Author's Notes: Hi, readers. Here's chapter nineteen of "Just Away." This chapter features a little bit of Tommy/Kim. it introduces Dex and Lexian. I am so happy to have finally done this. Stay tuned for chapter twenty.

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Chapter 19: Urgency/Still Talking/Revelation

A ring-necked sparrow flew through the sky on Edenoi. It was about the size of a house sparrow. It was completely gray with the exception of a white underbelly and white tail feathers. Its neck contained three black rings and two orange rings. The rings were close together with the first three. The other two were slightly further apart.

The sparrow spotted the Edenoi Royal Palace and flew downward. It headed for the tallest tower at its center, where Dex was. It landed on a turret close to him. It looked down, revealing the palace had four floors. It turned to him and emitted a soft chirp. He looked at it and mimicked it almost perfectly. It tilted its head before bobbing it three times.

Dex looked toward the horizon and sighed in much content. He was so happy Edenoi was on the verge of fully regaining its freedom and returning to its former glory. He remembered when he and his fellow Edenites stormed the palace. It was a fierce battle that led to the decimation of Dregon's forces and their retreat from its grounds. He and Lexian went to work restoring it almost immediately. Lexian decided to remain there permanently, but Dex continued to fight as the Masked Rider.

His thoughts shifted to the Power Rangers. He missed them very much and hoped to see them again one day. He believed their presence strengthened his people's resolve to take back Edenoi. He felt bad about attacking them when they first came, but he did not want to take chances. Neither did Donais, Zaurius, and Ferrian. He felt grateful to the team for helping them take care of the Plague Patrol.

Dex snapped out of his thoughts when another sparrow flew in and landed next to the other one. The first sparrow chirped to it. The second sparrow responded with a chirp of its own. He placed his hands on the turret near them. He inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. Footsteps caught his attention. He looked over his shoulder to see Lexian coming up the stairs.

"Hello, Grandfather," Dex greeted warmly.

"Hello, Dex," Lexian said, coming to his grandson's side. They looked toward the horizon. "It warms my heart to see our world recovering from the damage we were forced to wreak on it."

"It warms my heart too. I hate Count Dregon for what he did to us," Dex muttered bitterly.

"He is not the only one who played a part in our planet's demise," Lexian pointed out truthfully. "Master Vile had a hand in it too."

"I remember his Tengas and monsters whipping us over every little thing we did wrong," Dex responded, shuddering in disgust. "Then he decided to leave, so he could find his daughter."

"Who knows where she is?" Lexian wondered and crossed his arms. "She could be dead for all we know."

"She's out there," Dex whispered. "I can feel it."

Lexian emitted a soft sigh. He had to admit that Dex was often right with his feelings. He admired him for being able to be in tune with the thoughts and emotions of others. He uncrossed his arms.

"Dex, there is something I must tell you about Count Dregon," Lexian commented softly.

"What is it?" Dex asked, turning to him.

"He has left Edenoi," Lexian responded.

"That's good," Dex said happily. His face dropped when Lexian formed a serious look on his face. "Something is wrong."

Lexian frowned. "Count Dregon is heading for the moon. He is forming an alliance with Master Vile."

"Oh, shit!" Dex yelled in alarm.

"That's not all. Master Vile has found his daughter. She goes by Kimberly Hart now. He aims to get her and his unborn grandchild on his side and the Zeo Crystal," Lexian commented.

"Kim is Tommy's girlfriend. I remember him telling us about her," Dex said, emitting a shuddering breath. "He mentioned she was more than what she seemed. I suspected she might not be from Earth."

"If Master Vile gets his hands on his family, the Zeo Crystal, and the Masked Rider powers alongside Count Dregon, the universe will fall to them," Lexian said in fear.

"They must be stopped," Dex said.

"Yes. You must go to Earth and warn the Power Rangers of this threat," Lexian said seriously.

Dex shook his head. "No, I can't leave Edenoi. I can't leave you."

Dex looked toward the horizon. He curled his hands into fists while choking back tears. Lexian reached out and touched his grandson's shoulder. He formed a small smile on his face.

"Dex, I will be fine. Edenoi will be fine. It is on the mend. It does not need the Masked Rider right now," Lexian assured gently.

"But this is my home. I can't just leave it," Dex responded, sniffling softly.

"Earth needs you. The Power Rangers need you. Your combined strength, power, and experience will help you fight Dregon and Vile," Lexian pointed out truthfully.

"I know, but I still—" Dex started.

"I understand how you feel," Lexian interrupted gently. "Your path is different from mine. Besides, this will be a good opportunity for you to reconnect with the Rangers and meet Kim."

Dex sighed to himself. Though he was hesitant to leave Edenoi, he would love to see the team again. He ached to see them and desired to meet Kim. He nodded at Lexian.

"I will do it. I will go to Earth," Dex relented and sniffled.

"Good," Lexian said proudly. "If we need you, we will call you. You can contact me anytime if you feel you need to talk to me."

Dex sobbed. "I will miss you, Grandfather."

Lexian felt a tear fall from his eye. "I will miss you too, Dex."

Dex and Lexian hugged tightly. The former squeezed his eyes shut, tears falling from them. Some merged with each other. He emitted another sob, this one being a little louder. He and his grandfather broke apart after thirty seconds. They looked at each other after he opened his eyes.

"Come. Let's prepare for your departure," Lexian whispered. He and his grandson headed down the stairs.

00000

Tommy was still talking about the battle with Frankenstein at Angel Grove Memorial Hospital. He was still seated next to Kim on the bed. Billy, Kat stood at the front of it. Rocky and Aisha were seated on the second bed. Adam stood next to it. Tommy imitated Frankenstein's picking up the Dragonzord by its tail by holding his hands in the air.

"Frankenstein swung the Dragonzord around and hit the Megazord. He threw it. It landed next to the Megazord. After a few more brutal hits, the team formed the Dragon Megazord," Tommy said, laying his hands in his lap.

"Let me guess. The team still struggled against that monster," Kat said, chuckling nervously.

"Unfortunately," Billy admitted in a somber way. "Frankenstein pummeled us badly. Not even a crest beam kept him at bay. He actually sent it back to us. We powered up the Power Staff. He charged at us. We rammed it into his chest. He blew up in a ball of fire. Tommy joked about that being a bad case of indigestion."

"That does sound funny," Kat said with a chuckle.

"That was one of our hardest battles. Frankenstein was unusually strong due to being made from Super Putty clay. It was not long after that Rita sent a battalion of Super Putties to attack Angel Grove. Unlike the original Putties, destroying one become two. Tommy and Jason went on a mission to retrieve the Thunder Slingers. They were the only weapons that could defeat the Super Putties. Unlike most missions, this was one that taught them a lesson about teamwork," Kim explained.

"I was not used to working on a team. I was mostly a loner. Jason and I had some trouble with the journey at first, but we pulled together when Titanus went after us. I gave him the dragon shield, so he could climb the hill where the Thunder Slingers were kept. I kept Titanus at bay with our weapons. He reached them. We got back to the others in time to destroy the Super Putties," Tommy commented.

"I am sure you got a little scared when Titanus started firing on you," Kat responded.

"Oh, we did," Tommy admitted while crossing his arms. "Titanus kept firing at Jason until I distracted him by firing energy blasts at him. We were shocked to find out he was a friend and had been a test to see how we'd use teamwork to defeat him."

"From that day forward, we called on Titanus when we needed to defeat really powerful monsters," Kim murmured.

"That is until we got the Thunderzords. We used Tor the Shuttlezord to fight Lord Zedd's monsters," Billy pointed out matter-of-factly.

"After the Thunderzords were destroyed, we resumed using Titanus," Kim added and crossed her arms.

"He was stronger than he was before when we summoned him to fight the Hate Master. The Ninja powers increased his strength and firepower," Tommy commented with a soft chuckle.

"I look forward to seeing Titanus in action," Kat said in excitement.

Kim stretched her arms above her head. She let out a long yawn and smacked her lips. She ran her fingers through her hair while laying her other hand in her lap.

"It feels so weird knowing my birth father is now in the vicinity of Earth," Kim whispered in some fear. "It is going to be a rough ride for the team."

"When we saw Master Vile on the Viewing Globe, Aisha said he was even uglier than what Zordon described," Adam admitted.

"I was expecting an ugly creature, but I did not expect him to be that ugly," Aisha grumbled, shuddering in disgust.

Kim exhaled. "Ugliness is not an indicator of character. Actions are. Vile's actions have been atrocious."

"Zordon mentioned he learned Vile showed little emotion when he learned Goldar killed Lady Fienna. I guess he never forgave her for her betrayal," Rocky pointed out.

"For many people, betrayal is an act not easily forgiven," Kat commented.

Tommy nodded in agreement. "Exactly."

Suddenly, the communicators beeped in a loud manner. The Power Rangers looked both ways. Tommy brought his communicator up to his face.

"We read you, Zordon," Tommy said.

"Rangers, you must teleport to the Command Center immediately," Zordon responded urgently.

"We are on our way," Tommy said and put his arm at his side. "I am sorry, Kim, but we need to go."

Kim nodded at him. "It's all right. I understand. I need to rest, anyway."

Tommy smiled. "I will see you later."

Tommy kissed Kim's forehead and rubbed it gingerly. He stood up with a loud grunt. Rocky and Aisha jumped off the bed. They and Adam went to the others. The team teleported away. Kim leaned back and emitted a soft sigh.

00000

Alpha showed Dex what the buttons on the console to the right of the Viewing Globe did in the Command Center's main room. Dex was dressed in civilian clothes. His mind crystal was invisible. Ninjor watched the duo from nearby. He had his hands clasped together. The Rangers landed in the middle of the room, causing Dex, Alpha, and Ninjor to turn around. They looked up at Zordon.

"Zordon, what's going on?" Tommy asked.

"Hello, Rangers," Dex greeted.

The Rangers turned around to face the Masked Rider. They gasped in much shock as he formed a small smile on his face.

"It's been a long time, but it is good to see all of you," Dex said as he slipped his hands inside his pockets.

"Dex, what are you doing here?" Aisha wondered.

"I thought you were fighting Count Dregon on Edenoi," Rocky added as he placed his hand on his throat.

"The war on Edenoi is almost at its end, Rangers," Alpha commented, happiness showing in his voice. "The Edenites became stronger after you left. They are on the verge of taking Dregon's last stronghold."

"That's great, but what is the reason Dex is on Earth now?" Adam asked.

"Dex had to come, Adam," Ninjor said seriously. "He has something very important to tell you." He glanced at Kat. "Dex, I want to introduce you to Katherine Hillard. She is filling in as the Pink Ranger until Kimberly recovers from giving birth."

"Hello, Dex. It is nice to meet you. The team told me about their adventure on Edenoi," Kat commented in a warm voice.

"Tommy told me about Kim when he and the others were helping me on Edenoi," Dex responded. "I told him I hoped to meet her someday. Alpha and Ninjor revealed to me she was in the hospital due to hitting her head during gymnastics practice."

"You will get a chance to meet her soon," Tommy said while holding up his hand. "Now, let's down to business. Why have you come to Earth, Dex?"

"My grandfather learned Count Dregon is heading for the moon. He is forming an alliance with Master Vile. He told me the details of Kim's origins and her pregnancy," Dex said, his voice showing much urgency.

Tommy, Billy, Kat, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha felt their jaws drop to the floor and their eyes widen to the size of saucers. They opened and closed their mouths. They were unable to get any words to come out. Dex pressed his lips together.

"I know it sounds unbelievable, but it is true. Master Vile sought Count Dregon out to join forces with him," Dex said.

"But why would Master Vile do such a thing? He does not have any connection to Count Dregon," Aisha said.

"Rangers, that is actually not true," Zordon said as his students faced him.

Billy furrowed his brow. "What do you mean, Zordon?"

"Master Vile used to be an ally of Count Dregon. They conquered several words together," Alpha said in much seriousness. He saw the team face him. "He gave him the idea to attack and enslave Edenoi."

Zordon blinked twice. "Vile did not participate in the initial attack. He watched it from his Space Skull."

"Vile did assist Dregon in conquering the rest of the planet and enslaving the Edenites," Dex explained somberly. "He and his band of Tengas and monsters treated us even worse than Dregon did."

"Vile ordered his Tengas and monsters to whip the Edenites over the tiniest infractions," Alpha added and waved his hands in the air. He placed his hands at the sides of his head. "Ay-yi-yi-yi. It was absolutely horrible for them."

"To our relief, he left in search of his long-lost daughter," Dex added. "We overheard him talking with Dregon and learned her name was Kara and that her mother's name was Lady Fienna."

Ninjor held up his hand. "Lord Zedd has a fierce rivalry with Count Dregon. It seems they will set it aside to help Master Vile enslave Earth and get the Zeo Crystal and the Masked Rider powers."

Dex sighed. "I came here to help you stop them from carrying out their plans. Edenoi is on the mend. It has no need for the Masked Rider right now. Our combined power, strength, and experience with our enemies should keep them at bay."

Tommy, Billy, Kat, Rocky, Adam, and Aisha looked at each other. They knew the situation had become even more dangerous. They needed all the help they could get. They took three steps forward.

"We would be honored to have you fighting by our side, Dex," Tommy said, holding out his hand.

Dex smiled and shook it. "Thank you, Tommy."

"This is really wonderful," Ninjor said warmly as the young men released their hold on each other.

"It is good to have a new ally in our midst, Rangers, but I must warn you. Count Dregon is just as intelligent as Master Vile is. He does not mess around with being evil. He means business," Zordon said gravely as the Rangers faced him once more.

"We saw the Plague Patrol treat the Edenites horribly ourselves, Zordon," Aisha commented and cringed badly.

Kat winced in a painful manner. "I can only imagine how helpless the Edenites felt."

"We need to let Kim know what is going on," Rocky added and swallowed hard.

"She's not going to be thrilled with it. That's for sure," Kat mumbled, shaking her head in disbelief.

"It is important Kimberly knows about this dangerous situation now," Zordon boomed.

Tommy glanced at Dex. "Dex can come along, so he can meet her."

"I would like that very much," Dex responded in a grateful way.

"Very well," Zordon responded. "Be on alert for us to contact you when an attack occurs."

Billy nodded at him. "We will, Zordon."

Billy reached into his pocket and pulled out a communicator. He went over to Dex and presented it to him.

"Dex, you will need one of these. This communicator will allow you to contact the Command Center and us directly. The first button's function is communication. The second button is for teleportation, but it is unlikely you will ever need it," Billy said.

"Thank you, Billy," Dex responded and put the communicator on his wrist.

The Rangers and the Masked Rider teleported out of the Command Center. Ninjor and Alpha looked toward Zordon.

"Ay-yi-yi. I hope Master Vile and Count Dregon do not launch an attack while the Rangers and the Masked Rider are away, Zordon," Alpha said frantically.

"I hope so too, Alpha," Zordon responded.

"Unfortunately, I believe it won't be long before an attack occurs, Zordon," Ninjor said seriously.

"I am afraid you are right, Ninjor," Zordon muttered solemnly. "Alpha, you should get to work monitoring Earth for trouble."

"Right away, Zordon," Alpha said and went to the console before the plasma tube. He proceeded to press buttons.