scorpina, now without armor and looking more human then ever said as she studied herself.

Where Master Vile was, there was now a pile of dust.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Divatox, I have something to confess. I'm not your bio-mom." Mama D said.

"I suspected it." Divatox said.

"I also always hated you, you acted like a whiny spoiled brat." Mama D added.

"You say that every time we meet." Divatox sighed.

"Like really, a disappointment and I wonder why I even bother to take you away from your birth parents. Should have taken the other baby or threw both out the airlock." Mama D added.

"I get your point, shut up now; let our final moments be of peace." Divatox said.

"Oh, and Dimitria is your twin sister." Divatox said.

"What the f*** Mom?" Divatox said as both were ingulfed into the energy wave. Divatox turned into a completely human looking woman in a white dress. Mama D, Porto and Rygog were dusted.

The world of the Coinless, formerly drab, barren and industrialist, now became overflown with lush fauna and flora, like the planet was alive again. The inhabitants laughed, danced, and hugged as the fight was over.

"Er…if it isn't too much to ask? Can someone bring me back to my universe, I have a long lost twin to connect with whom may learn me how to reintegrate in society?" the purified Divatox asked.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

"Gasket, darling? I love you." Archerina said.

"Love you too, forever, to Hell and back." Gasket said.

"Doubt the 'and back' will occur. Only bit of consolation, the metal bastard Mondo goes too." Aradon noted.

"But you are going to hell with him too." Gasket noted.

"Well, slag!" Aradon said as he and his Automaton Dominion were dusted.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

In the Void, the Crimson raiders were wiped out, and the Solar Rangers were happy. Not only that, the wave also completely restored the universe's connection to the grid. Recently it was slowly being restored, but now they didn't have to wait a lifetime to see it happen. Their universe had life returning to it. And they were glad.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

As the wave travelled through more dimensional rifts, Krang's eyes widened. "I never get what I want…"

"My revival condemned me to a tortured existence. I welcome this." Shredder said as Krang's army was dusted.

The Turtles, having returned to normal, looked at the battle that had just won. "So…anyone want to grab a slice of pizza?" Michelangelo asked.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Other parts of the universe were affected. In Charterville, the comic book monsters come to life were dusted. Not returned to the comics. The images in those comics will forever be stills now, unable to be brought to life ever again. The villains will never be unfictionalized ever again.

On Edenoi, Dregon's army was mostly dusted. But Dregon and Nefaria turned human, the former lacking his scars now. He was confused and no longer bore any evil. Maybe deep down there was enough regret for betraying his family, as small as it may be, that allowed him a second chance.

Kilokhan and Grimlord, beings from another realm, they couldn't get back to the Virtual world or Cyberspace, the wave travelled too fast. Even if they did, the wave would have travelled to the portal and gotten to them anyways. They were utterly erased. No backup to reconstitute them.

And finally Gorganis and his bloody bird minion. The enemies of the Galactic Sentinel, gone.

And everywhere, as the evil forces faded away, peace was restored.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

On Earth, there was also an aftermath. The streets were covered in the dusty remains of fallen enemies. But the world was safe. "I think I stepped into a bit of Elgar." TJ noted.

"Never liked him. Total moron. Why was he still even around?" Carlos asked.

"He was dumb, but he could fight." Ashley replied.

"Why is it even the most moronic monsters can still do damage?" Cassie wondered.

"Hidden depths. Very well hidden depths." Zhane noted.

"I can hardly believe it is finally over, though." TJ noted. "All the enemies of the Power Rangers of the past, gone and dusted. Literally."

"Not all of them, some were purified." Cassie pointed out. "What is going to happen with them?"

"Given a second chance by Zordon. So while not all of their past actions can be blamed on Dark Specter, they still have a chance to become better. Though the intergalactic courts still have to decide on those." Andros explained. "I can't say I'm uneasy but without the energy wave…I wouldn't have Karone back."

"Probably the Courts would want to talk with me. But before that happens…" Karone, fully restored to her old self, said. "I have time to catch up with family, and rebuild my own homeworld." Karone looked in the distance. And an old ally stood there. "You want to come with us Ecliptor?"

"You still want me to be there? Despite all I did to raise and protect you…I was part of the problem. I was part of the conspiracy that lied against you and dragged you into the darkness. I still helped curse your life." Ecliptor said.

"You also did a lot of good for me." Karone said. "Besides…if it wasn't me, someone else would have been taken. And maybe their influence wouldn't have run so deep on you. Unlike me they may never had gone back, and you wouldn't have become more then you were, not the honorable father figure I know."

"Maybe…" Ecliptor said. "I have nowhere else to go, but your friends…"

"I can forgive having our butts kicked by you. You were never as bad as the rest and you did a few things to help us." Carlos noted.

"That and none of us feel like fighting anymore. There has been enough of that." Ashley said bluntly.

"That too." Carlos admitted.

"So if you and Zhane go back to KO-35, we won't see you for a long time?" Ashley asked Andros.

"No." Andros said. "Because…listen, I have never been good with emotions but I want to say Ashley…before I leave and regret not saying it…I love you Ashley and…while I need to help with the rebuilding of our Homeworld. I don't want to be separated from you. I had a chance to explain myself before I left to the Dark Fortress but I was a coward in that regard. I don't want to leave you behind."

"Well, took you long enough. I was not going to remain on Earth." Ashley noted.

"Really?" Andros asked.

"Earth is my home but…I have become a space faring girl thanks to being on the crew. And I'm not the only one." Ashley said.

"We all join you. You're stuck with us. Space Ranger team forever, buddy!" TJ patted on Andros' shoulder.

"After we've been through, why break up the band?" Cassie asked.

"You guys…" Andros said with a soft smile. "Oh right, Ashley. So, we…"

"I'll cut the awkwardness as she grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. The other Rangers howling and cheering them on.

Zhane moved closer to Karone. She didn't seem to notice. He reached out with his hand, tempted to grab Karone's. But he drew back, only for Karone's hand to shot out and grab his. Karone had turned her head and looked him in the eye and smiled. Zhane smiled back. Then they saw Ecliptor looking at them. Ecliptor had an intense stare and looked at Zhane. His glare remained intense as he gave a small nod, but his look warned him that he better treated Karone right or else…

"I need a girlfriend." TJ noted.

"Me too." Carlos added.

"I don't have anyone either." Cassie said.

"You do, our old friend the Phantom Ranger." Carlos reminded her.

"He's not around, and even if it is, I didn't know what is between us is…I mean…" Cassie blushed.

Then a streak of light teleported in. And speaking of the Devil, it was the Phantom Ranger. This surprised everyone. But that surprise faded quickly. "I hope I am not disturbing anything."

"No, not all, we were about to take the crew and the family out for another space travel." Carlos assured him.

"Oh…er, maybe a bit more direct then what I normally am. But, room for one more?" the Phantom Ranger asked.

"Sure, you're our friend. But why now?" TJ asked. "Want to celebrate now our enemies are all gone."

"More then that. The Energy wave took the lives of great evils. But for me, it gave my life back. And I want to make more of my life then the duty I have." The Phantom Ranger said.

"Your life?" Cassie asked.

"I long ago lost myself in the Grid. After that I was nothing more than a vessel, a phantom. But now I regained that." The Phantom Ranger took off his helmet. Showing his true face.

"Whoa, you're handsome." Cassie blurted out. She quickly covered her mouth. "Er, do we still call you Phantom Ranger?"

"I regained my life, my face and my old name…when I'm not in the suit, you can call me Zell." The Phantom Ranger explained.

"Well…er, welcome aboard, Zell. I'll be glad to get to know you all over again." Cassie said as she curled a lock of her hair around her finger.

"And…I look forward to properly get to know you, Cassie." Zell replied.

"This is getting way too sappy." TJ said.

"You say that because you don't have a girlfriend." Carlos said.

"Yeah, even Alpha has a girl." TJ said, throwing up his arms.

"Oh really? You mean he and DECA…?" Carlos said.

"Yeah. Saw it coming, those two had a tension…it was bound to happen." TJ Said. "Well, hope Andros can introduce us to a few cute Kerovans."

"Maybe…" Carlos said. Both burst out into laughter. They could afford to act a little sillier now. Sure, there was a lot to do in the aftermath. But for now they could feel at ease again. And so could the rest of the team.

And the other Rangers, they and the Ranger teams and their most important allies threw a celebration party. And afterwards, the Space Rangers, Alpha, Zell, and Ecliptor would shoot off into space once again. The adventure would continue…

Zordon and Dulcea would never be forgotten, and the sacrifice they made. Their legacy would not die. We had to count down to the destruction that nearly came. But the countdown was stopped…and now we count the seconds to a better tomorrow.

That sounds cheesy, doesn't it?

NOTES

And that wraps up the three parter of the things I updated my universe's Countdown to destruction with.

Baddies dusted, pairings and Ecliptor should have lived since he was redeemable.

Several shout outs to the boom!comics of course.

It was already getting long so in some places I didn't get to go in as much details but they can be explored in future snippets.